Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG), the nation’s largest drugstore
chain, and MDLIVE,
the nation’s leading provider of telehealth services, today introduced a
new telehealth offering that will give Walgreens website users 24/7
access to U.S. board-certified doctors through its mobile application.
With today’s launch, the service is now available to users in California
and Michigan, with plans to rollout to additional states and markets
over time.
Available in both iOS and Android versions of the Walgreens mobile app,
the first-of-its-kind platform enables users to consult virtually with
MDLIVE physicians for a range of acute conditions.
“Offering mobile and virtual access to board-certified doctors is a
natural extension of the robust range of health services that Walgreens
already offers,” said Dr. Harry Leider, chief medical officer,
Walgreens. “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.”
Last year, Walgreens launched its Pharmacy Chat feature, which allows
users to chat live 24/7 with members of its pharmacy staff, as part of
its telehealth platform. Today’s announcement signifies an evolution and
expansion of the platform by adding virtual doctor visits and
ultimately, the program allows for adaptation based on varying customer
needs and provides increased access to care.
As connected and convenience-driven consumers are turning to telehealth
as their choice to access health care services, the availability of
MDLIVE via the Walgreens mobile application further strengthens both
organizations’ aim to bring quality health care that is convenient and
affordable to everyone, anytime, anywhere. The initiative demonstrates
Walgreens commitment to health care innovation and consumer engagement
while introducing virtual health visit technology through MDLIVE and
empowers 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,” said Randy Parker, CEO
of MDLIVE. “For the first time, a drugstore’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.”
About MDLIVE
Founded in 2009, MDLIVE is a leading provider of telehealth services
providing telehealth, online and on-demand healthcare that benefits
consumers, employers, payers, hospitals, physician practice groups and
accountable care organizations. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida,
MDLIVE works with Board Certified physicians and therapists, nationwide
to provide 24/7 connected care.
The company’s cloud-based Virtual Medical Office software platform makes
it possible for patients, healthcare professionals and plan
administrators to collaborate seamlessly and securely via voice, video,
email and mobile devices. Payers and providers can also utilize 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.
To see a brief video about MDLIVE’s connected care delivery services
please watch www.mdlive.com/media/storkmdlive.html
About Walgreens
As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2014 sales of $76
billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com)
vision is to be America’s most loved pharmacy-led health, wellbeing and
beauty enterprise. Each day, in communities across America, more than 8
million customers interact with Walgreens using the most convenient,
multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted,
cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice.
Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty,
infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with online and
mobile services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs
for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health
systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company
operates 8,229 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital
business includes Walgreens.com,
drugstore.com,
Beauty.com,
SkinStore.com
and VisionDirect.com.
Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider
practice locations around the country.
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