Winona Health SmartExam Now Serves Minnesota and Wisconsin

PORTLAND, Ore. — June 18, 2019 — Winona Health SmartExam, an online service that allows people to get high-quality, efficient healthcare via their smartphone, tablet or computer, is now available to residents throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

SmartExam, a direct-to-patient non-video virtual care platform created by Bright.md, allows individuals with colds, flu, allergies, rashes, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, pink eye, sore throat, ear aches and many other common medical conditions to receive a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription, if necessary, without an appointment or an in-person visit.

Using their smartphone, tablet or computer, Minnesota and Wisconsin residents now can receive care from anywhere—whether they are at their desk, at a soccer match or at home under a blanket on their couch. Access to this convenient care means they can feel better faster, whether it requires a prescription or medical advice to speed recovery and provide peace of mind.

A Winona Health SmartExam virtual visit costs $39, and treatment plans are provided in less than an hour. If no diagnosis is made, there is no charge for the SmartExam. Details about registering to be a SmartExam user are available at winonahealth.org/smartexam.

Individuals also can get prescriptions for birth control, erectile dysfunction medicine and support for behavioral health issues with SmartExam. Offering this level of care online allows Winona Health to overcome obstacles some patients face when deciding to get healthcare – taking time off work, the need for childcare and transportation, or even anxiety about in-person appointments.

To get care through SmartExam, patients answer a dynamic online questionnaire about their current symptoms, medications and health history. Information is reviewed by a healthcare provider at Winona Health, who provides a diagnosis and treatment plan. If the patient’s condition is more serious and requires an in-person visit, they are referred for an in-person appointment with a healthcare provider and not charged for the SmartExam visit.

Patients typically take 15-20 minutes to complete the medical interview. Providers usually respond within an hour. SmartExam saves patients the time, expense and disruption to their day of going to the doctor’s office. SmartExam saves healthcare providers time as well, and those lower costs are passed on to patients.

“We are committed to improving access to high-quality care that is also convenient and affordable,” said Winona Health President and CEO Rachelle H. Schulz, Ed.D. “We understand that between busy schedules and high-deductible insurance, convenience and affordability are increasingly important to people.”

For more information about Winona Health’s SmartExam, visit winonahealth.org/smartexam.

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