Teladoc Health, a prominent virtual care provider, announced an expansion of its 24/7 urgent care services during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on January 8, 2024. This development allows the company to treat a broader range of conditions, enhancing its ability to address non-emergency medical needs efficiently.
With its base in New York City, Teladoc’s virtual urgent care program connects patients to medical providers for issues such as sinus infections, sore throats, and the flu. Patients can access these services through phone, web, or app, facilitating immediate consultations. Alongside urgent care, Teladoc Health offers a variety of other services, including virtual primary care, mental health support, weight management, and diabetes management. Most major insurers cover these services, underscoring Teladoc’s commitment to accessible healthcare.
The latest enhancements enable patients to receive care for additional conditions, such as back and joint pain, hair loss, and sleep disorders. While some direct-to-consumer companies, like Hims & Hers and Ro, provide treatments for similar conditions, they do not accept insurance, making Teladoc’s offerings distinct in the market.
For members with more complex health concerns, Teladoc Health now allows providers to consult board-certified specialists instantly during visits. This capability is designed to expedite care plans, reduce follow-ups, and limit unnecessary referrals. According to Teladoc, approximately 95% of member concerns can be resolved in a single 24/7 Care visit.
Enhanced Preventive Care and Prescription Benefits
The introduction of new capabilities also enables providers to utilize integrated claims and Health Information Exchange data. This allows for earlier identification of care gaps, such as referrals for cancer screenings. Additionally, Teladoc can direct patients to in-network specialists and connect them with other programs focused on diabetes, hypertension, weight management, and mental health. Early data suggests that around 70% of members agree to act on preventive care recommendations made during a 24/7 Care visit.
Teladoc has also enhanced its prescription benefit capabilities. Providers can now easily access information about patients’ pharmacy benefits, including which medications are covered, copay amounts, and preferred alternatives. This improvement aims to facilitate patient access to affordable medications and increase adherence to prescribed treatments.
Kelly Bliss, Teladoc Health’s president of U.S. group health, highlighted the company’s innovative approach, stating, “As the pioneer in virtual care, we continue to innovate and raise expectations about the value that can be created in virtual visits.” She emphasized that Teladoc’s clinical expertise, technology, and operational scale enable the company to deliver significant outcomes and measurable return on investment for its customers.
This announcement follows Teladoc’s launch of a new cardiometabolic program in April 2023, aimed at preventing the progression of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The company also acquired Catapult Health, a virtual preventive care company that offers at-home wellness exams, in February 2023.
The expansion of Teladoc’s services reflects a growing trend towards virtual care solutions, catering to the diverse needs of patients while striving to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.
