The Doctor Will Virtually See You Now

Harvard Pilgrim began offering video medical care visits to its commercial and self-insured plans on July 1. The service is offered through Doctor On Demand, a telemedicine provider with a national provider group of board-certified physicians. Members now have expanded access to telemedicine services through Doctor On Demand, in addition to the ability to receive covered telemedicine services from Harvard Pilgrim’s existing network providers who offer them.

No referrals are needed and members may use a smartphone, tablet or computer to connect within minutes to a board-certified doctor. Member cost sharing will be equal to the primary care cost sharing on a member’s plan, and payable with a credit or debit card via the Doctor On Demand application. All Doctor On Demand physicians are licensed in the state the member is calling from.

Some of the common medical conditions that may be treated include: cold and flu, asthma and allergies, bronchitis and sinus issues, rashes and skin issues, eye issues, upset stomach, pediatric issues, urinary tract infections, yeast infections and sports injuries. Where clinically appropriate, Doctor On Demand physicians may prescribe medications and send prescriptions electronically to a member’s local pharmacy. Doctor On Demand does not, however, prescribe controlled substances, and may elect not to treat or prescribe other medications based on what a Doctor On Demand physician determines is clinically appropriate.

“We are pleased to offer members this convenient and affordable urgent care option,” says Beth Roberts, Harvard Pilgrim’s senior vice president of enterprise sales and marketing. “Harvard Pilgrim is committed to helping members get the quality health care they need at the place and time that works best for them. We believe this service will provide flexibility and value to augment the existing relationships our members have with their primary care physicians.”

Harvard Pilgrim members can download the Doctor On Demand application from the App Store or Google Play for their smartphones, or visit DoctoronDemand.com/HarvardPilgrim to sign up for the service.