Through the Teladoc platform, Silver Cross Hospital patients will be able to access physicians in the company’s network for remote consultations online or over the phone. These physicians can provide care for conditions like allergies, skin rashes and pink eye.
One of the program’s goals is to decongest the hospital’s emergency room, by encouraging patients with minor ailments to receive remote treatment, rather than waiting for unnecessary emergency care. However, if a Teladoc physician determines a patient is in need of an in-person visit, they will be directed to an emergency room, urgent care center or primary care physician.
Ruth Colby, chief strategy officer for Silver Cross Hospital, told CBS Chicago that Teladoc will charge patients $49 for each virtual visit. Insurance coverage will vary by patient plan.
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