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Capsule, Virtuwell partner to create one of nation’s largest end-to-end digital care platforms

Virtuwell patients benefit from one-click access to Capsule’s digital pharmacy with free, same-day prescription delivery


November 19, 2020


BLOOMINGTON, Minn.Virtuwell, the 24/7 online care clinic developed by HealthPartners, and digital pharmacy Capsule, are partnering to make a convenient health care option even better for consumers. The integration between Capsule and Virtuwell creates one of the nation’s largest end-to-end digital care platforms. It provides patients a seamless experience to virtually receive diagnoses, treatment plans, and free same-day delivery of medications all from the safety, privacy and convenience of their home. The service is currently available inside the I-494/694 loop, but plans to expand the delivery area are scheduled for 2021.

Virtuwell, a covered benefit for millions of Americans, including HealthPartners’ 1.3 million members, provides treatment for 60 of the most common medical conditions including acne, pink eye, sinus infections or a UTI; now, patients can effortlessly receive and manage their medications from Capsule, all within hours of seeking treatment.

“Virtuwell customers self-report 2.5 hours saved on average when treated by our online clinic. That’s 189 years of time back in consumers’ busy lives,” said Kevin Palattao, founder of Virtuwell and Senior Vice President of Digital Care Delivery at HealthPartners. “During a pandemic, it’s not only safe, effective and convenient, it’s responsible. And we are thrilled to lead the way thanks to our partnership with Capsule.”

Capsule adds a modern digital pharmacy experience. Via the Virtuwell app, patients get a diagnosis along with a prescription from Virtuwell clinicians. With one click, they have the option to submit their prescription to Capsule, which includes the same co-pay options with free-same day delivery to the patient’s door. The partnership combines each company’s best-in-class consumer experiences.

“We’ve built Capsule to be the pharmacy that works for everyone. Together with Capsule, Virtuwell provides a fully digital and seamless continuum of care that ensures consumers get what they need -- effortlessly and safely,” said Eric Kinariwala, Founder and CEO of Capsule. “With Virtuwell, we’re once again showing that we’re committed to transforming a health care system that should always keep patients first.”

“Virtuwell was founded on the belief that health care should be simple, convenient and affordable for everyone, including patients, employers and insurers,” Palattao said. “We’re delighted to partner with Capsule, who makes us even better by adding simple, convenient and affordable medication delivery right to your home.”

Kinariwala founded Capsule in 2015 after learning that his unsuccessful trip to a conventional pharmacy for an out-of-stock medication is a regular occurrence, with pharmacies out-of-stock 40 percent of the time and nearly half of all prescriptions going unfilled.

About Capsule

Capsule is rebuilding the $425 billion pharmacy industry from the inside out with an emotionally resonant experience and a technology platform enabling customized outcomes for doctors, hospitals, insurers, and drug makers. Capsule has designed every aspect of pharmacy experience to give consumers and partners the peace of mind of having their health looked after. Capsule continues to grow rapidly in New York City, Chicago, Boston, and Minneapolis, and has raised over $250mm in pursuit of its mission to build a pharmacy that works for everyone.

About Virtuwell

Virtuwell is a 24/7 online clinic developed by HealthPartners, the largest consumer-governed, non-profit healthcare 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 60 common conditions like sinus and bladder infections, pink eye, minor skin conditions like acne or rashes, and more. Since launching in 2010, Virtuwell has helped both consumers and payors combined save nearly $95M. And an astounding 98 percent of patients would highly recommend the service to family or friends. Virtuwell currently operates in 13 states including Minnesota, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin to learn more or to try Virtuwell, visit virtuwell.com.

About HealthPartners

Founded in 1957, HealthPartners is the largest consumer-governed, non-profit healthcare organization in the nation. The organization is dedicated to improving health and well-being in partnership with members, patients and the community, and provides a full range of health care delivery and health plan services including insurance, administration and health and well-being programs. HealthPartners serves more than 1.8 million medical and dental health plan members nationwide. The care system includes more than 1,900 physicians, nine hospitals, 56 primary care clinics, 20 urgent care locations, 23 dental clinics and numerous specialty practices in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. HealthPartners also provides medical education and conducts research through HealthPartners Institute. For more information, visit healthpartners.com.

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