Verizon launched its mHealth platform, Verizon Virtual Visits, which will allow users to make virtual appointments with doctors using their smartphones, tablets or computers.

Doctors will be able to use the platform to electronically send prescriptions to the pharmacies of a patient’s choice, and they can also provide referrals if they think more direct medical care is needed.The Big Red carrier is looking to connect patients, healthcare providers, health plans, and employers using its fast 4G LTE network. However, Verizon doesn’t need to put its brand to the face of patients, and many of them may never realize they are indeed connected to a service powered by Verizon’s platform.

Apps relying on the Virtual Visits technology will allow consumers to request a virtual medical session for acute conditions, like a cold, flu or sore throat. Doctors, on the other hand, will use the platform to electronically send prescriptions to the pharmacies of a patient’s choice, and they can also provide referrals if they think more direct medical care is needed. Verizon won’t be the one determining the pricing of these services, and that will be left to providers. Nevertheless, the idea is that a telemedicine session costs less than an actual visit to the doctor’s office.

Verizon’s extensive cloud infrastructure is HIPAA compliant to handle sensitive patient records, the fact that should get many providers and doctors to its side. Moreover, the carrier says that unlike competing services, their solution is built for mobile from the ground-up. The company will announce its first customers for Virtual Visits in the next few months.

[Via: VentureBeat]