Teladoc Health has announced an expansion of its 24/7 urgent care services, allowing the virtual care provider to treat a broader range of medical conditions. This development was revealed on March 15, 2024, during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference held in San Francisco. Patients can now access care for issues such as back pain, joint pain, hair loss, and sleep disorders, in addition to existing treatments for common ailments like sinus infections and the flu.
The New York City-based company connects patients to healthcare providers through various platforms, including phone, web, and mobile applications. Teladoc Health continues to offer a variety of services beyond urgent care, including virtual primary care, mental health support, and management programs for diabetes and weight loss. Most major insurers cover these services, making them accessible to a large segment of the population.
With the new capabilities, Teladoc Health aims to enhance the efficiency of patient care. During a 24/7 Care visit, providers can consult board-certified specialists instantly for complex health concerns. This approach is designed to improve care plans and resolve issues swiftly, thereby minimizing delays and unnecessary referrals. The company claims that approximately 95% of member issues can be addressed in a single visit.
Enhancing Preventive Care and Prescription Management
Teladoc’s latest enhancements also include the integration of claims and Health Information Exchange data. This feature allows providers to detect care gaps earlier, enabling timely interventions, such as referrals for cancer screenings. The company states that about 70% of members are willing to act on preventive care recommendations made during their visits.
In addition, Teladoc has introduced new capabilities regarding prescription benefits. Providers can now access detailed information about pharmacy benefits, including drug coverage and copayment amounts. This transparency aims to facilitate patient access to affordable medications and improve adherence to prescribed treatments.
Kelly Bliss, president of U.S. group health at Teladoc, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in virtual care. “As the pioneer in virtual care, we continue to innovate and raise expectations about the value that can be created in virtual visits,” she stated. “Our clinical expertise, purpose-built technology, and operational scale are unmatched and enable us to deliver meaningful outcomes and measurable ROI for our customers.”
This announcement follows Teladoc’s launch of a cardiometabolic program in April 2023, aimed at preventing the progression of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. In February 2023, the company acquired Catapult Health, a virtual preventive care provider that offers at-home wellness exams. These moves signal Teladoc’s ongoing efforts to broaden its service offerings and enhance patient care in the evolving landscape of virtual healthcare.
