BCBS Telehealth Coverage 2023 Explained

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) telehealth coverage has evolved significantly in 2023, making it easier for members to access healthcare services remotely.

BCBS has expanded its telehealth network to include more providers, giving members more options for virtual care.

Many BCBS plans now cover virtual doctor visits, including video and phone calls, with no additional cost to the member.

This expanded coverage is a result of BCBS's efforts to improve access to care and reduce healthcare costs.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) telehealth coverage has expanded significantly in 2023, with many plans now covering virtual visits with primary care physicians, specialists, and even mental health professionals.

BCBS has removed copays for virtual visits, making it more affordable for members to access care remotely.

In some BCBS plans, virtual visits are covered with no out-of-pocket costs, allowing members to receive care without worrying about additional expenses.

BCBS has also increased the number of providers participating in their telehealth network, making it easier for members to find a doctor who offers virtual visits.

BCBS members can access telehealth services through the BCBS website or mobile app, or by contacting their provider directly.

To access Virtual Visits, powered by MDLIVE, you'll need an internet/Wi-Fi connection for computer access. Data charges may apply, so be sure to check your plan with your cellular data or internet service provider.

You can access Virtual Visits 24/7 by board-certified doctors for non-emergency health issues, and by appointment for behavioral health concerns. In some states, like Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico, non-emergency medical service is limited to video only, while in Arkansas, it's limited to video for initial consultation.

Here are some key details about Virtual Visits:

Virtual Visits also offers services in both English and Spanish, with translation services available for other languages. This makes it accessible to a wide range of employees.

Employees have access to virtual visits 24/7, with board-certified doctors available to diagnose and treat common medical issues like colds, flu, and allergies. They can even get prescriptions sent to their local pharmacy.

With virtual visits, employees can get support for behavioral health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress from a therapist or psychiatrist available 7 days a week by appointment. They can also get dermatology support for skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Here are some of the services employees can access:

Employees can access these services from the comfort of their own home, or even on-the-go, as long as they have an internet connection.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visits became a crucial lifeline for people who needed medical care but couldn't leave their homes.

As of March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 118,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with the virus spreading rapidly across the globe.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded over 15,000 cases, with major cities like New York and Los Angeles being particularly hard hit.

By April 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases had increased to over 2 million worldwide, with the WHO reporting over 125,000 deaths.

The rapid spread of the virus led to a surge in demand for virtual medical visits, with many healthcare providers scrambling to implement telemedicine solutions to keep up with the demand.

In the United States, the number of virtual visits increased by 50% from March to April 2020, with many patients opting for virtual consultations to minimize their risk of exposure to the virus.

By June 2020, the CDC reported that over 40% of healthcare providers in the United States were using telemedicine platforms to conduct virtual visits.