Rite Aid enters partnership with American Well

BOSTON American Well announced Thursday that it has signed an agreement to bring American Well's Online Care services, where patients can access live, interactive online consultations with Rite Aid pharmacists from home and from private consultation rooms, to a select number of Rite Aid pharmacies.

Rite Aid is the first drug store chain in the nation set to bring American Well's live, online pharmacy consultations to patients, the company stated.

"Rite Aid is committed to delivering innovative services to our patients as part of our mission to help them live healthier, happier lives," stated Robert Thompson, Rite Aid EVP pharmacy. "The Online Care service offers patients another convenient way to engage with their Rite Aid pharmacist about their prescribed medication therapies and helps them understand how taking medication correctly and as prescribed can benefit their overall health."

Patients will be able to initiate consultations from the convenience of their home or in select stores, using the Web or a regular phone. During each consultation, Rite Aid pharmacists will be able to review the patient's history, speak with and see the patient and provide medication consultations and advice. The system will automatically compile a full record of each conversation when completed, supporting care continuity.

"We see the evolution of Online Care services spreading throughout the healthcare industry," stated Danielle Russella, EVP customer solutions of American Well. "With this partnership, Rite Aid will pioneer the introduction of on-demand access to pharmacists through technology."

Details of the agreement were not disclosed.