Mayo Clinic Launches Kiosk Pilot

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

The Mayo Clinic has announced plans to virtually connect patients to providers through kiosks in Southeast Minnesota.

Patients in Southeast Minnesota will soon have virtual access to a doctor simply by stepping into one of the Mayo Clinic’s HealthSpot kiosks. Fierce Mobile Healthcare reports the kiosks will allow patients to talk to doctors and nurses about minor issues such as a rash or cold without an appointment or long wait.

“Mayo Clinic is committed to reducing health care expenses for employees and employers by improving access to medical services through convenient and more affordable care through Mayo Clinic Health Connection,” said Matt Bernard, MD, Southeast Minnesota region Primary Care Service Line chair in an announcement.

“We are excited to offer innovative healthcare technology locally and to leverage resources across our system to better serve our patients. You’ll avoid waiting and time away from work, and still get the continuity of care you need from people you trust. This should decrease absenteeism, lower costs and increase wellness, a win-win for employers and employees when fully deployed.”

The goal is to provide accessible and fast healthcare while at the same time reducing costs. “Mayo Clinic Health Connection provides convenient care from experts for common conditions, while saving the patient time and money. It’s the best of both worlds,” adds Dr. Bernard. “Together with HealthSpot’s secure telehealth platform, we will give patients a convenient way to access care where they spend most of their day and the visit information is integrated to the patient’s medical record.”

HealthSpot also joined forces with the Cleveland Clinic to set up similar kiosks in universities, retailers and workplaces in Northeast Ohio. Health IT Outcomes reports that when their pilot was launched last May, it received a 93 percent satisfaction rating from users.