CIGNA Expands Virtual House Calls

CIGNA HealthCare is increasing the availability of an online health advisory service to members of its health plan.

CIGNA HealthCare, Bloomfield, Conn., an arm of CIGNA Corp., Philadelphia, is expanding a 4-state pilot program nationally in 2008 that allows qualified members to exchange messages with physicians in “virtual house calls.”

Services include reimbursable Web consultations that use an online, structured interview format offered through RelayHealth, Atlanta. Members can give information about their symptoms to a physician, who can respond online, by phone or, if needed, request the member to visit his or her office.