Mental health virtual urgent care available from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) now offers a telemedicine Behavioral Health On Demand (BHOD) program that is an additional resource for members going to the Emergency Department when they have an urgent behavioral health need. Through BHOD, Blue Cross NC members have an immediate entry point for behavioral health urgent care and a safety net in their time of need. BHOD provides telehealth same-day appointments for members who are in crisis with a non-imminent threat.

Eligibility for BHOD began August 1, 2023, for Individual, Under-65, Fully-Insured and Administrative Services Only (ASO) members, State Health Plan and Inter Plan Program members that live in the state of North Carolina. Additionally, effective January 1, 2024, Federal Employee Program (FEP) members gained eligibility for the BHOD program. Eligible Blue Cross NC members can register for these services by contacting the following: 

• Phone: Call 855-442-4580, then press the option for “On Demand” appointment.

Blue Cross NC members can also be connected to On Demand services by calling Blue Cross NC customer service or a Blue Cross NC Case Manager. Once connected, the member may interact with a specialist who will aid them in completing required forms and assessments and place them in queue to see a provider. 

The operational hours for BHOD are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., EST. BHOD is not available on holidays currently. Members in queue prior to 4:30 p.m. will receive same-day service. After 4:30 p.m., they will receive same-day service if a clinician is available. If not, the member will be offered an appointment the next business day. After hours, a member can leave a voice mail and a clinician will check voicemails outside of business hours and throughout the day.

For questions about BHOD, contact bpbh@bcbsnc.com.