News

Telehealth console serves homeless men

June 17, 2014

Talbert House in Cincinnati, Ohio, a non-profit provider of transitional housing for homeless men and veterans, is providing live video doctor visits for its residents with a LiveHealth Online telehealth console.

The console, together with free online visits, is provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (the trade name of Community Insurance Company) and American Well, a telehealth services company that uses its mobile and Web platform to create live connections between patients and clinicians.

Talbot House residents face particular challenges in accessing healthcare because many do not have healthcare coverage, require transportation assistance, have inflexible work hours, or are resistant to seeking care.

The on-site telehealth console offers residents a private space inside the facility where residents can connect with a physician and use the console’s devices to report their vital signs or transmit video images to the doctor.

"Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to helping improve access to quality, affordable healthcare, particularly within high need populations," Dr.Barry Malinowski, Anthem’s vice president and medical director, said in a statement. "This collaboration with Talbert House and American Well creates a community-based telehealth initiative that can serve as a model to those facing unique healthcare challenges."

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and American Well have committed to a year of supporting the needs of Talbert House, including technology, clinical resources and services, and ongoing support.

Since the console’s launch, a number of Talbert House residents have had virtual visits with providers on issues ranging from head colds to flu-like symptoms, skin rashes, sleep issues, and stress.