Cleveland Clinic and American Well will launch a joint venture digital health company to offer virtual care from the health system's specialists delivered via the telehealth provider's platform, according to an Oct. 21 news release.
The company, dubbed The Clinic, will offer telehealth-based appointments for various specialties. The Clinic's services will be available to both U.S. and international users, allowing individuals to virtually connect with Cleveland Clinic providers to receive opinions, recommendations and medical assistance.
"Digital health is one of the fastest growing segments of the healthcare industry," said Tom Mihaljevic, MD, CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic, according to a news release emailed to Becker's. "There is an incredible demand for medical care to be delivered in more convenient and integrated ways."
Cleveland Clinic and American Well initially partnered in 2014 to provide nonemergency care for minor illnesses and injury through telehealth. With The Clinic, the organizations will expand their virtual care offering on a global scale.
In 2018, the health system's number of annual telehealth visits increased by 68 percent. Cleveland Clinic expects that 50 percent of its outpatient visits will be virtual within the next five years.