UPMC partnered with Giant Eagle, a large supermarket chain, to deploy telehealth service kiosks in the pharmacy area at several of its stores.
The UPMC AnywhereCare kiosks will allow users with minor illnesses to connect with UPMC clinicians. They will be placed in existing private consultation rooms next to the pharmacy, initially at three store locations. The kiosks will be outfitted with a video camera, enabling patients to receive care for non-urgent symptoms, such as sore throats and earaches. If needed, prescription orders are sent electronically to the patient's pharmacy of choice.
Any patient in Pennsylvania can use the service, regardless of insurance status.
"We believe convenient access to medical care is lacking in certain geographical areas and are hoping that by piloting these services in our stores, our communities will receive the care they need at their convenience, including nights and weekends. If successful, we look to expand to additional Giant Eagle locations in the future," said Adam Zakin, senior director of new business development at Giant Eagle Pharmacy.
UPMC is following in the footsteps of Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare Health System, which announced a partnership with Publix in 2017 that includes plans for opening 25 walk-in telehealth clinics at Publix stores.