Get Care Online with Virtual Visits

Are you missing out on the convenience of telemedicine? Telemedicine allows you to have virtual health care visits using your computer, phone or tablet. These types of health care visits are a quick, easy way to bring the doctor to you.

Say you’re on vacation and feeling sick. Or it’s the middle of the night and your child wakes up with an earache. Instead of searching for a provider away from home or an open urgent care center in the middle of the night, a telehealth visit is a faster, easier choice.

Depending on your benefit plan, you may be able to see your doctor by phone or video. Check your health plan to see if you have this benefit. Then call your doctor’s office to see if they offer telemedicine and telehealth services. Ask if this medical care is right for you.

Virtual Visits with MDLIVE^®

If your health care coverage includes it, you may also have the option of scheduling a Virtual Visit with MDLIVE.* Virtual Visits let you talk live with an independently contracted, board-certified MDLIVE doctor or therapist. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get care by phone, online video on your computer or mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.

Additional features offer more ways to make your life easier:

• You can quickly get a doctor’s note for work or school.
• You can invite family members or caregivers to securely connect and join a scheduled phone visit.

Learn how it all works. Here are your top questions answered.

When Does It Make Sense to Use a Virtual Visit?

When you have a non-emergency health issue outside of regular office hours or need a convenient, cost-effective alternative to a retail clinic or urgent care center, Virtual Visits may be the answer.

Some of the most common reasons for scheduling a Virtual Visit include:

• Allergies, asthma, sinus infections, diarrhea/constipation, nausea, insect bites
• Cold or flu, ear infection, sore throat, pink eye
• Behavioral health (by appointment): online counseling, child behavior/learning issues, stress management

What If I Need a Prescription?

Your prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy of choice after your Virtual Visit. If you have prescription drug coverage through your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas plan, you will have access to the same independently contracted pharmacy network in most cases.

IMPORTANT: MDLIVE doctors will not write prescriptions for substances controlled by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), for drugs prescribed for non-therapeutic use, or for drugs that may be harmful (have potential for misuse or addiction).

How Do I Plan a Virtual Visit on My Mobile Device?

MDLIVE can be used from most mobile devices using the MDLIVE Mobile App. The app is available for download at the App Store^® and Google Play^TM.

Are Virtual Visits Safe and Private?

MDLIVE offers safe, secure, confidential medical advice and information. It will share your information only with your chosen doctor and pharmacy.

How Much Does It Cost?

There is no cost to set up your account. What you pay for visits varies based on your health plan coverage and type of visit. Check your benefit book for details. Or call the BCBSTX customer service number on your member ID card.

What If I Have More Questions?

Just call the MDLIVE toll-free number at 888-676-4204. Or you can text** “BCBSTX” to 635-483 to get help. Both options are answered around the clock.

Choose a Virtual Doctor

Setting up and finding a doctor for a virtual visit is easy:

• Log in to Blue Access for Members^SM.
• On your dashboard, look for Virtual Care.
• Click Virtual Care and scroll down to Get Started to set up your account with MDLIVE.
• You’ll activate your account on MDLIVE's website.

That’s all you need to be ready to meet with a doctor using Virtual Visits. You can log on using the website and wait for the next available professional. Or you can make an appointment with a provider for a future virtual visit.

*Virtual Visits may be limited by plan. For providers licensed in New Mexico and the District of Columbia, urgent care service is limited to interactive online video. Behavioral Health service requires video for the initial visit but may use video or audio for follow-up visits, based on the provider’s clinical judgment. Behavioral Health is not available on all plans.

**Message and data rates may apply. Terms and conditions and privacy policy are available at bcbstx.com/mobile/text-messaging.

MDLIVE is a separate company that operates and administers Virtual Visits for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. MDLIVE is solely responsible for its operations and for those of its contracted providers.

Originally published 11/18/2019; Revised 2021, 2022, 2024