Expanding Virtual Care Capabilities with Catapult Health
Teladoc Health is enhancing its at-home diagnostic services by acquiring Catapult Health in a deal valued at $65 million. This acquisition aims to strengthen Teladoc’s strategy for early detection and preventative care, reinforcing its position in the growing telehealth industry.
In a statement released on February 5, Teladoc CEO Chuck Divita highlighted that Catapult Health’s innovative capabilities will play a crucial role in enhancing access to wellness services. “Catapult Health’s expertise will support our mission to provide more members with convenient and impactful wellness and preventative care, while also delivering greater value to our customers,” said Divita. “We are excited to welcome the Catapult Health team to Teladoc, whose culture of innovation aligns with our goals.”
The purchase of Catapult Health is notably more than three times the amount Teladoc spent on acquiring BetterHelp, an online mental wellness platform, in 2015.
Catapult Health’s VirtualCheckup and Integrated Care
Catapult Health is known for its at-home wellness examination, VirtualCheckup, which provides members with a kit to collect blood samples, check blood pressure, and perform other health screenings. After completing the exam, members connect with a licensed nurse practitioner through a virtual visit to review test results, assess health risks, and create a tailored health action plan.
In cases where screenings reveal serious conditions or risks requiring intervention, Catapult Health’s clinicians will directly enroll eligible members in Teladoc’s comprehensive health management programs. These include diabetes, hypertension, pre-diabetes, and weight management, along with referrals to Teladoc’s virtual primary care providers and mental health specialists. This integrated approach is expected to improve continuity of care for patients, creating a more cohesive healthcare experience.
Catapult Health’s Role in Teladoc’s Expansion Strategy
The acquisition strengthens Teladoc’s position as a key player in the virtual care space, particularly as the company continues its partnership with Amazon to offer chronic condition management programs. These programs target conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and weight management, giving Amazon customers greater access to healthcare services.
At the same time, the telehealth landscape is evolving, with technology like artificial intelligence reshaping care delivery and in-person doctor visits making a comeback. Experts are predicting the end of the telehealth model that was primarily transactional and lacked long-term, holistic care.
Robin Glass, president of Included Health, discussed this shift in an interview with Fierce Healthcare, stating, “Telehealth 1.0, which focused on transactional patient-clinician interactions without the elements of longitudinal care, is coming to an end. The model has not adequately served patients in the long term.”
As the healthcare sector shifts, Teladoc’s integration of Catapult Health’s innovative services positions the company to provide a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to virtual care. By combining diagnostic capabilities with personalized health action plans, Teladoc is further solidifying its role in the evolving landscape of healthcare.
