Companies like Hims & Hers, Ro, and Lemonaid Health now offer online subscription services for a wide range of health issues, including weight loss programs and treatment for mental health conditions.
Online subscription services for health care have evolved significantly beyond their initial focus on hair loss, acne, and birth control. Companies such as Hims & Hers, Ro, and Lemonaid Health now provide quick access to specialists and regular prescription deliveries for a growing list of health concerns.
Hims recently introduced a weight-loss program starting at $79 per month, while Lemonaid began treating seasonal affective disorder at $95 per month. In addition to birth control, Ro also connects patients trying to conceive with regular deliveries of ovulation tests and prenatal vitamins.
This approach addresses two common challenges in the US healthcare system: accessibility to care and prescription refills. However, critics express concerns about the quality of care provided by these online platforms. Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman, a pharmaceutical marketing expert at Georgetown University, argues that these services are essentially selling drugs to consumers rather than providing comprehensive medical care.
The online providers claim to carefully screen patients and redirect them elsewhere if they are unable to help. They believe they have tapped into a care approach that patients desire. Hims, a publicly traded company, has already garnered over 1.4 million subscribers this year and expects annual sales to exceed $1.2 billion by 2025.
Rapid Growth of Subscription-based Health Care
The concept of subscription-based health care has been around for years, particularly in primary care, where patients pay monthly fees to gain better access to doctors. Recently, e-commerce giant Amazon entered this space with a subscription plan offering customers access to virtual and in-person care. The popularity of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the growth of online subscription-based health care, attracting significant investor funding.
Many condition-specific plans provide regular visits with healthcare providers and recurring prescriptions for a monthly fee. The simplicity and predictability of costs make these services appealing to consumers, similar to subscription-based services like Netflix.
Hims and Ro have expanded their services to include weight loss programs, while Lemonaid now offers treatment plans for insomnia and high blood pressure. The companies are also exploring opportunities in other areas, such as menopause, post-traumatic stress disorder, and diabetes.
Concerns and Considerations
While subscription-based health care may initially seem like a convenient and cost-effective option, there are potential downsides. Customer enthusiasm can wane over time, and companies may face pressure to find new sources of revenue. Customers may also encounter challenges when canceling subscriptions or dealing with billing issues, as was the case for RobRoy Chalmers, who encountered difficulties with Hims.
Critics also raise concerns about the quality of care provided by these online platforms. Dr. Fugh-Berman highlights the importance of holistic mental health care that goes beyond medication and considers the effectiveness of talk therapy. Additionally, regular monitoring and follow-up are essential for patients on long-term medications to identify any potential side effects or changing healthcare needs.
Despite these concerns, online providers like Lemonaid Health assure that they collect extensive patient medical histories to provide comprehensive care. Hims & Hers emphasizes the importance of not replacing primary care doctors and believes that the entire healthcare system should focus on improving accessibility.
In conclusion, the expansion of online subscription-based health services to include weight loss programs and mental health support has both benefits and drawbacks. While these services offer convenient access to care and prescription refills, critics raise concerns about the quality and comprehensiveness of care provided. As this industry continues to grow, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure that patients receive the holistic care they need.
