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Enhancing Women's Health: New Virtual Care by Blue Cross

In a significant move towards improving women's health services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has introduced a new virtual care option, Visana Health, which caters to a wide range of women's health needs. This initiative demonstrates BCBSMA's unwavering commitment to supporting women through every phase of their health journey, with a focus on providing comprehensive care for complex conditions that often go untreated.

Why Visana Health?

The need for specialized care in women's health is pressing. Research by Visana Health highlights that one in three women experience gaps in their healthcare. Moreover, studies show that women tend to spend about 25% more time in poor health compared to men. To address these disparities, Visana Health has emerged as a virtual clinic specifically designed to meet the healthcare needs of women beyond family planning services. By offering accessible diagnosis, treatment, and support for conditions ranging from menstruation to menopause, as well as complex issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Visana Health aims to fill the void in women's healthcare services available today.

Dr. Monica Ruehli, BCBSMA's clinical director of reproductive health and gender-affirming services, emphasizes the importance of empowering women to take control of their health. "It's crucial for women to have access to the services they need to prioritize their well-being," she stated. The addition of options like Visana Health is a step towards providing women with the resources necessary for informed health decisions.

The Scope of Services

Operating across all 50 states, Visana Health seeks to eliminate long wait times that often accompany traditional health services. The goal is to reduce unnecessary expenses related to surgeries and medications by providing timely access to care. The clinic employs a team of clinical specialists dedicated to delivering personalized healthcare that directly addresses women’s needs.

Barbara Levy, Chief Medical Officer at Visana Health, notes that many complex conditions affecting women are frequently overlooked. She states, "Visana Health and BCBSMA share a commitment to ensuring women are heard and supported at every stage of their healthcare journey." This collaboration is critical in providing a much-needed lifeline for women facing health challenges.

Continuous Support for Women's Health

BCBSMA's efforts to enhance women's health transcends the introduction of Visana Health. The organization has taken numerous steps in the past few years to address the unique healthcare needs of women. These initiatives include:

• - Partnerships with Maven Clinic to facilitate support throughout reproductive health.
• - Collaboration with Cleo, providing a family care platform to assist parents and caregivers at various life stages.
• - Creation of specialized Reproductive Health Care Teams to offer personalized support and resources.
• - Initiation of a pilot program with Accompany Doula Care, focusing on addressing racial disparities in maternity and birthing care by pairing members with a birth doula.

In addition, BCBSMA members benefit from a range of reproductive health services, which encompass childbirth classes, lactation counseling, and breast pump savings among other resources. Members are encouraged to visit MyBlue to explore these beneficial offerings.

BCBSMA's Commitment to Care

Headquartered in Boston, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts remains a community-focused, non-profit health plan, committed to guiding members towards quality care and exceptional health outcomes. Their focus on equitable and affordable health services has earned them recognition among the nation's best health plans. The introduction of Visana Health is yet another testament to their dedication to women's health.

As societal awareness around women's health issues rises, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts continues to lead the way in nurturing a healthcare environment where women can thrive, ensuring each member is treated with the priority and respect they deserve.