Insurance company UnitedHealthCare announced Thursday that it has plans to cover phone or video chat consultations with doctors through three telemedicine services: American Well, Doctor on Demand and NowClinic.
The coverage will be available initially to people who are paying for their own insurance. However, UHC intends to extend its program to employer-funded health plans by next year.
Telemedicine is a growing form of communication method for doctors and patients. Several companies are already making use of it, but the trend's growth is expected to speed up now that UHC is a provider, which should make it less expensive and more convienent.
Just as other commodities are easily accessible via smartphones and other devices, the world of medicine is seeing its potential benefits not just for the patients and doctors, but for investors as well.
Adam Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Doctor on Demand, said the company "couldn't be more honored that UnitedHealthcare has chosen Doctor On Demand as one of their first virtual visit providers," Regal Tribune reported. "We built Doctor On Demand to provide the easiest, most convenient access to some of the best physicians in the country. In partnership with UnitedHealthcare, we can now help even more Americans get the care they need. Starting immediately, we'll be offering our No PEPM, utilization-only model and highly-rated service to key UnitedHealthcare commercial customers."
