FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is myCare Alaska?

myCare Alaska is a text-based virtual care program that allows you to securely message, send photos, or video chat with a doctor instantly.

Instead of waiting for a doctor’s appointment or ignoring symptoms, use myCare Alaska to get answers to medical questions as soon as you have them. Doctors are licensed to practice across the U.S., answer within seconds and can even prescribe medication when necessary.

When should I use myCare Alaska?

You can use myCare Alaska when you:

  • Feel sick, but it’s not an emergency*

  • Have a minor injury

  • Have general medical questions

  • Want to refill a prescription (controlled substances, non-therapeutic and certain other drugs may not be available)

  • Are not sure where to go to get care

Examples of conditions to discuss:

  • Coughs, fevers, sore throat

  • Earaches, stomach pain, diarrhea

  • Rashes, allergic reactions, animal/insect bites

  • Back/abdominal pain

  • Sports injuries, burns, heat-related illness

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Urgent or general health questions

* Remember, if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.

Where and when is myCare Alaska available?

myCare Alaska is available from anywhere you can access the internet, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

To get the best care experience, download the myCare Alaska app by searching for “myCare Alaska” in the App Store for iOS mobile devices or Google Play store for Android devices. You can also access myCare Alaska online by visiting app.mycarealaska.com/sign-in. 

How do I register for myCare Alaska?

For a step-by-step guide on how to register for the myCare Alaska app, click here. 

After downloading the myCare Alaska app or clicking “Register” on the mycarealaska.com web page, you’ll be directed to a form to register for myCare Alaska. You’ll need your date of birth, email address, and Premera Blue Cross member ID number (located on your member ID card) to register for myCare Alaska.

After you successfully complete your information, you’ll receive an email with instructions about how to finish setting up your account (if you don’t see this in your inbox, check your spam folder). After your account setup is complete, you can login and begin chatting with a doctor immediately.

Are there any copays or other charges I have to pay to use myCare Alaska?

If you do not have a high deductible health plan, you can use myCare Alaska at no extra charge. High deductible health plan members who have not met their deductible may be billed up to $75 after their visit.

What technology do I need to use myCare Alaska?

From a mobile device:

  • An iOS device (iPhone 6S/iPad 5th Generation or newer) with the latest operating system (iOS 14+) and the CirrusMD iOS app installed.

  • An Android device with at least Android Oreo 8.0+ and the CirrusMD app installed.

From a computer:

  • Desktop or laptop computer (ideally less than 3 years old)

  • PC operating system: Windows 7+; or Apple operating system: OS X 10.6+

  • Desktop web browser: preferably Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox

Can my spouse or children use myCare Alaska?

If your spouse or child(ren) over 18 are interested in using myCare Alaska and are Premera Blue Cross members, they will need to create their own account using their unique Premera Blue Cross member ID number. A parent or legal guardian can create an account for minor children under age 18 who are Premera members. Any care provided to minors through the myCare Alaska program will require direct participation of a parent or legal guardian.

Are records kept for myCare Alaska visits?

Yes, Premera maintains a complete record of your online visits, which are available for you to review at your convenience.

Do doctors have access to my health information?

When you register for myCare Alaska, you’ll have the option to fill out your basic medical history, just like you would for a regular office visit. The doctors with whom you chat will have access to this information.

Who are the myCare Alaska providers?

myCare Alaska doctors are board-certified and credentialed physicians who are licensed to practice across the U.S. These doctors are part of CMDPN, LLC (CirrusMD Provider Network).

Who is CirrusMD?

CirrusMD is the market leader in barrier-free, text-first virtual care delivery. They build, maintain and support the technology platform that powers myCare Alaska. 

Is myCare Alaska secure?

Yes. myCare Alaska uses CirrusMD technology which complies with the Health Insurances Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and aligns with security best practices for NIST and ISO framework.

What languages are accommodated on myCare Alaska?

myCare Alaska is available in both English and Spanish. If necessary, the doctor can arrange for interpretation services in over 250 languages.

What is HIE (Health Information Exchange)?

Health Information Exchange (HIE) is a secure electronic network that allows your provider to share information with other providers.

  • Health Exchange benefits
    HIE can help your providers make better decisions about your care by providing them with the most up-to-date information about your health.

  • Who can access my information?
    Only providers who are involved in your care can access your information through HIE.

  • What information is shared?
    HIE shares your basic health information, such as your name, date of birth, and medical history.

  • How is my information protected?
    HIE uses strict security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access.

  • Is this required to receive care?
    Participation in HIE is voluntary. You can choose to opt in & out at any time.

How do I delete my account?

Open the app > go to "Sign In" > go to "Settings" > click on "Delete My Account" > click on the "Delete" button. You will be signed out immediately, and your account will be removed after a few days.

All medical records will continue to be securely retained in accordance with our record retention policy to ensure compliance with applicable law, including without limitation HIPAA. This includes both guarantor and minor dependent's health records that are linked to this account, if applicable. HIPAA mandates that patients have access to the information inside their 'designated record set' for 6 years after their last effective date.

Alternatively, you can email support@cirrusmd.com with the subject "Delete My Account" to have your account removed.