Aetna members in most fully insured medical plans in Texas and Florida now have the option of using a new service from TelaDoc to access non-urgent care over the phone.

"When a member's primary care doctor is not available, a telephone consultation from TelaDoc's local physicians may be a good option for some members with minor illnesses," said Robert Kropp, MD, regional medical director for Aetna. "Members not only have access to quality care from the comfort of their home or office, but they also can avoid the time and expense of emergency rooms,"

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Some of the conditions TelaDoc doctors can address include:

• sinus problems
• bronchitis
• allergies
• sore throat and stuffy nose
• urinary tract infection
• respiratory infections

Aetna members can contact a participating TelaDoc doctor by calling 1-855-Teladoc (835-2362) or visiting www.TelaDoc.com/Aetna. A local TelaDoc doctor will call the member usually within 20-30 minutes. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members in Aetna's Medicare Advantage or Medicaid benefits plans are not currently eligible.

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"We are proud to have been selected by Aetna, one of the most progressive health plans in the nation, and look forward to bringing its members a new level of convenience and access to affordable, quality care," said Jason Gorevic, CEO of TelaDoc.

The cost of a TelaDoc consultation is $38 or lower, depending on the Aetna member's specific plan. Copays, deductibles and coinsurance apply. Teladoc consultations are a qualified expense for HSA, FSA and HRA accounts.

A summary of each consultation is captured in an electronic health record (EHR). The member can share the health record with his or her primary care physician. TelaDoc doctors can also refer to it during future member visits to help diagnose, recommend treatment and prescribe medications, when appropriate.
 
TelaDoc bills itself as is the nation's first and largest provider of access to telehealth consultations. Its nationwide network of licensed, board certified primary care physicians serve more than 3 million members. The company was founded in 2002 and is based in Dallas.