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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has launched a teleheath service that will give its website users 24/7 access to board-certified doctors through its mobile application.
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MDLIVE’s platform will allow Walgreens app users to engage in a virtual consultation with a physician. |
Walgreens said Monday that the service, which uses technology from connected health care solution provider MDLIVE, is available to users in California and Michigan, and the drug chain plans to roll it out to more states and markets.
The service, provided in both iOS and Android versions of the Walgreens mobile app, allows users to engage in a consultation with MDLIVE physicians for a range of acute conditions.
MDLIVE’s cloud-based Virtual Medical Office software platform enables patients, health professionals and plan administrators to collaborate seamlessly and securely via voice, video, e-mail and mobile devices. Payers and providers can also use the HIPAA and PHI-compliant system to collect and share clinical data from patient medical records, lab results and in-home biometric devices for real-time risk assessments, wellness advice, diagnosis and treatment.
Last year, Walgreens launched its Pharmacy Chat feature, which allows users to chat live 24/7 with members of the drug chain’s pharmacy staff, as part of its telehealth platform. The company noted that the relationship with MDLIVE marks an expansion of the platform by adding virtual doctor visits.
"Offering mobile and virtual access to board-certified doctors is a natural extension of the robust range of health services that Walgreens already offers," Harry Leider, chief medical officer at Walgreens, said in a statement. "We’re delighted to work with MDLIVE to provide our patients with a leading telehealth solution that will allow them to conveniently address their health conditions and needs with a medical professional."
The two companies noted that the initiative provides consumers with greater access to immediate care.
"We are thrilled to work with Walgreens to offer consumers more choice for convenient, quality and cost-effective care," stated Randy Parker, chief executive officer of Sunrise, Fla.-based MDLIVE. “For the first time, a drug store’s website and mobile app users can share the convenience of accessing a board-certified doctor who can also e-prescribe medication when appropriate via a secure, online video platform."
