Walmart Health Announces Virtual Diabetes Program | Healthcare Innovation
On April 28, telehealth provider Phoenix-headquartered MeMD, part of the Walmart Health family, announced the launch of the Walmart Health Virtual Care Diabetes Program via a press release. The program aims to provide better care for patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and assist employers in supporting the specific health needs of their employees.
The release states that “More than 37 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and its prevalence is expected to grow 54% by 2030. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fewer than 20% of people with diabetes in the United States meet recommended treatment management goals, costing employers more than $20 billion per year.”
Further, “Available as a standalone or as part of a comprehensive medical and behavioral telehealth program, the Walmart Health Virtual Care Diabetes Program was developed for employers and payors to help their employees and members close gaps in diabetes management among employees and their families through early intervention, which could lead to better health outcomes.”
The solution, according to the release, integrates personalized diabetes education with behavioral health understanding and counseling. Members will be able to participate in a consultation with a licensed medical provider to give their patient history and schedule a visit with a licensed behavioral therapist to assist with mental health management.
Moreover, individuals can receive vaccinations, low-cost insulin, and diabetes medications at approximately 4,600 Walmart pharmacies in the U.S.
Robert Gabbay, M.D., chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Associate was quoted in the release saying that “At the American Diabetes Association, we believe successful diabetes management starts with knowledge. Education is key, and we are proud to partner with Walmart Health to develop a virtual diabetes management program for businesses. We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted routine diabetes care, so it’s important to plug back in and make your health and diabetes management a priority. With proper care and management, you have the power to prevent or delay diabetes complications.”