LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon Offers Virtual Care Services To Its Members
LifeWise Members will have 24/7 Virtual Care Access from the Comfort of their Home
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon today announced that it will offer telehealth benefits to its members through its virtual care offering starting next year. LifeWise's virtual care offering will enable members to receive health-related services and information via a variety of telecommunication channels for the purpose of diagnosis, prevention, health advice, disease management and treatment. Effective January 1, 2015, virtual care will be a component of LifeWise's healthcare delivery system and will be available as a covered benefit to all members.
"The industry is moving toward offering people access to care at a place and time that is convenient to them," said Rich Maturi, senior vice president of LifeWise's Health Care Delivery System. "Our virtual care offering will allow us to meet our members where they are and also make it simple for them to get the care they need. We are pleased to make virtual care available to all of our members."
LifeWise members will have access to telehealth services through two types of healthcare provider channels. Members can receive virtual care through their local healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or a pediatrician, if they are equipped with telehealth capabilities. Members will also have 24-hour virtual care access through Teladoc®, the largest and fastest-growing provider of telehealth medical consultations in the U.S. Teladoc provides its members fast, affordable, high-quality access to U.S. board-certified, state-licensed physicians who can resolve many medical issues by phone, secure online video and mobile applications from wherever the member is.
LifeWise members who utilize Teladoc will be able to receive diagnosis and receive select treatment services anytime virtually, which may allow health issues to be resolved in less time and from the convenience and privacy of a member's home or office. Teladoc is not intended to replace a member's primary care physician, but instead is designed as a convenient alternative to urgent care and unnecessary ER visits. Common conditions treated by Teladoc include: bronchitis, respiratory infection, sinus problems, allergies, and influenza.
"By making telehealth services available, our members can have peace of mind that they will have access to virtual care in ways that fit their lives – whether it's from work or from home," said Majd El-Azma, LifeWise president and chief executive officer. "This service provides a viable alternative when in-person care is a challenge due to geographic distance, limited access to transportation, and a need for care outside of regular doctor office hours."
About LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon
Thousands of people turn to LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon for their individual, family or group health coverage. And the reason is simple: we actively support all of our members' healthy decisions. From the healthy foods you eat to the activities you take part in, LifeWise is a health partner that provides tips, tools and encouragement you can use to live the healthiest life possible.
Founded in 1986 and based in Portland, LifeWise is part of a family of companies that cover more than 1.9 million people primarily in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Together, we provide a number of products and services that include medical, life, vision, dental, stop-loss, disability and workforce wellness programs.
Please visit www.lifewiseornews.com for more information.
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SOURCE LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon
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