Innovative Technology Connects Consumers with Credentialed Health Care Providers for Real-Time Consultation, Day or Night
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- OptumHealth, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) company, announced that NowClinicSM online care is available across the state of Minnesota. NowClinic is a service that makes physicians, specialists, and clinicians available anytime over the Internet.
NowClinic enables people to connect with care providers for real-time consultations in a secure and convenient environment. Through NowClinic, care providers can discuss health concerns, review symptoms, prescribe medications and refer patients for further treatment if necessary. NowClinic is also convenient for people who need care after hours or who live in rural areas with limited access to health care facilities.
NowClinic is available to all residents living in Minnesota regardless of their health plan affiliation.
“Today’s consumers are busy, mobile and want easy access to services, including health care,” said Rob Webb, CEO of OptumHealth Care Solutions. “Our response to this new reality is to develop health care solutions that link consumers directly to the resources available to them when, where and at the time they need care.”
“Whether you’re five miles or 500 miles away, if you can’t get to the doctor’s office, NowClinic will bring the physician to you,” said Chris Stidman, senior vice president of OptumHealth Care Solutions. “We are pleased to make this innovative and easy-to-use service available to Minnesota residents and look forward to rolling it out more broadly to provide even more Americans with a quality health care option that complements in-person care.”
Minnesotans can log onto myNowClinic.com and choose to connect with a physician, specialist or clinician. The consumer can then indicate a specific medical concern or question, and select an available care provider from a list of those currently available. The doctor receives an immediate notification and reviews the patient’s concern before initiating the online visit. Once connected, the doctor and patient can interact with one another via a “chat” function or, if they both use webcams, talk face-to-face during the consultation.
Currently, there are several different types of doctors who have signed on to make their services available through NowClinic including primary care providers, pediatricians and internists as well as behavioral health specialists.
NowClinic medical visits cost $45 for the first 10 minutes, with the option of extending the visit. Other providers have different pricing, but the patient will review rates prior to initiating a conversation. Patients can pay with a major debit or credit card. The individual is responsible for paying for each visit, and should consult with an employer or other adviser about using a Health Savings Account, or Flexible Spending Account to pay for the consultation.
About OptumHealth
Golden Valley, Minn.-based OptumHealth helps individuals navigate the health care system, finance their health care needs and achieve their health and well-being goals. The company’s personalized health advocacy and engagement programs tap a unique combination of capabilities that encompass care solutions, behavioral solutions, specialty benefits and financial services. Serving nearly 60 million people, OptumHealth is one of the nation’s largest health and wellness companies. It is a business of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.optumhealth.com.
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CONTACT:
OptumHealth Communications
Molly McMillen, 763-797-4559
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