Frequently Asked Questions
What is HMSA’s Online Care?
It is an exciting, new online health care system that allows you to talk to a
local physician or specialist from HMSA’s network of participating physicians.
You can have a discussion live on-demand via the Web, email or telephone.
Without leaving home, you may consult with a local provider that is immediate,
secure, private and affordable. HMSA’s Online Care is convenient and
easy to use, and an appointment is not required.
HMSA is the first health plan in the country to partner with American Well and
Microsoft on an online health care system. We are proud to make this exciting,
new service available to our members, providers and the community. It will help
improve access to care for residents all across the state.
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Who will be able to use the system?
The new online care system will be available to all Hawaii residents. You do not
have to be members of an HMSA health plan to use the system.
From the privacy and convenience of your home, you’ll be able to use the system to
access the services of an HMSA participating physician. The system will be available
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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When does HMSA’s Online Care go live?
HMSA’s Online Care will be launched in January 2009.
HMSA will publicize the exact starting date in the near future. You should watch
for TV, radio and print advertising regarding the new online care system. You may
also check the HMSA website at hmsa.com for periodic updates.
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Will physicians have access to my health information?
If you are an HMSA member, the physician may have access to your HMSA health
summary, if you have granted access to it. You can select what information the
physician can see, and must grant the physician access before the they may view it.
Anyone who uses Microsoft HealthVault to collect, store and manage their personal
health information can make that information available to the consulting physician.
Having access to consumer health information is important to physicians and
specialists. It will help them provide timely, effective and appropriate online
consultation services. Whenever a physician has access to health information
about a patient, the provider is better able to offer sound medical advice.
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How much will I pay for online care services?
The system will be available to any Hawaii resident, but using the services
of the system is not free. As you can imagine, participating physicians and
specialists who provide services will be paid. So there will be a cost
to use the system.
Details regarding services and cost are currently being worked out, and will be
announced as soon as the information becomes available.
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Did HMSA create this new system on its own?
No. HMSA is licensing the online system from American Well, Inc. Based in Boston,
American Well creates and delivers innovative health care communication services to
organizations across the country.
American Well’s Online Healthcare Marketplace enables live communication
between a consumer and health care provider. HMSA is implementing this technology
for its members, providers and the community.
Microsoft’s HealthVault product is currently available to health care
consumers. It allows consumers to collect, store and manage personal health
information and share it with physicians, family members, and other trusted third
parties.
HMSA’s Online Care is an integrated solution that will allow you to
use your health information from HealthVault to support online consultations with
HMSA participating providers on the American Well system.
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Why is HMSA offering this system?
HMSA is leading the way in Hawaii and the country with regard to implementing
this innovative new technology. HMSA sees the system’s vast possibilities
and benefits for HMSA members, providers and the community. It’s all part
of being a health care leader and working for a healthier Hawaii.
Online health care is an exciting new way for you to access care at any time from
anywhere in the state. The system will be available 24 hours a day, seven days
a week.
One of the immediate benefits of HMSA’s Online Care is improved access to
care – especially for residents in rural or isolated areas of the state. The system
is very easy to use, and consultations may be via the Web, email or telephone.
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