Memorial Healthcare System launches its first direct-to-consumer “MemorialDocNow” application
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(Hollywood, Fla.) Are you not feeling well? Is your eye looking a little pink? Are you experiencing flu-like symptoms? Well, no need to make an appointment, the doctor will see you now through your computer or mobile device.
Memorial Healthcare System has unveiled a direct-to-consumer tool, called MemorialDocNow, which provides consumers with the ability to connect 24/7 with a Memorial doctor and get diagnosed online for non-emergency cases quicker than if the patient was sitting in the emergency room seeking that same level of care. In some cases, the $49 fee to connect with MemorialDocNow may be even more affordable than a co-pay for ER or Urgent Care visits.
“We are providing consumers a direct connection to doctors and the ability to access immediate care by taking advantage of today’s technologies,” said William Manzie, Administrative Director of Telehealth Strategy for Memorial Healthcare System. “MemorialDocNow, and many of the other initiatives we will offer in the future through our Telehealth program, provides easy to use applications for consumers, and more importantly, access to care anytime, anywhere.”
Consumers and patients who want to use MemorialDocNow may download the mobile application onto their smartphone or tablet. It is available, at no cost for Apple and Android devices. The service is also available through the website, www.MemorialDocNow.com, where consumers can create a profile and sign in for a consultation, similar to the mobile application.
To deliver this service, Memorial Healthcare System teamed up with American Well, a national telehealth technology and services company. American Well’s telehealth platform enables Memorial doctors and patients to connect for immediate, live video visits over mobile and web.
“Through our collaboration with Memorial Healthcare System, we are enabling doctors to use telehealth with their patients to deliver care anywhere that patient may be. This means Memorial doctors can now provide remote care that spans the entire care continuum, making it more affordable, accessible and connected than ever before,” said Danielle Russella, president, client solutions, American Well.
Telehealth interest and use is on the rise. According to a 2015 consumer survey conducted on behalf of American Well, 64 percent of consumers would see a doctor over video.
While MemorialDocNow is the first direct-to-consumer application that Memorial launches under its telehealth program, it is not the System’s only endeavor in this technological arena. Already, Memorial has been offering other telehealth services, including remote patient monitoring for cardiac patients, ER patient stroke evaluation and treatment through smart devices, virtual pediatric dermatology consults physician-to-physician and home health monitoring. Future strategies include telehealth programs for behavioral health services, disease-based caregiver connection; post-hospital follow up; and virtual ground rounds for physicians.
“We feel our telehealth initiatives will enhance the already advanced technological capabilities that we have developed through the years at Memorial Healthcare System and align with our strategy to become the most technologically advanced healthcare system in South Florida,” said Aurelio M. Fernandez, III, FACHE, president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. “Memorial Healthcare System will remain committed to providing the highest quality patient care whether we do it through a virtual venue or through our personal touch with every one of our patients.”
About Memorial Healthcare System
Memorial Healthcare System is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the country and is a national leader in quality care and patient satisfaction. Its facilities include Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Memorial Hospital Pembroke and Memorial Manor nursing home. The system received the following recognition: Modern Healthcare magazine’s “Best Place to Work in Healthcare,” Florida Trend’s “Florida’s Best Companies to Work For,” and Becker’s Hospital Review’s “150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare.” For more information, visit mhs.net.
About American Well
American Well is transforming the way healthcare is delivered through telehealth. We make online doctor visits accessible to everyone for one-off care issues like colds or infections, and chronic condition management, such as diabetes or depression. We deliver healthcare into people’s homes and workplaces through our work with top health plans, health systems and employers, as well as our telehealth app, AmwellTM. A patient using Amwell can be connected to a board-certified doctor of their choosing in just minutes for a visit carried out over smartphone, tablet, kiosk, phone, or desktop.
American Well and Amwell are trademarks or registered trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. For more information on our services, visit www.americanwell.com.