American Well, a leading national telehealth services provider, andCommunity Health Systems (CHS), an operator of 198 affiliated hospitals in 29 states, are collaborating to offer virtual doctor visits to patients in communities served by CHS-affiliated hospitals. VirtualHealth Now®, operated on the American Well® telemedicine platform, offers patients a more convenient way to access primary urgent care services after hours and on weekends.
For years, CHS-affiliated hospitals have used telemedicine to provide specialty care to patients. This collaboration expands the organization’s telemedicine capabilities to primary care. Patients will now be able to receive a primary care consultation from home, work or any other location they choose.
“For more than 30 years, our organization has been keeping healthcare close to home for our patients,” said Lynn Simon, M.D., president of clinical services and chief quality officer for CHSPSC, LLC.
“Healthcare consumers increasingly are seeking care that is easier to access and more convenient. In a highly connected and mobile world, it makes sense for us to leverage technology to deliver non-emergent care directly to patients in a manner they prefer.”
The first CHS-affiliated hospitals to launch the service are AllianceHealth Oklahoma and Rockwood Health System in Spokane, Washington. Patients in those areas can consult with a physician via smartphone, computer or tablet 24 hours a day, seven days a week using www.virtualhealthnow.net.
In the coming months, the option to access care via virtual doctor visits will be expanded to additional markets in Arizona and Pennsylvania. VirtualHealth Now will be staffed by local community physicians, allowing patients to be treated in many cases by providers they know.
“We have always believed that supporting and nurturing the trust that exists between patients and their physicians is vital to quality care,” said Danielle Russella, president, customer solutions, American Well. “Working alongside Community Health Systems we have a wonderful opportunity not only to deliver an innovative service, but extend care further into the community.”
Date: December 2, 2015