Anthem launches e-visit pilot program in Maine

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine will pay physicians for "e-visits" as part of a pilot program at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and the Aroostook Medical Center in remote Presque Isle, Maine.

In the first phase, physicians at some primary care practices affiliated with the two hospitals will be reimbursed for answering health questions and communicating with Anthem members about non-emergent conditions via a secure Internet portal. Patients also will be able to schedule appointments, review test results and request prescription refills online, Healthcare IT News reports.

An Anthem executive says that the service is aimed at transient populations, including college students and those who live outside of Maine for part of the year, as well as those with limited access to reliable transportation. As part of the pilot, patients who choose e-visits will not have to make co-payments.

"This program is not meant to replace a face-to-face visit or annual exams, rather it supports the patient's good health between regular office visits," adds Dr. Iyad Sabbagh, lead physician at Husson Internal Medicine in Bangor. "It's also important to note that the program is for patients who already have an established relationship with their doctor and have been seen within the past year."

Both health systems already take part in a similar pilot run by CMS.

To learn more:
- take a look at this Healthcare IT News story [1]