Aetna U.S. Healthcare Partners with HP and NetZero to Provide Discounts and Free Internet Access

Strategic Insights -

Aetna U.S. Healthcare, a leading health benefits organization, has announced agreements with Hewlett-Packard (HP) and NetZero to provide discounts on computers and free internet and e-mail access to all physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and medical students in the U.S. The program is also available to all Aetna employees. This initiative aims to promote the use of the internet in healthcare, as indicated by the American Medical Association's study showing that only 37% of physicians are currently using the internet in their practice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare has partnered with HP and NetZero to provide discounted computer equipment and free internet and e-mail access to healthcare professionals, students, and employees.
  • The HP discount program includes a 500MHz business PC, a mouse, keyboard, 15-inch color monitor, and an HP Deskjet color inkjet printer with cable, all loaded with Microsoft Windows 98 software and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
  • NetZero will provide a CD-ROM containing software and instructions on how to download the necessary internet access software, which will provide unlimited internet and e-mail access with no monthly fees.
  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare and NetZero will also offer a customized service providing easy access to Aetna U.S. Healthcare information and services, including its password-protected network physician website and InteliHealth, a Webby Award-winning consumer health information website.
  • The program is available to all healthcare professionals, students, and employees, regardless of their network participation status with Aetna U.S. Healthcare.
  • The initiative aims to promote the use of the internet in healthcare, with the American Medical Association's study showing that only 37% of physicians are currently using the internet in their practice.

Statistics:

  • Only 37% of physicians are currently using the internet in their practice (American Medical Association study).
  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare has 19.5 million health members, 11.5 million group insurance members, and 14.8 million dental members nationwide (Aetna U.S. Healthcare website).
  • NetZero has over 4 million registered users in 3,000 cities across the United States (NetZero website).

Sources:

  • "New Program Provides Discounts on Computers and Facilitate[s] Free Internet and E-Mail Access"

+ PRNewswire, June 19

  • American Medical Association, "Physician Use of the Internet in Patient Care"
  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare, "Our Company"
  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare, "Product and Services"
  • NetZero, "About NetZero"
  • NetZero, "Company Information"