Minnesota is piloting a new telehealth test-to-treat program, which it says will help ensure that Minnesotans who have tested positive for COVID-19 have easy access to clinician care and therapeutic treatments that reduce their risk of serious illness or hospitalization.
According to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 – either with a home test or a test from a lab – can now download the Cue Health app and sign up with their Minnesota address to have a virtual consultation with a licensed clinician who will evaluate them to determine if therapeutic treatment is a good option.
If determined to be a good candidate for therapeutics, the clinician can issue that prescription to the patient’s local pharmacy. The press release further explains that in some areas of the state, those prescription medications can be delivered to the person’s home. All services will come at no cost to the Minnesotans who use this service. This pilot program is open to all Minnesota residents who have access to a mobile device.
“This pilot program is another tool in Minnesota’s toolbox for limiting the negative impacts of COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Minnesotans who test positive will be able to more easily access therapeutics that can help them get on the road to recovery. We know that accessing therapeutics within five days of developing symptoms of COVID-19 can greatly improve outcomes and help Minnesotans to avoid severe illness or hospitalization. We are continuing to find new and innovative ways to reduce barriers to access for those therapeutics.”
The Cue Health app is available to download for free on both Android and Apple iOS devices.
