Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii Offers Online Doctor Visits
The Hawaii Medical Service Association (which is part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii), has launched a new virtual doctor’s visit service, according to the Arizona Republic’s Ginger Rough. Patients in Hawaii can now have a short consultation with one of 140 physicians whenever they need to, available 24/7!
Online doctor visits take place through either instant messaging, phone, or webcam. Although the consultations don’t always take place with your family doctor, any doctor can access your medical records (held by the insurer) if you give them authorization.
The service costs BCBS members in Hawaii a $10 co-payment for a 10-minute consultation, while the uninsured can use the service for $45 per consultation. (As a result, if you use the service often, it will be more cost-effective to have Hawaii health insurance.) Consultations can be extended for an additional fee.
Virtual doctor visits are probably a good idea for minor ailments or questions where you don’t need a complete examination, because they save time and money. Patients in rural areas will also have more access to doctors and specialists. However, some express worry that many conditions cannot be accurately diagnosed through the Internet, and that the poor and elderly will be disadvantaged by the technology.
(Photo credit: kuroda under CC 2.0)
