Walmart Health Acquires Telehealth Provider MeMD

Walmart Health has entered into an agreement to acquire MeMD, a multi-specialty telehealth partner, according to a Thursday (May 6) press release.

The release said the acquisition works toward Walmart’s goal of “integrated, omnichannel health delivery that leverages data and technology to improve engagement, health equity and outcomes.”

“Telehealth offers a great opportunity to expand access and reach consumers where they are and complements our brick-and-mortar Walmart Health locations. Today people expect omnichannel access to care, and adding telehealth to our Walmart Health care strategies allows us to provide in-person and digital care across our multiple assets and solutions,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Health and Wellness in the release. “Our Health & Wellness mission is to focus on the consumer’s seamless experience and improved health. We are excited to welcome MeMD employees to the Walmart family, and we are looking forward to together, accelerating health care access across the country.”

In the next few months, Walmart will use the acquisition to give more access to virtual care around the nation, including urgent, behavioral and primary care. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. No financial details were released.

MeMD was founded in 2010 by Dr. John Shufeldt in order to provide nationwide telehealth services.

“We’ve achieved incredible strides in making health care available to individuals and businesses around the country through our easy, affordable and intuitive online platform. We can’t imagine a better partner than Walmart as we are both committed to innovative health care delivery and bringing affordable, high-quality care to as many people as possible,” said MeMD chief executive officer Bill Goodwin per the release. “MeMD’s mission fits perfectly with Walmart’s dedicated focus to help people save money and live better, and now we can impact millions more by being part of Walmart.”

Last year, PYMNTS wrote that Walmart wanted to use its previous experience building retail supercenters and apply that to healthcare.

The idea followed the retail giant’s openings of numerous clinics across states like Florida, Georgia and Arkansas, providing things like basic walk-in services along with X-rays, behavioral health and dental.