Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the U.S., is testing out a new mobile app that will allow patients to receive check-ups and prescriptions from doctors wherever they are.
According to the company, patients in Michigan and California can now get in touch with a doctor at any time of the day through the Walgreens telemedicine app for tablets and smartphones. Costing $49, each "visit" will allow a doctor to diagnose and treat non-emergency conditions and those that don't call for physical exams like bronchitis and pink eye.
Walgreens' first venture into telemedicine was in 2013 when it released Pharmacy Chat, a feature that allows customers talk to pharmacy staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are over 8,200 Walgreens locations around the country but expansion plans are already in place so the company can branch out to even more states. Like many drugstore chains, Walgreens has been adding clinics to its locations, entering what was once mainly the domain of primary care doctors.
"The idea of convenience ... Is really becoming a dominant theme in health care," said Dr. Harry Leider, Walgreens chief medical officer, adding the company is of the belief that telemedicine plays a big role in building brand loyalty.
Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Walgreens virtual doctor app was developed by MDLive.
"We are thrilled to work with Walgreens to offer consumers more choice for convenient, quality and cost-effective care. For the first time, a drugstore's mobile app users can share the convenience of accessing a board-certified doctor who can also e-prescribe medication when appropriate, via a secure, online video platform," said Randy Parker, MDLive CEO.
Prescriptions may be acquired through Walgreens' virtual app but they may not necessarily be filled out in the company's drugstores, providing customers more flexibility. Doctors offering prescriptions, however, must have the necessary licenses to practice in a patient's state.
Health insurance providers, hospital groups and big employers are also offering virtual doctor services, adding a layer of competition to the already-competitive healthcare industry. Walgreens may have the advantage because of its reach but the success of its telemedicine venture will still depend on how many people will adopt using the app.
From 350,000 in 2013, it is estimated that the number of patients taking advantage of telemedicine services will balloon to about 7 million in 2018. Revenues will see a likewise spike, jumping from 2013's $440.6 million to 2018's $4.5 billion.
