On Dec. 12, Wellness Works and the Detroit Regional Chamber, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, discussed how virtual care solutions can improve access to healthcare, streamline your experience, and provide more flexibility in managing your well-being. Here is a recap of the key takeaways:
Access to Healthcare – A Growing Challenge
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- Access to healthcare is an issue not just in rural areas but also in urban centers. Even in large cities, wait times for primary care can stretch to months.
- Comfort with your healthcare provider is crucial. If you do not feel comfortable or understood by your doctor or therapist, you’re less likely to seek or continue treatment, which can result in undiagnosed or untreated conditions.
Telehealth: Convenient and Expanding Access
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- Virtual Care: Virtual care, especially for mental health services, allows you to receive care in the comfort of your home, during lunch breaks, or even in your car—making it easier to fit into busy schedules without taking time off work.
- Geographical Flexibility: Virtual care also removes geographic barriers, enabling access to a broader network of providers, including specialists who might not be available in your local area.
- Continued Growth: While telehealth usage surged during the pandemic, its popularity continues to grow each year as more people embrace digital solutions for healthcare.
Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
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- The conversation around mental health care has evolved significantly, with many public figures helping to normalize seeking support. This has contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care.
- Telehealth is especially beneficial for mental health services because it allows individuals to seek help privately and without the stress of in-person appointments, which is particularly helpful for adolescents and those hesitant to visit clinics.
How Virtual Care Can Support You and Your Family
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- Convenience: Virtual care means you do not need to take time off work to visit a doctor or therapist. It is more flexible and can fit into your routine, whether it is a quick telehealth session during lunch or a consultation from home.
- Provider Flexibility: You can easily find providers who match your needs—whether it is a physician with a particular specialty or a therapist who speaks your language or shares a similar background.
- Family Care: Virtual care is especially helpful for families, making it easier for children or partners to access care when they need it, without the added stress of travel or waiting in long queues.
How Employers Can Support Telehealth Usage
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- Employers can help normalize the use of telehealth by actively promoting the benefits and making employees aware of available options. This can include sharing success stories, resource handouts, and informational campaigns that highlight how easy and convenient virtual care can be.
- Targeted Outreach: Many telehealth services allow for targeted communications. For example, if you’ve recently been diagnosed with a condition like diabetes, you might receive personalized reminders about relevant programs that can support your care.
Getting Started with Telehealth Care
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- If you’re a Blue Cross member, you can easily access telehealth services through your Teladoc app or website. From there, you can find a virtual primary care provider or mental health professional, schedule an appointment, and even review their qualifications to ensure you’re comfortable with the provider.
- Quick Access: The process is fast. For example, after registering and downloading the app, you can often select a provider and make an appointment in less than 10 minutes.
Additional Resources
- Visit Meeting Whole Person Health Needs | Employers to learn about all of the virtual care and condition management solutions offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to ensure members have access to the care they need when they need it.
- Employers can utilize BCBSM’s Employee Engagement Toolkits to promote available virtual care solutions to their members, including:
Telehealth is a valuable tool that improves access to healthcare, reduces barriers, and enhances convenience. By embracing virtual care, you and your family can ensure timely, effective treatment while fitting care seamlessly into your busy lives. We encourage you to take advantage of these services and explore the full range of health benefits available to you.