2013-03-06 14:32:09 -
TAMPA, Fla. (March 6, 2013) - WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today
announced an agreement with the Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth, Inc. (GPT)
to expand access to specialty health care services for its Georgia Medicaid and
PeachCare for KidsĀ® members. Through GPT's telemedicine network and services,
WellCare members can quickly connect with more than 200 specialists at over 300
patient locations in over 40 adult and pediatric specialties.
Using an interactive video session over a secure network, providers evaluate,
educate and treat patients who may have limited access to specialty care due to
geographic or time limitations. The number of telehealth sessions in Georgia has
increased exponentially in the last few years, from eight in 2006 to over
70,000 encounters in 2012.
"WellCare's partnership with GPT gives our members access
to one of the most
advanced telemedicine networks in the country," said David McNichols, WellCare
of Georgia President. "Telemedicine allows us to provide an additional level of
care for our members in rural and underserved areas, thus reducing the incidence
of untreated health problems and their physical and financial costs. WellCare
and GPT are providing the opportunity for these patients to get access to the
specialty health services they need without leaving their communities."
"GPT is very excited about WellCare's vision of providing quality care to their
members using telemedicine. We believe that rural citizens can have the same
access to top-level physicians as urban areas through technology," said Paula
Guy, Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth CEO. "Georgia is leading the way in the
telemedicine field, boosted by the growth and development of GPT and its
widespread acceptance by physicians and patients throughout Georgia."
WellCare Medicaid and PeachCare for KidsĀ® members should contact their primary
care physician in order to access telemedicine services. The local provider will
refer the member to the participating specialist, and an appointment will be
scheduled through GPT. Upon arriving at the local presenting site for the
appointment, the member will meet with the consulting specialist face-to-face
via video, with personnel on site trained to facilitate the examination.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to
government-sponsored health care programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for
families, children, and the aged, blind, and disabled, as well as prescription
drug plans. The company serves approximately 2.7 million members nationwide as
of Dec. 31, 2012. For more information about WellCare, please visit the
company's website at www.wellcare.com.
About Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth
Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth, Inc. is a charitable nonprofit corporation,
which was formed to promote improvements in healthcare and healthcare facilities
in rural and underserved communities throughout the state of Georgia by
assisting in the establishment of Telemedicine Programs. GPT is known as the
leading agency in Georgia focusing on increasing access to healthcare through
innovative use of technology including telemedicine, health information exchange
and TeleHealth. For more information about Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth,
please visit the company's website as www.gatelehealth.org.
CONTACTS:
WellCare
Marq Caughell
813-206-3956
marq.caughell@wellcare.com
GPT
Kelley Kesler
912-285-0902
kelley.kesler@gatelehealth.org
WellCare Joins With Georgia Partnership For TeleHealth:
hugin.info/145241/R/1683235/550837.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: WellCare Health Plans, Inc. via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1683235]