virtuwell added to Medica's provider network
24/7 online clinic expands access to care for health plan's members beginning June 1
ST. PAUL, Minn. — May 30, 2014 — virtuwell.com, a web- and mobile-based online medical clinic, today announced it is now a network provider for all of Medica’s individual and family plan members and most commercial group members in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Michigan. Care received by Medica members through the online clinic will be covered as an in-network benefit beginning June 1.
“We’re pleased to expand access to online, in-network care for our members,” says Mark Werner, MD, Medica’s chief clinical and innovation officer. “This addition will offer another convenient option for individuals and families who are in need of high-quality, low-cost care that meets their needs.”
Launched in 2010, virtuwell provides around-the-clock treatment and diagnosis of more than 40 common everyday illnesses for adults and children.
Staffed by board certified nurse practitioners, the virtuwell experience guides consumers through a short question and answer process to describe symptoms and medical history. For conditions treated through virtuwell.com, nurse practitioners review each case, make the diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. They also send a secure electronic prescription to the customer’s favorite pharmacy, if appropriate.
“The idea behind virtuwell.com is that health care should be simple, safe, affordable and convenient,” explains Kevin Palattao, vice president for virtuwell. “Health plans like Medica are adding virtuwell as an in-network option knowing it’s a remarkable experience for members, while immediately saving medical claims costs for employers and individuals.”
State-specific licensing is required and virtuwell expansion plans are underway to bring the safe and refreshing experience to more states, health plans and consumers in 2014. Currently, virtuwell is licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Michigan.
By design, adding virtuwell as an in-network provider is also a simple experience. Claims are submitted electronically like any provider and no special administration is required, nor are there any additional monthly fees.
About virtuwell
virtuwell is a 24/7 online clinic developed by HealthPartners, the largest consumer-governed nonprofit health care organization in the nation with a mission to improve health and well-being in partnership with members, patients and the community. Designed to deliver a refreshingly simple and affordable health care experience, virtuwell treats and provides a prescription, if needed, for more than 40 common conditions like sinus and bladder infections, pink eye, minor skin conditions like acne or rashes, and more. Since its 2010 launch, virtuwell has treated tens of thousands of customers and 98 percent of patients would recommend the service to family or friends. To learn more, or to try virtuwell, visit virtuwell.com.