Walgreens partners with WebMD to leverage health content, coaching

Walgreens will soon provide WebMD content, including virtual coaching programs, directly to its customers, the two companies recently announced.

Additionally, visitors to the WebMD site will be able to use Walgreens' prescription refill and clinic appointment scheduling options on desktops or mobile devices.

“WebMD is pleased to be working with Walgreens to make trusted health information and services available to consumers anywhere, anytime so they can make more informed choices and live a healthier life,” said David Schlanger, CEO, WebMD. “WebMD and Walgreens have a shared mission to improve health and wellness by empowering decision-making and motivating positive action. Working together, we will accelerate both companies’ efforts to realize this critical goal.”

No exact timetable for the project was announced. However, the companies said services that will become available to Walgreens customers in coming months include:

·      WebMD content on allergy, healthy eating, skincare, fitness, healthy aging, emotional health, heart health, cold & flu, sleep, and oral Health

· WebMD’s virtual wellness-coaching programs on smoking cessation, weight management, nutrition, exercise, stress management and emotional health, diabetes, and heart disease

· Walgreens' online prescription refill and transfer services and Healthcare Clinic appointment scheduling on WebMD’s desktop and mobile offerings

· Walgreens' Balance Rewards program incorporated into the WebMD virtual-wellness coaching programs 

“We’re excited to work with WebMD to provide our customers with new health resources,” said Alex Gourlay, president, customer experience and daily living, Walgreens. “Customers of both companies will benefit from WebMD’s digital engagement tools combined with assistance from Walgreens' community pharmacists and nurse practitioners to help them adopt healthy lifestyles.”