Cleveland Clinic’s digital health joint venture is partnering with membership virtual care company ReviveHealth to allow Revive members to get online second opinions from Clinic physicians.

The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic is a joint venture between it and telehealth giant Amwell. Revive will offer the online second-opinion option on its Revive Plus+ plan, which costs $59 a month. The company also offers a $29 per month plan. 

“The vision of ReviveHealth is a future where every person, regardless of circumstance, has access to affordable, simplified healthcare and the resources and support needed to live their healthiest lives,” Dr. John J. Walker, CEO and president of ReviveHealth, said in a statement.

“We are gratified to be able to partner with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic to bring virtual second opinions to our members. This partnership allows ReviveHealth to bring to those we serve the world-class services of the Cleveland Clinic through innovative telehealth technologies at no additional cost beyond their monthly membership. No co-pays, no deductibles, no hidden expenses. Just superlative care when you need it most, from the convenience of your home.”

WHY IT MATTERS

Some studies have shown second opinions can have an impact on treatment plans or diagnoses. 

A study of 173 general internal medicine patients published in PLOS ONE last year found 13% received a new diagnosis after a second opinion, and 56% started a new treatment. 

A 2017 retrospective study published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice found final diagnoses were distinctly different from referral diagnoses in 21% of cases, and in 66% of cases, final diagnoses were refined compared with the referral.

“We’re excited to provide ReviveHealth members dealing with significant medical conditions the opportunity to have Cleveland Clinic expert physicians review their diagnoses and treatment plans,” Frank McGillin, CEO of The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, said in a statement.

“Our partnership with ReviveHealth provides us with an even greater opportunity to unlock access to the world’s best healthcare expertise so no one is left behind.”

THE LARGER TREND

Cleveland Clinic launched its joint venture with Amwell, then known as American Well, in October 2019. 

Since then, the digital health and telehealth spaces have changed dramatically, especially as the pandemic pushed providers and patients to use telehealth more frequently. Though telehealth utilization declined in June, telehealth claims grew significantly between August 2019 and August 2020. 

Investment in digital health is also on the rise. According to Rock Health, digital health companies received $14.7 billion in funding through the first half of 2021. That number already surpasses 2020’s full-year total of $14.6 billion.