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In-Home Medical Care Helps Prevent Overcrowding at the ER

OKLAHOMA CITY – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) and DispatchHealth are working to prevent overcrowding at emergency rooms and other health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering medical care services straight to the doorsteps of BCBSOK members. 

DispatchHealth is the only mobile medical care unit in the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas delivering on-demand health care in the comfort of one’s home. The service is available to BCBSOK members at in-network benefit levels. For specific information about copays and deductibles, members should call the customer service number on their card.

“We are pleased to offer DispatchHealth to more than 256,000 BCBSOK members in the Oklahoma City metro,” said Joseph R. Cunningham, M.D., plan president for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “This mobile unit provides needed medical care access while staying at home and avoiding unnecessary exposure to others.”

DispatchHealth cannot currently test or treat COVID-19. Its medical teams can, however assess and treat many common to complex health issues. They take health care needs seriously and wear masks, booties and gloves during visits. They also sanitize kits and devices during and between visits. 

“Our goal is to keep the most vulnerable patients home and out of crowded environments, which now more than ever is critical,” said Amy Evans, market director of Oklahoma City, DispatchHealth. “Our partnership with BCBSOK uniquely positions us to help keep people home by treating common to complex health issues in addition to respiratory illness.”

DispatchHealth can treat common ailments including:

  • Asthma
  • Constipation
  • Dehydration
  • Lacerations
  • Minor orthopedic injuries
  • Nosebleeds
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Urinary tract infection

The ER-trained medical team will also be able to perform a variety of procedures including:

  • Bladder catheterization
  • Drain a skin abscess
  • IV fluids and medications
  • Repair of simple wounds with suture or medical adhesive
  • Select laboratory tests
  • Splinting and casting

DispatchHealth provides care to the following areas: Oklahoma City, Bethany, Del City, Edmond, The Village, Yukon, Moore, Mustang and more. Check the DispatchHelath website to make sure they deliver care to your area.

DispatchHealth services are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week, including holidays. Request care by phone (405) 438-3873, online or download their app on the Apple Store or Google Play. Spanish translation services are available.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 830,000 Oklahomans. For more information, visit bcbsok.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About DispatchHealth
DispatchHealth has redefined healthcare delivery to offer on-demand acute care and advanced medical care for people of all ages in the comfort of their own home. DispatchHealth's emergency trained medical teams are equipped with all the tools necessary to treat common to complex injuries and illnesses. DispatchHealth works closely with payers, providers, health systems and others to deliver care in the home to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, as well as hospital stays and readmissions. A visit with DispatchHealth typically costs 80-90 percent less than the average emergency room visit. Acute care medical teams are available during the day and also on weekends, evenings and holidays, and can be requested via app, online or a quick phone call. Advanced Care and Extended Care patients must be referred by a healthcare professional. DispatchHealth is partnered with most major insurance companies. For more information, visit DispatchHealth.com.

Media Contacts

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Catherine Divis
405-316-7008
catherine_divis@bcbsok.com

DispatchHealth
Katie Grant
858-284-7768
Katieg@bamcommunications.biz



A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association