Aetna International, one of the worlds largest health benefits businesses, has announced the first phase of the global launch of its service vHealth, making India the first market to “give patients a very different experience when they see a doctor”.
This new service allows delivery of consultations virtually, through a new mobile app, where patients can communicate with in-house primary doctors by video call, or by telephone call.
India is the first market in the world to see the launch of vHealth by Aetna, with subsequent launches planned in other key global markets later this year.
“The combination of our vHealthby Aetna centre, our clinical expertise and our extensive network of medical partners, allows us to provide a uniquely integrated healthcare journey, which we believe will be of enormous benefit to our members. We are very excited for India to be leading the way with this first launch of vHealth by Aetna, said Dr Sneh Khemka, President of Population Health, Aetna International.
The doctors can prescribe, refer to specialists, and advise on medical concerns. Not only does this innovative service provide comprehensive, accessible primary health care, it also paves the way for a fully connected care package, reducing the need for hospital visits, and allowing members to manage their own health and keep all their healthcare records in one place.
As well as the clear benefit of fast access to a doctor from any convenient location, vHealth by Aetna is also very cost effective, reducing the need for a physical consultation by an average of 47 per cent. Patients can rate their doctors immediately, and each doctor is carefully audited to ensure only the highest care, whilst maintaining complete confidentiality.
Healthcare can appear complex and hard to navigate. vHealthby Aetna can be a guide and partner in managing your familys health, said Manasije Mishra, Managing Director, Aetna India and Indian Health Organisation, a fully owned subsidiary of Aetna International which will offer the service in India.
In India, vHealth by Aetna will be available at an annual subscription cost of Rs 2,400 for a family of four. This will entitle members to unlimited primary care consultations, to include the management of chronic conditions, treatment of minor illnesses, advice on alternate treatment options, interpretation of diagnostic reports and guidance to stay healthy.
Diagnostic tests can be arranged at the members home and medication can be delivered to their door. Doctors will also refer members to appropriate medical specialists at our partner centres at discounted prices where appropriate.
Our doctors are trained and certified as per Swiss tele-medicine standards, and follow robust clinical protocols built by Medgate A.G., a Swiss market leader in tele-medicine for over 15 years. These protocols, customised for India, enable our doctors to provide evidence based diagnosis and care. We believe that the resulting clinical quality, together with the breadth and convenience of this service will be unparalleled in the Indian health care market, Mishra said.
The Indian Health Organisation plans to have 4 million members in India by 2020, with revenue of Rs 300 crore.
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