NEWARK, NJ - Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield has become the first insurance provider in New Jersey to offer doctor visits online.

The six-month pilot project will allow 2,500 customers, working with two participating physician groups, to manage their health via the Internet.

"This unique and innovative program is designed to strengthen the relationship between doctors and patients," says Donna Celestini, vice president for healthcare services for the company. "Along with routine doctors' visits, patients will be able to ask questions regarding their illnesses and get prompt responses from their doctors."

Physicians will be able to handle appointment scheduling, specialist referral requests, medical histories, prescription refill ordering and routine lab results through the web site.

, is expected to improve patient-physician interaction.

"Online doctor visits increase patients' exposure to their physicians and should help physicians better manage their patients' health, by enabling them to efficiently respond to conditions not requiring a physical examination," says Kirk Schueler, CEO of MyDocOnline. 

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NJ Blue Cross Blue Shield Offers Virtual Doc Appointments