UBMD CareConnect is our new telemedicine service. While practices may differ in the products used for telemedicine, the service provided is the same: our patients receive the vital care they need without coming to the office.
Telemedicine is where you and your provider connect about your care over video or phone instead of in-person at the office. Our providers prefer video visits as it allows us to better connect with you and see how you’re doing during this time.
While UBMD refers to our telemedicine services as UBMD CareConnect, telemedicine is often referred to as other ways: telehealth, virtual care, e-visit, virtual visit or a video visit. Whether referring to it as telehealth or UBMD CareConnect, rest assured you're receiving the same quality of care from all UBMD providers.
UBMD CareConnect provides the same expert advice and recommendations in the comfort of your home as they do in our offices. You'll receive the same care you've come to know and expect from UBMD.
And if something comes up that we feel an in-person appointment is needed, we'll let you know and schedule an appointment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we're taking extra care of all UBMD spaces by safeguardeding them for both our patients and team members. Numerous protocols for COVID-19 screenings and protection measures have been implemented. Additionally, we've enhanced our already rigorous cleaning practices to ensure everyone's safety.
Yes, your insurance treats a telemedicine visit the same as an in-person appointment.
Currently, due to COVID-19 Medicare, Medicaid and local commercial plans like BlueCrossBlueShield of WNY and Independent Health have waived cost sharing, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles, for most types of care until further notice regardless of if you’re appointment is about the novel coronavirus or something else. If you have any questions about your insurance's telemedicine coverage, contact your insurance company prior to your UBMD CareConnect appointment.
Self-funded (self-insured) plans determine their plan benefits, so they may be an exception to this. If you are covered by such a plan, call the plan administrator (TPA) to find out what telehealth benefits are provided.
To access your telemedicine appointment, in the navigation section on the left-hand side, please select the practice plan your appointment is with and then click on the name of your provider. That will take you to your telemedicine appointment.
If you received an email from your practice plan with specific instructions, please review that message and follow those steps.
In the navigation menu on the left-hand side, the practices participating in telemedicine are listed. Follow the instruction on each practices' UBMD CareConnect page.
For a UBMD CareConnect visit, you will need:
If you don't have an equipped device or access to internet service, UBMD CareConnect can be provided by phone for certain types of appointments. This would be determined on a case-by-case basis by your provider.
Once you have the device you need for the appointment, you're ready! To make the most of your appointment, here's a list of items to consider:
If possible, check-in to your appointment 10 minutes before to ensure you're connected and ready for your appointment.