Blue Cross NC Releases Data on Telehealth Usage During COVID-19

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) today shared key findings from a two-year review of the company’s telehealth claims data and details of its new telehealth policy taking effect in 2023. In March 2020, Blue Cross NC was one of the first insurers in the nation to quickly respond to the pandemic by expanding coverage to pay doctors and facilities the same as in-person visits for all video and audio-only visits. Findings in the study show an overwhelming demand for behavioral health and primary care services through telehealth.

“The pandemic has radically changed how members prefer to access care,” said Dr. Stephen Friedhoff, senior vice president of Health Care Services at Blue Cross NC. “The substantial increase of telehealth usage during the pandemic has provided two years of member data that is more informative than the entire 20 years prior when our company first began covering telehealth. Blue Cross NC is responding to ensure our policies reflect these findings by expanding telehealth options so members can access easy, affordable care no matter where they live.”

Delivering on its commitment to implement a telehealth strategy extending beyond the pandemic, Blue Cross NC will update its telehealth policy, effective Jan. 1, 2023, to significantly expand its list of covered telehealth services, compared to services covered prior to the pandemic.

For more information, read the full press release in our Media Center.