MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Premera Blue Cross today announced that it will offer telehealth benefits to its 1.8 million members through its virtual care offering starting next year.
“The industry is moving toward offering people access to care at a place and time that is convenient to them,” said Rich Maturi, senior vice president of Premera’s Health Care Delivery System, in a statement. “Our virtual care offering will allow us to meet our members where they are and also make it simple for them to get the care they need.”
Premera members will have access to telehealth services through two types of healthcare provider channels. Members can receive virtual care through their local healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or a pediatrician, if they are equipped with telehealth capabilities.
Members will also have 24-hour virtual care access through Teladoc, the largest and fastest-growing provider of telehealth medical consultations in the U.S.
Teladoc provides its members fast, affordable, high-quality access to U.S. board-certified, state-licensed physicians who can resolve many medical issues by phone, secure online video and mobile apps from wherever the member is.
Premera members who utilize Teladoc will be able to receive diagnosis and receive treatment anytime virtually, which may allow health issues to be resolved in less time and from the convenience and privacy of a member’s home or office.
While not intended to replace a member’s primary care physician, Teladoc is designed as a convenient alternative to urgent care and unnecessary ER visits. Common conditions treated by Teladoc include: bronchitis, respiratory infection, sinus problems, allergies and influenza.
“By making telehealth services available, our members can have peace of mind that they will have access to virtual care any time of day,” Maturi said. “This service provides a viable alternative when in-person care is a challenge due to geographic distance, limited access to transportation and a need for care outside of regular doctor office hours.”
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