Employees on S.C. health plan can get virtual urgent care
COLUMBIA (AP) - The Medical University of South Carolina is providing free urgent care visits online for people on the state's health care plan.
People needing medical care for things like colds, stomach viruses and other minor ailments can go to www.musc.care or call (843) 261-5940 and arrange a visit with a doctor or nurse practitioner.
They can either discuss their health online through video chat or on the phone, and the service works 24 hours a day, the university said in a statement.
The benefit is available for all 550,000 people who use the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority.
Gov. Henry McMaster announced the benefit at a Thursday news conference.
"This is another innovative tool to keep people healthy and address health issues earlier than they might otherwise. This means a healthier, more prosperous South Carolina," McMaster said.
Virtual visits likely mean better health for South Carolina because people will sometimes delay care because it is hard to get to the doctor's office or find the time to wait to see someone, said Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, CEO and vice president of Health Affairs for the Medical University of South Carolina.
"That's not good for patients, their families, their employers or the long-term health and wellness of our state," Cawley said.