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CVS now offering option for patients to video chat with doctors

<p><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/08/08/cvs-minuteclinic-telemedicine-telehealth/928004002/" target="_blank">CVS is rolling out</a> a digital doctor's visit feature on its app, giving patients an option to see a doctor via their smartphone. </p><p>The <a href="https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-healths-minuteclinic-introduces-new-virtual-care-offering" target="_blank">drugstore chain</a> announced Wednesday that CVS Health's MinuteClinic will offer virtual health care visits for patients wanting treatment for minor illnesses and injuries like a cold, flu or skin condition. </p><p>Here's how it works: Complete a health questionnaire, then get matched up with a board-certified health care provider licensed in your state. During the virtual visit, the provider will assess the condition and determine treatment, which may include calling in a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. They'll also make recommendations if a patient needs to be seen for a follow-up visit. </p><p>Video visits are available 24/7. They cost $59 and are currently payable by credit or debit card, with insurance coverage to be added in the near future. The virtual care offering is currently available in nine states and is expected to be rolled out nationwide by the end of 2018.</p><p>The company says the move is meant to give patients another, more convenient option for accessing health care. It comes as <a href="https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-acquire-aetna-combination-provide-consumers-better-experience" target="_blank">CVS gets closer</a> to acquiring insurance company Aetna and as <a href="https://www.newsy.com/stories/amazon-to-enter-pharmacy-market-with-pillpack-acquisition/" target="_blank">Amazon looks to move</a> into health care with its acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack. </p><p>Also Wednesday, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/08/cvs-health-earnings-q2-2018.html" target="_blank">CVS beat investors' expectations</a> for its second quarter earnings and revenue, which were driven up by prescription drug sales.  </p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/virus-clusters-may-be-why-norovirus-is-so-severe/">Newly Discovered 'Virus Clusters' May Be Why Norovirus Is So Severe</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/1-in-7-babies-from-women-exposed-to-zika-had-birth-defects/">1 In 7 Babies Born To Women Exposed To Zika Had A Birth Defect</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/as-heat-waves-worsen-so-will-the-other-trouble-they-cause/">As Heat Waves Worsen, So Will All The Other Trouble They Cause</a></li></ul>
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Gone are the days of waiting in the doctor's office to be treated. CVS is changing the healthcare game, and all you need is their app. 

It's called Telhealth and it's the latest way patients can be treated. Doctor's offices have been doing it for awhile, but now CVS's Minute Clinic is jumping on board. Whether you have insurance or not, you can use it.

There are a few stipulations if you're planning to use the video visit. You can only be seeking treatment for a minor illness, injury or skin condition. Each phone call will cost you $59.

To get started, users will need to download the CVS app and complete a health questionnaire. Users will then be matched with a healthcare provider in the patient's state. They will look over the questionnaire and the medical history provided. After that, the video chat begins.  

Many say this method is a better option than self-diagnosing yourself on WebMD. However, it does beg the question: can you really be properly diagnosed over the phone?

Kevin Flynn with Healthcare Advocates says Telehealth is helpful in many ways, but there are a few downsides, especially if you think you have the flu.

"There's also a danger with the flu, which is dehydration," says Flynn. "Can a doctor really properly diagnose the dehydration over tele-medicine?"

Flynn says Telehealth is great for those over the age of 40, who know and understand their bodies. But he says it's not great for the younger population, who don't really know that much about their health.

If you still like going into the doctors office to be treated, Flynn says, a little secret in the health world in that some doctors will take cash for an in-person consultation. 

And if you have insurance, make sure to check your plan doesn't already offer virtual chats before you go through CVS.