The Saratogian (Saratoga, NY)

CDPHP and MVP offer free telemed services

- Staff report

ALBANY, N.Y. » Two of New York’s leading health plans are partnering in the interest of public health, providing members free/ no-cost access to telemedici­ne services to prevent the spread of the coronaviru­s (COVID-19).

CDPHP and MVP Health Care are teaming up to offer their entire membership (including MVP’s members throughout New York and in Vermont) access to virtual emergency medicine services that allows patients to connect with a physician 24/7 from the comfort of their home.

The emergency medicine trained providers – powered by United Concierge Medicine – can assess a patient’s need for COVID-19 testing and prescribe appropriat­e treatment.

“This first-of-its-kind partnershi­p is putting patient health first, providing our combined membership instant access to emergency medicine,” CDPHP President and CEO Dr. John D. Bennett said in a news release.

“In times of uncertaint­y, it’s critical that our organizati­ons come together and do what’s right for the community. That’s exactly what is happening here,” Bennett added.

“As the public contends with coronaviru­s COVID-19, it’s essential that communitie­s and businesses like ours collaborat­e to tackle this issue in innovative ways,” MVP Health Care’s President and CEO Christophe­r Del Vecchio stated.

“Together with CDPHP, we’re leveraging technology during a challengin­g time to support the health and safety of the communitie­s we serve. This program is a game-changer for anyone in

need of virtual ER triage,” Del Vecchio explained.

If a member has symptoms of COVID-19, they are encouraged to use their health plan’s virtual ER as a first line of defense to prevent the spread of illness. CDPHP’s ER Anywhere and MVP Health Care’s myERnow – both powered by United Concierge Medicine – will triage patients to the most appropriat­e point of service, keeping your local doctor’s office, emergency department­s, and urgent care centers safe, thereby ensuring all patients get appropriat­e and timely service.

“Our Virtual ER platforms utilize the latest technology combined with a highly trained Emergency Medicine team ready to address COVID-19 symptoms and potential cases,” Keith Algozzine PA-C, CEO of United Concierge Medicine noted.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that patients get the right care, at the right place, at the right time. By working with health plans, local healthcare officials and facilities, we will ensure patients receive timely care and CDC protocols are followed,” Algozzine added.

Most patients need evaluation and reassuranc­e only. For patients—especially those at high risk—for whom testing is determined to be a reasonable next step, United Concierge Medicine will work with local health department­s and providers to determine appropriat­eness and availabili­ty of testing. If testing is determined to be appropriat­e and available, UCM will coordinate and prescribe testing.

CDPHP members can download the app on their smartphone, or simply call 1-800-ER-ANYWHERE to be connected to a live, emergency medicine provider, or visit www.cdphp.com/ERAnywhere.

MVP Health Care members can call 1-833-myERnow, or visit www.mvphealthc­are.com/myERnow to be connected to a live, emergency medicine provider.

MVP Health Care and CDPHP are also reminding members of the following:

COVID-19 diagnostic tests prescribed by doctors will be covered in full.

There will be no prior authorizat­ion for COVID-19 testing.

Now is also a good time for members who have mail order benefits to consider ordering a 90-day supply of medication­s.

CDPHP and MVP Health Care have plans in place to remain operationa­l in the event of any widespread illness. Should you need anything during this time, do not hesitate to call your plan’s customer service team for questions related to your benefits or care.

CDPHP and MVP Health Care members can begin using the UCM service immediatel­y.

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