Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield inMissouri members now have a more convenient way to see a doctor for non-emergency needs when their own doctor is not readily available.

According to a release from the company, members can now use their smart phone, tablet or computer to have a live video visit with a US-based, board certified doctor of their choice to discuss non-emergency health issues from home, work or wherever they happen to be with internet access. Doctors using LiveHealth Online can provide a diagnosis, treatment, and even a prescription if needed.

This new online care service, LiveHealth Online, launched in 2013 first to national employers. It has now been expanded to the majority of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri's health plan customers, including health exchange members. Doctors are available 24 hours, 365 days a year, including holidays. For eligible members, a LiveHealth Online visit costs the same or less than a primary care office visit.

"LiveHealth Online is one of several ways we are trying to make health care easier and more convenient for our members. It offers a secure means of reaching board-certified, US-based doctors anytime, anywhere, especially when consumers find it inconvenient to leave work or home and go to a doctor's office," said Steve Martenet, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri. "Our members have told us that LiveHealth Online has saved them between two and three hours of time from traditional office visits, giving them more time for work, friends, family, or whatever things that they like best. Whether you are a college student, young professional, a family, or an empty nester who likes to travel, we can all appreciate products that make our lives easier."

Consumers that do not have Anthem as a health plan can also use LiveHealth Online, simply by signing up and paying for the visit with a credit card.

Patients use online care typically to communicate face-to-face with a doctor about colds, aches, sore throats, allergies, infections, rashes, as well as routine prescription refills. Doctors do not prescribe for controlled substances or lifestyle drugs. A summary of each visit is created, and at the patient's request, can be forwarded to their primary care doctor -- supporting continuity of care and collaboration among providers.

"LiveHealth Online represents a true shift in healthcare delivery by using technology to make healthcare easier and more consumer friendly," said John Jesser, Anthem's vice president of provider engagement strategy. "At this critical juncture in our nation's healthcare transformation, Anthem is taking a lead in improving access to care and bringing a better healthcare experience to its members."

In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area) Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name for RightCHOICE Managed Care (RIT), Healthy Alliance Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits.