Rite Aid launches virtual health care kiosks

The Rite Aid Corporation is launching RediClinic Express, in partnership with InTouch Health, a telehealth company that offers healthcare providers solutions to efficiently deliver virtual care, according to a press release.

Rite Aid will leverage InTouch Health’s virtual care software platform, Solo by InTouch, to power the virtual health program to connect patients to clinicians via RediClinic Express kiosks located in Rite Aid stores. Patients will be able to speak with RediClinic clinicians directly via a secure, two-way high-definition audio/video connection.

RediClinic Express delivers an assessment with integrated medical devices and point-of-care testing. Medical visits in a RediClinic Express, with the help of trained medical assistants, utilize the same diagnostic equipment used during face-to-face examinations, such as an otoscope, dermascope and stethoscope. The technology provides an interactive patient experience where patients are able to see exactly what the clinician is viewing, utilizing diagnostic equipment and point-of-care testing.

“Virtual care is another opportunity for Rite Aid to offer patients the convenience of faster service and value-based healthcare,” Jocelyn Konrad, EVP, pharmacy and retail operations, Rite Aid, said in the release.

Rite Aid launched its first RediClinic Express kiosks in Drexel Hill and West Chester, Pennsylvania and will launch three additional locations in Langhorne, Huntingdon Valley and Narberth, Pennsylvania. These locations will initially offer medical care for illnesses including flu, strep, urinary complaints and preventive and wellness visits, such as travel healthy consultations for patients 18 months and older.

Under the partnership, patients will be able to schedule appointments online, utilize a self-service touchscreen for check-in, or speak with the kiosk’s clinical assistant upon arrival for an appointment. Following check-in, patients are escorted to a private kiosk where their vital signs are taken by the clinical assistant and they are asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. Once those steps are completed, the patient is matched with a clinician who will review their intake form and medical history from their remote location and then initiate the virtual care visit.

During a RediClinic Express virtual care visit, the clinician may diagnose the patient and determine the appropriate course of treatment following clinical care guidelines. If patients require a prescription or follow-up care, the clinician will submit the prescription to the patient’s pharmacy of choice and, if needed, recommend that the patient visit a healthcare provider.

Source: retailcustomerexperience.com