Two days before a big family trip, your allergies begin to flare. You know what type of medicine you need, it just requires a prescription. You try to set up an appointment with your primary care physician. No appointments are available. You have so much on your plate to complete before your trip. You don’t have a lot of time.

Within minutes, you are connected with a doctor through a video chat on your mobile phone. She was able to prescribe medicine that helps clear your runny nose, itchy eyes and rid sneezing.   

That’s just one of the many reasons to use telehealth.

Telehealth benefits typically include evaluations and consultations for common health conditions and provider-to-provider consultations.

Members who receive health insurance through their employer and qualify for this benefit can speak to a board-certified doctor or pediatrician through secure online, video consults on their mobile phone, tablet or computer.

The video chats are a great option for minor health issues and non-emergencies when members can’t get in to see their regular doctor.

Video consultations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An appointment is not needed.

Telehealth does not replace your primary care doctor. It’s just an easier way to get care for common health problems.

Quality care 

Doctors are board-certified doctors who are HIPAA-compliant and your personal health information is never shared with your employer

Convenience

Video consults are convenient, easy-to-use and if you need a prescription, the doctor could electronically send it to a pharmacy of your choice.

Savings 

Telehealth visits save you time and money from higher-cost care like the ER and urgent care that involve long wait times.

Does this sound like something you could use? If so, be prepared. Don’t wait until you need telehealth to create and activate an account.

If you are a Blue Cross NC member, you can log in to Blue Connect to find out if telehealth is part of your health plan benefits.

Don’t have an account? Register for a Blue Connect account. Keep your Blue Cross NC membership card handy.

Don’t know your login credentials? Don’t worry. Choose Forgot password? or Forgot user ID? in the member login box.

You can also call your benefits administrator or call the number on the back of your card.