Cigna Healthcare Makes Virtual Care Even Easier and More Convenient with New E-Treatment Option from MDLIVE

Rhea-AI Summary

Cigna Healthcare has launched an E-Treatment option through MDLIVE by Evernorth, offering U.S. customers quick access to urgent care without direct interaction. This service, available to those with coverage through the individual marketplace or their employer, typically delivers diagnoses and treatment plans within one hour for common, lower-risk conditions.

Customers can submit a virtual clinical interview through the MDLIVE portal, which usually takes 8-10 minutes to complete. The service has shown high patient satisfaction, with 99% of patients happy with their experience. Many Cigna Healthcare customers can access this service with a $0 co-pay, along with other virtual care options like primary care, behavioral health, and dermatology.

Positive

• Introduction of E-Treatment option for quick and convenient urgent care access
• Diagnoses and treatment plans typically delivered within one hour
• High patient satisfaction rate of 99%
• $0 co-pay for many Cigna Healthcare customers
• Expansion of virtual care options including primary care, behavioral health, and dermatology

Negative

• E-Treatment not available in Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia

Healthcare Technology Analyst

Cigna Healthcare's introduction of E-Treatment through MDLIVE marks a significant advancement in virtual care accessibility. This innovation addresses the growing demand for convenient healthcare solutions, potentially impacting customer retention and acquisition for Cigna. The one-hour turnaround for diagnoses and treatment plans is particularly noteworthy, as it could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

The high patient satisfaction rate of 99% suggests strong market acceptance, which could translate to increased utilization and revenue. Moreover, the 34% of first-time MDLIVE users indicates potential for market expansion. However, the availability in certain states may hinder full market penetration. Investors should monitor how this service affects Cigna's competitive position and its impact on the company's financial performance in the coming quarters.

Financial Analyst

The launch of E-Treatment could positively impact Cigna's financial performance. By offering a more efficient care delivery model, Cigna may see reduced operational costs associated with traditional care methods. The $0 co-pay for many customers could drive higher utilization rates, potentially leading to increased customer loyalty and retention.

Investors should watch for potential revenue growth from this service, especially in the individual marketplace and employer-sponsored plans. The acquisition of Bright.md's technology by MDLIVE suggests strategic investments in digital health capabilities, which could yield long-term benefits. However, the initial costs of implementing and scaling this technology may impact short-term profitability. Future earnings reports should be closely monitored to assess the financial impact of this new offering on Cigna's bottom line.

Medical Research Analyst

The E-Treatment option represents a significant shift in healthcare delivery, potentially improving access and efficiency for common, lower-risk conditions. The 8-10 minute virtual clinical interview could lead to faster interventions and potentially better health outcomes for patients. However, the efficacy and safety of this approach compared to traditional in-person or video consultations need to be carefully evaluated.

The system's ability to escalate care when necessary is crucial, but the criteria for escalation and the accuracy of diagnoses made through this method should be closely monitored. Long-term studies on patient outcomes, misdiagnosis rates and antibiotic stewardship will be essential to validate this approach. Investors should pay attention to any regulatory scrutiny or clinical studies that may impact the adoption and expansion of this service in the healthcare industry.

• E-Treatment services powered through MDLIVE by Evernorth routinely deliver customers diagnoses and treatment plans within one hour without any direct interaction
• Now available to U.S. Cigna Healthcare customers who have coverage through the individual marketplace or their employer

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Healthcare, the health benefits division of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), launched an "E-Treatment" option through MDLIVE by Evernorth. Beginning this month, customers have quick, flexible access to urgent care from board-certified doctors, without any direct interaction via phone or video.

For many common, lower-risk conditions, such as allergies, eye or ear infections, urinary tract infections, and some respiratory illnesses like the flu, customers can submit a virtual clinical interview through the MDLIVE portal, and typically within one hour, they will receive their diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

"Our customers lead busy lives, and getting care shouldn't be put on the backburner," said Heather Dlugolenski, U.S. employer strategy officer, Cigna Healthcare. "By offering customers multiple ways to conveniently connect with board-certified clinicians, they can be more effective with their time and continue putting their health and vitality first."

Through myCigna.com, customers click "Talk to a Doctor" to get started with MDLIVE's virtual urgent E-Treatment option. The virtual clinical interview typically takes 8-10 minutes to complete. Once submitted, MDLIVE board-certified doctors review the information and share back a diagnosis and treatment plan. Customers are notified through a text or email when their visit summary is ready, and any needed prescriptions are sent to the customer's preferred pharmacy. If a higher level of care is needed, a customer's care can be escalated to a video visit with the same doctor or to in-person care.

 "Patients and doctors alike recognize that some conditions shouldn't require patients to wait to speak with a doctor to begin having their illness assessed," said Dr. Eric Weil, chief medical officer, MDLIVE. "We want to offer multiple options in the way that patients access care, and our clients are demanding that. While not a substitute for seeing a provider in person for more serious conditions, E-Treatment enables choice and flexibility for patients. It also frees up clinicians to practice at the top of their license by spending time with patients when direct interaction is really needed."

Internal data show that 99% of patients are happy with their experience[1], and 34% were using MDLIVE virtual care for the first time.[2] E-Treatment, which is powered by MDLIVE's acquisition of the platform and technology from Bright.md, is now available to customers* who have Cigna Healthcare insurance through the Affordable Care Act individual marketplace or their employer, many of whom have access to the service with a $0 co-pay. Many Cigna Healthcare customers also have access to virtual urgent care, primary care, behavioral (therapy and psychology) and dermatology.

*E-Treatment is available in U.S. states, except: Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

About Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits and others. Learn more at CignaHealthcare.com.

¹ Cigna Healthcare internal reporting among customers with pilot access to E-Treatment who provided in-app feedback, July 2024
² Cigna Healthcare internal reporting of accounts with pilot access to E-Treatment, June 2024

Media Contact:
Jocelyn Parker
313-510-4173
jocelyn.parker@cignahealthcare.com  

 

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SOURCE Cigna Healthcare

FAQ

What is Cigna Healthcare's new E-Treatment option and how does it work?

Cigna Healthcare's E-Treatment option, powered by MDLIVE by Evernorth, allows customers to submit a virtual clinical interview for common, lower-risk conditions. Board-certified doctors review the information and typically provide a diagnosis and treatment plan within one hour, without direct interaction.

Who is eligible for Cigna Healthcare's E-Treatment service?

The E-Treatment service is available to U.S. Cigna Healthcare customers who have coverage through the individual marketplace or their employer, except in Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

How long does the E-Treatment virtual clinical interview take to complete?

The virtual clinical interview for Cigna Healthcare's E-Treatment service typically takes 8-10 minutes to complete.

What is the patient satisfaction rate for Cigna Healthcare's E-Treatment service?

According to internal data, 99% of patients are happy with their experience using Cigna Healthcare's E-Treatment service.

Does Cigna Healthcare (CI) offer other virtual care options besides E-Treatment?

Yes, many Cigna Healthcare customers also have access to virtual urgent care, primary care, behavioral health (therapy and psychology), and dermatology services.