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MDLIVE offers first-class medical care in the palm of your hand

GEHA | January 8, 2021

Telemedicine

Telemedicine has become even more necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. GEHA medical members are eligible for telemedicine powered by MDLIVE.

Briefly defined, telemedicine is using technology to talk to your doctor live over the phone or video chat, send and receive messages from your doctor via text, email or secure messaging.

Telemedicine has become even more necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a way to access quality medical care while reducing the risk of exposure. Here are some other advantages telemedicine offers:

No transportation necessary
Easy to schedule around work
No child or elder care issues
Less cost or even no cost for GEHA members*
Less chance of catching a new illness
Less time in the waiting room
Access to specialists
On-demand options

GEHA telemedicine benefit

GEHA medical members are eligible for telemedicine powered by MDLIVE.

Consult with a board-certified doctor by phone, secure video or MDLIVE app, anytime and anywhere. Licensed behavioral health therapists are also available by appointment via secure video, including follow-up visits after inpatient hospitalization.

Follow-up visits after emergency department visits for substance abuse or behavioral health.

Average wait time is less than 10 minutes to see a state-licensed, board-certified physician averaging 15 years of practice experience.

Your covered dependents are also eligible. Pediatricians are available 24/7 to serve your youngest family members.

MDLIVE is designed to handle non-emergency medical conditions (including dermatology) and behavioral health issues and can often substitute for a doctor’s office visit. Telemedicine is not intended to replace your primary care doctor or to be used in life-threatening emergencies. Find more information or activate your account.

GEHA medical members also get access to 24-hour health advice via phone or video with a registered nurse. Health Advice Line nurses can help evaluate symptoms and determine an appropriate method of treatment, which may include home-based remedies, referral to an urgent care facility or walk-in clinic, or accessing the telemedicine service to speak with a physician.

*HDHP plans members are responsible for 100% of the plan allowance until they meet their deductible. After HDHP members meet their deductible they will be charged by MDLIVE, but GEHA will reimburse them 100% of the plan allowance. Learn more.

This is a brief description of the features of the Elevate, HDHP, Standard Option, Elevate Plus and High Option medical plans. Please read the plan’s Federal brochures RI-006 (High and Standard Options), RI 71-014 (HDHP) or RI 71-018 (Elevate and Elevate Plus), available at geha.com/PlanBrochure. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure.

Sources:
“Understanding telehealth” telehealth.hhs.gov, Department of Health and Human Services, 18 November, 2020.
“Advantages of telemedicine for patients.” chironhealth.com, Chiron Health.
“Using telehealth services.” cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control, 10 June, 2020.