Teladoc Health Makes A1C Testing Easier for Members with Diabetes

Rhea-AI Summary

Teladoc Health (TDOC) has launched an at-home A1C testing program as part of its Livongo chronic care solution, enabling members to better manage diabetes. The service, provided by LetsGetChecked, allows for convenient self-testing and aims to close care gaps. Notably, 58% of members opted for the service, which boasts a significantly higher return rate than alternatives. Furthermore, 87% of users reported controlled A1C levels under 8%, compared to a 54% average in commercial health plans. This initiative enhances access to care and improves health outcomes, aligning with Teladoc's commitment to whole-person health.

Positive

• 58% of members prefer at-home A1C testing, indicating high demand.
• 87% of users achieved controlled A1C levels of 8% or less, outperforming the commercial health plan average of 54%.
• The program enhances access to care for underserved populations, addressing significant barriers.

Negative

• None.

At-Home Testing Improves Diabetes Care & Control for Individuals, Providers & Payers Alike

PURCHASE, NY, Aug. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teladoc Health (NYSE: TDOC), the global leader in whole-person care, announced today the addition of a home A1C testing program to its Livongo by Teladoc Health chronic care solution, making it easier for members to manage and control their diabetes. Livongo by Teladoc Health members will have the option to receive at-home A1C tests provided by LetsGetChecked, a leading healthcare solutions company that enables providers to administer diagnostics and care directly into the homes of patients. The announcement comes as new company data shows that 58% of members opt for the at-home service when given the chance, with a three to four times greater consumer test return rate than other options on the market.

Coupled with the highly successful Livongo by Teladoc Health diabetes management program and whole-person integrated programs to address hypertension, weight, mental health and other frequent comorbidities, 87% of members using the in-home test reported a controlled A1C of 8% or less. For context, the commercial health plan average was 54%^[1] of members having a controlled A1C of 8% or less, reinforcing the positive impact of the Teladoc Health program.

The results of the new at-home testing program are good news for individuals living with diabetes as well as those providing and purchasing their care. At-home testing closes gaps in care and outcomes reporting, improving clinical quality and streamlining the sharing of more complete data with HEDIS and other measures critical to both quality improvement and reimbursement.

“Meeting people where they are is paramount for enabling better clinical outcomes,” said Vidya Raman-Tangella, chief medical officer at Teladoc Health. “Social and environmental factors account for 50-60% of health, and we are addressing persistent challenges by offering in-home testing. The data gathered by giving more people necessary tools will help us to create actionable insights that fuel a more individualized approach to health care.”

Livongo by Teladoc Health members receive the at-home A1C tests – also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test – with one-click on their blood glucose meters. A1C is one of the commonly used tests to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes, and the main test to help members and their care teams manage diabetes. Individuals self-administer the sample blood collection via finger prick, and based on their results, are offered personalized next steps aimed to help members lower their A1C.

“At-home testing will not only help members better understand their risk, but better manage their conditions and live their healthiest lives on their own terms,” said Kelly Bliss, U.S. Group Health President at Teladoc Health. “For the more than 37 million people in the United States living with diabetes, this is a quick and effortless way for us to engage with members, at the moment they are managing their diabetes.”

The diagnostic testing, provided by LetsGetChecked, is key to ensuring equitable access to care as many populations may not have easy access to a physician or specialist who can perform a check-up or administer these tests. These at-home tests are also often used as a supplement to routine Livongo by Teladoc Health remote diabetes monitoring, which was recently proven to improve health and blood glucose measures regardless of a member’s socioeconomic status.

“The vertically integrated and modular LetsGetChecked platform plays an essential role in reaching underserved or geographically-isolated individuals who often face significant barriers to routine and recommended testing,” said Peter Foley, Founder & CEO of LetsGetChecked. “Through our collaboration with Teladoc Health, we will increase access to care and provide data enabled insights on population-based health initiatives, a particularly critical tool to address the prevalence of chronic health issues.”

About Teladoc Health
Teladoc Health empowers all people everywhere to live their healthiest lives by transforming the healthcare experience. As the world leader in whole-person virtual care, Teladoc Health uses proprietary health signals and personalized interactions to drive better health outcomes across the full continuum of care, at every stage in a person’s health journey. Ranked #1 among direct-to-consumer telehealth providers in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study, Teladoc Health leverages more than a decade of expertise and data-driven insights to meet the growing virtual care needs of consumers and healthcare professionals. For more information, please visit www.teladochealth.com or follow @TeladocHealth on Twitter.

About LetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked is a global healthcare solutions company that provides the tools to manage health from home through direct access to diagnostic testing, virtual care, and medication delivery for a wide range of health and wellness conditions. LetsGetChecked’s end-to-end model includes manufacturing, logistics, lab analysis, clinician support, and prescription fulfillment. Founded in 2015, the company empowers people with accessible health information and care to live longer, happier lives.
  
LetsGetChecked is available nationwide in the United States, the United Kingdom, and most EU countries. It is co-headquartered in Dublin and New York. For more information, please visit www.letsgetchecked.com or follow @LetsGetChecked onTwitter.

Contact
Carolyn W. Edwards
carolyn.edwards@teladochealth.com
+1 321-795-1952

Source: Teladoc Health, Inc. – General

FAQ

What is the new program launched by Teladoc Health (TDOC)?

Teladoc Health launched an at-home A1C testing program through its Livongo chronic care solution.

How does the at-home A1C testing program benefit Teladoc Health (TDOC) members?

The program allows members to manage diabetes more effectively by enabling convenient self-testing.

What percentage of members opted for at-home testing in the Teladoc Health (TDOC) program?

58% of members opted for the at-home A1C testing service.

How do the results of the Teladoc Health (TDOC) program compare to commercial health plans?

87% of users of the Teladoc program reported controlled A1C levels of 8% or less, compared to 54% in commercial health plans.

Who provides the at-home A1C testing for Teladoc Health (TDOC)?

The at-home A1C testing is provided by LetsGetChecked, a healthcare solutions company.