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Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, talks about the importance of preventive care, shares options for getting health care outside of the doctor’s office.
Sometimes we need more options when it comes to seeing a doctor – whether it’s due to transportation, mobility limitations, childcare, or busy schedules – luckily, there are many ways to get health care without having to step foot outside of your home. Regular visits with a doctor for preventive care are instrumental for your overall health and well-being.
“Many people are choosing care options that allow them to stay close to home while still taking care of their health,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan.
That’s why health plans like Blue Shield Promise are bringing health care services to members where they are in a variety of different ways. Many of these options offer care in your preferred language, and interpreter services are often available.
Explore telehealth services
Telehealth is a safe and private way to get care, and it can be as simple as making a call or joining a video visit from home or work.
“Telehealth can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions and is now readily available from most health plans. We’re seeing that virtual visits over the phone or on video, can be highly effective for members who may have minor health ailments or concerns, or hope to get some health-related questions answered,” Dr. Nuovo said.
If you’ve never tried telehealth before, your health plan can help you walk through it. It’s easy to use and works on most phones and computers.
Blue Shield Promise members have access to Teladoc, which provides convenient telephone access for non-emergency, routine care from board-certified doctors, 24 hours a day. Teladoc services are available at no cost to Blue Shield Promise members of all ages and physicians can write prescriptions by web, phone or mobile app.
Get care in the comfort of your own home or even at work
Some health plans even have same-day urgent care services available 24 hours a day, where the medical providers come to you.
Blue Shield Promise gives members within certain zip codes in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties access to DispatchHealth, a program that can send medical professionals to your home or workplace when you need it the most.
With Dispatch Health, a nurse practitioner or physician assistant can arrive at a Blue Shield member’s home or workplace within two to six hours of an initial call. They can provide a majority of care that would typically be available in an urgent care setting including assessing illnesses, wound care, lab tests and can write prescriptions if needed. Dispatch Health will also have an emergency room doctor available to provide assistance virtually for more complex cases.
Speak with a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Most health plans provide access for individuals to speak to a nurse 24 hours a day, to help address non-emergency health-related concerns. Registered nurses can answer questions regarding symptoms, minor illnesses and injuries, chronic conditions, medical tests, medications and preventive care.
Blue Shield Promise provides members with access to NurseHelp 24/7, a program that enables members to speak with a registered nurse anytime, day or night, and at no cost, to get answers to their health-related questions. Blue Shield Promise members can call (877) 304-0504 to get connected to a registered nurse.
Visit a nearby Community Resource Center
In Los Angeles County, Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care Health Plan jointly operate 14 Centers that are open to everyone. People can get assistance with scheduling appointments, access to helpful resources, or get connected to Wi-Fi for their virtual visit. The Centers are designed to help address community health and social needs, including crucial housing and food resources. Find your nearest Community Resource Center, Our Locations | Community Resource Center.
See your doctor for an in-office visit
While there are many ways to support your family’s health and well-being from the comfort or your own home, there are many benefits to visiting a provider in-office, for example, for annual physical exams or evaluations, or to establish a relationship with your provider.
“For members who are not experiencing life-threatening illnesses or injuries, Blue Shield Promise is making it easier for you to get the care you need, regardless of your circumstances,” said Dr. Nuovo.
Remember no matter how busy or uncertain times may be, it’s important to ensure you are meeting regularly with your doctor or medical provider.
To learn about Blue Shield Promise, visit Medi-Cal (Blue Shield Promise) | Blue Shield of CA Promise Health Plan. To learn more about language or interpreter services, visit Language help and interpreter services | Blue Shield of CA Promise Health Plan.
If you’re a Blue Shield Promise member, you can call member services in Los Angeles County (800) 605-2556 or San Diego County (855) 699-5557.
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