North Carolina Blues Dial Up Telehealth Offerings

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is collaborating with MDLive to put more patients in touch with providers using remote hookups via an MDLive app, with an average wait time of less than 10 minutes. The insurer says it recognizes “the potential of telehealth to help providers deliver their services in a more cost-efficient setting…and facilitate value-driven care for patients.” That level of access is especially important in areas where ill patients would have to travel excessive distances to see a provider in person. Members with health plans with a deductible and co-insurance will not pay more than $45. MDLive founder Randy Parker estimated that roughly 60% of all health plans now reimburse telemedicine services “just like they would for urgent care.”