Biem App
Contents
Biem App
Biem (pronounced "beem") is a smartphone app, available on both iOS and Android devices, that aims to make it easier for app users to seek and receive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)[1]. By making it easier to attain treatment for STDs, the app aims to encourage users to maintain their sexual health, while at the same time dismantle the stigma surrounding getting checked for STDs. Currently, the app is available for users in New York City, and is partnered with healthcare providers in this area, as well as local laboratories. The app allows users to video chat with one of these healthcare providers, order lab tests either to the users house, through a local lab or one of Biem's partnered labs, and finally review their lab results over the app. The app also allows users to anonymously share their results with previous sexual partners partners [1].
History
One of Biem's co-founders, Bryan Stacy, developed the idea for the app after receiving a double-diagnosis of testicular cancer and chlamydia. Stacey says he ignored his symptoms for three months before finally getting checked by a doctor at the request of his friend[2]. Upon visiting an doctor, he was admitted for surgery to operate on what would be stage 3 cancer. During his period of remission, he began blogging. Through blogging about his experience with testicular cancer and chlamydia, he began getting responses from others, often asking him questions about his chlamydia diagnosis[2]. After speaking to hundreds of people and reflecting on his own STI experience, he began thinking about what stops people from seeking treatment for symptoms.
Based on his conversations, Stacy identified common reasons people hesitate to seek medical attention for STIs are due to practical and emotional barriers[3]. Practical barriers to seeking help lie in having to set up an appointment, possibly miss work or school to make this appointment, and physically getting to the doctor's office. Emotional barriers lie in awkwardness in speaking about symptoms with a doctor, fear receiving a positive diagnosis, and the social stigma that goes along with such[3].
Stacy wanted to empower people to take control of their sexual health. He partnered with Colombia University Psychiatric expert Natalie Brito and ER physician, internist, and healthcare administrator Dr. John Rimmer, who serves as Biem's Chief Medical Officer, to create the startup[3]. Together, they developed Biem as a healthcare tool that stands "at the intersection of of sexual health, dating, education, and social," as described by Stacy in a phone interview with Forbes.com [4]
Currently, the app serves users in New York City. Creators hope to expand the app into over 10 major cities in 2018. [3]
Basic Features
Upon downloading the app, users are prompted with a series of basic questions that they would be asked at a doctors office. Next, they can choose to schedule a video visit with one of the sexual healthcare providers partnered with Biem. After the virtual visit, users can order lab tests to either be sent to their door or
Limitations
telemedicine laws + insurance
location- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Biemteam.com, webpage, 2017
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fisher, C., & Hutchinson, K. (2018, January 12). You got Chlamydia and cancer in the same day? Guys we F****d. Podcast retrieved from: http://www.sorryaboutlastnightcomedy.com/guys-we-fucked/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Burns, J. (2017, June 9). Virtual Sexual Health Clinic 'Biem' Is Taking The Stigma (And Hassle) Out Of Getting Tested. Forbes.com. retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2017/06/09/virtual-sexual-health-clinic-biem-wants-to-end-the-hassle-and-stigma-of-getting-tested/#1a512b4b3c71
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2017/06/09/virtual-sexual-health-clinic-biem-wants-to-end-the-hassle-and-stigma-of-getting-tested/#1a512b4b3c71
