ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesotans will soon have access to a virtual clinic, thanks to a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and American Well.

   America Well’s Online Care will provide Minnesotans with live interactions with physicians and other medical care providers. The virtual clinics at the worksite will emphasize treatment for common illnesses, monitor care for patients with chronic illnesses and offer preventive and wellness care.

   Online Care will be rolled out to Blue Cross’ 10,000 employees and family members at the company’s campuses in Eagan and Virginia, Minn. Blue Cross will then evaluate Online Care with the intention of making it available to employer groups and additional consumers as soon as 2010.

   “We believe that in order to get healthcare costs under control, respond to consumer needs and reshape healthcare delivery for the future, that new care models are critical,” said Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.