CVS Health Debuts Virtual Primary Care

CVS Health’s transition from a pharmacy-only focus to more of an overall health care effort continued with the launch of CVS Health Virtual Primary Care, a virtual care solution that’s available through a digital platform, according to a press release Thursday (May 26).

CVS Health Virtual Primary Care “connects CVS Health’s services, clinical expertise, and data for a more coordinated and consumer-centric health care experience,” the press release said, adding it “enables consumers to choose care when and where they want,” continuing CVS’ move into primary care.

The new offering, which is being sold to Aetna fully insured, self-insured plan sponsors, and CVS Caremark clients, takes effect for eligible Aetna members starting Jan. 1, 2023, and for eligible CVS Caremark members during the second quarter of 2023. CVS Health Virtual Primary Care serves as a complement to Aetna’s existing virtual care strategy.

“We’re meeting people where they are on their health care journey and providing care that is more convenient and easier to access. When we make it simple, we can help people lead healthier lives,” said Creagh Milford, vice president of enterprise virtual care at CVS, in the release.

CVS Health Virtual Primary Care will give members access to primary care, on-demand care, chronic condition management and mental health services virtually, with the option of being seen in person when needed at an in-network provider, including MinuteClinic.

It will feature a member-selected physician-led care team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses accessed through the platform and will use an interoperable electronic health record for both virtual and in-person care. That data can be shared with other healthcare providers.

Related: CVS Leans on Tech, Robotics to Drive Post-COVID Efficiencies as Store Count Declines

Earlier this month, CVS said it’s looking for ways to deploy new tech to help streamline connectivity with customers while also helping to boost sales and profitability.

The $125 billion Rhode Island-based healthcare provider now generates about two-thirds of its sales and profits from its healthcare and pharmacy benefit businesses, and its chain of 9,900 stores in 49 states is still a highly lucrative and growing operation, albeit one that CVS is consciously shrinking in the next three years.