Kiosks Provide Unprecedented Access Availability
CANTON, Miss., June 8, 2016 ─In an effort to fill a critical need in healthcare accessibility throughout Mississippi, TelehealthONE announced a new program with fred’s Inc. to deliver walk-in telehealth kiosks to more fred’s Pharmacy locations. TelehealthONE is the state’s leading provider of comprehensive healthcare providing fully-integrated, state-of-the-art telehealth solutions to connect physicians and healthcare professionals with patients.
“By making it easier for our residents to access the care they need, we are hopeful that we can impact our health outcomes and make Mississippi a healthier place to live,” said Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. “It’s encouraging to see state telehealth and retail companies and one of our state’s largest health systems working together to improve the health of our state.”
TelehealthONE launched its first kiosk at fred’s Pharmacy in Flora, Mississippi in September of 2015, and due to the success of the program and the need for expanded healthcare options, TelehealthONE and fred’s have agreed to open additional kiosk locations. The next nine TelehealthONE kiosks to launch are planned for the following communities in Union, Pelahatchie, Carthage, Morton, Jackson, Pearl, Clinton, Lexington and Terry.
“Our mission is to improve the lives of patients and customers by providing quality healthcare services, and consumer products that deliver value to the communities we serve,“ said Rick Chambers, executive vice president, pharmacy operations, fred’s Inc. “Being a leader in providing flexible options for physician visits is just one step in that process.“
No appointments are necessary for patients wishing to seek care in a TelehealthONE kiosk. When visiting the kiosk, each patient will be accompanied by a pharmacy technician to assist in the connection with a provider. All insurance is accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare.
“If people have access to convenient, affordable and a variety of services under one roof, they are more likely to seek care regularly,” said David Powe, chairman, TelehealthONE. “That is an easy step to take to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle. There is a fred’s Pharmacy located within 15 miles of nearly all Mississippi residents, which is why adding our TelehealthONE kiosks will allow even more access to care.”
Visits to the TelehealthONE kiosk at fred’s Pharmacy locations will have the same copay as a conventional doctor’s office visit. TelehealthONE and fred’s Pharmacy do not replace the care provided by an emergency department; anyone experiencing a medical emergency should go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
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