PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Running in to grab a gallon of milk” is now synonymous with “running in to get that nagging earache treated” for Arizonans living in the Phoenix area thanks to five more Akos Med Clinics now open in Safeway stores in Scottsdale (2), Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Laveen. Five other locations, which opened last November, are in Gilbert, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa and Tempe. An 11th clinic will open in Casa Grande later this month, and a 12th in Boise, Idaho in March.
“We are committed to providing our customers unprecedented convenience for their total health needs,” said Joe Leyba, director of Pharmacy for Albertsons Companies Southwest, which operates Safeway stores. “Our hope is that these clinics help improve access to healthcare in the neighborhoods where we have these locations because they are located in the same place our customers are already buying groceries and picking up their prescriptions.”
So what makes this visit to a healthcare provider different from the norm? Patients experience a completely automated health encounter using Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality. Here’s how it works:
- Patients start on a tablet or smartphone and engage with the Artificial Intelligence. The AI guides them through registration, insurance validation, payment, and information collection required for diagnosis.
- At the end of the Q&A, the patient is guided to an exam room where they sit in front of a computer screen and a rack of simple-to-use, FDA-approved medical devices.
- Augmented Reality guides the patient on how to use the devices to collect objective measurements such as weight, temperature, blood pressure, and blood oxygen content, as well as ear, nose and throat images, and chest, lung and abdomen sounds.
- The AI asks follow-up questions and the onsite medical assistant takes labs, if warranted, until the information necessary for diagnostic decision is collected.
- A complete patient work-up is sent electronically to an Akos medical provider (physician or nurse practitioner) with a breakdown of potential illnesses and treatment options.
- Through a video consultation, the provider engages with the patient to review the AI-collected information, verify the diagnosis, and confirm or modify the treatment plan formulated by the system. Warranted follow-up tests and/or prescriptions are ordered and sent to appropriate healthcare partners.
- The entire process takes about 20 minutes; often less.
- After the visit concludes, the system automatically charts the visit into the patient’s electronic health record, and bills insurance.
- The clinics have staff on site to assist patients throughout the process and to clean the instruments between uses.
“Patients have expressed satisfaction at the ease and speed of the experience at the five locations we’ve had open since early November,” said James Bates, president and CEO of Akos Med Clinic. “Much like the self-checkout for groceries, patients appreciate the autonomy our clinics provide, as well as the affordability and speed. Like many other things, Artificial Intelligence is changing how we consume healthcare, and our AI system is giving time back to providers to spend consulting with patients.”
Akos Med Clinic accepts most insurance plans, AHCCCS and Medicare. Cash visits are only $75, about half the cost of a typical urgent care visit. For more information or to schedule a tour of the clinics, please call Andrea Smiley at 480-560-9214 or andrea.c.smiley@gmail.com.
ABOUT AKOS MED CLINIC
Akos Med Clinic, a partnership between Akos and AdviNOW Medical, offers a uniquely efficient healthcare experience leveraging the latest in medical innovation through Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Health. At Akos Med Clinic, we believe that some things in life are worth waiting for, but healthcare shouldn’t be one of them. For the latest news, health tips and more, follow Akos Med Clinic on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
ABOUT ALBERTSONS COMPANIES
Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.