Axa Health has launched digital digestive health and dermatology services for its members.
Both services will be delivered by HBSUK, an online outpatient service provider which was acquired by Axa Health at the start of the year.
The digestive health service provides members with specialist-led online support for any digestive issues, from the oesophagus to the bowel.
Members can access help through an online service – completing an online assessment, which has been designed by a panel of expert consultants.
This is then reviewed by a specialist consultant and the member either provided with advice or referred for further appointments or tests.
In addition to the digestive health service, Axa Health has also launched its new dermatology service, following a successful pilot.
This service enables members who have been referred by a GP to see a consultant dermatologist and receive a response from a specialist within three days of their online assessment.
The insurer noted that members can get help with symptoms and concerns including rashes, conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis and concerning moles, which can’t be managed in a primary care setting.
As part of the service members upload a photo and some details of their issue.
Axa Health CEO Heather Smith (pictured) said: “Understandably, digestive health symptoms can be extremely worrying, so we wanted to develop a service that would give our members easy access to a specialist review as fast as possible.
“Our aim is for a member to have their online assessment reviewed within three working days to put their mind at ease.
“Any fear of awkwardness or difficulty explaining symptoms is aided by the member completing a simple form ahead of the assessment, which also helps the consultant determine what the best course of action is.
“Half of members using our digestive health pathway are able to be discharged with reassurance and guidance around managing the concerns themselves. This approach means fewer unnecessary consultations or invasive tests and scans.”
Turning to the dermatological service, Smith added that all cases were reviewed by a specialist consultant, such as a dermatologist and there was always a qualified medical professional involved.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer these additional services to our members, alongside our already high-performing online muscles, bones and joints service,“ she said.
“Services such as these help us achieve our ambition of providing fast, high-quality care and we will continue to develop further digital services in other areas to meet the needs of our members.”