A new partnership between Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and MD Live is aiming to reduce the number of emergency department visits for minor ailments.
Excellus BCBS reported that ten common conditions, like sinus infections or sore throats, represented more than 2 million visits hospital emergency rooms in New York State.
But now, telemedicine – or talking to your doctor from the comfort of your own home or office via an app like Skype just became more accessible.
“MD Live provides convenient access to care – obviously when your primary care physician is not available, and it’s a great alternative to urgent care or the ER,” said Jennifer Heinemann, Director of MD Live. “It’s a great way to see a physician for low acuity type illnesses such as pink eye, ear infections, the common cold, things of that nature.”
Excellus BCBS says physicians from MD Live can get enough information from patient history and a visual inspection to diagnose many illnesses.
Martin Lustick, senior vice president at Excellus BCBS, says these consultations are almost as good as being in person.
“It’s both triage, but also treatment in many cases,” he said. “They can diagnose and treat and you don’t have to go to emergency.”
Both Lustick and Heinemann say co-payments will remain the same but to eliminate the cost of visiting ER rooms and urgent care rooms is priceless.
“Let’s say, versus going through an urgent care that would be a $50 co-pay or an emergency room which would be upwards of $250,” Heinemann said.
As technology advances, so will the practice of virtual doctor visits.
Excellus BCBS says MD Live is not meant to completely replace your primary doctor or going to hospital, especially when lab work or other exams are required.
Date: December 01, 2016