Banafsheh Kashani, MD: Telemedicine for Women's Health During COVID-19

Banafsheh Kashani, MD

The use of telemedicine and digital health tools has risen drastically since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hit the US. And providers across nearly every specialty have been able to leverage the technology in 1 way or another to continue seeing patients all while following recommended protocols and social distancing rules.

When healthcare facilities closed to abide by recommendations, it did not stop patients from needing to access care. This was no different for women who needed to check in with their OB/GYN for issues relating to their health and possible infertility.

Banafsheh Kashani, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN at Eden Fertility Centers, told HCPLive® she never stopped going to work. Instead, she substituted in-person visits with telehealth visits to do virtual patient consultations.

“It was a saving grace,” Kashani said.

Kashani was able to talk to patients virtually and put a treatment plan in place.

Telehealth was also used for other women’s health concerns.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, stress rates rose among many patients, which may have resulted in irregular or missed periods. Providers were able to use telehealth to assess blood tests or necessary things related to women’s health that should not be put on the backburner.

“Regardless of what’s going on, we can try to do things safely and not keep pushing things back or postponing things,” she said.

To hear from Kashani, watch the video clip below.