Teladoc Joins Blue Shield of California to Bring Telehealth Solution to 350,000 CalPERS Members in California

Members now have access to cost-effective care by physicians via phone or video

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teladoc, the nation’s first and largest telehealth provider, today announced a new health care initiative this year with Blue Shield of California to provide telehealth services for California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) members. Through Blue Shield of California’s HMO plans, 350,000 CalPERS members now have around-the-clock access to Teladoc’s network of California-based, state-licensed, board-certified physicians. Teladoc offers affordable health care consultations for routine medical issues via phone, any time, day or night, allowing members to save time and money. Online video is available 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., local time, seven days a week.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Blue Shield of California and CalPERS in providing an ideal benefit for busy individuals and families. Teladoc’s focus on access, cost and quality ensures that members will receive the appropriate care.”

“With the escalating cost of health care and the current physician shortage, telehealth is a logical solution to trim costs and increase access to physicians,” said Jason Gorevic, CEO of Teladoc. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Blue Shield of California and CalPERS in providing an ideal benefit for busy individuals and families. Teladoc’s focus on access, cost and quality ensures that members will receive the appropriate care.”

During the last eight years, Blue Shield has focused great attention on the unique needs of CalPERS, resulting in new innovative approaches to health care delivery such as Teladoc. Further innovations are constantly being developed and considered by Blue Shield to extend the value of their health plans.

The service may be used when a member is unable to visit their doctor, such as after office hours, and is not a replacement for their primary care physician. Teladoc’s network of physicians treat non-emergency medical issues, such as allergies, bronchitis, pink eye, sinus problems and ear infection for adults and children. Teladoc physicians may also write short-term prescriptions for non-controlled substances if medically appropriate. When using the service, CalPERS members initially provide a thorough medical history. Upon requesting a consultation, members receive a call back from a California-licensed, board-certified physician within an average of 22 minutes. To ensure continuity of care, Teladoc can provide its members with a detailed electronic health record (EHR) that can be sent to his or her primary care physician.

“It’s important for our CalPERS members that we continuously look for ways to improve care and contain costs,” said Tom McCaffery, vice president, California State Partnerships, Blue Shield of California. “A member may need care at a time when their primary care physician is unavailable, leaving only the emergency room or urgent care as options. By working with Teladoc, we can now offer our CalPERS members an innovative tool that provides them quick and easy access to a California-licensed, board-certified physician so they receive the care they need, when they need it.”

CalPERS members who are currently enrolled in Blue Shield of California HMO health plans can contact Teladoc by calling 1-800 TELADOC (835-2362) or request a consultation online at www.Teladoc.com/BSC. Teladoc’s service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

About Teladoc

Founded in 2002, Teladoc is the nation’s first and largest provider of telehealth services. With more than 4 million members nationwide and an average response time of 22 minutes, Teladoc enhances access to affordable, high-quality medical care for adults and children via videoconferencing or telephone consultations. The U.S.-based, board-certified physicians meet or exceed National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) standards and delivers a 97 percent patient satisfaction rate. Teladoc partners with payers, corporations, organizations and patients that seek accessible and affordable high-quality medical care. Additionally, through its TeladocConnect service, physicians are able to offer the convenience of Teladoc and provide their patients with a high level of care around the clock. For more information, please visit www.Teladoc.com or www.TeladocConnect.com.