"We're very pleased with the demand for personal doctor-patient interactions. Overall, the RelayHealth online connectivity service is having a positive impact, making our medical practice more efficient while augmenting our patients' healthcare experience," said Siskind.

Prescription refills and renewals, results delivery and requests for appointment scheduling and referrals will also be available through the program.

Cigna HealthCare's expansion is designed to increase the number of participating employers, physicians and patients, and comes shortly after the American Medical Association established a permanent CPT-4 code to enable reimbursement for online consultations.

"During the past 18 months, we've seen that RelayHealth's webVisit consultations can make patient access to their doctor easier, help improve the doctor's office workflow and improve employee productivity," said CIGNA HealthCare chief medical officer Jeffrey Kang, MD.

"By expanding patient access on a national basis and by encouraging our 500,000 participating physicians to offer online communication services for our eligible members, Cigna HealthCare members will have more choice and convenience in healthcare deliver," said Kang.