Methodist Family Health Centers, a part of Methodist Medical Group and affiliate of Methodist Health System, today announced the launch of Methodist NOW – an online diagnosis and treatment service that enables patients to receive convenient access to care by connecting them virtually with trusted Methodist Family Health Center providers.
Methodist NOW is powered by Zipnosis, a virtual care company that enables health systems to provide virtual care services, meeting the needs of patients while improving access to care and maximizing clinical capacity. This launch marks the next phase in Methodist Medical Group’s broad consumer access strategy.
Methodist NOW facilitates care delivery through evidence-based online interviews paired with real-time chat functionality that enables patients and providers to exchange messages when additional information is needed for a diagnosis. The trend toward healthcare consumerism is increasingly at the forefront of health system decisions.
In growing numbers, patients are making healthcare choices based on the ability of providers and health systems to bring value in the form of access and experience. This patient-focused mindset is at the heart of Methodist Medical Group’s strategic direction, and a key factor in their decision to launch Methodist NOW.
After logging on to Methodist NOW, patients complete a brief online interview during which they enter their symptoms and health history information. Once a patient’s symptoms are entered, a Methodist Family Health Center provider will review the interview results and then respond with a diagnosis and treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, prescriptions will be sent to the customer’s preferred pharmacy for pick-up. Patients can access Methodist NOW at any time of day, with providers responding within one hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days-a-week.
Meeting the demand for convenience, patients can seek care from their smartphones, tablets or computers and be treated virtually for more than 25 common health conditions including minor skin conditions, pink eye, upper respiratory infections like cold and flu, and seasonal allergies – all for a set fee of $40 payable by credit, debit or health savings card. Patients will also soon be able to join Methodist NOW as subscribers, receiving unlimited visits for a low monthly fee.
“Consumers need care to be available when and where they need it – a philosophy that Methodist Medical Group has embraced in their strategy to deliver greater access to care,” said Jon Pearce, Zipnosis CEO in a statement. “As the first Zipnosis customer to launch our new chat functionality, Methodist Medical Group has further proven their dedication to patient care and convenience as well as their willingness to blaze new trails, marking them as a true leader in the Texashealthcare market.”
