Health IT

CVS teams with American Well, Teladoc, Doctor On Demand to widen physician access

Even as telemedicine rivals American Well and Teladoc battle it out in court over intellectual property, CVS Health is bringing those two together with competitor Doctor On Demand to test how retail pharmacies, convenience clinics and direct-to-consumer telehealth companies can widen patient access to physicians.

Even as telemedicine rivals American Well and Teladoc battle it out in court over intellectual property, CVS Health is bringing those two together with competitor Doctor On Demand to test how retail pharmacies, convenience clinics and direct-to-consumer telehealth companies can widen patient access to physicians.

Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS announced Wednesday that it would run several telehealth pilots through its retail pharmacies and MinuteClinic walk-in clinics.

The chain already offers telehealth services in some of its 7,800 pharmacies. Now, CVS will conduct a limited test of remote consultations with physicians to expand the services offered at MinuteClinic locations, which typically are staffed by nurse practitioners.

CVS also is considering making telehealth available through digital platforms, such as its websites and mobile apps. CVS recently integrated the federal government’s HealthFinder.gov app into its cvs.com and minuteclinic.com sites.

“As we examine additional ways to utilize telehealth to improve and expand patient care, we have the opportunity to partner with telehealth organizations in the care of patients at home,” CVS Health Associate CMO Dr. Andrew Sussman said in a statement. “In doing so, CVS Health will add value for patients, clients and health plans by improving access to low-cost quality care.”

Photo: Flickr user mechanikat

 

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