February 22, 2022 – Among many other things, the coronavirus pandemic revealed the fragility of our healthcare infrastructure in the face of a massive disruption. Accessibility weaknesses laid bare, primary care and physician offices had to think of a creative way to ensure that their patients received the care that they required, while maintaining COVID safety protocols. In an effort to keep people as safe as possible, many primary care offices moved services to virtual appointments that allowed patients to be seen at the height of the COVID-19 surges.
Virtual health care is a precious commodity in a time when access to health care is more strained than ever. McKinsey conducted a study in July that found that “telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38 times higher than before the pandemic.” Not only is telemedicine a valuable resource for those who need it, but it’s becoming more popular as people see the benefits of leveraging virtual care for their needs.
Beginning in January 2022, all Cigna customers who are enrolled in employer-sponsored plans will have access to MDLIVE’s network of virtual primary care providers for routine care visits, sick visits, prescription refills, or to follow up on a condition that wasn’t addressed during a wellness visit. In addition to the virtual care visits that Cigna customers can schedule at their convenience, it will also seamlessly transition to an in-person visit as needed.
MDLIVE will refer to Cigna’s network of high-performing providers when face-to-face care is needed, with in-network specialists, lab work, and biometrics at in-network facilities. MDLIVE will also utilize the data provided by Cigna to proactively work with patients to close gaps in care, offer better care coordination and overall meet clinical medical needs. This coordination between MDLIVE providers or brick-and-mortar providers will be a critical component to ensure customers have a connected health care experience.
Read more in the latest issue of The Journal of Healthcare Contracting.