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$49 Telemedicine Service Broadens FL Hospital's Market Share

September 07, 2016

Anyone can use Tampa General's virtual care app, including those who don't see doctors at TGH, regardless of insurance status.

Tampa General Hospital's new Virtual Care app brings telemedicine services to patients—and it's the first hospital in its market to do so.


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In fact, the hospital is broadening its market with the app. Anyone can use it, including those who don't see doctors at Tampa General or who live out of state. Telemedicine services cost $49, regardless of the patient's insurance, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

"Telehealth or telemedicine was never designed to replace the relationship with your primary care physician," said Tampa General Senior Vice President Michael Gorsage. "But this is another avenue that works on behalf of the patient and the providers."

And so far, the avenue is proving to be a success. As of July, more than 2,300 patients had signed up for the app, resulting in 395 e-visits. According to Gorsage, the average user is a woman under age 50 who is reaching a doctor with her smartphone.

The hospital is promoting the app via a microsite and social media, including a 30-second video geared toward busy moms. The spot depicts a mother driving three children around when one comes down with a cough. She stops the car, pulls up the virtual care app, and has a physician examine the child for symptoms.

"That's going around, I'll send in a prescription," the doctor says.

"Thanks, doc," the mom replies.

While Tampa General currently has no local competition in the telemedicine arena, Gorsage said he expects other Tampa Bay hospitals to incorporate a similar app into their services soon. Tampa General is hoping to get an edge on the competition by including some of its own physicians into the Virtual Care app network.

In May, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health launched $49 telemedicine visits through its Connect Care program. The health system piloted the virtual care service by making it accessible to employees only beginning in February.


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