There are many telehealth benefits to consider when choosing health insurance coverage.
Telemedicine has many benefits, including convenience. This secure method of getting healthcare allows you to have a live video visit with your provider from the comfort of your home. To conduct a telehealth visit, all you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of telehealth as more providers and patients adapt to changes in the way care is delivered. At the start of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 154% increase in telehealth visits compared to the same period in 2019 [1]. Today, many providers offer telehealth services for routine care.
At UPMC Health Plan, we understand the benefits and impact of telehealth digital care. Is telehealth coverage something you want from your health insurance plan? Let’s learn more about how telehealth can benefit you.
Telehealth Benefits to Consider
Telehealth services—like the options we offer through the UPMC Health Plan—give you access to multiple providers, no matter where you are. This is useful if you live far from a large city or your provider’s office. It also comes in handy if you’re too busy to keep an appointment in person. Having this access saves you time and money because you don’t have to travel for medical care.
What is telemedicine like?
Telemedicine can be used in different ways:
- See a doctor Allows you to access providers from the comfort of your own home. Talk to your doctor to find out what platforms and virtual services they offer.
- urgent Care services such as UPMC AnywhereCare It’s a convenient way to get a medical evaluation from home or work if you experience a common illness like a cold or sore throat, or if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19. UPMC AnywhereCare Provider [2] Available via live video 24/7, UPMC health plan members can make appointments using their mobile devices or computers [3].
- health guidance is another care option offered by some health plans. UPMC health plan members can work with a health coach digitally or by phone to achieve their health goals. UPMC Health Plan also offers a range of virtual supports Mental and Behavioral Health Services.
- tutorial Often delivered through a telehealth platform. Through UPMC AnywhereCare, eligible members can participate in virtual counseling sessions for mental and behavioral health care.
- Digital Health Management Tools and Mobile AppsFor example receiving wellalso support
Welfare. RxWell aims to help members improve their physical and mental health through self-help activities and support from health coaches. The UPMC Health Plan offers many other Digital Health and Wellness Tools Help our members manage their health.
UPMC VirtualCare Health Insurance Plan
UPMC Virtual Nursing, our newest program, allows members to access convenient, low-cost care virtually or in person. Members are:
- There is a $0 copay for primary, urgent and behavioral health care virtual visits.
- Reduced copays for virtual specialist visits.
- $0 for preventive visits, whether virtual or in-person.
- Choose to see the doctor in person and split the cost.
- Access to high-quality UPMC providers.
- Digital onboarding. We make life easier by providing our members with step-by-step instructions.
- Digital tools to help you manage your plans.
- Paperless communication.
- Get mail order maintenance medications.
- All the other benefits of the UPMC Health Plan!
Other UPMC Health Plan Telehealth Benefits
The UPMC Health Plan offers its members many ways to take care of their health.In addition to UPMC AnywhereCare, RxWell, and virtual provider visits, our members can also Call the Healthcare Concierge Find out what telehealth benefits are included in their plan, and Advanced Medical Center mineHealth 24/7 Nurse Line [4].
members can login to minehealth online Chat with the Health Care Concierge, or they can send a secure message or at Free UPMC Health Plan Mobile App.
Buying Health Insurance for 2023?Go to UPMC Health Plan market Explore UPMC Health Plan’s individual and family plans, including our UPMC VirtualCare plan.You can also visit our UPMC Health Plan connection center Next to you.
[1] Trends in Telemedicine Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic – United States, January-March 2020. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed October 30, 2020. Accessed September 23, 2021. cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6943a3.htm
[2] UPMC health plan members who are located in Pennsylvania at the time of the virtual visit may choose a provider hired by UPMC or a provider from the Online Care Network II PC (OCN), depending on the provider’s availability and discretion. Members located outside of Pennsylvania will receive OCN services. OCN is not affiliated with UPMC. Restrictions may apply to members of Administrative Services Only (ASO) plans who have opted out of coverage. During the COVID-19 emergency, UPMC For you UPMC Community HealthChoices members located outside of Pennsylvania will receive OCN services. UPMC AnywhereCare virtual visit services will not be covered by UPMC following the COVID-19 emergency For you Travel outside of Pennsylvania with UPMC Community HealthChoices members.
[3] The UPMC Health Plan provides free help and services to help people communicate effectively with us. These may include language services and qualified sign language interpreters for people whose primary language is not English. Your provider will connect you to these services during your visit.
[4] The UPMC nurse who answers the phone is licensed to assist members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New York and Ohio.Members must be in one of these states when calling UPMC mineHealth 24/7 Nurse Line. UPMC mineThe Health 24/7 Nurse Line is not a substitute for medical care. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Nurses cannot answer program or benefit questions. For non-clinical consultations, please call the Member Services telephone number on your Member ID card.
