You’re feeling very hot and achy. “Am I getting the flu?”, you worry. But it’s late Saturday night, or you are “on the road”, with your regular doctor nowhere in sight. What if you could speak to a doctor, maybe even videoconference with her, right now? Wouldn’t you prefer that instead of looking for a doc-in-a-box, an urgent care center — or sitting in an ER for hours? Well now you can talk to a doctor 24/7/365, a doctor who can actually prescribe medicines or other treatments for you, and help you decide if further diagnosis and/or treatment is advisable. How? Through the Health Fund’s pilot Telemedicine program — MDLIVE, offered through CIGNA.
Through the Health Fund’s MDLIVE benefit, you can have a video consultation with a board certified physician in the comfort of your own home (or hotel room if you are on the road). Or you can have the visit by phone – that’s up to you. AND THE VISIT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE. If you already registered with MDLIVE, you don’t need to do anything to take advantage of the zero co-pay.
The Health Fund first introduced MDLIVE in 2016. Since that time, we have had many positive comments from those of you who have used this service — how easy it was to get needed care, and how much of a help and comfort 24/7 access to a doctor gave you. This was especially true for those on the road, or needing care at odd hours.
If you haven’t registered yet, we urge you to do so immediately, so that you too can enjoy this new benefit at no cost to you. To register, you’ll need to answer a few medical questions and provide your credit/debit card information (your card will not be charged — MDLIVE programs with a zero copay are still so rare that their systems are not equipped to handle registrations without the credit card information). Registration only takes a few minutes, and once you are registered you can begin enjoying the service right away. To register, please go to https://www.mdliveforcigna.com.
Some FAQs pertaining to MDLIVE
Am I really talking with a doctor when I call MDLIVE?
Yes, only board certified primary care physicians and pediatricians participate in the MDLIVE network. They are selected through a credentialing process that is similar to the one used by CIGNA for developing and maintaining its physician networks.
What services are available via MDLIVE?
MDLIVE offers 24/7/365 access to consultations with board-certified primary-care physicians and pediatricians. You can communicate with the doctor via secure online videoconferencing, phone, or secure e-mail. Whether you are home, at work, or traveling — or if you simply want quick and convenient access to a doctor — all of this is available with no copay.
When should I use MDLIVE, and what can be treated?
If you have an urgent, but non-emergency situation, MDLIVE could save you a visit to an urgent care center or your doctor’s office. But remember: in the event of an emergency, always visit the nearest emergency room or call 911. MDLIVE services are also ideal if you need advice or treatment for common illnesses and conditions, including (but not limited to):
General Health
- Acne
- Allergies
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Ear Problems
- Fever
- Flu
- Headache
- Insect Bites
- Nausea
- Pink Eye
- Rash
- Respiratory Problems
- Sore Throats
- Urinary problems/UTI
- Vaginitis
- Vomiting
Pediatric Care
- Cold or Flu
- Constipation
- Ear Infection
- Nausea
- Pink Eye
- Vomiting
When should I NOT use MDLIVE?
MDLIVE is not meant to replace your primary care physician. There are many situations in which you will want to see your regular doctor, in person. MDLIVE simply provides another option for fast, convenient care and for reliable medical advice. And, of course, in the event of an emergency, do not attempt to use MDLIVE. Go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. MDLIVE’s telemedicine services are secure and confidential, and MDLIVE fully complies with applicable federal privacy regulations.
There are a few limits on MDLIVE’s availability
There are two states (Idaho and Arkansas) in which MDLIVE has restrictions on the services it can provide when a consultation is conducted by phone. If such limitations apply in your state, you will be informed of them when you call in to use the service. The rules of the state in which you receive your consultation are the ones that apply.
Also, we regret that this service is not available to those who are enrolled in the Fund’s Medicare Supplemental program, or in an HMO.
How do I get started with MDLIVE?
To get started or to make an appointment, simply call MDLIVE toll-free at (888) 726-3171 or visit https://www.mdliveforcigna.com. During registration, you’ll need to complete a brief medical history and set up a payment mechanism (e.g., credit or debit card) even though your card will not be charged. Once you are registered, simply request a consultation Once you are registered, simply request a consultation — online or by phone. With telehealth, you can connect to a board-certified doctor anytime from your computer, smartphone or tablet. It’s convenient, and confidential. It’s also easy to use telehealth with the myCigna App:
- Tap “Find Care & Costs” icon on the home screen.
- Select Cigna Telehealth Connection.
- Search for a provider to get the care you need.
Like other pilot programs, Equity-League’s coverage of telemedicine services is subject to change or cancellation. If you have other questions about telemedicine services, please call MDLIVE at (888)726-3171.