Convenient Care: Online Doctor Visit Keeps Day Moving for Busy College Student
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
When Jessica Allison’s eyes became red and irritated, she knew she was dealing with a case of conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pinkeye. The contact lens wearer had developed it before and she also knew clearing it up would require prescription eye drops, only obtainable by visiting a doctor. It was a Thursday night and the 21-year-old Albion College senior was heading out of town Friday afternoon. With class on Friday morning, making a last-minute appointment at the campus health clinic would mean she’d have to choose between her health or missing out on that day’s lesson plan. Knowing time was of the essence, Allison looked for other choices when it came to getting care.
Jessica Allison Fortunately, she had previously downloaded the BCBSM Online VisitsSM app and was quickly able to see a doctor right from her apartment, after normal doctor’s office hours through a service called Blue Cross Online VisitsSM . The U.S. board-certified physician she video-chatted with was polite and helpful. He asked a few clarifying questions and looked at Allison’s eyes on his screen. The doctor confirmed a pinkeye diagnosis and prescribed the eyedrops she needed. After picking them up the next morning, Allison was able to start treatment before class and make it out of town that afternoon, worry-free. “It was so easy,” she said. “It was just very convenient. I didn’t have to leave. I didn’t have to go anywhere.” Allison’s days often start early in the morning and end late at night, thanks to the academic rigor of her pre-med biochemistry major and other campus commitments. She knows other students who have missed an entire day of classes or used break weeks to travel home for doctor’s appointments. As a future physician, she thinks online visits can play an important health care role, particularly for people with busy schedules who might delay getting care. “Having this is great because it doesn’t matter if it’s Monday through Sunday – it’s available,” she said. Blue Cross Online Visits are covered by most Blue Cross plans and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week when your primary care physician isn’t. Be prepared ahead of time by downloading the BCBSM Online Visits app on iTunes or Google Play today. If you found this helpful, you might also like:
- What Members Love About Telemedicine Visits
- How to Find the Right Medical Care on the Road
- 5 Advantages of Using Blue Cross Online Visits
Main image photo credit: everythingpossible Image of Jessica Allison, courtesy of Jessica Allison
