MDLive targeting chronic condition management with virtual platform
In 2023, those with MDLIVE Virtual Primary Care as a covered benefit will have access to the chronic condition management program.
Photo: Geber86/Getty Images
MDLive, a subsidiary of Evernorth, will be expanding its virtual primary care program in an effort to enhance support for those living with chronic conditions, the company announced this week. Evernorth itself is a subsidiary of insurer Cigna.
Dr. Maggie Williams, medical director for MDLIVE Virtual Primary Care, claimed it was the first virtual primary care program that synthesizes insights between the primary care physician, patient and other providers to enable better care coordination.
Primary Care physicians will work with their patients to personalize a care plan and stay actively engaged to monitor their progress and anticipate any health issues so they can move quickly to address them.
"This approach will build deeper, more meaningful relationships between doctors and their patients that lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs," said Williams.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Beginning in 2023, those with MDLIVE Virtual Primary Care as a covered benefit through their health plan or employer will have access to the chronic condition management program.
It will initially be available for patients with hypertension and expand throughout the year to other common chronic conditions. Among patients who had wellness screenings through MDLIVE's primary care services, 68% were identified as having at least one chronic condition.
Qualified patients will work with their MDLIVE primary care doctor to develop a personalized care plan that includes condition management and lifestyle goals, lab tests, medication management and any necessary referrals to other health providers. Between regular visits, their care team will track their progress with remote monitoring through connected devices, such as blood pressure cuffs and blood glucose monitoring devices.
The new offering comes as MDLIVE continues to see growth in virtual primary care overall. Visit volume has already grown more than 300% over the last year, the company said.
THE LARGER TREND
MDLIVE provides 24/7 virtual care. Its network includes access to virtual dermatology and virtual behavioral healthcare. New for 2023, members will also have access to $0 virtual urgent-acute care and $0 virtual wellness screenings through the platform.
More than 60 million individuals nationwide have access to MDLIVE as a covered benefit through their health plans and employers.
Cigna, through Evernorth, purchased MDLive in 2021. Cigna and Evernorth executives promised an affordable and convenient experience, and noted an opportunity to serve millions more people.
ON THE RECORD
"This is the next evolution in MDLive's virtual primary care program as we continue to build services that support the health needs of more patients throughout their health journey," said MDLive President Jon Salon. "Together, Evernorth and MDLive are innovating care delivery to create seamless connected experiences to make care easier to access and to improve the health of our patients – however, wherever and whenever they want to receive care."
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com
