Teladoc Health has announced significant enhancements to its virtual urgent care services, expanding the range of treatable conditions during a presentation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on March 15, 2024. The New York City-based company aims to improve patient access to healthcare by allowing individuals to address non-emergency medical issues such as sinus infections, sore throats, and flu symptoms through its 24/7 service.
Patients can connect with healthcare providers via phone, web, or app. The updated urgent care program now includes treatment for additional conditions such as back and joint pain, hair loss, and sleep disorders. Unlike some direct-to-consumer healthcare companies, such as Hims & Hers and Ro, which do not accept insurance, Teladoc’s services are covered by most major insurers and are also available through employer-sponsored plans.
In a notable development, Teladoc Health’s providers can now consult board-certified specialists instantly during patient visits. This capability facilitates quicker confirmation of care plans, which can lead to faster resolutions of health issues. According to Teladoc, approximately 95% of member concerns can be effectively addressed in a single visit.
Enhanced Care Coordination and Preventive Measures
The new features also include integrated access to claims and Health Information Exchange data. This allows providers to identify care gaps earlier and take proactive measures, such as referring patients for necessary cancer screenings. Teladoc can also connect patients with in-network specialists and other company programs focused on diabetes management, hypertension, weight management, and mental health.
Early data indicates that around 70% of members are willing to pursue preventive care recommendations made during their 24/7 Care visits, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of proactive health management.
Improved Prescription Management
Additionally, Teladoc has introduced new prescription benefit capabilities that enable providers to access detailed information regarding patients’ pharmacy benefits. This includes insights into covered medications, copay amounts, and preferred alternatives. Such enhancements aim to improve access to affordable medications and encourage adherence to prescribed treatments.
Kelly Bliss, President of U.S. Group Health at Teladoc, expressed the company’s commitment to innovation in virtual care, stating, “As the pioneer in virtual care, we continue to innovate and raise expectations about the value that can be created in virtual visits.” She emphasized that the company’s expertise, technology, and operational scale uniquely position it to deliver meaningful health outcomes and measurable returns on investment for customers.
This announcement builds on Teladoc’s previous initiatives, including the launch of a new cardiometabolic program in April 2023 to combat diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, as well as the acquisition of Catapult Health, which offers at-home wellness exams.
Overall, these developments signify Teladoc Health’s ongoing efforts to enhance patient care through technology and broaden its service offerings in the evolving landscape of virtual healthcare.
