Cleveland Clinic, American Well Launching Digital Health Company
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Clinic and the Boston-based American Well are partnering on a telehealth initiative to offer comprehensive and high-acuity care services.
The Clinic will offer virtual care from its specialists through American Well’s digital health technology platform. The goal is to lead the industry toward integrated, digital care delivery models that complement and are connected to traditional care settings, according to a press release.
“Digital health is one of the fastest growing segments of the healthcare industry. There is an incredible demand for medical care to be delivered in more convenient and integrated ways,” said Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic, in a statement. “This new venture marks the first time that a major digital health technology platform has partnered with a globally recognized healthcare provider to deliver digital solutions for complex healthcare problems. This new digital health service will provide access to world-class Cleveland Clinic expertise and quality of care for patients in the U.S. and internationally.”
Individuals from around the world will be able to connect with specialists at the hospital for insights, opinions, recommendations and assistance for a number of conditions using American Well’s secure digital platform, according to the release.
“As the adoption and value of telehealth grows, there is significant potential to further advance the digital distribution of care,” said Ido Schoenberg, M.D., chairman and CEO of American Well. “Cleveland Clinic has long been at the forefront of offering virtual visits, and we’re thrilled to partner more closely with them to expand the frontiers for digital care delivery.”
In 2018, digital health visits increased 68% at Cleveland Clinic. According to the release, the health-care provider looks to double its number of patients served over the next five years, with 50% of outpatient visits being virtual.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
