First telehealth provider launches on the Google Health platform

Users of Google Health who have scheduled telehealth consultations with physicians or mental health therapists via MDLiveCare will be able to share medical records with their doctors before the appointments and receive records from the doctors after the appointments, thanks to a new collaboration between the two companies.

The integration is the first of its kind on the Google platform, according to MDLiveCare, and marks the introduction of telehealth services to Google Health’s directory of online services.

“Our users have been telling us that they want more access to convenience services, like being able to securely e-mail, schedule and consult a doctor online,” says Roni Zeiger, MD, product manager, Google Health.

Bob Smoley, CEO of MDLiveCare, says that by enabling patients to review their medical records and information about their video, telephone, and e-mail consultations, the partnership is expected to increase patient awareness and adherence to treatment recommendations.

Health professionals credentialed to operate on MDLiveCare’s national network of board-certified physicians and licensed mental health therapists are required to pass an evaluation process that verifies their board certifications, clinical knowledge, and patient manner, as well as their ability to operate the system, according to MDLiveCare. Once certified, network physicians and therapists can interact with patients remotely to diagnose and treat common conditions, order lab tests, and write electronic prescriptions. With Google Health, physicians and therapists can access patients’ electronic personal health records at the point of care.