Price Chopper Supermarkets said Wednesday it is testing a videoconferencing program at five of its in-store health stations to enable customers to have live, private consultations with doctors on a 24/7 basis to diagnose and treat minor illnesses.
The videoconferencing provider is Doctor On Demand, whose physicians are able to diagnose, advise, treat symptoms and prescribe medications for non-emergency medical issues, the company said. Schenectady, N.Y.-based Price Chopper has 20 in-store health stations, which are provided by Computerized Screening Inc.
The cost of the video service will be $40 or less for a 15-minute consultation, the company said — though Doctor on Demand said it will offer a first visit free through April 14.
Following each call, consumers will be given a summary of the visit to facilitate follow-up with their primary physician.



“We’re always looking for progressive ways to broaden our spectrum of goods and professional services in making health care more accessible, [and] if this technology meets the needs of the modern customer as national trends have indicated it might, then we’ll extend similar access to our other health stations in the future," said Kathy Bryant, VP, pharmacy, for The Golub Corp., the chain’s corporate parent.
The five test stores are in Bennington, Vt., and Fulton, Glenmont, Johnstown and Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
In other news, Price Chopper said customers at its Market 32 locations will be able to get their blood pressure and body mass index measured through new PharmaSmart kiosks.