A Message from Dr. Van H. Dunn, Chief Medical Officer

Dear Members,

At your Benefit Fund, we’re proud of the comprehensive healthcare benefits we provide—including no deductibles and no co-pays if you see one of our many participating providers. To help make sure you get the best care you need, it’s important you have an in-network primary care physician (PCP) you trust and who knows your medical history.

While your PCP generally should be the first person you go to if you’re having a health issue, what if he or she isn’t available? An emergency room (ER) is not the best choice for non-life-threatening conditions. Not only is it likely that you’ll have to wait a long time to see a doctor who doesn’t know you or your medical history, but an ER visit is much costlier to your Benefit Fund than other options. Of course, you should access your benefits when you need them, but using the most cost-effective alternatives will help us continue to protect your healthcare coverage.

So where should you go to get the right care at the right time? The most convenient option for basic illnesses and injuries like a rash, cold or flu symptoms, or an ear infection is Teladoc, our 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week telehealth service you can access from the comfort of your home—a Teladoc physician can even prescribe medication if needed. Alternatively, an urgent care center may be a good choice if you have a serious but non-emergency medical condition that needs prompt attention, such as a broken bone, minor burn or a cut that might require stitches.

Our goal at the Benefit Funds is to help you maintain good health and to assist you in making informed decisions to get the right care for you.

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