With telehealth on the rise in 2020, UW Medicine just inked a partnership that will give countless patients access to virtual healthcare services.
On Wednesday, UW Medicine announced that it’s partnering with Seattle-based startup 98point6 to bring its services to UW Medicine patients.
98point6 has created a text-based telehealth platform that connects patients to a network of doctors via text. This allows people to chat with medical professionals 24/7 about their health concerns, whether that’s a rash, fever, cough or even medication refills.
This kind of service is key during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only does it allow people to check in with doctors if they’re experiencing COVID-related symptoms, it also allows people who have non-COVID-related issues to get in touch with a doctor without having to go to an overwhelmed hospital or urgent care.
Aside from this partnership, 98point6 is having a successful year. The company raised $43 million in funding in April, and then another $118 million in October. Previously, 98point6 revealed that its customer membership has grown over 274 percent since the end of 2019.
“We listened to patients and heard that they want a simpler, more accessible way of getting their medical concerns addressed. We’re confident that this new collaboration offers the safe and convenient care that they seek,” Dr. John Scott, the medical director of UW Medicine Digital Health, said in a statement.
UW Medicine patients will be able to sign up for 98point6’s services at an introductory price of $30 for three months, plus $1 per visit. If patients would like to continue, they’ll pay $120 for a yearly subscription.
