Here & There Column 1-28-14

 Online Doctor's Visits & Pharmacy Delivery

  If moves by Empire Blue Cross and their Express Scripts home delivery pharmacy are true indications of where our medical coverage may go it could become very interesting.

  Empire BlueCross from their Albany, NY location have mailed to policy holders flyers that say, "get help from a doctor online...when you need it."

  The flyer clearly says that "LiveHealth Online  connects you to a doctor without appointments, waiting rooms or high costs and its there for you when you need it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

  Its noted that with this service a person in need of medical assistance will enjoy, "immediate, live-video doctor visits, your choice of U.S. board-certified doctors, the same cost as your regular visits and private, secure and easy to get online visits."

  There is a stipulation that to use LiveHealth Online you will need a computer, webcam and internet access.

  The service notes that it requires a user of this procedure to enroll and set up an account to be able to use insurance benefits and that a doctor's visit usually lasts about 10 minutes and a person using the service will not be charged more if its used on weekends, holidays or at night. 

  Any direct payments for the service can be accepted by use of a credit card.

  LiveHealth online says the service benefits those with busy schedules, location or other conflicts  that make it hard to get to the doctor's office.

  This internet based communication tool is intended to facilitate health care services rendered by physicians to the consumer.

  The Empire Prescription Drug Plan  referred to as Express Scripts tells subscribers to this plan that they "know your time is valuable so what better reason to start using home delivery pharmacy where your medicine is mailed right to your house."

  The switch  to home delivery letter indicates that the insured "may save time and maybe a little more money back in your pocket."

  Indeed a very interesting approach from a leading medical insurance company......is  this  the wave of the future?