Frequently Asked Questions about Telemedicine
Get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Telemedicine.
Q. IS MY ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD KEPT PRIVATE?
A. Health records are kept private and secure in order to protect members’ personal information. Only members can determine who can see the information in their records.
Q. HOW MUCH WILL THE DOCTOR CONSULTATION COST?
A. There is no cost for members to request or receive a consultation.
Q. DO I TALK TO “REAL DOCTORS”?
A. Yes. Members will only talk to actual doctors who are state-licensed family practitioners, primary care physicians, internists, and pediatricians. When members request a consult, they will be connected with a doctor licensed and practicing in the state where they are located at the time of the call or will be when they take the call.
Q. IS ACCESS A DOCTOR FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS?
A. This program is only for non-emergency medical issues. Members should not use it if they are experiencing a medical emergency. PLEASE DIAL 911 if you are having a medical emergency. Telemedicine is also not intended to replace a member’s primary care physician.
Q. WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR OR SPECIALIST CAN I SPEAK WITH?
A. Members can talk to a doctor directly. Our doctors are licensed in internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics. Your doctor may also provide guidance on the type of specialist a member should see.
Q. CAN I USE IT FOR MY FAMILY?
A. The primary member and 9 immediate family members or household members will have access to consultations.
Q. CAN I GET A PRESCRIPTION?
A. A prescription is not guaranteed. It is up to the doctor to recommend the best treatment. Doctors will submit your prescription directly to the pharmacy of the member’s choice. Doctors will never issue prescriptions for substances controlled by the DEA and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. They include but are not limited to, antidepressant drugs such as Cymbalta, Prozac, Percocet, Oxycodone and Zoloft. Non-therapeutic drugs such as Viagra and Cialis are not prescribed by network doctors.
Q. HOW ARE PRESCRIPTIONS SENT TO THE PHARMACY?
A. Telemedicine does not dispense prescription drugs. If the doctor prescribes medication, it is submitted electronically or by phone to the pharmacy of the member’s choice. The member will then pay for their prescription at the pharmacy using their insurance program, or if they do not have any RX insurance, the program does include a pharmacy discount program available.
Q. CAN I BE TURNED DOWN FOR A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION?
A. NO. Members are not turned away because of pre-existing conditions. This program is not insurance and is not designed to replace existing insurance.
Q. CAN I GET A CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES?
A. NO. Consults are not available outside of the United States.