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For many, menopause is an inevitable part of life, but there can be a lot of uncertainty among patients about how to best treat it.
About 1.3 million people begin menopause each year in the US, where they experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia or trouble sleeping, forgetfulness, mood changes, and decreased interest in sex, according to research from Pfizer and Kantar Health.
Still, nearly 40% of people experiencing symptoms are not prescribed medication to treat those symptoms, about half delayed seeking care for six months, and many do not receive care, according to a 2023 study published in medical journal Menopause. As a result of being underdiagnosed and undertreated, over 1 million patients experience higher healthcare costs due to a lack of training among clinicians and possibly expensive conditions like joint and metabolic disorders.
Midi Health, a California-based virtual care clinic that provides perimenopause and menopause care, and Mount Sinai Health System in New York announced an “exclusive collaboration” on Wednesday in an effort to help people receive the right care.
“All women deserve access to quality and holistic healthcare,” Lauren Lisher, SVP of value-based care provider Mount Sinai Solutions, said in a press release last week. “The number of related health conditions that arise during perimenopause and menopause requires multispecialty, integrated care complemented with strong navigation services that meet the needs of women.”
Through the new partnership, Midi plans to provide patients with specialized treatment plans specific to their symptoms and health history. Treatments are to include hormonal and nonhormonal medications, supplements, and lifestyle coaching, according to the company.
Anyone can access Midi’s services, and thanks to the partnership, the company said existing patients at the Mount Sinai health system’s eight hospital campuses are to have access to a “streamlined referral process” as the providers work to reduce delays in appointment scheduling.
Though Midi is virtual, Mount Sinai plans to continue offering in-person services so patients can go back and forth between both providers as they see fit. Providers from both said they will also create treatment plans, be able to access patient health records, and care history. The overall goal is to create a “more cohesive healthcare experience,” according to the company.