On Wednesday, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York launched a Web-based service that connects members to in-network physicians, Buffalo Business First reports.
Online Care NY is part of the insurer's "virtual health" plan to improve health care delivery.
Cynthia Ambres, senior vice president and chief medical officer at BCBS, said that the program will help to alleviate an expected shortage of primary care physicians in the next 10 years.
The system is designed to supplement office visits and help users obtain treatment for minor conditions. Physicians will be able to see and speak with patients and review their medical data.
Physicians participating in the program include those in:
- Family practice;
- Internal medicine;
- Obstetrics and gynecology;
- Pediatrics; and
- Urgent care.
Eventually, nurses, specialists and physician assistants will provide services through the program (Drury, Buffalo Business First, 11/17).