Galileo is a telehealth service that delivers 24/7 primary and specialty care in both English and Spanish. It operates across all 50 U.S. states and enjoys support from regional and national health plans, Fortune 500 organizations, and employers of a variety of sizes. The fact that Galileo offers fully bilingual services removes a major barrier to healthcare access for the 53 million Spanish speakers in the U.S.
In a recent interview, Galileo Clinical Systems Leader Dr. Jason Chirichigno discussed how a nationwide telemedicine platform works and why bilingual service is so important to the company.
How does Galileo deliver primary and multi-specialty care through its platform? “We provide primary, multi-specialty, urgent, behavioral, and complex chronic care through an easy-to-use digital platform,” Dr. Chirichigno explained. “Galileo’s clinicians work as a team, reviewing cases and adding expertise, which allows us to deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.”
Galileo manages up to 90 percent of medical conditions online, without the need for an in-person referral. Dr. Chirichigno explained that more than 50 percent of Galileo’s care is for chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and depression.
The company first launched with in-home care for Medicare and Medicaid patients. In doing so, Galileo created a framework that included social determinants of health in clinical analysis and bridged gaps in healthcare education.
“From there, we established partnerships with both regional and national health plans,” Dr. Chirichigno said. “We currently power UnitedHealthcare’s Virtual-First ACA Exchange plan in multiple states, with more coming in 2023.”
One of Galileo’s biggest selling points is that its practice is bilingual. In fact, 44 percent of its clinicians are fluent in both Spanish and English.
“Galileo’s Spanish-language offering stems from our commitment to provide equitable healthcare to all. The traditional care model leaves many populations behind—particularly those from underserved communities. By removing language and access barriers to quality, multi-specialty providers, we can close that gap and build toward a more equitable, reliable, and affordable healthcare system,” said Dr. Chirichigno.
“It’s also important to meet people where they are, which is why in addition to virtual care services, Galileo offers bilingual and bicultural home and community-based care. We have trained clinicians who understand the cultural nuances when providing care to Spanish-speaking communities,” he added.
The Galileo app can be used in both English and Spanish. All a patient needs to do is use the app in Spanish, and they will be automatically connected with a Spanish-speaking provider. Its Spanish-speaking clinicians can be reached any time of the day or night, in all 50 U.S. states, via text, video, or phone, to address patient needs with no appointment necessary.
Read the full interview here.