Banner|Aetna member recovers faster thanks to convenient virtual care from 98point6

The following is a story from Dana McWilliams of Amalyn Consulting, a Banner|Aetna member and 98point6 virtual care user. 98point6 virtual care makes it easy for Banner|Aetna members to receive on-demand diagnosis and treatment from board-certified doctor from anywhere.

When Dana started to feel under the weather, like many people she was hesitant to make an appointment with a provider right away. The time, cost, and hassle of visiting a doctor’s office plus the added germs she would be exposed to while there meant she would spend the next few days treating her symptoms with over-the-counter medications and getting as much rest as she could. But by the third day, her symptoms were so severe she could hardly breathe.

As her health continued to decline, her significant other encouraged her to see a doctor. At that point Dana recalls that she “couldn't even imagine getting out of bed, let alone to an urgent care or clinic.” That’s when she remembered an e-mail about Banner|Aetna’s virtual care solution 98point6 which provides no cost, 24/7 access to primary care. Using a convenient text-based mobile app, eligible members can ask board-certified doctors medical questions and get a diagnosis and treatment plan along with any necessary prescriptions or labs orders with no appointment and no travel time.

Though Dana was initially reluctant to set up a new virtual care account, she decided to download the 98point6 app. To her surprise, she only needed to add her name, date of birth and the last 4 of her Social Security Number to get started. “I answered some questions about how I was feeling, waited on my couch for 15 minutes, and talked to a doctor without lifting my head off my pillow.” The provider sent Dana’s prescription to her local CVS Pharmacy^® and a complete visit transcript and personalized care plan were available in the app following the appointment so she could easily share this information with her partner. “I've never had such an easy, pleasant experience getting care when I was sick. Within two days of taking the medication I was feeling better. I think if I would have let it run its course, it would have been different.”

Members can also use 98point6 virtual care for routine and planned appointments. Another Banner|Aetna member with Type 2 diabetes uses the virtual care solution between regular primary care visits to save on medical costs while still getting necessary bloodwork and medication refills to manage their condition. 98point6 is just one of the innovative solutions Banner|Aetna has implemented to make it easier for members to connect with care options that fit their busy lives.

Employers or members can visit Banner|Aetna’s 98point6 virtual care program page for more information.

98point6 is a registered trademark of 98point6 Inc. Access to 98point6 is not included in all plans. 98point6 and 98point6 physicians are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Banner|Aetna. Using the 98point6 app does not replace the primary care physician and does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. 98point6 physicians will not prescribe DEA controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. Physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services.

Banner|Aetna is the brand name for products and services provided by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. Health benefit and health insurance plans are offered and/ or insured by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and/or Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. (Banner|Aetna). Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. are affiliates of Banner Health and of Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna). Aetna and Banner Health provide certain management services to Banner|Aetna.