Aetna, CVS Health enter into virtual primary care space

Photo courtesy of CVS Health

Aetna, through CVS Health, has debuted Aetna Virtual Primary Care, an offering the company said makes it easier for people to get the health services they need.

This will result in some changes for members, most that have to do with access. Specifically, members will be able to access a panel of board-certified physicians and coordinated care from a consistent team of specialists based on their health needs, the payer said.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT

Members will also be able to have a continuous relationship with a virtual care physician beginning from the first 30- to 45-minute comprehensive primary care visit and extending to each visit thereafter.

Aetna and CVS Health also promise:

• a $0 copay for virtual primary care visits and select in-person services at MinuteClinic and CVS HealthHUB locations
• preventive care with biometric screenings and support for managing chronic health issues, built on a personalized care plan
• a virtual nurse care team through unlimited in-app text or phone for pre-, during- and post-visit support, including navigation to in-person, local providers, as well as labs and testing.

In addition, the offering will enable in-person visits with in-network healthcare providers with no referral requirements. Members will continue to have existing Aetna virtual care offerings such as mental health counseling, dermatology services and 24/7 urgent care.

The experience is powered by telehealth player Teladoc Health.

THE LARGER TREND

CVS Health acquired Aetna in 2018. Services focus on self-management for patients with chronic conditions; expansion of chronic care management services at MinuteClinic; nutritional and behavioral counseling and benefit navigation support; and assistance with durable medical equipment, digital health apps and connected devices.

CVS Health has more than 9,800 retail locations, approximately 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 93 million plan members, a senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services and a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

CVS Health serves an estimated 39 million people through its health insurance products and related services, including a Medicare Advantage offering.

ON THE RECORD

"The future of digital health solutions is rapidly unfolding," said Dan Finke, executive vice president of CVS Health and president of Aetna. "Aetna Virtual Primary Care is a first-of-its-kind healthcare solution that provides a simple, affordable, convenient way for eligible members to receive quality primary care from a physician-led care team that knows them and is accessible from virtually anywhere.

"Aetna Virtual Primary Care gives our members the power of choice and convenience, making it easier for people to get and stay healthy, even when balancing the demands of work and life," he said. "This, coupled with access to in-person visits with providers in our network, including MinuteClinic and HealthHUB locations, provides the flexibility needed for better health outcomes."