Internet visits: a new approach to chronic disease management.
First Health has become the first national managed care company to establish reimbursement for Web-based Internet consultations between patients and their physicians. Initially limited to chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and congestive heart failure, the program will reimburse up to 24 consultations per year at a rate of $25 each. Privacy issues have been addressed by utilizing secure network procedures. First Health believes that this initiative will enhance subscribers' well-being and potentially reduce the rates of hospitalization and even lengths of stay.
Smith
Scott P
SP
First Health, 3200 Highland Ave, Downers, Grove, IL 60515, USA.
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D016494:Computer Security; D003219:Confidentiality; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D019114:Remote Consultation; D014481:United States