The platform, available as a standalone or as part of a comprehensive medical and behavioral telehealth program, was developed for employers and payors to help their employees and members close gaps in diabetes management among employees and their families through early intervention with an eye on better health outcomes.
Walmart collaborated with the American Diabetes Association to produce the evidence-based virtual program for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, according to a news release.
“Our aim is to empower patients with the most up-to-date diabetes education and clinical care so they can take control of their health,” Walmart CMO Dr. John Wigneswaran said in the release. “Our program focuses on a patient’s physical and mental health, which also helps employers maintain healthier workforces and drive down overall healthcare costs.”
Walmart designed the telehealth offering to merge personalized diabetes education with behavioral health awareness and counseling. Members will participate in an initial consultation with a licensed medical provider to discuss patient history, eating habits and more to identify gaps in care, depression risks and schedule a follow-up visit with licensed behavioral health therapists.
Patients can also receive necessary vaccinations, low-cost insulin and diabetes medications at the more than 4,600 Walmart pharmacies in the U.S., the company said. The company intends to increase access to affordable medications with its $4 generic prescription program and low-cost ReliOn insulin, along with tests kits and supplies.
“At the American Diabetes Association, we believe successful diabetes management starts with knowledge,” ADA Chief Scientific and Medical Officer Dr. Robert Gabbay said. “Education is key, and we are proud to partner with Walmart Health to develop a virtual diabetes management program for businesses. We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted routine diabetes care, so it’s important to plug back in and make your health and diabetes management a priority. With proper care and management, you have the power to prevent or delay diabetes complications.”
