Tufts Health Plan,
an NEC member, now offers a variety of telehealth services to its members 24
hours a day, seven days a week, over the phone, internet, or an app. Members
can now speak with doctors, behavioral health therapists, or dermatologists at
their convenience.
Communication between patients and a licensed provider can
now take place through the Teladoc app. While dermatological care is the latest
addition, patients can seek advice on treating nonemergency general medical
conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, allergies, sinus infections, and
sore throats. Patients can easily schedule video appointments any day of the
week to talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist to seek support for anxiety,
depression, or other behavioral health issues.
Jim Gallagher, Vice President for Marketing and Product
Strategy for Commercial Products at Tufts Health Plan, commented, “These visits
are not only convenient, they are far less expensive for our employer customers
and can save hundreds of dollars over emergency department visits. . . We see a
real value in this technology for our customers, while addressing wait times
and lack of access for our members.”
The New England Council congratulates Tufts Health Plan on
the expansion of its telehealth program and improving access to medical
expertise.