The Doctor Will See You Now—On Your Computer

Anthem Blue Cross, Woodland Hills, Calif., plans to launch an integrated telehealth system early next year that will allow its members to use their personal computers to choose their doctor and address their non-emergency  health needs via a live two-way video. The online care service, called LiveHealth Online (www.livehealthonline.com), will be launched in the first quarter of 2013, initially to small- and large-group fully insured customers and self-funded national employers. Doctors will offer members live consultations from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, including holidays.

The technology powering the service is provided by American Well, Boston.

Members can initiate online encounters via live audio-video and secure chat through a computer. A complete record of each encounter is created, and with the patient’s permission, can be forwarded to their primary care doctor, supporting continuity of care and collaboration among providers, according to Anthem Blue Cross.