Another retailer has entered the telehealth market with the launch of Walgreens Vrtual Healthcare, a service that offers chat visits for $33 and video visits from $36 to $75 to be paid out-of-pocket.
Currently available in nine states, you can consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner about common ailments such as acne, seasonal allergies, urinary tract infections, birth control and emergency contraception, and quickly receive a diagnosis and prescription, Walgreens said. Most visits are available to patients 18 to 64 years old.
Insurance for the virtual visits will not be accepted at this time but it can be used to cover prescription costs, Walgreens said. The plan, however, is to eventually accept insurance, flexible spending accounts and healthcare savings accounts, the retailer added.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
At present the service is being offered in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Walgreens said it intends to roll it out to other states shortly. Urgent care service is not yet available in Michigan, it added.
Telehealth gains momentum
Other newcomers to the telehealth space include Amazon and Costco.
Earlier this month, Amazon’s One Medical unit launched an on-demand virtual health care service priced at $9 per month or $99 annually for Prime members, with no additional costs for receiving care. Prime members can also add up to five additional members for $6 per month or $66 annually.
And in late September, Costco announced a partnership with healthcare marketplace Sesame. Costco members can receive discounted pricing on a range of services, including virtual primary care for $29 and virtual mental health therapy for $79.
How it works
To get started using Walgreens Virtual Healthcare, you'll need to visit the company's dedicated website, complete an online intake form and make a payment. From there, you'll be connected with a clinician and can begin a chat.
Walgreens said that if you need treatment, you can either arrange to pick up your prescription in a store or have it delivered.
Related Content
-
Why Uber Stock Is Volatile After GM's Cruise AnnouncementUber stock is swinging this week following news that General Motors is restructuring its Cruise unit. Here's what you need to know.
-
UnitedHealth Stock Falls as Lawmakers Eye Insurers, PBMsUnitedHealth stock is continuing to fall Thursday after the introduction of bipartisan legislation targeting PBMs and healthcare giants. Here's what to know.
-
Walgreens Launches Digital Tool To Help Save On Prescription CostsWalgreens says its Rx Savings Finder will help customers compare coupon prices to get the best deal.
-
Some Walgreens Pharmacists Walk Out Over 'Harsh' ConditionsWalgreens walkout follows two others last month by CVS staff who also cited poor conditions that put patients and staff at risk.
-
Walgreens Enters Medicare Advantage Market in 4 StatesWalgreens is launching Medicare Advantage plans with Alignment Healthcare in select markets in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.
-
Walgreens Expands Healthcare Reach With New PartnershipThe healthcare deal aims to help Walgreens grow its community-based primary care services.
-
Need a Flu Shot? Get a Shopping Perk TooCVS, Walgreens, Kroger and many other retailers are offering incentives for getting flu shots at their pharmacies.
-
Walgreens Delivery: Same-Day Service, Now 24/7
Need that Advil and Diet Coke right now? The pharmacy giant is the first of its kind to offer 24-hour same-day delivery.
