Use of Telemedicine Services Is Associated with Longer Time to Initiation of Hormone Therapy in Transgender Teens and Young Adults.

Abstract

Purpose: This is a retrospective chart review examining factors, which may contribute to timing of receipt of prescription for testosterone or estrogen-based interventions for transgender adolescents and young adults who do not receive such a prescription at their first medical appointment. Methods: A total of 176 patient records were available; of this a minority received a prescription for hormone therapy at first medical appointment. Of the remaining 108 unique individuals, 49 received a prescription at a subsequent medical. Results: Participants seen through virtual health care had a significantly longer time in care prior to receipt of estrogen or testosterone prescription (331 days vs. 220 days, p = 0.046). No other significant relationships were found. Conclusion: Patients who utilize telemedicine services for gender-related health care purposes and who did not receive a prescription for estrogen or testosterone at their initial medical encounter have a longer lead time to receipt of hormone therapy.