CVS Health launches virtual primary care platform
CVS Health’s new digital platform intends to give consumers access to health services on demand, whether they are at home or in a retail or community-based setting.
Eligible Aetna and CVS Caremark members will be able to use CVS Health Virtual Primary Care to request remote primary care, chronic condition management and mental health services, in addition to being seen at an in-network provider in person, the company said Thursday. The platform will roll out to Aetna memberson Jan. 1, 2023, and CVS Caremark during the second quarter of 2023.
The virtual care platform will help members schedule virtual appointments with their personalized care team, led by a physician and consisting of nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses who are available via digital communication. Care teams will also consult with CVS pharmacists to manage medication, and use interoperable electronic health records to assist members with transitioning between virtual and in-person care and share clinical data with other providers.
“By offering a connected care team where providers can easily exchange clinical information on behalf of their patients, and an extensive local footprint for in-person care follow-up, we’re able to provide consistent, high-quality care,” said Creagh Milford, vice president of enterprise virtual care at CVS Health, in a news release. “This model shifts from reactive to proactive care that can ultimately improve outcomes and help lower costs.”
Being able to view patient data and care activity will allow providers to deliver personalized health alerts that can aid in closing care gaps and maintaining wellness, CVS Health said.
The platform will also help members identify in-network specialists and other health service providers to provide in-person care.
In 2021, Aetna announced the launch of its additional digital care services nationwide through a primary care partnership with Teladoc, which included virtual access to a panel of board-certified physicians, nurses and a care-coordination team.
CVS Health is investing in expanding its MinuteClinic virtual care services and infrastructure, including visits for general medical and limited mental health services. The company also said that CVS Caremark will introduce its own virtual specialty care solutions in 2023.