Collaboration Will Help Reduce Costs and Increase Access to Care

The South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) Members’ Insurance Trust (MIT) and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have partnered to offer access for virtual urgent care visits to MIT members beginning January 1, 2020. This partnership is the first of its kind in South Carolina and focuses on reducing unnecessary visits to the emergency room (ER) and bending the cost curve to stabilize employers’ healthcare spend.

“SCMA MIT’s partnership with MUSC’s Virtual Urgent Care platform will offer our membership access to treatment for a number of conditions in minutes rather than waiting for hours in the emergency room. Often a family’s only option for healthcare after hours is the emergency room, but our partnership with MUSC expands access to care for anyone at any hour of the day,” said Dr. Gary Delaney, SCMA MIT Board Member.

With this partnership, MIT members and their loved ones will be able to access trusted MUSC providers 24/7 from the comfort of their home or workplace without having to travel to a clinic or make an appointment. By using a smartphone, tablet or computer, members can be treated for over 40 health issues at a cost of only $15 per visit. These online visits are low cost and can ultimately save members and employers money on urgent care or emergency room fees. Furthermore, patients can have records sent to their primary care physician upon request.

“It is our hope that this service provides tremendous value to MIT members, while decreasing costs and saving precious time. Utilizing an extremely high-quality system with hand selected MUSC providers allows us to tailor care to those who need it most,” said MUSC Virtual Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Edward O’Bryan.

Members will have access to virtual urgent care visits starting January 1, 2020. This partnership will ensure that members get the right care, in the right setting, for the right cost.