Millions of U.S. Allergy Sufferers Now Have Access to Advanced Diagnostic Tests

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of undiagnosed allergy sufferers, including those affected by allergy induced asthma, can now access Thermo Fisher's advanced allergy tests through PlushCare's highly trained telehealth physicians in more than 31 states. PlushCare, the highest patient-rated medical provider on Yelp, fills a growing access-to-care gap in healthcare. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates there will be a shortage of between 40,800 and 104,900 physicians by 2030.

Undiagnosed patients who visit www.plushcare.com/testing/allergy consult with qualified physicians, all trained at top-50 U.S. medical institutions, who can order appropriate allergy tests, if necessary. Patients can then schedule testing locally at a participating lab partner, after which they'll review results with the telehealth physician, all without setting foot in a doctor's office. Everything, except for the actual test, can be done using a smartphone or computer. Patients can also learn more about allergy and testing by starting their journey at www.allergy-insider.com.

"Our tests are perfect for this unique telehealth application because results are quantitative, giving PlushCare physicians specific information to guide treatment plans," said Rebecca Rosenberger, clinical education manager, Thermo Fisher. "Now our highly accurate and easy-to-administer test is available to millions more Americans who may be suffering unnecessarily from the effects of allergies."

"Eliminating poor health as a barrier to achieving one's dreams is our mission at PlushCare," said Dr. James Wantuck, M.D., co-founder and chief medical officer of PlushCare. "Access to high-quality, clinically beneficial allergy testing has long been a challenge for patients. We're proud that this partnership will help us begin to change that."

PlushCare is helping to rapidly modernize healthcare by connecting patients with same-day medical care through mobile and desktop devices. The company believes that many existing patient conditions would be treatable via telehealth, and the company cites American Medical Association estimates that up to 70 percent of all doctor, urgent care and emergency room visits are either unnecessary or could be handled safely and effectively online.

Convenient access to advanced testing through PlushCare gives more patients an opportunity to benefit from proven in vitro allergy diagnostics: Thermo Fisher supplies seven out of 10 allergy laboratory tests worldwide. These tests can identify allergic sensitization to common environmental allergens ? seasonal and perennial, indoor and outdoor ? in the states served by PlushCare's physicians. ImmunoCAP Specific IgE blood tests are fast and easy to administer to patients of any age regardless of skin condition, current medication, symptom, disease activity or pregnancy status.

PlushCare is available in 31 states and has plans to be in all states in 2018.  PlushCare is currently available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $20 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics, deliver medicines to market and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands ? Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services ? we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Media Contact Information:

Charlotte McCormack
Thermo Fisher Scientific
781-622-1202
[email protected]

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.