Advancing women’s health: Virtual care and federal innovation in sync

Women’s health has historically faced gaps in research and clinical access, with conditions like endometriosis, menopause, and fertility challenges often underfunded. However, this is changing. The rise of telehealth platforms and a renewed federal focus on women’s health research is transforming healthcare delivery in the U.S.

With support from government initiatives and innovative startups, women’s health is entering a new era where technology and science collaborate to offer more equitable, effective care.

Telehealth’s role in women’s health

Digital healthcare has become an essential component of modern medicine, especially for women seeking convenience, privacy, and continuity of care. Several platforms are leading this charge by offering targeted services built around women’s needs.

Maven Clinic and the rise of femtech

Maven Clinic, founded in 2014, is a standout among digital health providers. Valued at $1.7 billion, Maven offers virtual care to more than 15 million people across 175 countries. Its suite of services ranges from fertility and pregnancy support to postpartum and menopause care. By focusing on culturally competent care, Maven has positioned itself not just as a healthcare provider but as a long-term partner for women navigating critical life stages.

Their model has been shown to reduce emergency room visits and unnecessary interventions, proving that telehealth can be both cost-effective and clinically impactful. According to Wired, Maven’s founder, Kate Ryder, envisioned the clinic as a way to bridge the “clinical care desert” many women face, especially in underserved or rural communities.

The DrHouse telehealth solution

Another platform making waves is DrHouse, a U.S.-based telehealth provider offering instant, on-demand virtual care. With the DrHouse app, users can consult licensed medical professionals for a wide range of issues, including those specific to women’s health.

The DrHouse telehealth solution distinguishes itself by combining speed with thoroughness. Instead of waiting days for appointments, patients can connect with a doctor within minutes—ideal for time-sensitive matters such as urinary tract infections, hormonal issues, or birth control consultations.

As employers and insurers increasingly turn to digital health to curb rising costs, platforms like DrHouse are poised to become a cornerstone of women’s primary care.

Hybrid options: Hey Taylor’s flexible care model

Hey Taylor represents a hybrid approach, offering both virtual consultations and in-person care when needed. The platform tailors its services across the reproductive lifecycle—from adolescence to menopause—while supporting mental health, wellness coaching, and preventive screenings. Its model bridges the convenience of online care with the necessity of hands-on medical exams, helping to ensure comprehensive and continuous care.

ARPA-H and strategic investment in research

While telehealth addresses access, research and innovation are vital to solving the root causes of women’s health challenges. The Biden administration has recognized this need through new federal initiatives designed to close long-standing research gaps.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an entity under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, launched the Sprint for Women’s Health in 2024. This program is investing $110 million in new discoveries and innovations across two funding tracks: “Spark” for early-stage ideas and “Launchpad” for more mature, scalable solutions.

This initiative seeks to revolutionize diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive care for conditions historically neglected in medical literature and drug development pipelines. From menstrual disorders to autoimmune diseases that disproportionately affect women, the research focus is both broad and urgent.

Examples of awarded projects

Among the recipients of this funding are Aspira Women’s Health, which was granted $10 million to develop a non-invasive blood test for early detection of endometriosis—a disease affecting 1 in 10 women but often taking years to diagnose.

Celmatix Inc., which received $3.5 million to develop therapeutics aimed at delaying menopause. If successful, these drugs could have significant implications for cardiovascular health, bone density, and cognitive function among aging women.

Mass General Brigham, awarded $3.29 million to explore the use of wearable devices to monitor the brain’s glymphatic system during sleep. This work could illuminate why women are disproportionately affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

These examples highlight how federal funding is supporting meaningful advancements at the intersection of biology, data science, and wearable technology.

Intersection of research and digital innovation

What makes the current moment particularly powerful is the convergence of technology and federally backed science. Together, they provide a framework for rethinking how care is delivered and how diseases are understood.

Data-driven personalization: Virtual platforms such as DrHouse and Maven Clinic are not only delivering care, they are gathering large-scale health data that can be used to refine treatments, understand symptom patterns, and develop predictive models. When combined with research from ARPA-H and similar institutions, this data can inform more personalized, efficient care protocols.

This is particularly relevant in chronic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and postpartum depression, where symptom profiles vary widely and diagnosis can be elusive.

Elevating understudied conditions: By integrating user-generated health data with academic research, platforms can shine a spotlight on conditions that have historically been underfunded or misunderstood. For instance, menstrual pain, often dismissed as a routine discomfort, can now be tracked, quantified, and flagged for further examination using digital tools. The combination of patient-reported outcomes and scientific validation enhances diagnosis and management.

What the future holds for women’s health

Women’s health is poised for a profound transformation. With virtual care platforms expanding access and the government prioritizing research, a holistic healthcare model is becoming more tangible.

Preventive care as the standard: One of the clearest benefits of virtual health platforms is the ease of preventive care. Regular check-ins, lab testing, and symptom tracking are now accessible from home. Platforms like the DrHouse app simplify this process by offering same-day prescriptions and referrals when necessary, making it easier for women to manage their health proactively rather than reactively.

Sustained momentum and equity: Ongoing investment, from both private and public sectors, is essential to sustaining this progress.

Equity must remain a priority, as many women, especially in rural or marginalized communities, still face barriers to care and research. Inclusive data and culturally competent services are crucial for the success of this innovation.

Technological advancements and strategic federal funding are transforming women’s healthcare. Platforms like Maven Clinic, DrHouse, and Hey Taylor are revolutionizing care, while ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women’s Health addresses critical research gaps. Together, these efforts are creating a more responsive, personalized, and equitable health system for women.

By merging research with scalable digital solutions, the U.S. is making strides to correct long-standing disparities in women’s health, with the potential for transformative results for individuals and the healthcare system.