Your guide to virtual care options

Have you ever gotten sick while on vacation? Or needed help managing stress, making better food choices, or figuring out what that thing on your skin is – but didn’t have time to go to your doctor’s office?

Virtual care makes it easier to access health care from almost anywhere. You can connect with a licensed and credentialed health care professional by phone, video, email, or online.

For Independence Blue Cross (IBX) members, virtual care can be a convenient way to get care when and where you need it. And many IBX members can access virtual medical, behavioral health, and dermatology services from Teladoc Health (Teladoc) with a $0 cost-share, making it even easier to get care when they need it.

Here’s a look at some of the virtual care options available to most IBX members.

Telemedicine: Care for everyday health concerns

No one plans to get sick, and illnesses don’t always happen during office hours. When you need care for a non-emergency health issue, virtual care can help. Telehealth can make it easier for people to access health care by reducing barriers such as travel time and scheduling challenges.

Members can talk with a board-certified Teladoc doctor 24/7 by phone or video. Doctors can help treat many common conditions, including:

Sore throat
Sinus pain
Cold and flu symptoms
Pink eye
Minor skin concerns

They can even prescribe medications when appropriate. And for many eligible members, Teladoc visits have a $0 cost-share.

You may also be able to schedule a virtual visit with your own primary care provider (PCP) or specialist if they offer this service. Log in at ibx.com to see what your costs may be for a virtual visit with an in-network provider.

Telebehavioral health: Support for mental well-being

Mental health is an important part of overall health, yet many people delay seeking support because they may struggle to find the time, resources, or flexibility needed to attend appointments.

Virtual care makes it easier to connect with licensed behavioral health professionals from the comfort and privacy of home.

Through Teladoc, eligible members can access psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists by phone or video for concerns such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Bipolar disorders
Adjustment disorders

For many members, these services are available with a $0 cost-share. IBX members may also be able to schedule virtual visits with in-network behavioral health providers who offer this option.

The flexibility of virtual appointments can help people get the support they need without adding travel time or taking significant time away from work and family responsibilities.

Teledermatology: Convenient care for skin conditions

Skin concerns don’t always arise at convenient times. Teledermatology can be a convenient and effective option for many common skin conditions. During the summer, issues like poison ivy, rashes, bug bites, and sun-related skin concerns can be especially common.

Through Teladoc, eligible members can receive care from a licensed dermatologist without visiting an office. After submitting information and photos through a secure platform, a dermatologist reviews the case and provides recommendations in a timely manner.

For many eligible members, these services are available with a $0 cost-share. Teladoc can be a convenient option for many common skin, hair, and nail concerns.

Telenutrition: Personalized guidance from nutrition experts

Healthy eating plays an important role in overall health and wellness. Many eligible IBX members have access to telenutrition services that include up to six virtual visits each year at no additional cost with an in-network registered dietitian or nutrition professional.

Whether you’re trying to build healthier habits, manage a chronic condition, or work toward a specific wellness goal, personalized nutrition guidance can help. And virtual visits make it easier to fit expert nutrition support into busy schedules.

Set up your account before you need care

One of the best ways to prepare for virtual care is to set up your Teladoc account before you need it. Many people wait until they’re sick to register. Taking a few minutes to set up your account now can save valuable time later when you need care quickly.

IBX members can activate their Teladoc account and schedule an appointment in one of the following ways:

Virtual care is here to stay

Virtual care has become a routine and valuable part of health care. It gives people more choices and flexibility when seeking care. From everyday illnesses and mental health support to dermatology and nutrition services, virtual care can help you stay connected to health care wherever life takes you.

Talk with your health care providers about whether they offer virtual visits and take a few minutes to explore the virtual care options available through your health plan. Understanding your options before you need care can help you get the right support when you need it most.

Teladoc Health and the practitioners accessible through Teladoc Health are independent companies and contractors not affiliated with Independence Blue Cross. Please consult a physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.