UnitedHealth Group Inc., which has operations in Hartford, said it has partnered with network software maker Cisco Systems Inc. to launch a “telehealth” network, which will use video technology to facilitate remote doctor-patient visits.
UnitedHealth first revealed plans to launch such a network last week, but held off on releasing some details until this week, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal reports in its online edition.
The “Connected Care” program, which UnitedHealth Group said is the first of its kind, is intended to expand health care resources into underserved rural and urban areas. UnitedHealth Group, which has committed tens of millions of dollars toward the initiative, marked the announcement with the unveiling of an 18-wheel Connected Care mobile clinic.
“Connected Care is the house call for the 21st century and is our latest innovation providing people with greater access to quality care,” said Stephen Hemsley, UnitedHealth Group’s CEO.
The health provider is currently developing six Connected Care programs around the country.
UnitedHealth Group is based in Minnetonka, Minn. Cisco, which will provide the video conferencing and other network technologies, is based in San Jose, Calif.
