Virtual Care When You Need It From Wherever You Are

March 16, 2020

Your allergies are getting the best of you, but you’re out of town on business. One of your kids may be coming down with the flu or an upper respiratory infection, but you can’t get in to see the doctor.

No worries. For these and other non-emergency conditions, virtual care through Teladoc is available 24/7 without having to leave your home, office or wherever you are.

Most Florida Blue members have access to Teladoc’s team of doctors to get care when they need it. The process is simple. First, create a Teladoc account, which takes just a few minutes. In fact, do it now so it’s there when you need it.

To speak with a doctor, call 800-Teladoc, sign in to teladoc.com or download the Apple or Google app. It typically takes about 10 minutes for a doctor to respond and begin to diagnose your condition. They can prescribe many medications, but not controlled substances. And, with your permission, they will share the information with your primary care doctor.

Not only is Teladoc convenient, the copay is typically less than what you’ll pay at an urgent care center and a lot less than an emergency room or visit. For example, the copay is less than $10 for members who purchase individual or family plans on their own.

Florida Blue members who are patients at Sanitas Medical Centers can also use mySanitas Chat through their computer or mobile devices. The service, which is for non-emergency situations, is available every day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. with $0 copay. To get started, visit mySanitas.com/chat or download the Apple or Google app.

Dr. Kelli Wells, Florida Blue’s senior medical director for medical affairs, said one of the benefits of virtual care is that it keeps patients from spreading the flu or other illnesses to others in waiting rooms at doctor’s offices, urgent care centers and emergency rooms

No waiting rooms, no being exposed to contagious medical conditions, no having to change out of your pajamas. Just care when you need it, wherever you are.

(Note: Florida Blue Medicare members pay the same cost share for a virtual visit as they do for a network doctor visit.)