Imagine being able to have an online visit with a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner from home or work, without having to schedule an appointment. The online care professional will be able to review your information, ask and answer questions, make diagnoses, prescribe medications and suggest follow-up care.

Currently, Online Care Anywhere, provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, is available to a select group of individuals and their families. We plan to roll it out to all members in Minnesota beginning in 2011.

Easy to use

With Online Care Anywhere, you’ll get fast access to quality care while you save travel and wait time and, possibly, money. You’ll simply go online, then find, review and choose from available health care professionals and connect with one within minutes. With a webcam, you can even see the health care professional during your visit. Afterwards, you can share the outcome of the online care visit with your own doctor.

Why it’s needed

The service is not intended to be a replacement for office visits. It’s simply another option for times when an online care meeting can serve the need. Says Pat Geraghty, Blue Cross president and CEO, “We believe that in order to get health care costs under control, respond to consumer needs, and reshape health care delivery for the future, new care models are critical.”