Wisp, a women’s telehealth company, announced last week that it has launched a diagnostics arm, offering at-home test kits for several health conditions.
New York City-based Wisp is a direct-to-consumer company offering treatments for different sexual and reproductive health needs, including birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and hormonal health.
To start, the diagnostics arm will offer testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomaniasis and Mycoplasma Genitalium. Wisp members provide swab and urine samples and send them to a CLIA/CAP accredited lab with a prepaid label. They then receive results in three to five business days. Based on the test results, the company can provide follow-up care as well. The tests cost between $99 and $149.
“We launched at-home testing to close a critical gap in women’s healthcare, access to timely and affordable diagnostics, complete with our existing wide range of treatment options,” said Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp, in an email. “By introducing at-home testing with built-in follow-up care, we’re simplifying the path to treatment and creating a seamless, 360-degree telehealth experience, enabling our over 1.5 million patients with earlier detection and treatment.”
Previously, Wisp had to refer patients to external partners for diagnostics. However, in a recent survey, 62% of Wisp patients showed interest in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis are some of the most common STIs, particularly for women under the age of 25.
To measure the success of this new offering, the company will track the percentage of patients who order a test kit, complete the testing process and engage in Wisp’s follow-up care, according to Cepak. Wisp will also listen to patients’ qualitative feedback.
“These inputs will help us drive more momentum in our efforts to gain awareness of these products and iterate on proactive educational messaging to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients,” she said.
She added that the company plans to expand the diagnostics arm in the future, specifically for fertility and menopause.
In launching the diagnostics arm, Wisp aims to “complete the circle of care,” according to Cepak.
“By bringing at-home testing and follow-up treatment under one roof, we’re eliminating the fragmentation and delays that too often accompany healthcare for women,” Cepak said. “We want to make it as easy as possible for patients to take control of their health, without sacrificing privacy, affordability, or quality.”
Several other digital health companies also offer at-home STI testing, including Everlywell and LetsGetChecked.
Wisp has had a busy year so far. In March, it began offering male bacterial vaginosis partner treatment. And in December, it launched a partnership with nutrition company Nourish to support patients taking GLP-1s.
Photo: Natali_Mis, Getty Images
