PROVIDENCE – You can add dermatology to the list of health care specialties accessible as a telehealth service for Tufts Health Plan members.
The health plan’s members now have access to a doctor, behavioral health therapist, or dermatologist 24 hours a day, seven days a week by web, phone, or mobile app – from home or while traveling.
“We’ve heard from our members that they want more access and that it can take up to two months to get an initial appointment with a dermatologist in the Greater Boston area,” said Jim Gallagher, vice president, marketing and product strategy for commercial products at Tufts Health Plan. “Adding dermatology to our telehealth solution so that our members can get care where they want, and when they want, is part of our overall goal of creating an experience that is simpler and less stressful.”
Members can download the Teladoc app on their mobile devices to access a licensed provider to treat nonemergency general medical conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, allergies, sinus infections, sore throats, and now dermatology care. Members can also schedule a video appointment seven days a week to talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist for support with anxiety, depression and other behavioral health issues.
“These visits are not only convenient, they are far less expensive for our employer customers and can save hundreds of dollars over emergency department visits,” added Gallagher. “We see a real value in this technology for our customers, while addressing wait times and lack of access for our members.”
Tufts Health Plan launched its telehealth solution in 2018. It is available to members in fully insured commercial accounts, and members who are part of a self-funded employer group that has purchased the benefit.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN contributing writer.
