"My implant is expiring": A national US mystery shopper study regarding extended use of the contraceptive implant.

Objectives: To assess if patients can access extended use of the contraceptive implant when they call to schedule a removal or replacement.

Study Design: We conducted a national secret-shopper study of reproductive clinics with a standardized script. Purposeful sampling provided geographic and practice type diversity.

Results: Of 59 clinics sampled, the majority (n=40, 67.8%) recommended replacement at three years or could not provide information regarding extended use by phone, and 19 (32.2%) offered extended use. Offering extended use varied by clinic type.

Conclusions: Patients calling to schedule a removal or replacement of the implant often do not receive information regarding extended use beyond three years.