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 watchwww.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 includesWalgreens.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.
