CVS Expands Telehealth Services to 3 Additional States

CVS Health has announced the expansion of its MinuteClinic Video Visits, to include Colorado, Illinois, and New Jersey. The 24-hour telehealth option is available 7 days a week to people with minor illnesses, minor injuries, and skin conditions.

Since the service was first announced in August of 2017, the Video Visits are have become available in 40 states. According to a press release, thousands of video visits have been conducted, and more than a third of them occurred outside of traditional clinic hours.

Video Visits are initiated through a computer or mobile device, including the CVS Pharmacy app, and are available for patients aged 2 years and older. According to CVS Health, these telehealth patients receive the same quality of care as those who visit the in-store MinuteClinic.

When requesting a video appointment, patients are asked to complete a health questionnaire before being matched with a board-certified health care provider licensed in their state. Before beginning the appointment, the provider will review the questionnaire and the patient’s medical history.

For patients that require a prescription as part of their treatment plan, the provider is able to submit the prescription to the patient’s preferred pharmacy. The provider can also recommend that the patient visit a health care provider in their community, such as their primary care provider or a nearby MinuteClinic location.

A MinuteClinic Video Visit costs $59, and is payable by credit, debit, FSA, and HSA cards. Insurance coverage will be added in coming months, according to the company’s press release.

REFERENCE

MinuteClinic Expands Video Visit Offering to Colorado, Illinois, and New Jersey [news release]. Woonsocket, RI; Nov 19, 2019: CVS website. https://www.cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/minuteclinic-expands-video-visit-offering-colorado-illinois-and-new-jersey. Accessed Nov 20, 2019.