Visit your doctor from home computer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A visit to your doctor may be as close as your home computer.

Lets face it, none of us like to go to the doctor. And these days, it can easily take one, two, even three weeks to get an appointment. But it doesn't have to any more. Blue Cross Blue Shield now lets you talk to your doctor from your computer.

BCBS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cynthia Ambres said, "Online care allows you to actually see the doctor on the webcam and for the doctor to see you, and for you to have a real conversation if you were live. So it's a virtual doctor in your home or office any day that you need them."

Here's how it works; after logging in, you type in your symptoms. You can then pick a doctor to help you. Using either a webcam, a web-chat, or just on the phone, you can talk to the doctor for ten minutes for $25. That cost is the same if you're not a member or if you don't have health insurance.

Regardless of where you are, or your schedule, it's easy to see your doctor. All you have to do is connect. Ten minutes later, you can have your symptoms checked, as well as a prescription, and possibly a consultation visit. The system is mainly for people with slight conditions; like cold and flu symptoms, prescription refils or chronic illnesses.

"Let's say you have diabetes, and you know what your numbers are, you've been in, you've had your lab tests and everything, but you need to talk to me about some kind of aspect with your diet or some issues with weight loss or smoking or other things youre trying to manage. You can speak to me without coming into the office," explained one doctor.

And you can see your doctor any time. Even if they aren't in the office.

Said the doctor, "I can let my patients know ahead of time that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I'm available from 8-10 in the evening."

To find out more information, you can take the tour at OnlineCareNY.com.