Blue Cross to Offer Online Doctor Visits to Employees

Online Care program tested in
Minnesota, Virginia

EAGAN, Minn. - This fall, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans to offer online doctor visits to its employees in Minnesota and Virginia.
"It's going to bring the care to the member whether they're at home or at work, instead of having to have them come to the bricks and mortar, so it's going to give them greater access to medical services," said. Dr. Patrick Herson, Medical Director at Blue Cross and Blue Shied of Minnesota.
Colleen Dolan is a mother of two and a busy Blue Cross employee, so taking time out for a trip to the doctor can be a headache in itself, especially for a routine visit.
"Leaving work, picking them up from school, waiting while they're running behind, sitting through the visit, taking them back to school, coming back to work," Dolan said, listing off the hassles of a doctor visit.
While it's available from a home computer, Blue Cross will set up kiosks for its employees. If you have a webcam, you go face-to-face with the doctor, or click fro an online chat.
There's no going between receptionists and nurses, and no waiting.

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