Spectrum Health Introduces a Virtual Health Service

MedNow is a fast, convenient and affordable way to receive medical care – virtually.

November 6, 2015

Spectrum Health announced today the official launch of MedNow, a fast, convenient and affordable way to receive medical care – virtually. By utilizing the latest and most secure technology, MedNow forges closer ties and enhances communication between patients and Spectrum Health providers.

“This health offering provides patients easy access to the care they need today, anywhere in Michigan, anytime,” said Spectrum Health Medical Group Chief Medical Officer Doug Apple, MD. “MedNow puts consumers in charge of how they want to connect with us and when. It’s health care on their terms.”

MedNow is an innovative service that uses Spectrum Health Medical Group doctors, part of the nationally-ranked Spectrum Health System, to provide care anytime. Consumers in Michigan can access care from MedNow if they have a Wi-Fi connection and a credit or debit card.

MedNow has three components:

On-Demand Care: Adult patients with conditions such as cold and flu, ear ache, pink eye, sprains and strains, sinus problems and other less serious conditions may connect with a Spectrum Health provider via a secured e-mail or video from their home or workplace, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In most cases, a clinician will respond within 30 minutes. Fees are $25 for an e-mail visit and $45 for a video visit, and may cost less depending upon insurance. A summary of all MedNow visits will be provided to each patient’s primary care physician and included in the patient’s medical record.
Specialty Care: Instead of traveling long distances for follow-up appointments with Spectrum Health specialists in Grand Rapids, current patients may schedule and connect via video at one of the Spectrum Health regional hospitals or rural clinics, saving time and travel expenses. Current available consultations include cardiology, diabetes, infectious disease, wound care, vascular services, oncology and others.
Monitoring: Chronically ill Spectrum Health patients can stay connected with their providers by using virtual tools that track and review their heart rates and other important data. Their clinician can monitor their condition on a regular basis to provide real-time feedback and necessary adjustments to their care plan.

Consumers can access MedNow in two different ways:

Telephone: 1.844.322.7374
Spectrum Health MyHealth mobile app

“MedNow is designed to provide very convenient access to great primary care that is not otherwise available while still acknowledging and supporting the patient’s primary medical home,” said Jay LaBine, MD, chief medical officer for Priority Health, Spectrum Health’s affiliated health plan. “The initial feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. We are adapting the way we deliver care to match the busy lifestyles of people today.”

More information is available at http://www.spectrumhealth.org/mednow

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 184 ambulatory and service sites; more than 3,400 physicians and advanced practice providers, including nearly 1,400 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 656,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 23,600 employees. The organization provided $283 million in community benefit during its 2015 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition.

spectrumhealth.org