Kaufland Introduces Telemedicine Services at Mosbach Store

Kaufland has launched an innovative telemedicine pilot project at its branch in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg, allowing customers to combine their grocery shopping with convenient access to healthcare services. This initiative is in partnership with the recently opened S Medical-Center, a medical care center specializing in general and preventive care.

The telemedicine service is situated in the pre-checkout area of the store, a space typically reserved for ancillary services such as flower shops or bottle return stations. Here, a dedicated 54-square-meter 'Medical Room' has been established, offering patients the opportunity to consult with physicians remotely via video conferencing technology. Medical assistants are on hand to support with registration and check-in procedures, which are primarily conducted using smartphones. For those without personal mobile devices, tablets are provided to ensure accessibility for all visitors.

The range of telemedical services includes initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and other medical evaluations suitable for remote care. Prior to each video consultation, staff assess whether the patient's needs can be addressed through telemedicine or if a referral to a traditional medical practice or clinic is required. Additionally, the center provides optional preventive health services for self-paying customers, featuring body composition analyses and health screenings. The service is available to both publicly and privately insured patients, following standard procedures for identification and payment.

Operating hours for the telemedicine center extend from 8:00 to 19:00, offering flexibility for customers to seek medical advice during or after their shopping trip. The project aims to evaluate customer response and operational effectiveness, which will inform decisions about expanding this model to other Kaufland locations in the future.

This approach reflects a broader trend in the retail sector, where companies are exploring integrated healthcare solutions. For instance, the drugstore chain dm is collaborating with teledermatology provider Dermanostic to offer online skin assessments. Customers can upload images of skin issues and receive a diagnosis within 24 hours, with therapy recommendations and prescriptions available if necessary. The service also includes a free AI-based skin analysis that identifies skin types and conditions, offering tailored product recommendations.

Dm has also introduced in-store eye screening in select locations, allowing customers to undergo brief, appointment-free vision assessments supervised by trained staff, with results evaluated remotely by medical professionals. However, these initiatives have met with some criticism from medical associations and have attracted legal scrutiny, particularly concerning advertising practices and the use of medical devices.

Kaufland's telemedicine project in Mosbach represents a step toward integrating healthcare access within everyday environments, reflecting ongoing efforts within the retail sector to enhance customer convenience and address evolving healthcare needs. The success of the pilot will determine the potential for broader implementation across additional supermarket branches.