CVS Health eases access to virtual health care

CVS Health is launching a new health care benefit called Aetna Virtual Primary Care.

Offered through the CVS Health Aetna medical insurance subsidiary, Aetna Virtual Primary Care offers members access to a diverse panel of board-certified physicians and coordinated care from a consistent team of specialists based on their health needs. Members will have a continuous relationship with a virtual care physician, beginning from their first 30-45 minute comprehensive primary care visit and extending to every visit thereafter.

[Read more: Done deal: CVS Health finalizes acquisition of Aetna]

In addition, Aetna Virtual Primary Care provides virtual nurse care team through unlimited in-app text or phone for pre, during, and post-visit support, including navigation to in-person local providers, as well as labs and testing. 

Other offerings include in-person visits with in-network health care providers with no referral requirements, personalized biometric screenings and support for managing chronic health issues, and $0 co-pay for virtual primary care visits and select in-person services at MinuteClinic and CVS HealthHUB locations.

The service will also provide access to existing Aetna virtual care offerings, such as mental health counseling, dermatology services, and 24/7 urgent care. Aetna Virtual Primary Care is based on Teladoc Health's longitudinal, physician-led care team model.

"The future of digital health solutions is rapidly unfolding," said Dan Finke, executive VP, CVS Health, and President, Aetna. "Aetna Virtual Primary Care is a first-of-its-kind health care solution that provides a simple, affordable, convenient way for eligible members to receive quality primary care from a physician-led care team that knows them and is accessible from virtually anywhere."

"Aetna Virtual Primary Care gives our members the power of choice and convenience, making it easier for people to get and stay healthy, even when balancing the demands of work and life," said Finke. "This, coupled with access to in-person visits with providers in our network, including MinuteClinic and HealthHUB locations, provides the flexibility needed for better health outcomes."