LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon announced it will offer telehealth visits via Teladoc physicians to its members for the purpose of diagnosis, prevention, health advice, disease management and treatment starting starting next year. Effective January 1, 2015, virtual care will be a component of LifeWise’s healthcare delivery system and will be available as a covered benefit to all members.
Telehealth Visits Overview
Telehealth LifeWise 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 applications from wherever the member is.
Teladoc Physicians
LifeWise members who utilize Teladoc will be able to receive diagnosis and receive select treatment services 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. Teladoc is not intended to replace a member’s primary care physician, but instead 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
– influenza.
“By making telehealth services available, our members can have peace of mind that they will have access to virtual care in ways that fit their lives – whether it’s from work or from home,” said Majd El-Azma, LifeWise president and chief executive officer. “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.”
