A First in Madison: Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin Announces Virtual Visits
Madison, WI, March 18, 2014 – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) announces an innovative online option for members seeking treatment for everyday illnesses. This virtual visit option is the first of its kind to be offered in the Madison area.
GHC-SCW introduces virtuwell, the online medical clinic, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Right from the comfort of their home or office, members can be diagnosed and treated for more than 40 common health concerns such as sinus infection, pink eye, rash and more. GHC-SCW members receive three free visits a year, depending on their plan. To learn more click: https://ghcscw.com/virtuwell.
“We are thrilled to be the first in Madison area to offer this online care option for our members,” said Kevin Hayden, CEO of GHC-SCW. “We lead such busy lives, so a visit to primary or urgent care isn’t always the most convenient. Virtuwell may be the quickest and most efficient way to get the care you need.”
GHC-SCW partnered with Health Partners of Minnesota to bring the virtual visit to its members. Virtuwell is currently operating in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota, with further expansion planned in 2014. Members living in those states can be treated anywhere in the 50 states. Since its 2010 launch, the online medical clinic has treated hundreds of thousands of customers and 9 out of 10 would recommend to family or friends.
How it works
A patient begins by answering an online questionnaire about their symptoms. A certified Nurse Practitioner will then verify a patient’s medical history and allergies and, in most cases within thirty minutes or less, patients will receive an email or text containing a treatment plan.
More than 40 common conditions like sinus and bladder infections are treated through Virtuwell, including minor skin conditions like acne and rashes through an easy picture sharing experience. If needed, prescriptions are sent electronically to the member’s pharmacy of choice.
About GHC-SCW
GHC-SCW is a non-profit cooperative health maintenance organization representing over 79,000 members. As a consumer-sponsored health plan, GHC-SCW provides or arranges for health insurance products and the delivery of both primary and specialty health care to members living or working in and around the Dane County & Sauk communities. For seven consecutive years, the National Committee for Quality Assurance has ranked GHC-SCW as the top health plan in Wisconsin and among the top 10 health plans in the nation for quality in health care.
Contact:
Jeanan Yasiri Moe
GHC-SCW
Chief Planning and Innovation Officer
1265 John Q. Hammons Dr., Ste. 200
Madison, WI 53717-1962
www.ghcscw.com
608-662-4908
jyasirimoe@ghcscw.com
