Rite Aid offers 'virtual' clinics

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is teaming up with OptumHealth to become the first to provide "virtual clinics" in a retail pharmacy setting.



Rite Aid announced Thursday the launch of NowClinic online care services at select Rite Aid stores in the Detroit area. NowClinic allows Rite Aid customers to interact in real time with doctors and OptumHealth nurses.



Customers will be able to use the Internet to have private consultations with doctors about symptoms, as well as obtaining guidance, diagnoses and prescriptions for certain medications. They also can have conversations with nurses, who can provide basic healthcare education, information on common medical problems and identification of appropriate provider options for care. Customers can obtain a record of each interaction to share with a primary care provider.