A new national analysis finds that telemedicine now delivers nearly 20% of PrEP in the United States. In 2024, more than 110,000 of about 580,000 PrEP users received medication through telemedicine. This share rose from under 1% in 2019 and from 9% in 2022.
Researchers combined national PrEP prescription counts with de-identified data from a large telePrEP provider. Total PrEP use also grew, from about 264,000 users in 2019 to more than 591,000 in 2024. The study highlights telehealth as a way to reduce barriers and help people stay in care.
Difficult words
- telemedicine — medical care by phone or video
- telehealth — health services using technology and internet
- prescription — a doctor's written order for medicine
- provider — an organization or person giving health care
- de-identified — personal data with names and identifiers removed
- barrier — something that makes access difficultbarriers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever used telemedicine to see a health worker? What was it like?
- Do you think telehealth can help people stay in care? Why or why not?
- What problems might stop someone from using telemedicine or telehealth?
Related articles
People with disabilities in Kenya and Nigeria faced hardship during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities in poor urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria had worse access to health care, lost income and faced higher costs. Researchers and advocates call for closer, accessible services and fair relief.
