DEERFIELD, Ill. & SUNRISE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens, in collaboration with MDLIVE, the nation’s leading provider of telehealth services, today announced an expansion of its telehealth platform to users in Colorado, Illinois and Washington. The company also announced that in addition to mobile, users can now access the platform via the Walgreens website on desktop and tablet devices, in states where the service is currently offered.
Walgreens and MDLIVE first launched the platform last December through the Walgreens mobile application in California and Michigan. The service provides 24/7 access to MDLIVE’s network of U.S. board-certified doctors, and is planned to be available to users in 25 states by the end of 2015.
“As we continue to advance our telehealth strategy and expand our digital footprint, we’re pleased to help offer unparalleled access to medical professionals for more of our customers,” said Adam Pellegrini, Walgreens divisional vice president of digital health. “Our society truly values anytime, anywhere convenience. And with a growing need for access to affordable health care services, we believe telehealth solutions can play an important role in helping to improve patient outcomes and continues our mission to provide a seamless, omni-channel digital health experience.”
The service is available in both iOS and Android versions of the Walgreens mobile app, and the platform enables users to consult virtually with MDLIVE board-certified physicians for a range of acute conditions. Importantly, these physicians can e-prescribe medications when appropriate. Visits with a participating MDLIVE physician are only $49.
“MDLIVE and Walgreens share a commitment to offering consumers more choice for convenient, quality and cost-effective care, and we look forward to working together to roll out our services in more states and more communities throughout the year,” said Randy Parker, CEO of MDLIVE.
As more connected and convenience-driven consumers are turning to telehealth as their choice to access health care services, the availability of MDLIVE through the Walgreens mobile application and desktop 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.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), the nation's largest drugstore chain, constitutes the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,232 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.
About MDLIVE
Founded in 2009, MDLIVE is a leading provider of virtual healthcare services providing virtual care, online and on-demand 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.
