Loading...Loading...August 2018
Telehealth--having a virtual doctor appointment over the phone or video chat--is a great option for busy employees who have a hard time making it to the doctor's office. More than a nurse advice line, telehealth lets employees:
- Have a confidential appointment with a board-certified doctor, just like they would in person
- Get a diagnosis and treatment instructions anytime, anywhere
Have a prescription sent to the local pharmacy, if needed
It can also save them money.
New research shows that health care consumers, on average, save $100 per visit when using telehealth rather than in-person office, urgent care or emergency room visits.
When a Regence member uses telehealth instead of an emergency room, urgent care or doctor's office visit, they save an average of $75 out of pocket on associated medical bills.
In addition to the lower medical expense, Regence estimates that median-income earners can save about $25 per telehealth visit in miles not driven and time not spent traveling and waiting for care. Higher-wage earners can save about $40.
These savings may vary depending on the member's policy and whether they've met their deductible.
Telehealth is a good option for non-emergency care, such as flu, coughs, bronchitis, sinus infections and urinary tract infections.
It also can work well for therapy for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or ADHD.
The convenience of telehealth lets employees meet with a doctor from the comfort of home. Unlike doctor or urgent care office hours, telehealth is available 24/7. This means no more traffic, taking hours off work, or getting little ones out of bed to make an appointment. Telehealth also is a great option for employees when traveling outside their network area.
As Brodie Dychinco, Regence's general manager of Convenient Care Delivery, says: "Technology has accelerated the adoption of telehealth as one of many convenient options people have to help contain their health care costs and seek care based on where, when and how they want it."
Reach out to your Regence account representative for more information.