In a significant advancement in virtual healthcare, Cigna Healthcare, a subsidiary of The Cigna Group, has launched a new E-Treatment service through MDLIVE by Evernorth. This innovative solution allows Cigna members to receive immediate care for various ailments such as allergies, infections, and respiratory illnesses without the need for direct phone or video interactions. Instead, patients can complete a clinical interview via the MDLIVE portal and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan within an hour. The aim is to revolutionize how people with busy schedules access healthcare by providing a quick and efficient alternative to in-person visits.
Enhancing Accessibility and Satisfaction
The process of accessing this new service is both quick and user-friendly. By logging in to the MDLIVE portal through myCigna.com, patients can complete a virtual interview that typically takes about 8-10 minutes. This streamlined approach is designed to minimize the time and effort required for urgent care needs. Once the interview is submitted, users can expect a prompt response, with diagnoses and treatment plans delivered within an hour. If a prescription is necessary, it will be sent directly to the patient’s preferred pharmacy, further easing the process.
Statistics show high levels of satisfaction among users of the E-Treatment service. With a remarkable 99% satisfaction rate, it is evident that patients appreciate the convenience and efficiency this service brings. Notably, 34% of users are accessing this type of care for the first time, indicating a growing acceptance and confidence in virtual healthcare options. This service, powered by the Bright.md platform, is available to Cigna customers on individual marketplaces and employer plans, often with no co-pay. However, it is important to note that this service is not currently available in Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
A Strategic Shift in Healthcare Services
The introduction of E-Treatment by Cigna is part of a broader trend within the company to enhance its virtual care offerings. Beyond urgent care, Cigna is also expanding its services in primary care, behavioral health, and dermatology through its virtual platforms. This comprehensive approach to virtual care demonstrates Cigna’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers in an efficient manner. The virtual care expansion aligns with broader industry trends where major healthcare providers are increasingly investing in and embracing digital care solutions as part of their service repertoire.
Concurrently, Cigna is in the process of divesting its Medicare Advantage and other related businesses to Health Care Service Corporation for $3.7 billion. Despite this sale, Evernorth, another Cigna subsidiary, will continue to provide pharmacy services to those businesses until at least 2025. This transaction allows Cigna to focus its resources on expanding and enhancing its virtual care services. Furthermore, this divestment follows a scrapped merger with Humana, which would have formed a $140 billion healthcare giant. The shift indicates a strategic recalibration toward strengthening its core services and streamlining operations to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.
The Future of Virtual Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare, part of The Cigna Group, has introduced an innovative E-Treatment service through MDLIVE by Evernorth, marking a significant step forward in virtual healthcare. This new service enables Cigna members to receive prompt care for ailments such as allergies, infections, and respiratory conditions without needing to engage in direct phone or video consultations. Patients can complete a clinical interview on the MDLIVE portal and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan within an hour. This development aims to transform healthcare access for individuals with hectic schedules by providing a swift and efficient alternative to traditional in-person doctor visits. Additionally, the service ensures privacy and convenience, accommodating those who may feel uncomfortable with direct interactions or have constraints that make it challenging to visit a healthcare facility in person. By offering this streamlined approach, Cigna is addressing the needs of today’s fast-paced lifestyle, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for its members.
