Access to care is getting easier in Colorado and western Kansas thanks to a new partnership of Centura Health, the region’s leading health care network, and MDLIVE, the nation’s leader in digital delivery of high quality, convenient and cost-effective virtual health care.

Consumers can now pay $49 to directly reach a board-certified physician 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from their home, office or on the go for non-emergency medical and pediatric care. MDLIVE-credentialed physicians will be able to assist patients with: allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cold and flu, constipation, diarrhea, ear aches, fever, headaches, insect bites, joint aches, nausea, pink eye, rashes, respiratory infections, sinus pain, urinary tract infections and more. Consumers also will get assistance in finding a primary care provider for follow-up care if they don’t already have one. Appointments can be scheduled via centurahealth.mdlive.com and a doctor can be seen by secure online video, mobile app or interactive audio.

Centura Health is committed to expanding choices in accessing care, and began pioneering telehealth more than 10 years ago as a way to help rural consumers reach doctors, as well as for hospitals to share specialists such as neurologists. The MDLIVE partnership lets the organization reach vastly more consumers in whatever setting they find themselves when they need help. The new service offers robust phone support for consumers who aren’t computer-savvy, and the fee doesn’t go up if the appointment runs long.

“This program is a giant step forward in health care delivery in Colorado and western Kansas,” said Kit K. Brekhus, MD, executive physician director, Colorado Health Neighborhoods, the physician-led network of more than 3,700 health care providers affiliated with Centura Health. “We see virtual health as a tool empowering physicians with the latest advancements in health care delivery. We call it ‘more care anywhere’ — significantly improving access to care for consumers and enhancing the ability of our network of physicians to provide care not only for their patients but also for citizens and visitors across the region.”

Added Randy Parker, Founder and CEO of MDLIVE: “This partnership is about assuring everyone has access to high quality care no matter where they live or their economic background. MDLIVE is excited about our partnership and sees it as an opportunity to help extend Centura Health’s mission to continue touching and improving patients’ lives beyond the hospital walls.”

“Consumers want value and choice when it comes to their health” said Pam Nicholson, senior vice president, strategy, Centura Health. “We are pleased to offer another access point within our integrated delivery system. This is another example of how Centura Health is providing tools to optimize health and increase convenience to consumers.”

For more information, visit www.centura.org.