Medibank and American Well partner to deliver high-tech online medical solutions
Medibank is proud to announce its partnership with US-based telehealth solutions company, American Well. This affiliation unites two of the biggest players in telehealth provision, combining their expertise to deliver a sophisticated and innovative service for government and business.
Through this collaboration, Medibank continues to expand its innovative health care capabilities, enabling health professionals to conduct online video medical consultations with patients in Australia and New Zealand, in both metropolitan and regional areas.
American Well is the world's leader in online medical consultations. Its unique software platform enables patients to access their GP, nurse or specialist from the convenience of their home.
Medibank's online healthcare initiative will connect patients and healthcare professionals (including doctors, nurses and other clinicians) via a secure technology platform to on-demand or scheduled encounters. Using two-way video, secure text chat or phone, healthcare professionals will be able to review patients' clinical information, discuss symptoms, provide medical advice, diagnose and prescribe medications as appropriate. At the end of each online consultation, a record will be captured automatically that the patient can share with appropriate healthcare providers including their own GP, maintaining continuity of care.
Dr Matthew Cullen, Group General Manager of Medibank Health Solutions, believes this new capability will build on Medibank's leading telehealth programs and assist the Australian Government's video-enabled initiatives which intend to increase consumer access to healthcare. "We are pleased to have finalised a licensing arrangement with American Well to deliver online video medical consultations to the people of Australia and New Zealand, whether resident or overseas.
"Our partnership with American Well allows us to provide an even stronger range of quality, convenient, cost-effective healthcare services - including acute, chronic, preventative and psychological care - directly into people's homes and workplaces, at any time and in any place."
"Medibank's efforts reflect and reinforce Australia's status as a global leader in telehealth. We are proud to enter into a strategic, long-term relationship that supports its vision of making online care a reality for the people of Australia and New Zealand," says Ido Schoenberg, MD, Chairman and CEO of American Well, Inc.
Medibank Health Solutions is committed to providing equal access to quality healthcare for the residents of Australia, whether they are located in major cities, in rural areas, or even in other countries working on behalf of their Australian and New Zealand employers. Part of Medibank's wider range of telehealth platforms, the capability will also assist the Australian Government's video-enabled initiatives which intend to increase consumer access to healthcare information.
Medibank expects to have the system operational by early 2012 (calendar year).
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About Medibank
Medibank is Australia's largest integrated provider of private health insurance and health care solutions.
Medibank Health Solutions offers innovative and cost-effective health care services to business and government. Drawing on more than 35 years' experience, working in partnership with over 4,000 businesses and government organisations, we help Australians to better manage their health.
Our team of over 1,500 medical and allied health professionals provide more than 3 million health care interactions a year, by telephone, online and from our Australia-wide network of clinics:
telephone and web-based health advice, coaching and counselling, around the clock, seven days a week
travel health for consumers and business
visa medical assessments
workplace health care.
Medibank, under its Medibank Private and ahm brands provides health cover to over 3.7 million Australians.
About American Well American Well brings healthcare into the homes and workplaces of patients in America. Its Online Care Suite is the industry's leading telehealth solution, connecting providers and patients for live, immediate, and clinically meaningful encounters using the Web or phone. With its patented technology, the Online Care Suite removes traditional barriers to healthcare access - such as geography, mobility, and time constraints - while enabling providers to deliver quality care in a flexible, convenient manner, generating revenue along the way.
