Keystone First Using Telemedicine to Bridge Gaps in Health Care Access
Home health aides or nurses facilitate access for those experiencing barriers to care
Philadelphia, Pa. – Keystone First, a Blue Cross Medical Assistance (Medicaid) product and the largest Medical Assistance managed care product in southeastern Pennsylvania, announced it can now provide telehealth services, improving access to health care providers.
Keystone First members facing barriers to treatment may now be able to receive a visit from a home health aide or nurse who will virtually connect them to providers using smartphones, tablets, or laptops, thereby facilitating face-to-face checkups and visits.
“By meeting our members where they live, we alleviate many of the everyday concerns or barriers to care that often keep people from visiting the doctor,” said Joanne McFall, market president for Keystone First.
“Many Keystone First members will no longer have to ask themselves, ‘How am I going to get to my appointment?’ or ‘Who can I trust to look after my son or daughter while I’m at the doctor’s office?’ We provide our members with quality care when and where they need it,” she said.
Lily Higgins, M.D., M.B.A., M.S., market chief medical officer for Keystone First, added, “Telehealth is a two-way street, with both lanes leading toward better health outcomes ― it helps remove barriers to health care for members and also expands the reach of physicians.” Dr. Higgins also noted that Keystone First’s telehealth services will continue to evolve to meet members’ needs.
About Keystone First
Keystone First is a Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care health product offered by Vista Health Plan, Inc., an affiliate of Independence Blue Cross, in five southeastern Pennsylvania counties. Here at Keystone First, we are mission-driven and dedicated to helping members get care, stay well, and build healthy communities. For more information, visit www.keystonefirstpa.com. Independence Blue Cross and Vista Health Plan, Inc., are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Source: Keystone First
