Memorial Hermann says it can lower costs through primary care wellness platform

Memorial Hermann has unveiled a new care delivery platform and suite of online tools called Everyday Well that it hopes will provide patients a better way to manage their health and wellness, the system announced Tuesday.

The platform offers enhanced access to the system's network of primary care physicians, as well as online tools and services that enhance convenience for patients.

A few of the new platform's features include Virtual Care, which includes 1-on-1 video consultations, online nurse navigators, pediatric house calls with nurse practitioners, a 24/7 Nurse Health Line, and online check-in for the emergency room and urgent care.

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There are also tools that enhance customer service and convenience like lab results and medical records with Everyday Well, online appointment planning through the ScheduleNow feature, a navigation tool to guide patients to the right location, online bill pay and expense tracking, and even physician direct messaging.

There are health and wellness tips through interactive resources like a blog and and social media, and a mobile app is scheduled to launch in the near future, the system said in a statement.

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In the Houston area, roughly two million people use primary care physicians, the system said citing a 2016 Commonwealth Fund Report. Separate report showed an area's population health is better where there are more primary care physicians and people are healthier overall when they see a primary care doctor.

Twitter: @BethJSanborn