Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk, Va., has announced a partnership with MDLIVE, a telehealth firm in Sunrise, Fla., to provide real-time medical consultations to patients with an established regional network of physicians.
The partnership gives Sentara an equity stake in MDLIVE as well as a seat on the board. Sentara will be involved in the strategic direction of the company and assist MDLIVE in new product development and setting clinical standards.
Patients will be able to use the MDLIVE virtual consult platform to consult directly with a licensed Sentara or partner physician. The physicians will be available via telephone and online video throughout the state. They will be able to diagnose low-acuity illnesses and provide care as appropriate, but patients with more serious conditions will be directed to the nearest immediate care facility, according to the release.
MDLIVE will act as a network provider for many health plans. Sentara will bill payors, employers and/or patients in the same fashion as a regular office visit, according to a Sentara spokesperson.
While the service is currently available to consumers through MDLIVE.com, the Sentara option will launch to consumers in Virginia beginning in October, according to the release. Sentara employees and members of selected Optima Health commercial insurance plans will also receive this service as an additional benefit over the course of 2013.
A preview of the services is available here.
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The partnership gives Sentara an equity stake in MDLIVE as well as a seat on the board. Sentara will be involved in the strategic direction of the company and assist MDLIVE in new product development and setting clinical standards.
Patients will be able to use the MDLIVE virtual consult platform to consult directly with a licensed Sentara or partner physician. The physicians will be available via telephone and online video throughout the state. They will be able to diagnose low-acuity illnesses and provide care as appropriate, but patients with more serious conditions will be directed to the nearest immediate care facility, according to the release.
MDLIVE will act as a network provider for many health plans. Sentara will bill payors, employers and/or patients in the same fashion as a regular office visit, according to a Sentara spokesperson.
While the service is currently available to consumers through MDLIVE.com, the Sentara option will launch to consumers in Virginia beginning in October, according to the release. Sentara employees and members of selected Optima Health commercial insurance plans will also receive this service as an additional benefit over the course of 2013.
A preview of the services is available here.
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