Evernorth Adds Asynchronous Telehealth Options to MDLIVE

Cigna’s pharmacy, care, and benefits solution division Evernorth Health Services is acquiring Bright.md, adding asynchronous telehealth, triage, and care navigation services to its MDLIVE virtual care platform.

Beginning in 2024, patients will be able to receive care through the MDLIVE platform without interacting with clinicians in real time. Patients selecting the asynchronous care option will go through a digital interview that is converted into a chart note. Clinicians will review the notes and provide diagnoses, care plans, or prescriptions. They may also connect patients to a different care modality when needed. The asynchronous care solution is not supported by artificial intelligence or machine learning.

“We are transforming how care is accessed, coordinated and delivered to improve overall health – and virtual care is a critical component of our path forward as we enhance our primary care services to address health holistically," said Jon Salon, president of MDLIVE, in the press release. "By investing in digital, virtual-led care capabilities and diversifying the way our patients can access health care, we are creating a simpler, more personalized experience that can drive better outcomes.”

MDLIVE also plans to expand the Bright.md technology to support chronic disease management and wellness visits.

Founded in 2014, Bright.md has raised $30.8 million over eight funding rounds, according to CB Insights. The company has partnered with numerous health systems, including Louisville, Kentucky-based Baptist Health. The health system deployed Bright.md’s asynchronous telehealth solution in December 2021, expanding its virtual visit offerings from six medical conditions to 25, including coughs, sinus issues, and urinary infections.

Not only that, but Bright.md entered into a partnership with VitalTech, a remote patient monitoring (RPM) provider, in 2021. The organizations planned to integrate their technologies so that RPM patients could access updates on their symptoms and check in with their providers asynchronously.

“Bringing Bright.md's technology together with MDLIVE has exciting potential to expand access to care for millions more people — alleviating administrative burden on clinicians and improving outcomes,” said Steve Giannini, CEO of Bright.md, in the press release.

In addition to the Bright.md acquisition, Evernorth is adding health coaching services for chronic disease patients to the MDLIVE platform.

The services, powered by Welldoc, will be integrated into MDLIVE’s virtual primary care platform. The health coaches will connect with patients between clinic visits, helping support lifestyle changes like weight management and physical activity.

Health coaching will include personalized insights and reminders to help patients track progress, record and monitor vitals through activity-tracking devices, and manage medications. MDLIVE physicians will also have access to this information.

Since acquiring MDLIVE in 2021, Evernorth has expanded the virtual care platform in numerous ways.

For instance, in January 2022, MDLIVE launched its first RPM program. Available to all health plans offering MDLIVE primary care services, the program enables members to track and report biometrics, like blood pressure and glucose levels, to their virtual primary care providers, who can then review the data with them during their visits.

Not only that, but Evernorth has also expanded its virtual care portfolio through other partnerships.

In March, Brightline and Evernorth Health Services struck a partnership to support children and their families by expanding access to behavioral healthcare virtually. Through the partnership, Brightline's virtual therapy, psychiatry, and coaching services were made available to all Evernorth clients and Cigna members who receive health coverage through their employer or marketplace exchange plans.