MinuteClinic Video Visits, CVS’s 24-hour virtual health care system, is now established in Kentucky, making a total of 16 states where the telehealth service is available. The offering provides access to health care for patients with minor illnesses, skin conditions, and various wellness needs via their mobile device.
MinuteClinic, CVS’s retail medical clinic, has been trying to increase access to health care, over the past few years, through the use with telehealth. The company found that 95 percent of patients are both satisfied with the quality of care they receive and with the convenience of using the telehealth service. After seeing the inaugaral results, CVS developed video visits, which can be used to care for patients ages two years and older.
Prior to receiving treatment, each patient fills out a health questionnaire and is then paired with a board-certified healthcare provider who reviews the patient’s medical history and proceeds with the video-visit. The provider assesses the patient’s condition, determines appropriate treatment and, upon need, submits a prescription to the patient’s preferred pharmacy. In the case that in-person treatment is necessary, the provider may recommend a visit to a local provider in their community, such as a nearby MinuteClinic.
“We’re excited to introduce MinuteClinic Video Visits to people who live and work in Kentucky,” stated Marc-David Munk, MD, MPH, MHCM, Chief Medical Officer, CVS MinuteClinic, and Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. “At CVS Health, we’re committed to delivering high-quality care when and where our patients need it and at prices they can afford. This new MinuteClinic service offers Kentuckians access to an innovative, on-demand health care option right from their cell phone.”
A MinuteClinic Video Visit costs $59 and is currently payable by credit card or debit card. CVS plans to add insurance coverage to the plan in the coming months and also hopes to expand the platform nationwide, where allowed, by the end of 2018.
