Green Shield Canada announced this week that it is partnering with telemedicine provider, Maple, to expand the company’s virtual health services lineup.
Maple is the most recent addition to Green Shield’s line of digital health initiatives, which includes an investment in BEACON, a guided digital mental health therapy provider, an investment in Portag3 Ventures, a global fintech fund, and the introduction of several digital coaches for exercise, diabetes management and virtual physiotherapy.
“Canadians face some of the longest wait times when compared to other developed countries and our system is increasingly under pressure due to our aging and growing population,” says Green Shield’s executive vice president of innovation and marketing, David Willows. “We are continually exploring how evidence-based digital health technologies can transform the health care experience for plan members.
Speak with a doctor in two minutes
Maple gives plan member access to hundreds of English and French-speaking Canadian doctors across the country. The average wait time to speak with a doctor is two minutes. Doctors on the system can provide diagnoses, prescriptions, medical notes and lab requisitions as necessary during an online consultation.
In a statement the company says “the growing challenge around access to primary care in Canada has impacted absenteeism and productivity for Canadian employers. An average clinic visit results in around four hours away from work, even for a simple prescription renewal.” Willows adds that “Green Shield plan members will now be able to address issues the moment they arise, from wherever they are, resulting in fewer workplace absences, improved productivity and enhanced well-being.”
