MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Medical Service Association is encouraging Hawaii residents to register for its new Online Care service.  

HMSA’s Online Care is a statewide service designed to connect patients and physicians via the Internet or telephone. The serviced launched last month, and everyone in the state can connect with a physician on the system.

“HMSA’s Online Care is up and running, and is helping to improve access to care throughout the Islands,” HMSA Vice President Michael Stollar said. “Everyone in Hawaii should take advantage of this great service. Not only can you create and manage your own personal health record with HealthVault, you can allow a physician to view it online, and that enhances your interaction with the physician.”

From the comfort and privacy of their home, patients may speak with a local physician from HMSA’s credentialed provider network. Online visits are immediate, secure, private and affordable. Residents can use the service at any time of day or night, and the system is able to incorporate personal health information stored confidentially by patients.

Before using HMSA’s Online Care:

* Your computer needs to have Web access (Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox 2). For the best connection, you’ll want to have a high speed Internet hook-up. A Web camera greatly enhances the experience, but is not required.

* You must be 18 years or older to register. You must also have a valid phone number, e-mail address, and a credit or debit card with a major credit card logo on it. Debit cards must not require a PIN number for use.

* If you are currently an HMSA member, you’ll want to have your membership card handy when you are ready to go online and enroll in the system. 

Online tools and tutorials will guide visitors through the registration process. There is no cost to register, although it is recommended to register before needing a physician.

Microsoft’s HealthVault program was developed to allow consumers can collect, store and manage their own personal health information online. At their discretion, consumers can use HealthVault to share personal health information with others, including health care providers, family, and other trusted individuals.

Once enrolled, patients may also read through resources available on the system, take a health risk assessment, and more. At any time, patients may update account information, including credit card information, profile or personal information. 

All Hawaii consumers will be able to provide online physicians with personal health information. Physicians then may provide advice and consultation that takes into consideration a patient’s health history.

HMSA’s Online Care is not intended to replace face-to-face visits with a physician, and may be used as a convenient alternative in situations where a patient is not able to visit a physician’s office. HMSA’s Online Care may be used whenever a patient needs to speak with a physician right away, including after business hours and on weekends and holidays.

HMSA is a non-profit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large. HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Nationally, HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to more than 100 million members.

— Find out more:
HMSA: www.hmsa.com
HealthVault: www.HealthVault.com