The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network app is available for patients with Apple and Android smartphones. Built by Inception Health, the innovation arm of the Froedtert & MCW health network, it launched in March 2020 to provide quick care options and make interacting with your health care provider a more personalized experience. Its launch also came at just the right time to assist patients who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
App Features
With the app being built in-house, Inception Health used input from Froedtert & MCW physicians and patients, who were asked what they would look for in a health care app and one might best meet their needs. Steve Basilotto, chief experience officer of Froedtert Health, says it was very important to gather that feedback prior to development to ensure current and future functionality could be planned. With that knowledge in tow, the app builders melded that information into an easy-to-use, patient-centered app. In its current form, the app features four main aspects:
Virtual Visits
In the current day and age of social distancing, virtual visits are a secure, easy and convenient way to connect with a health care provider without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Using your phone or tablet’s camera, two types of virtual visits can be conducted right through the app.
One is an on-demand virtual visit, where a clinician will assess common conditions such as a sore throat, skin rash or ankle sprain. The other is a scheduled visit with your established care team, such as your primary or specialty care physician, that takes the place of your in-person visit.
On-demand virtual visits carry a flat fee, while scheduled virtual visits are billed through your insurance provider.
MyChart Access
In addition to allowing the ability to visit virtually with your provider, having your MyChart account linked within the F&MCW app allows you a one-stop-shop access to all of your pertinent health care information. With just a few taps, you’re able to view your test results, send and receive messages with your doctors, digitally fill out any forms needed and manage your prescriptions.
FastCare Appointment Scheduling
If you are in need of same-day, in-person care, the ‘FastCare Clinics’ tab can help. Once you tap into it, you’re shown a map highlighting your location and nearby FastCare Clinic locations. Tap on a location and you will see its address and available appointment times. You can then choose the time that works best for you, briefly state the purpose of your visit and confirm your FastCare appointment.
More Functions Coming Soon
Inception Health plans to roll out additional features on the app to further help patients connect to care. For example, there will soon be digital health tools that your provider can prescribe you to use through the app, say for chronic disease management or mental health. There will also be a new feature that will give patients the ability to check in through the app for their in-person appointment, essentially bypassing the in-office check-in desk. Also, similar to the current FastCare Clinic process, you’ll soon be able to see open appointments for specialty care services, such as orthopaedics.
Download the F&MCW app for Apple iOS or Android, today.
