(NewMediaWire) – Portland, OR- September 30, 2021 – Regence announced today a new virtual primary care solution to improve access to care, called Virtual Primary Care, for self-funded members throughout the health plan’s Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington footprint beginning in October 2021.
In the United States, more than 35% of adults under age 50 do not have a primary care provider, and 150 million adults forego an annual checkup. Having a primary care provider improves early detection of disease, chronic disease management and preventive care ultimately delivering healthier outcomes. Virtual Primary Care can help reduce delayed or forgone care by making it easier to access a primary care provider from the comfort of your home, office or anywhere in-between.
This new program, delivered through the MDLIVE platform, allows members to select a virtual primary care provider for annual wellness visits, follow-up visits, and access to electronic health records in one place. It can be used for most services usually accessed through an in-person visit, including screenings for early detection and treatment of chronic conditions, referrals, labs and medications.
Regence virtual visits have increased by as much as 400% percent in the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The offering is part of Regence’s commitment to improving health outcomes for members through a dedicated primary care physician relationship, paired alongside the convenience of virtual care focused on preventive care. The solution also gives Regence members access to virtual urgent care, behavioral health and dermatology services at their fingertips.
“The need for safe and convenient access to providers is more essential than ever, and virtual care is a critical way to ensure our members can get the care they need,” said Dr. Marion Couch, senior vice president of Health Care Services and chief medical officer for Regence. “Virtual Primary Care allows members to see family physicians from the comfort of home for most preventive care services and common urgent issues like flu symptoms, leading to healthier outcomes.”
MDLIVE is one of the leading providers of virtual health care services in the U.S. Virtual Primary Care provides patients with the option to conduct virtual visits with in-network primary care doctors.
“Virtual care presents opportunities for breaking down many of the barriers that persist in consumers seeking preventive and other routine care services,” said Dr. Cynthia Zelis, MDLIVE chief medical officer. “Closing gaps in access to primary care is a cornerstone strategy in supporting patients, improving outcomes and reducing costs.”
Regence’s health care solutions are paired with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association network, delivering access to 95% of doctors and 96% of hospitals throughout the United States. For more information, please visit regence.com.
MDLIVE is a separate and independent company that provides telehealth services for Regence members.
About Regence:
Regence serves approximately 3.3 million members through its Regence health plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Each Regence health plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com.
About MDLIVE:
MDLIVE, an Evernorth company, is a leading provider of virtual health care services in the U.S. with more than 60 million members nationwide. We work with our health plan, health system, and self-insured employer partners to give patients simple, convenient and affordable access to the highest quality medical and behavioral health care, 24/7, from the comfort and safety of their homes. With a vision and passion for changing health care for the better, we are working to improve the patient experience, close the patient-provider accessibility gap, and bring providers opportunities to augment the services they currently offer. To learn more about MDLIVE, visit www.MDLIVE.com, download our app, or text “Sophie” to MDLIVE (635483) to register.