Telehealth provider Doctor On Demand is teaming-up with CareLinx, a nationwide network for in-home care, to bring in-home virtual care services to CareLinx clients. The partnership aims to expand CareLinx’s in-home care offerings and improve health outcomes for their clients, geriatric and high-risk patients who need support at home. For Doctor On Demand, this expansion into home care comes on the heels of the company’s recent launch to make its virtual care services available to over 33 million Medicare Part B Beneficiaries.
Why does it matter?
CareLinx tech-enabled caregivers already have digital care plans on their smartphones — enabling quality delivery of everyday care services such as bathing and meal prep, as well as direct communication to a patient’s family. Doctor On Demand will augment these existing services by connecting CareLinx clients with virtual care providers in real-time. CareLinx caregivers will support the Doctor On Demand registration process, and assist with in-home follow-ups and care coordination recommended by Doctor On Demand’s board-certified physicians as well.
On the other hand, eligible CareLinx clients will receive initial visits with board-certified physicians through Doctor On Demand at no cost. These virtual visits can be used to treat a spectrum of health issues, including diagnosis and testing of COVID-19, typical ailments like infections, rashes, cold and flu, and ongoing chronic disease like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid issues. Doctor On Demand physicians can also fill prescriptions and order lab work, and patients can see the same physician time and time again, building a trusted, personal relationship via video.
On the record
“We recognize the important role that caregivers play in families’ lives, so we are thrilled to be partnering with CareLinx to deliver meaningful support at such a critical time,” said Robin Glass, President of Doctor On Demand. “As seniors continue to shelter in place, Doctor On Demand plays a crucial role in ensuring caregivers can coordinate high-quality health care for their clients from the comfort and safety of home.”
“Our partnership with Doctor On Demand enables CareLinx to continue equipping caregivers with digital tools and technologies to make caregiving easier, more transparent, and higher quality,” added Sherwin Sheik, CEO, CareLinx. “Additionally, this partnership is helping to supplement in-home activities of daily living with a telehealth option for our clients, who may not otherwise realize they have the option to see a provider virtually for medical ailments. Combined with the in-home care they are receiving, these services can help provide an expanded continuum of care to help them stay healthy and safe where they want to be — at home.”
The context
The senior care market has been steadily growing in recent years, with baby boomers helping the market reach new heights year after year. The so-called “silver tsunami” has also brought new inventors to the market — many of which we cover in our “Senior Care 2.0” report. If you want to enter this market, that report will help you understand the needs and challenges lying ahead of wider adoption of digital health technologies among the senior population.
The Senior Care 2.0 report is available for $149 or as part of the Premium Membership for $49 per month. You can try out Premium Membership for free for 7 days.