Convenient, low-cost virtual healthcare now available to Minnesotans:

Winona Health now offers an online service that allows people to get high-quality, efficient healthcare remotely and immediately. With SmartExam, patients with colds, flu, allergies, rashes, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, pink eye, sore throat, ear aches, and many other common medical conditions can receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription, if necessary, without an appointment or an in-person visit.

Winona Health SmartExam launched in Minnesota on February 20, 2019, with service for Wisconsin available soon.

Using their smartphone, tablet, or computer, patients can receive care from anywhere in Minnesota—whether they are at their desk, at a soccer match or at home under a blanket on their couch. Access to this convenient care means people can feel better faster—whether it requires a prescription or sound medical advice to speed recovery and provide peace of mind.

Winona Health SmartExam virtual visits are $39. However, through March 15, 2019, users can pay just $20. If no diagnosis is made, there is no charge for the visit. Details about registering as a SmartExam user are available at winonahealth.org/smartexam.

Patients can also get prescriptions for birth control and support for behavioral health issues with SmartExam. Offering this level of care online allows Winona Health to overcome obstacles some patients face when deciding to get healthcare—taking time off work, childcare needs, transportation to a clinic, or even anxiety about in-person appointments.

To get care through SmartExam, patients answer questions through a dynamic online interview about their current symptoms, medications, and health history. Information is reviewed by a healthcare provider at Winona Health and they provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. If the patient’s condition is more serious and requires an in-person visit, they are referred for an appointment and not charged for the SmartExam visit.

Patients typically take 15-20 minutes to complete the medical interview. Providers usually respond within an hour. SmartExam saves patients the time, expense and disruption to their day of going to the doctor’s office. And because SmartExam saves providers time as well, those lower costs are passed on to patients.

“We are committed to improving access to high-quality care that is also convenient and affordable,” said Winona Health President and CEO Rachelle H. Schulz, Ed.D. “We understand that between busy schedules and high-deductible insurance, convenience and affordability are increasingly important to people.”

For more information about Winona Health’s SmartExam, go to winonahealth.org/smartexam.