News Release
December 3, 2008
HMSA launches nation’s first online health care service in January
Laura Lott
(808) 952-7566
laura_lott@hmsa.com
The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) today announced the official launch
date and consumer price of its new online care service to connect patients and physicians
via the Internet or telephone. The service will be the first of its kind in the nation
and will help improve access to care throughout the Islands.
HMSA’s Online Care will go live Jan. 15, 2009, and will be available to everyone
in Hawaii. From the privacy of their home, HMSA health plan members will be able
to go online and speak with a physician for only $10. Nonmembers will be able to
use Online Care for $45 per visit. Online sessions will be immediate, secure and
private.
“We’re very proud to offer this revolutionary new service to the residents
of our community, especially those who live in rural areas of the state,”
said HMSA Vice President Michael Stollar. “One of the many benefits of HMSA’s
Online Care will be improved access to care throughout Hawaii.”
Each online session may run for up to 10 minutes. If the physician and patient wish
to extend the session another five minutes, HMSA members will pay $5 more. Nonmembers
will pay $12.50 for an additional five minutes. Patients will pay for online sessions
with a major credit card or a PIN-less debit card with a major credit card logo.
“HMSA’s Online Care is not intended to replace face-to-face visits with
a physician, but may be used as an easy and convenient alternative in situations
where a patient may not be able to visit their physician’s office,”
said Stollar. “Because Online Care will be available anytime, it may be used
after business hours, on weekends and holidays, and whenever a patient needs to
speak with a physician right away.”
HMSA participating physicians who sign up to provide online services will be able
to do so from their home or office. Day or night, physicians may log on at any time
and provide services to patients around the state. Physicians may work online as
much or as little as they like. The system is completely flexible, and can enhance
the way a physician chooses to practice.
“At HMSA, we’re excited about Online Care and the many benefits it has
for patients, physicians, and the community at large,” said Stollar. “We’re
also proud to be leading the country in implementing this innovative health care
technology, and believe it will go a long way to help improve access to care in
the Islands.”
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is
governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health
care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large.
HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Nationally,
HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to
more than 100 million members.
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