How to Get Health Care
During COVID-19

Learn where to go to find care in North Carolina

  • COVID-19
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    We want to help members find the right care, at the right place, at the right time.  

    This is especially important in the case of COVID-19. We can prevent the spread of infection. We can protect our members, front-line providers and health care staff.

    What to do if you feel sick or have a scheduled appointment

    Feeling unwell during this time could leave you with questions about how to get care. If you are feeling sick or have an illness not related to COVID-19, there are ways for you to talk to a doctor.

    If you feel unwell or have a scheduled appointment, always call your primary care provider (PCP) first. If you call ahead and speak to someone first, you may be able to avoid a trip to the doctor’s office or urgent care. Ask for a virtual visit - like Telehealth - to take your appointment over the phone.

    Of course, if you are in a true emergency, always call 911 first and request help.

    What is telehealth and how can I use it?

    icon-telehealth_0.png

    icon-telehealth_0.png

    Get a virtual visit with a doctor 24/7, no matter where you are. It's a great option to limit your exposure and the spread of illnesses like COVID-19.

    Blue Cross NC is expanding telehealth benefits for members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls for a COVID-19 screening will have no member cost share.1 Call your doctor to discuss telehealth options for your next appointment. 

    If you think you have COVID-19, call your doctor's office first. Do not go in before calling. We have testing and treatment information to make getting care easier.

    What to do if you have COVID-19

    Use telehealth services like MDLIVE®​1  or Teledoc®​1 with no member cost share. You can check your Blue Cross NC ID card to see which telehealth vendor is covered under your plan.

    Download and save our Telehealth information so you can access it easily when you need it! 

    Benefits of Telehealth:

    • The cost of a telehealth visit is the same as an in-person visit
    • Stay in touch for ongoing needs without the risk of an office visit
    • Continue the coordinated care from health care professionals you know

    Routine and behavioral health care for:

    • Allergies
    • Asthma
    • Cough, cold and flu
    • Diarrhea
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Sinus problems
    • Sore throat
    • Addictions
    • Anxiety
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Depression
    • PTSD
    • Stress, and more

    Health Line Blue: 24/7 helpline for your questions - 1-877-477-2424

    When you don’t know what kind of care you need, talk to a registered nurse, night or day, at no cost to you.

    • Treating minor illness or injury at home
    • Knowing when to call telehealth, a doctor or if you should go to the ER
    • Learning about tests, medicines, or treatments you may need
    • Understanding your medicine and how it works

    How to find care if you think you have COVID-19

    waiting room
    COVID-19 testing and treatment in NC

    If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you might have it, always call ahead and speak to someone. Staying home is the best way to stop the spread.

    Below we’ve made a list of resources from health care systems and practices throughout NC. Follow the steps below from your health system if you think you have COVID-19. We are updating this list often as new information is available. If your health care system is not on this list, please call your PCP to find out your next steps. 

    North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) 

    Charlotte

    Atrium Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: Current Atrium Health patients and the general community (if you do not have a PCP at Atrium Health), call the 24/7 Health Line: 704-468-8888

    Virtual Care:

    Website: atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2020/02/28/coronavirus-disease-updates

    Novant Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you do not have a PCP at Novant Health, call helpline 877-9NOVANT

    Virtual Care: Self-assessment chat bot: www.novanthealth.org/coronavirus

    Website: www.novanthealth.org/coronavirus

    CaroMont

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS hotline at 866-462-3821 or your local Department of Health and Human Services

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.caromonthealth.org/Patients-Visitors/Patient-Information/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.aspx?furl=coronavirus

    Iredell Health System

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS Hotline at 1.866.462.3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.iredellhealth.org/patients-and-visitors/coronavirus-covid-19

    Lake Norman

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.lnrmc.com/covid-19

    Triad

    Wake Forest Baptist Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you do not have a PCP at WFBH, call hotline 336-70-COVID.

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: https://www.wakehealth.edu/coronavirus

    Cone Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

     

    Phone Hotline: N/A – call the NC hotline at (866) 462-3821

     

    Virtual Care: Make a free MyChart COVID-19 e-Visit at

     

    Website: www.conehealth.com/wellness/covid-19-information/

    Novant Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you do not have a PCP at Novant, call helpline 877-9NOVANT

    Virtual Care: Self-assessment chat bot: www.novanthealth.org/coronavirus

    Website: www.novanthealth.org/coronavirus

    Randolph Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS hotline at 866-462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.randolphhealth.org/about-us/coronavirus-updates

    Triangle: Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh

    UNC Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you do not have a PCP at UNC Health, call helpline 1-888-850-2684

    Virtual Care: www.uncurgentcare247.com

    Website: www.unchealthcare.org/coronavirus

    Testing: Your PCP or the COVID-19 helpline may refer you to a UNC Health Respiratory Diagnostic Center or to a UNC Virtual Care center; you must be scheduled by a clinician.

    WakeMed & WakeMed Key Community Care (WKCC)

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: WakeMed Health Help Line at 919-350-5200

    Virtual Care: Set up a virtual urgent care visit: www.wakemed.org/virtual-urgent-care

    Website: www.wakemed.org/concerned-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19

    Testing: Respiratory Diagnostic Centers (RDC) open, but patients must first call the WakeMed Health Help Line to receive screening and an order from a physician to make an appointment

    Duke Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you do not have a PCP at Duke Health, call COVID-19 Hotline 919-385-0429

    Virtual Care: www.dukehealth.org/treatments/virtual-urgent-care

    Website: www.dukehealth.org/covid-19-update

    Testing: At this time widespread testing including drive-up testing is not available. Duke Health is currently building capabilities to offer drive-up testing and will continue to follow CDC and State guidance on who to test.

    Granville Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.ghshospital.org/patients-visitors/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-updates-and-guidance

    Avance Care

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: Book a visit online at www.avancecare.com/contact-us/book-online or call your office; specify that you would like a telehealth visit and you will be contacted

    Website: www.avancecare.com/covid-19

    Coastal

    Wilmington Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline

    • If you’re an established patient with Wilmington Health, text “APPT” 839894
    • If you are a Blue Cross NC member and NEW patient to Wilmington Health, text “BCBS” to 839894.

    Or call 910.341.3400 — always call before leaving home.

    Website: www.wilmingtonhealth.com/coronavirus-defense

    New Hanover

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS Hotline: (866) 462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: https://www.nhrmc.org/coronavirus

    Carteret

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: Public Information Recorded Hotline 252-726-7177 by the Carteret County Health Department. Includes # of confirmed cases, what to do if feeling sick, and information on sheltering in place. Public Inquiry Phone 252-726-7060 – Staffed by the Carteret County Health Department.

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.carterethealth.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Resources

    CarolinaEast

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS hotline at 866.462.3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.carolinaeasthealth.com/education-and-resources/covid-19-updates

    Dosher

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: Brunswick County Public Health Department at 910-253-2339 or NC DHHS at (866) 462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.dosher.org/getpage.php?name=COVID-19_Patient%2FCommunity_Information

    Sentara Albemarle

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: Call nurse line at 1-833-945-2395 to direct to appropriate resources

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: https://sentaraupdates.com

    Western

    Mission/HCA

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: missionhealth.org/virtual-clinic

    Website: missionhealth.org/covid-19

    Advent Hendersonville (formerly Park Ridge)

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: 24-hour AdventHealth Triage Nurse Hotline: 828-681-2300

    Virtual Care: Download the AdventHealth app for a virtual urgent care visit (details at )

    Website:

    Hugh Chatham Memorial

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you have nonurgent questions, call the Care Line at 336-527-CARE

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website:

    Catawba Valley Medical Center

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website:

    Appalachian Regional Health System

    Virtual Care: If you have symptoms, connect with a RelyMD doctor at .

    Website:

    Testing: Two alternative COVID-19 testing sites in Avery or Watauga County; the RelyMD physician will help you make an appointment if you have symptoms

    Northern Regional Hospital (Surry County)

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS hotline at 866-462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.northernhospital.com/patient-visitor-info/coronavirus

    Erlanger Murphy Medical Center

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: If you don’t have a PCP, call the closest urgent care center

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.erlanger.org/about-us/coronavirus-response

    Eastern

    Vidant Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: General community resource hotline: 252-847-8000 or NC DHHS hotline at 866-462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.vidanthealth.com/COVID-19-Updates/Overview

    ECU Physicians

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: Call 252-744-1111 for instructions

    Virtual Care: Available by contacting your PCP

    Website: www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ecuphysicians/coronavirus.cfm

    Martin General

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.martingeneral.com/martin-general-hospital/press1/coronavirus-and-what-you-can-do-to-help-with-preve-10153

    Sampson Regional

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS hotline at 1-866-462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.sampsonrmc.org/patients-visitors/coronavirus-covid-19-info

    Sandhills

    First Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: NC DHHS hotline at (866) 462-3821

    Virtual Care: www.firsthealth.org/specialties/more-services/firsthealth-on-the-go

    Website: www.firsthealth.org/lifestyle/news-events/2020/1/coronavirus-update-infectious-disease-expert-details-what-you-need-to-know

    Cape Fear Valley

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline:

    • If you have symptoms, call the Carelink line at 910-615-LINK
    • If you have questions about COVID-19, call 866-462-3821

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.capefearvalley.com/news/article.aspx?id=105

    Southeastern Health

    Always first call your primary care provider (PCP)

    Phone Hotline: N/A

    Virtual Care: N/A

    Website: www.srmc.org/main/covid-19-update.html

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      *Beginning March 6, all telehealth visits have a $0 cost share (cost share includes copays, coinsurance and deductible) for 90 days. MDLIVE and Teladoc systems will apply the $0 cost share on April 15. If members have already paid for a claim made after March 6, MDLIVE or Teladoc will reprocess the claim and refund the member’s credit card. MDLIVE and Teladoc are independent companies that are solely responsible for the telehealth services they are providing. They do not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. Telehealth services are subject to the terms and conditions of the member’s health plan, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Telehealth services are not a substitute for emergency care.

      All announced COVID-19 measures apply to Blue Cross NC’s fully insured, Medicare Advantage and Federal Employee Program members. Drug coverage and pharmacy changes apply to Blue Cross NC’s Medicare Part D members. Self-funded employer groups have the option to include the waiver of costs and prior approval for testing in their employees’ plans.

       

    • MDLIVE does not replace your primary care doctor and is not an insurance product. MDLIVE is subject to state regulations. MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA-controlled substances and may not prescribe nontherapeutic drugs and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE does not guarantee patients will receive a prescription. Health care professionals using the platform have the right to deny care if, based on professional judgment, a case is inappropriate for telehealth or for misuse of services. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. For complete terms of use, visit welcome.mdlive.com/terms-of-use.

      Teladoc does not replace the primary care physician. Teladoc does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. Teladoc operates subject to state regulation and may not be available in certain states. Teladoc does not prescribe DEA-controlled substances, nontherapeutic drugs and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. Teladoc physicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services. For complete terms of use, visit member.teladoc.com/terms/ terms_of_use.

    • BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD®, the Cross and Shield symbols and service marks are marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U35799, 4/20