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Telehealth virtual health care

Life gets busy, and sometimes getting in to see your health care provider can be challenging. That's when telehealth can help.

Why choose telehealth?

Telehealth is any medical care you access virtually, online, or remotely. It lets you talk with a range of health care providers on your mobile device, computer, or landline. Using telehealth virtual health care gives you:

Easy access

If you live in a remote area, don't have reliable or public transportation, or have mobility challenges, you can still see or speak with a doctor.

Cost savings

You don't have to take a lot of time off work, drive, or go anywhere. All you need is access to the internet and a smartphone or computer.

Convenience

It may be easier to find an appointment that matches your schedule. Most telehealth visits can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Quality care

You can stay with your current health care provider or choose a new one from our large network of quality providers.

More options

From talking on the phone with your doctor to having a video call, there are many ways you can get the care you need.

Common uses of telehealth

Not sure when to use telehealth services? There are a number of situations in which virtual health care could be an excellent option.

Routine medical visits

Telehealth is a great option for many routine, non-emergency medical visits, including:

  • Minor illnesses, such as a cold or flu
  • Managing medications
  • Prescription refills

Mental health services

For many people, discussing confidential topics in the privacy of their own home feels better than going to a doctor's office. You can schedule virtual visits for you, your child, or teen for:

  • Mental health counseling
  • Therapy sessions
  • Psychiatry appointments

Follow-up appointments

Telehealth can be an effective alternative to an in-person appointment when you need follow-up care:

  • After an initial evaluation
  • To go over lab or test results

Ask your provider if follow-up visits can be done remotely.

Chronic disease management

At-home technologies give you the ability to track important health metrics for your providers, such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, for conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Asthma

Our members have great options for virtual care

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) member, you may get

telehealth virtual health care services as part of your health plan.

Use telehealth with your current provider

Have a great relationship with your existing PCP (primary care provider) or health care provider? Your current in-network health care providers may already use telemedicine as part of their practice.

Ask your providers if you can see them with telehealth during their regular business hours and:

  • What their preferred telehealth visit methods are
  • When to schedule a virtual visit
  • When to schedule an in-person visit

 

 

Need an in-network provider? Try one of these options:

Log In to Blue Connect Find care

Try a Teladoc® Health provider

Certain Blue Cross NC plans include access to Teladoc Health, our comprehensive virtual care platform for select Blue Cross NC employers and members.

With Teladoc Health, you get 24 / 7 / 365 access to board-certified doctors and on-demand, quality care, including:

  • Urgent care
  • PCPs (Teladoc Health does not replace your existing PCP)
  • Mental health support for adults and teens ages 13-17

To contact Teladoc Health, use one of these options:

Learn More About Teladoc Health

When is telehealth not the right answer?

While telehealth is a welcome alternative to an in-person visit, there are times when there's no replacement for face-to-face interaction with your provider.

Emergency medical issues

If you're in a life-threatening situation, such as a stroke, heart attack, or allergic reaction, you need to go to the emergency room immediately.

Other times when you'll need in-person care include head trauma, severe cuts, broken bones, or back pain accompanied by new weakness or tingling in one or both legs, to name a few.

  • For medical emergencies, call 911.
  • For mental health emergencies, call 988.

Physical examinations

While telehealth may feel like a modern miracle, it can't completely replace an in-person medical appointment. There are situations when your provider must be in the same room as you, when touch, listening, and looking is required.

Procedures, surgery, and lab work

Sometimes, your doctor may need you to get lab work done or have a diagnostic procedure. In cases like these, you'll need to go to the lab or diagnostic testing center.

Anytime you're having surgery, having pregnancy scans, or when your doctor says you need to be seen in person, you'll need to go to the provider's office.