This text is part of the special section Philanthropy
In 2021, Green Shield launched the Digital Clinic, an ecosystem of virtual health services managed by the company or established with partners. A new way to treat yourself from your sofa or the place of your choice, with quick access to qualified professionals.
“COVID has accelerated and facilitated the transition to a digital service offering,” notes Steve Laberge, Vice-President Quebec and Strategic Solutions at Green Shield. Before the pandemic, very few people saw a healthcare professional online, but the pandemic has “pushed the industry forward” to examine what services can be offered safely and reliably virtually, preserving the same level of quality.
However, the vice-president observes that this emerging health system remains fragmented. “It’s hard to navigate the Internet, which offers very few centralized resources in one place. This is why we have developed a digital clinic offering our policyholders quality services offered by recognized professionals,” he explains.
A complete offer
Green Shield’s digital clinic covers many aspects of health, including general medicine and mental health. In the latter area, she provides personalized support that includes live sessions with a qualified therapist and allows for personalized cognitive behavioral therapy. The clinic also ensures that all insureds are able to instantly communicate with a physician licensed to practice in Canada, for medical care 24/7 from their computer or mobile phone. Many health problems, such as allergies, asthma, colds or flu, can thus be easily treated online.
Online support is offered by the digital clinic in other areas, such as physiotherapy, orthodontics, pharmacy, chronic pain and drug addiction. The management of the consumption of psychoactive substances is for example helped thanks to personalized virtual support which makes the link between doctors, therapists and a virtual companion. Patients with chronic pain also have access to virtual solutions to manage it themselves and communicate with their doctor.
These online services fit seamlessly into Green Shield’s vision, which includes accessibility and convenience, but also integration of care. “After an intervention, we are able to redirect the patient to another service if he needs it. By accelerating their orientation and making appointments, we allow people to be in better health,” says Steve Laberge.
Reduced bills
Green Shield has also partnered with suppliers to seek discounts on online purchases. “For example, this year we set up a partnership with an online eyeglass and contact lens retailer that does not have physical stores, which allows it to offer lower prices to our policyholders,” says Steve Laberge. .
The synergies put in place also prevent the company’s customers from having to advance large amounts. “There are people who deprive themselves of certain health services because they are unable to pay for them, even if they will ultimately be reimbursed by insurance. By making them pay only their share thanks to our partnerships, we manage to eliminate this financial barrier”, indicates the vice-president.
Three innovative treatments
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.