BOSTON – American Well, which offers Web-based physician visits for members of health plans in Hawaii and Minnesota, has landed another contract closer to home.

The Boston-based provider of Online Care services announced Tuesday that it will deploy its platform and services, beginning this summer, to members of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York, two Buffalo-based health plans. The agreement calls for  service in the western part of the state this summer, then expands service to the northeastern part of the state by the end of this year and to non-members and the uninsured throughout the state next year.

American Well’s Online Care service, which was launched in 2008 in Hawaii, provides Web-based visits with credentialed physicians within the health plan’s established provider networks. Qualifying members can “visit” with physicians while at home or work, through a secure Web portal or by phone. During the visit, the physician has access to the patient’s clinical information and can speak with the patient, prescribe medications and suggest follow-up care.

“The introduction of Online Care is in line with our strategic vision to make health care more accessible and less costly for the communities we serve,” said Alphonso O’Neil-White, president and CEO of BCBSWNY/BSNENY, in a press release. “Online Care is an innovative solution that will allow us to bring high quality, informed and timely care to our members when and where they need it.”

“In these times, health plans must be creative and pro-active in helping our communities to achieve better health,” said Cynthia A. Ambres, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for BCBSWNY/BSNENY. “Access to care continues to be a major concern for both the insured and uninsured alike. Online Care allows members to reach a physician when answers are needed. It’s convenient and easy to use for both our members and physicians.”

Since its launch through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii in 2008, American Well has added service to Minnesota through Blue Cross Blue Shield and will be providing service this year to members of St. Louis-based Ascension Health’s health ministries. The company is also partnering with OptumHealth, a Minnesota-based health and wellness company and business of UnitedHealth, to expand its platform to a national level. Technology partners on the platform include Microsoft, ActiveHealth Management and RealMed, which provides a link to a health plan’s revenue cycle management tools.

According to a 2008 study authored by Arthur L. Wilmes, a principal and actuary of Milliman, the use of Online Care results in an estimated per-person, per-month savings of $3.36 for commercial plans and $6.95 for Medicare. The savings are derived primarily in the substitution of less expensive online care for non-emergent emergency room visits or in-person visits.

“By bringing Online Care to the state of New York, BCBSWNY/BSNENY becomes the first health plan to make this service available in the Northeast,” said Ido Schoenberg, MD, CEO of American Well. “We look forward to joining forces and making Online Care a reality for the communities BCBSWNY/BSNENY serves.”