The nation’s leading behavioral health pharmacy and largest outpatient telepsychiatry company, Genoa, a QoL Healthcare Company, announced today that it has facilitated more than 100,000 patient visits through its telepsychiatry platform. Genoa’s simple, easy-to-use video conferencing software connects its network of hundreds of psychiatrists to mental health patients in a variety of settings, including inpatient units, residential settings, community mental health centers and primary care clinics. The impressive milestone was fueled in 2017 by expanding Genoa’s telepsychiatry operations from 20 states to 35 states; growing its provider base from 100 to more than 250; and increasing the number patients it serves from 600 per week to more than 2,500 per week. “The need is clear. One in five Americans has a mental illness, and one in 17 has what is considered a serious and persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or clinical depression. Getting care quickly can be a matter of life and death,” said Samir Malik, General Manager, Genoa Telepsychiatry. “Unfortunately, more than 80 million Americans live in areas that do not have enough psychiatrists. This shortage contributes to nearly sixty percent of individuals who have an active mental illness failing to seek care.” With Genoa Telepsychiatry, the time a patient has to wait for an appointment is reduced by 20 to 30 percent. In addition, because all that is needed is a computer, a web cam, and high-speed internet, the service can effectively reach underserved areas of the country. The technology, which was built by Genoa, integrates workflows and reduces the need for emails, faxes and text messages to streamline all care communication in one place. “Eighty-five percent of our patients come back for follow-up visits. They really appreciate the service,” added Malik. “By empowering patients with greater choice in location and time, telepsychiatry helps tear down treatment barriers and reduce stigma a key factor that keeps many from ever seeking care.” About Genoa, a QoL Healthcare Company Genoa has been serving the behavioral health community for more than 15 years. The company provides pharmacy services, telepsychiatry and medication management solutions to more than 630,000 individuals annually in 44 states and the District of Columbia and fills more than 13 million prescriptions per year. Genoa is the fifth largest drug chain in the United States with more than 390 pharmacies located onsite within community mental health centers. Visit www.genoa-qol.com.
