Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Expands Virtual Primary Care, Providing Members Increased Access to Affordable, Convenient Care

Members will be able to leverage virtual primary care for primary care and urgent healthcare needs

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio today announced the availability of its virtual primary care service to eligible members in commercial health plans, meeting consumers’ demands of easier access to high-quality care – where, how, and when they want it. With virtual primary care, members will have access to a virtual care team that conducts an initial health check-in, creates a personalized care plan, and provides care services to help members improve their health and wellbeing – all at no or low-cost.

“Virtual primary care is an important piece in our ongoing efforts to give our members more ways to connect with their doctors in the ways they want – bringing together in-person, virtual, and digital healthcare,” said Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio Commercial President Jane Peterson. “As in nearly every other aspect of their lives, consumers are increasingly looking for digital technology for a more simple, more convenient healthcare experience.”

Through Sydney Health, eligible members will have access to virtual primary care:

• Through secure in-app medical text chat for on-demand 24/7 urgent care as well as scheduled follow-up visits for wellness, prevention, and chronic condition care;
• A video-based, preventive wellness visit resulting in a care plan, offering proactive future care guidance;
• Routine care support services including new prescriptions and refills, and preventive tests, screening and labs;
• Referrals to in-network, in-person primary and specialty care, when needed.

Anthem’s virtual primary care service is personalized to the member’s unique care needs through AI-driven modeling and analytics, improving the healthcare experience. Data and insights from the initial symptom assessment, which is informed by millions of care interactions, is also shared with the virtual primary care doctor to better inform the care visit.

Anthem’s virtual primary care providers can address many conditions and help individuals manage their chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. Virtual primary care will also provide members urgent care for minor health issues, including allergies, cold and flu, skin rashes, and more. This service will also make it easier for members to complete other routine tasks such as check-ins with providers and medication refills. And for members who already have a primary care provider, Anthem’s virtual primary care complements the healthcare services they receive from in-person care.

Virtual primary care is currently available to eligible individuals enrolled in Anthem’s fully insured plans as well as select large group administrative services (ASO) clients. Anthem expects many ASO clients will make this service available to their employees and dependents by the end of the year.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com.