North Mississippi Joins Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Telemedicine Network
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi (BCBSMS) is proud to announce the addition of North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) to its Telemedicine Network. NMHS joins St. Dominic Hospital in participating in the BCBSMS Telemedicine Network that is designed to enhance care delivery models with telehealth services.
Telehealth services provide additional access to specialty care through collaboration with a Primary Care Network Provider. Collaboration between Primary and Specialty Care Network Providers provides the avenue for patients to have access to specialty Network Providers in their own communities and also has the benefit of a team of Network Providers working together on the patient’s behalf.
“We are committed to removing barriers to care for Mississippi patients by facilitating continuity of care from Primary Care Network Providers to coordinated higher levels of care without having to travel long distances,” said Dr. Tom Fenter, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.
NMHS will connect area BCBSMS patients to Network Providers through two-way video connections. These services connect remote-area residents with higher level of care consultations by Network Providers in Tupelo. The program seeks to ensure care coordination between referring Network Physicians and those offering a higher level of care in a setting that is conveniently located near the patient’s home and includes input from their Primary Care Network Provider.
“These services are ideal complements to care delivered by our Primary Care Network Providers serving rural areas as they allow patients to have high quality, coordinated care that is aligned with their overall health goals with minimal disruption to daily life. These services are designed to make it easier for patients to stay engaged in their care and to have better health outcomes as a result,” adds Fenter.
“North Mississippi Health Services is pleased to join the BCBSMS Telemedicine Network. The ability for patients to receive specialty care services in their hometown via telehealth is consistent with our mission of improving the health of the patients in our region. Convenience and increased access to these services will lead to better outcomes for the patients that we serve,” said Lee Greer, NMHS Chief Quality and Safety Officer.
BCBSMS members have access to NMHS’ telehealth services through the member’s Primary Care Network Provider at several locations throughout northeast Mississippi, including Baldwyn, Booneville, Ackerman, Eupora, Pontotoc, West Point, Iuka, Maben, Kilmichael, New Albany and more to come.
Published May 3, 2018