Latest news with #womensHealth
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Calls for government to fully fund menopause consultations
A women's health advocate wants to the government to fully fund menopause consultations. It follows a Checkpoint story about an Auckland woman who was told a GP menopause consultation to discuss hormone replacement therapy would cost her $300 or she'd need to book four consecutive standard appointments. She couldn't afford either. Checkpoint also found several medical centres around the country charging several hundred dollars for an initial menopause consultation and more than $100 for a follow-up. Founder and director of Te Tatai Hauora o Hine - the National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa, Professor Bev Lawton spoke to Lisa Owen.
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Hologic Joins NEST Governance Committee to Advance the Use of Real-World Data in Medical Device Evaluation
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 2, 2025-- The National Evaluation System for health Technology (NEST), an initiative of the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC), is pleased to welcome Hologic, a leading global medical device and diagnostic company, to its Governance Committee. This appointment reflects Hologic's commitment to advancing the use of real-world data (RWD) to support medical device evaluation and drive innovation in women's health. Hologic is the latest partner to join the NEST Governance Committee which convenes a diverse group of leaders from across the medical device ecosystem—including regulatory agencies, industry, academia, patient organizations, and health systems. NEST's mission aims to accelerate patient access to life-changing innovation by supporting the sustainable generation and use of timely, reliable and cost-effective real-world evidence (RWE) solutions throughout the medical device total product lifecycle. To advance this mission, NEST's Governance Committee plays a pivotal role by jointly identifying and prioritizing key initiatives that drive RWE generation for medical devices in support of regulatory submission packages, all while ensuring a patient-centered, inclusive, accountable, and transparent approach. 'Hologic is honored to join the NEST Governance Committee and contribute to advancing the use of real-world evidence in diagnostic and medical device evaluation,' said Jeff Hergesheimer, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs at Hologic and newly appointed NEST Governance Committee member. 'Real-world data plays a critical role in accelerating innovation and improving patient outcomes. Through collaboration with NEST and other stakeholders, we look forward to driving solutions that enhance regulatory decisionmaking and deliver impactful healthcare advancements.' Through NEST Governance Committee involvement, Hologic will help accelerate patient access to cutting-edge technologies, bring a unique perspective as an industry leader in women's health, and contribute to the evolution of RWE approaches in regulatory decision making. Through its contributions, Hologic brings a valuable perspective grounded in both technical expertise and an enduring commitment to innovation in women's health. 'We are thrilled to welcome Hologic and Jeff to the NEST Governance Committee,' said Simon Mason, president at NEST. 'Their pioneering leadership in women's health meets an untapped need on our committee coupled with their commitment to employing RWE in regulatory submissions will bring invaluable insights and experience and most importantly, improve patient care and quality of life.' For more information about Hologic, visit About Hologic, Inc. Hologic, Inc. is a global leader in women's health dedicated to developing innovative medical technologies that effectively detect, diagnose and treat health conditions and raise the standard of care around the world. To learn more, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn,Facebook,X,Instagram and YouTube. About NEST (National Evaluation System for health Technology) In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awarded the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) funding to establish the National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center (NEST). NEST is advancing the use of real-world evidence (RWE) in medical devices for regulatory decision-making and committed to transforming the way medical device technologies are tested, approved, and monitored. The Coordinating Center combines RWE system infrastructure with the unparalleled expertise of its network collaborators to accelerate patients' access to safe and effective medical technology and provide Quality Evidence by Design™. For more information on NEST, please visit or connect with us on LinkedIn. About MDIC (Medical Device Innovation Consortium) At MDIC, we unite in a shared mission to improve health and save lives by accelerating access to medical technologies. Through stakeholder collaboration, MDIC leads the way in advancing the scientific and technical foundations of medical device design, manufacturing, regulation, reimbursement and clinical integration. Founded in 2012 as a nonprofit, public-private partnership to elevate regulatory science, MDIC develops new approaches and tools for addressing shared challenges among medical device manufacturers, researchers, regulators, payers, patients, and health care providers. We deliver high impact work in the core areas of quality design and manufacturing, evidence generation, digital technology and transformation, and patient engagement. To learn more and join us in our mission, visit View source version on CONTACT: Media Contacts: Bridget Perry Sr. Director of Communications [email protected] Victoria Vice President, Brand and Experience MDIC [email protected] Investor Contact: Michael Watts Corporate Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected] KEYWORD: VIRGINIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL DEVICES HEALTH TECHNOLOGY DATA ANALYTICS SCIENCE MEDICAL SUPPLIES FDA OTHER TECHNOLOGY HEALTH OTHER SCIENCE SOURCE: Medical Device Innovation Consortium Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/02/2025 11:03 AM/DISC: 06/02/2025 11:02 AM
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Deborah Wilson MD & Associates Ranked #2 for Hormone Therapy Facilities by Ranking Arizona
'We are honored to be recognized as one of the top hormone therapy facilities in Arizona.'— Deborah Wilson, MD SCOTTSDALE, AZ, UNITED STATES, May 27, 2025 / / -- Deborah Wilson MD & Associates, a premier women's health and wellness clinic in Scottsdale, is proud to announce its recognition as the #2 ranked hormone therapy facility in Arizona by Ranking Arizona, the state's definitive guide to the top businesses across various industries. Known for their commitment to providing innovative and personalized care, Deborah Wilson MD & Associates offers cutting-edge hormone solutions to help women achieve hormonal balance, vitality, and overall wellness. The clinic specializes in advanced treatments such as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and Hormone Pellet Therapy, empowering women to regain control of their health and rediscover their best selves. 'We are honored to be recognized as one of the top hormone therapy facilities in Arizona,' said Dr. Deborah Wilson, founder and lead physician at Deborah Wilson MD & Associates. 'This recognition reflects our team's dedication to offering personalized care and utilizing the most advanced treatments to improve the lives of our patients. Our mission is to support women at every stage of life with the most effective, natural, and sustainable solutions for hormone balance.' Deborah Wilson MD & Associates takes pride in offering tailored treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Whether addressing menopause, perimenopause, menstrual dysfunction, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the clinic provides customized bioidentical hormone treatments, including the revolutionary hormone pellet therapy, which offers patients consistent, long-term hormone relief without the need for daily management. In addition to hormone therapy, Deborah Wilson MD & Associates offers a variety of gynecological services, including small gynecological procedures and intimate wellness care. The clinic provides treatments focused on women's reproductive health and intimate well-being, helping women address concerns such as vaginal dryness, pelvic discomfort, and urinary incontinence. They have an in-house ultrasound team to perform pelvic ultrasounds as well as an in-house lab to perform blood draws so you never have to worry about scheduling an off-site appointment. By offering a range of personalized treatments in a compassionate environment, Deborah Wilson MD & Associates ensures that women receive the comprehensive care they need for both their physical and intimate health. With a focus on patient-centered care, the clinic ensures that each individual receives the attention, education, and support they need to navigate their health journey with confidence. The clinic's approach is centered on building strong relationships with patients, empowering them with knowledge and the resources to achieve optimal health. The Ranking Arizona recognition highlights the clinic's continued commitment to excellence, with patients praising the clinic for its compassionate care, professionalism, and the exceptional results they experience. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Deborah Wilson MD & Associates or call (480) 860-4791. About Deborah Wilson MD & Associates Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Deborah Wilson MD & Associates specializes in hormone therapy, offering innovative treatments such as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Pellet Therapy. The clinic's team is dedicated to empowering women by providing personalized care and utilizing the latest advancements in hormone solutions to improve overall health, vitality, and wellness. In addition, the clinic offers gynecological services, including small procedures and intimate wellness care. Deborah Wilson MD & Associates is committed to helping women achieve optimal health at every stage of life. Deborah Wilson, MD Deborah Wilson MD & Associates +1 480-860-4791 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Fast Company
09-05-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
Pap smears suck. This tampon-like device lets you screen for cervical cancer at home
As a woman in the United States, turning 21 means beginning a lifelong journey of getting a pap smear every three years. It's not a pleasant experience. You'll lie down with your legs in stirrups, while your doctor inserts a speculum inside your vagina. Then, she or he will take a sample from your cervix with a hard plastic device to figure out if you have any trace of HPV (the human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer, or cancerous and precancerous cells. Starting today, however, there's an easier solution. Teal Health, a woman's health company founded in 2020, has developed a new product that allows you to take a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. Today, the device received FDA approval, so it is now possible to order one online. It will be covered by insurance. The company is still working on out-of-pocket pricing, but aims to make the product as affordable and accessible for women as possible. Teal was founded by Kara Egan, a health tech investor, and Avnesh Thako, an interventional radiologist and Stanford School of Medicine professor. Egan realized that many women were skipping their pap smears. (In 2019, 23% of women were overdue for their cervical cancer screening.) But cervical cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer among women. 'It's just so easy to accidentally skip your appointment,' says Egan. 'That's especially true if you don't have insurance or don't have a doctor you see regularly.' Some proportion of women also skip their pap smear because the process itself is so uncomfortable. 'It can feel like a very violating experience, but it is also so important,' Egan says. How Teal works Working with the design studio Ideo, Egan and Thako have developed a device that looks a like a tampon and is designed be comfortable to insert with a plastic applicator. Ideo designed the wand so women could use it with one hand while standing up while in the bathroom. A woman will insert the wand into her vagina and use a thumb-operated wheel to deploy a sponge at the tip. Spinning the sponge collects cell samples from the cervix. From there, she can use the wheel to retract the sponge back into the wand to prevent contamination. The sponge pops off the applicator, and is then sent to a lab where it will be tested. Teal is a telemedicine platform. When you buy the wand, you will see a doctor online who will walk you through the process of using the device. If the results come back abnormal, the doctor will walk through the results with you and also talk about the next steps, which likely will involve seeing a doctor and following some sort of treatment plan. Part of what motivated Egan to pursue this device is that cervical cancer can be easily treated with early testing. HPV is a common virus that is commonly spread through sex or skin-to-skin contact. These is now a vaccine that pediatricians give to both girls and boys that reduces the risk of contracting HPV. Most HVP infections don't lead to cancer. But if even a woman does get infected with HVP, it is relatively easy to clear the infection if it is detected early enough. By taking a sample of cervical cells, we are now able to identify the 14 different kinds of pre-cancerous cells associated with cervical cancer. 'If you screen for cervical cancer and catch it early, it is nearly 100% curable,' says Egan. After developing the wand, Teal health has done clinical trials to identify its effectiveness. Then, the company sent the results to the FDA to get approval to start selling the device. That approval came through today. Teal's wand will be available through the brand's website. The product will be covered by insurance. But the company also wants to make it available to women who aren't covered by insurance. It hasn't established the out-of-pocket cost yet, but Egan promises that the final pricing will be as affordable to as many women as possible. It will also have a donation program, so that some women can get the test for free. 'We will find ways for people who don't have the means to make sure they're still accessing screening,' she says. 'No one needs to get cervical cancer.'
