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Telemedicine solutions for Independence commercial members

January 29, 2016

As part of Independence?s commitment to providing superior access to care, we are introducing a new telemedicine strategy for 2016. As the modern digital revolution continues, Independence is creating the opportunity for convenient, effective, and affordable health care solutions via digitized channels and virtual experiences. We are committed to expanding access to primary care, while addressing the diverse needs of our members, ensuring they receive quality health care services at affordable prices.

In the spectrum of care available to members, Independence considers telemedicine to be an option that enhances access for members, as does our network of retail health clinics and urgent care centers. Therefore, Independence is offering various telemedicine options for members when they otherwise may not be able to see a provider in person. It is important to note that the telemedicine solutions described below are not intended to replace the member?s relationship with their primary care provider. For emergencies, members should continue to be directed to the nearest emergency room/department (ER).

Outlined below is Independence?s approach to telemedicine for our commercial members.

Telemedicine for primary care

As introduced in the December 2015 edition of Partners in Health UpdateSM, Independence now covers telemedicine encounters for our commercial members seeking primary care serv ices from primary care providers (family medicine, internal medicine, general medicine and pediatric med icine) who offer telemedicine services as an additional method of delivery. These encounters allow our members to interact with primary care providers using a HIPAA-secure audio/visual system that allows members and providers to see and hear one another in real time. For specific coverage information, please review Claim Payment Policy #00.10.41: Telemedicine for Primary Care Services, which is available on our Medical Policy Portal. Select Accept and Go to Medical Policy Online, and then the Commercial tab from the top of the page. Type the policy name or number in the Search field.

Benefits include:

  • Gives primary care providers the ability to communicate with their patients in the event that an in-person encounter is not possible.
  • Provides a more cost-effective option than visiting an ER, retail health clinic, or urgent care center for non-emergency medical conditions.
  • Offers care after normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and even holidays (availability may vary).

National vendor telemedicine solution

Independence has contracted with MDLIVE®, a national vendor that connects individuals to board-certified primary care physicians via HIPAA-secure video, telephone, or mobile app 24/7/365. These physicians can diagnose medical conditions, provide short-term treatment plans, and may prescribe medications for non-emergency medical conditions. The member can get information on physician profiles, check appo intment availability, and schedule an appointment with the physician of their choice. The member may request a copy of the medical records from these telemedicine encounters to share with their primary care provider. Note: This program is available only to certain commercial members dependi ng upon their plan benefits and employer group. Members should check their benefits handbook to verify el igibility for this service.

Benefits include:

  • Provides alternate care options for non-emergency medical conditions when it?s not possible to visit an ER, retail health clinic, or urgent care center.
  • Allows members to access non-emergency medical care while traveling*.

*Due to state regulations, telemedicine services are not available in the state of Arkansas.

JeffConnect

This Pilot Program is currently available to Independence employees and their dependents, and allows members to connect with emergency medicine physicians from Jefferson University Physicians, Jefferson Medical Care, or Methodist Associates in Healthcare (Jefferson) 24/7/365 via a HIPPA-secure video conference on a smartphone, tablet, or camera-equipped computer.

Proper utilization

Telemedicine improves access to care but does not always replace an in-person visit with a physician. Here are some examples of when it?s appropriate to utilize telemedicine:

  • As an alternative for the ER, retail health clinic, or urgent care center for a non-emergency medical issue. Some ideal situations for utilizing telemedicine include: allergies, asthma, colds, ear infections, rashes, insect bites, sinus infections, sore throats, and urinary tract infections.
  • To request a prescription, when appropriate. Members utilizing telemedicine can obtain prescriptions for non-narcotic medications (not controlled substances) that in most cases can be sent directly to the pharmacy of their choice.
  • When it is not convenient to leave home or work.

As telemedicine continues to evolve and expand and as the technology improves, Independence will keep you up to date with relevant changes to our policies and benefits. If you have any questions, please contact your Network Coordinator.


This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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