Anthem Blue Cross Offers Virtual Physician Consults In Spanish

Anthem Blue Cross of California has introduced a virtual physician service for its large pool of Spanish-speaking enrollees.

            The service, known as Cuidado Médico, enables enrollees to discuss a medical condition with a physician in Spanish from a smartphone or tablet. The service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Time daily. Physicians are fully fluent in Spanish and can even prescribe medications and direct  scrips to specific pharmacies online. The service, also known as Live Health Online, had been previously available only in English for Anthem enrollees. Anthem enrollees are charged the same copayments and deductible charges as for an in-person office visit.

            “LiveHealth Online represents a true shift in healthcare delivery by using technology to make healthcare easier and more consumer friendly,” said John Jesser, an Anthem vice president of provider engagement strategy. “LiveHealth Online is having an unprecedented impact on the lives of Spanish speaking consumers in California. For the first time, thousands of Latino consumers have at their disposal the ability to visit with a doctor online in Spanish.”

             Cuidado Médico is also available to non-Anthem enrollees for $49 per session.