The country's largest insurer is expanding coverage for virtual visits, a clear sign of legitimacy for a growing part of consumer-driven medicine.
UnitedHealthcare is increasing coverage options for virtual physician visits. Members in self-funded employer health plans now have a covered benefit for telemedicine physician visits via mobile phone, tablet or computer 24 hours a day. Starting next year, the insurer will cover virtual visits in all employer-sponsored and individual plans.
Members can pick from an in-network provider, "then see and speak with a doctor using real-time audio and video technology to obtain a diagnosis and any necessary prescriptions for minor medical needs," among them allergies, sinus and bladder infections, bronchitis and skin conditions.
"Consumers can save time and money choosing among quality physician groups from the convenience of their smartphone, tablet or home computer at any time of the day," said Jeff Alter, CEO of UnitedHealthcare's commercial group business.
The telemedicine option is also one approach to serving residents who live far from major metro areas, or in places suffering from physician shortages. They "enable consumers, especially people who live in rural areas of the country, to access quality, cost-effective health care, whether at home or on the go," Alter said.
United is working with a network of providers and telemedicine companies to offer the service in 47 states and Washington D.C., including Doctor On Demand, American Well's Amwell and also one of UHG's own subsidiaries, Optum's NowClinic.
"We are grateful that UnitedHealthcare has chosen Doctor On Demand as an inaugural video visit provider," said Adam Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Doctor On Demand.
"The nation's top health systems and health plans trust American Well to deliver an excellent patient experience," said Ido Schoenberg, MD, CEO of American Well. "We are delighted that patients served by UnitedHealthcare will now have Amwell as a covered benefit, giving them dependable and affordable access to medical care anytime."