In similar fashion of last weeks blog, this week I will be talking about a new way for patients to experience a doctors visit; however, this time the visit takes place at the pharmacy. Rite Aid and OptumHealth are two pharmacies that are debuting these pilot programs. The service is called NowClinic Online services and allows the patient to see a nurse and/or a doctor virtually. The service utilizes a private, face to face, conference over the internet, where the doctor can discuss symptoms and make diagnoses virtually. The first visit with a nurse is complimentary and for a 10-minute visit with a doctor is only $45! At the end of each virtual session, a record will be created which can be accessed and/or transferred to the patients primary care provider.
I have pondered the idea of starting my own independent pharmacy in a rural area of Pennsylvania and I absolutely see a use for this service, especially in my prospective situation. Furthermore, this will give independents a tool to compete with the large chains, who can afford to pay for nurses on site. Independent pharmacies would only need to pay the doctors and nurses for each teleconference instead of having to pay a professional, full time pay.
Here's a link to the article:
http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=C5C3A0CF661C4C62B158CDF5351E414B
I do find this to be a very cool concept but it's clearly cicumstantial and has some limitations. What about running tests on a patient or physical contact required for diagnosis of certain diseases? I think it would be more ideal to have a virtual counseling session between patient and pharmacist than to have a virtual clinic via a pharmacy.
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