Methodist Family Health Centers Launches Virtual Care to Improve Patient Access
DALLAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Family Health Centers, a part of Methodist Medical Group and affiliate of Methodist Health System, today announced the launch of Methodist NOW – an online diagnosis and treatment service that enables patients to receive convenient access to care by connecting them virtually with trusted Methodist Family Health Center providers. Methodist NOW is powered by Zipnosis, a virtual care company that enables health systems to provide virtual care services, meeting the needs of patients while improving access to care and maximizing clinical capacity. This launch marks the next phase in Methodist Medical Group's broad consumer access strategy.
Methodist NOW facilitates care delivery through evidence-based online interviews paired with real-time chat functionality that enables patients and providers to exchange messages when additional information is needed for a diagnosis.
"Our mission at Methodist Medical Group is to exceed our patients' expectations for expanded access through a transformation of care delivery that includes integrated urgent care, extended hours and same-day appointments, and now virtual care," said George Williams, MD, MMM, FACEP, President of Methodist Medical Group and Senior Vice President of Methodist Health System. "We believe expanding access and reducing barriers to high-value, ambulatory care will not only improve consumer experience, but also long-term health and wellness for our patients and community."
The trend toward healthcare consumerism is increasingly at the forefront of health system decisions. In growing numbers, patients are making healthcare choices based on the ability of providers and health systems to bring value in the form of access and experience. This patient-focused mindset is at the heart of Methodist Medical Group's strategic direction, and a key factor in their decision to launch Methodist NOW.
"Methodist NOW is a response to the growing demand for a consumer experience and expanded access to high-value ambulatory healthcare when and where patients need it most," said Ryan Alcantar, Director of Healthcare Transformation, Methodist Medical Group.
After logging on to Methodist NOW, patients complete a brief online interview during which they enter their symptoms and health history information. Once a patient's symptoms are entered, a Methodist Family Health Center provider will review the interview results and then respond with a diagnosis and treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, prescriptions will be sent to the customer's preferred pharmacy for pick-up. Patients can access Methodist NOW at any time of day, with providers responding within one hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days-a-week.
Meeting the demand for convenience, patients can seek care from their smartphones, tablets or computers and be treated virtually for more than 25 common health conditions including minor skin conditions, pink eye, upper respiratory infections like cold and flu, and seasonal allergies – all for a set fee of $40 payable by credit, debit or health savings card. Patients will also soon be able to join Methodist NOW as subscribers, receiving unlimited visits for a low monthly fee. "Consumers need care to be available when and where they need it – a philosophy that Methodist Medical Group has embraced in their strategy to deliver greater access to care," said Jon Pearce, Zipnosis CEO. "As the first Zipnosis customer to launch our new chat functionality, Methodist Medical Group has further proven their dedication to patient care and convenience as well as their willingness to blaze new trails, marking them as a true leader in the Texas healthcare market."
About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated health care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Ten hospitals and more than two dozen Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the fastest-growing health systems in America, Methodist continues to add facilities and services to enhance patient care along the entire continuum. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org. Connect through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter at MethodistHealthSystem.org/SocialMedia.
About Zipnosis
Zipnosis (www.zipnosis.com) offers health systems a leading virtual care platform that pairs traditional telemedicine with next-generation online virtual care tools to drive exceptional clinical quality, significant clinical efficiency and durable financial returns. A trusted innovator in the industry, Zipnosis pioneered online adaptive interview technology, which is built on a foundation of clinical best practice guidelines. This smart alternative to traditional telemedicine allows providers to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for patients in just two minutes. With Zipnosis' unique platform approach to virtual care, patients can be treated through the online adaptive interview, video and phone technology, or when appropriate, referred to in-person care via the platform's advanced routing capabilities. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Zipnosis helps health systems keep pace with the changing demands of healthcare consumers.
SOURCE Zipnosis; Methodist Family Health Centers
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