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A convenient, cost-free way to discuss your health with a doctor

Update, March 30: 

For the latest information we’re sharing with our members and the public regarding COVID-19 and coverage, visit BCBSTupdates.com.

Update, March 17: 

BlueCross will further expand affordable access to telehealth services by covering virtual visits with in-network providers at the same benefit levels as in-person visits. This change includes primary care providers, specialists and behavioral health providers with this capabilty.

Original story:

As part of our ongoing effort to ease the concerns of our members and neighbors and help manage the spread of COVID-19, we are offering PhysicianNow® Powered by MDLive to our fully insured and Medicare members at no cost through April 30. 

To find out if you’re eligible for this enhanced benefit, call the Member Service number on the back of your ID card.

“We know our members are concerned and taking extra precautions because of COVID-19, so we want to offer more options for seeking care when they need it,” says Kelly Paulk, vice president of product strategy and individual markets. “They can use telehealth for many health concerns or needs, 24/7 and from the comfort of their home or workplace.”

As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise, expanded access to care is increasingly important — particularly the ability to discuss your symptoms or other health care needs while practicing precaution.

“Telemedicine services like PhysicianNow make it more convenient for members to speak with a board-certified doctor without traveling to an office or health care facility and risk becoming infected, or infecting others,” Kelly says.

No cost, added convenience

Medicare members and members in Individual/Marketplace plans and fully insured employer-based plans can get PhysicianNow consultations with no copay until April 30. These members aren’t required to take any special steps, as BlueCross will automatically apply the benefit.

There are no consult limitations — members can take advantage of this $0 visit offer for any health need,  not just questions or treatments related to COVID-19.

PhysicianNow doctors are following recommended protocols and COVID-19 developments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How to use PhysicianNow

Members can access PhysicianNow via a phone call, online video chat, or the mobile app.

First-time users should register for the service by logging in to your bcbst.com account and clicking “Talk With a Doctor Now.” Or call 1-888-283-6691.

After you register, you can use PhysicianNow anytime. You can also download the myBlue Tennessee app from the App Store or Google Play. (Search for “mybluetn,” one word.)

Before accessing PhysicianNow, make sure you have your BlueCross Member ID card with you, as your consulting doctor will request information from it.

About Jesse Thompson, Senior Communications Specialist

A photo of the authorJesse joined the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee corporate communications team in 2017. A Chattanooga native, he has more than 15 years’ experience in content creation, management, and strategy for consumer audiences, including a six-year stint in health care marketing.

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