May 16, 2019
We’ve teamed up with CirrusMD, a Denver-based company, to test a new mode of access for our Alaska members. myCare Alaska is a platform that will give Alaska members near-immediate access to emergency physicians. The text-based application will
allow members to connect with emergency physicians in seconds through their computer or mobile phone.
Why are we testing myCare in Alaska?
For many who live in remote parts of the state, access to healthcare can be a challenge. The goal is to help Alaska patients get their health related questions answered quickly. Often, myCare Alaska physicians will advise patients to follow up with their
PCP or refer them to an in-network provider for care if they don’t have a PCP. myCare Alaska is an additional mode of care delivery not meant to replace care from their primary care provider (PCP).
How is this different from a nurse advice line?
- Patients can open the app and text their question to a physician. No worries about others hearing their conversation.
- Patients can also video chat with the physician if they feel it’s necessary.
- Physicians on the platform are CirrusMD Provider Network physicians. They are board-certified in emergency medicine and can prescribe medications.
- Patients will receive a summary after their encounter that they’ll be encouraged to share with their provider.
What will it cost my patient?
It’s typically free. If a prescription is appropriate for the patient, the physician will let them know what they recommend. If the patient would like to proceed with getting the prescription filled, telehealth cost shares per their plan design, will
apply. The patient can choose to move forward or can decline and seek services or a prescription elsewhere. This is a limited design-test-learn trial for our Alaska insured and Optiflex groups and is available June through December this year. We’ll
review results before we decide to make it more broadly available.
If you have questions about myCare, you can contact your Provider Network Representative.