CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. has joined forces with the health care information provider OptumHealth to give customers in greater Detroit what the drug chain says is “the latest in quality, convenient online health care.”

The effort is centered on what the two companies are calling NowClinic Online Care services that are available in nine Rite Aid pharmacies located in the Detroit area.

NowClinic offers Rite Aid customers real-time access to medical care, information and resources from doctors and OptumHealth nurses, a spokeswoman for the chain says. All of the consultations are done in private rooms.

The effort marks the first time a retail pharmacy has provided patients with a virtual clinic.

“This collaboration reflects Rite Aid’s continuing commitment to support the total health and well-being of our communities,” executive vice president of pharmacy Robert Thompson says. “Our customers will be able to ask questions or receive care from doctors and health education from nurses online, fill prescriptions, and consult with their Rite Aid pharmacist, all in one convenient visit.”

The online clinics provide patients with private, face-to-face consultations that let customers see and speak directly to doctors about their symptoms. Based on those conversations, the doctors can provide guidance, diagnose and prescribe certain medications.

OptumHealth nurses are available to talk about basic health care education, information on common acute issues and identifying appropriate provider options for care.

To ensure continuity of care, a patient record that can be shared with a person’s primary care provider is captured at the end of each session.

Customers who cannot get to one of the nine stores or need to see a health care provider when the stores are closed can access the service via the Internet.