Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Walgreens Rolling Out Virtual Doctor Services In Five States With Plans To Expand In 20 More
USA Today: Walgreens Offering Digital Doctor Visits In 5 States
Pharmacy giant Walgreens is rolling out $49 digital doctor visits that will enable customers to connect via their computer or tablet with a doctor at any time of day or night. Walgreens, which sees the service as an extension of its popular walk-in clinics, launched the program in five states last week and plans to add another 20 states, where such doctor visits are permitted, by the end of the year. (Weintraub, 6/17)
The Associated Press: Doctor Says Virtual Health Care Can Help Senior Patients
Millions of people will be able to see a doctor on their smartphones or laptops for everyday ailments once the nation’s largest drugstore chain and two major insurers expand a budding push into virtual health care. Walgreens said that it will offer a smartphone application that links doctor and patients virtually in 25 states by the end of the year. That growth comes as UnitedHealth Group and the Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Anthem prepare to make their own non-emergency telemedicine services available to about 40 million more people by next year. (6/17)
The Associated Press: CVS Health Launches Health, Beauty Makeover For Drugstores
CVS drugstores that quit tobacco sales last year are now getting health and beauty makeovers and a shot of ethnic diversity in some cases to attract customers who want more than a prescription refill. The nation's second-largest drugstore chain said Wednesday that it is adding fresh foods, healthy snacks and expanded beauty options to many of its locations. It also is testing a new format designed for stores that serve Hispanic populations. (6/17)
On Capitol Hill, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., wants answers from pharmacies and online companies about sales of questionable supplements that promise seniors protection from memory loss and other age-related health issues -
The Associated Press: Senator Probes Retailers On Dubious 'Brain' Supplements
A high-ranking Senate Democrat is probing retailers and online companies about sales of dubious dietary supplements, especially those promising seniors protection from memory loss, dementia and other age-related problems. The pills, tablets and formulas targeted by Senator Claire McCaskill bear names like “Brain Awake,” ”Dementia Drops” and “Food for the Brain,” which claims to ease “forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.” (Perrone, 6/17)
