In-Home Medical Care helps Prevent Overcrowding at the ER

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) – 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 co-pays 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, they can, however assess and treat many common to complex health issues. The medical teams 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 infections

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 DispatchHealth  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.