New easy access to virtual doctor visits via SCFHP's 24/7 nurse advice line
Contact: Laura Watkins
San José, CA – June 1, 2020 –Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) adds telehealth feature to 24/7 nurse advice line, a new way for their Medicare and Medi-Cal members to access health care.
SCFHP members who call SCFHP’s 24/7 nurse advice line with health questions can have their care triaged by a nurse and, depending on the inquiry, can now virtually consult with an available physician. Once the consultation is complete, the member can choose to have a summary sent to their primary care doctor to ensure seamless care. The nurse advice line with the new telehealth feature, provided by Carenet and MD Live, is offered at no cost to SCFHP members.
“With the pandemic, we are all worried about our own and our loved ones’ safety. To make it easier for our members to seek and receive care, we support and encourage all of our providers in offering telehealth services. The addition of telehealth to our nurse advice line provides another way for our members to consult with a doctor without needing to leave their homes,” said Dr. Laurie Nakahira, Chief Medical Officer at SCFHP.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, SCFHP has prioritized the health and safety of its members, providers, and staff, closing its lobby to in-person appointments while continuing to provide support with staff working from home. In addition, the health plan has removed all prior authorization requirements for testing and treatment related to COVID-19, has given pharmacies privilege to override refill-to-soon, and has relaxed transportation requirements for advance notice to help members get to medical appointments on shorter notice. Integrating telehealth with the 24/7 nurse advice line is an obvious next step to ensure members can still access care during these unpredictable times.
Visit www.scfhp.com to learn more about SCFHP’s 24/7 nurse advice line and telehealth service.
About Santa Clara Family Health Plan
SCFHP is a local, community-based health plan dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the residents of Santa Clara County. Working in partnership with providers and community organizations, we serve our neighbors through our Medi-Cal and Cal MediConnect (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) health insurance plans. SCFHP began offering coverage in 1997 and is now proud to provide services to over 239,000 residents of Santa Clara County. Through devotion to outstanding service and care for the community, SCFHP is committed to providing quality, affordable health insurance to the underserved in Santa Clara County’s diverse population. For more information, visit http://www.scfhp.com.
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