Massachusetts residents can go back to receiving routine in-office medical, dental and vision care as of this week, according to guidance from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), as part of Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
On June 8, EOHHS announced that health care providers may incrementally resume offering in-person elective, non-urgent procedures and services, including routine office visits, dental visits, and vision care. However, providers must remain in compliance with current public health and safety standards.
While EOHHS recommends that patients no longer defer necessary care, the emphasis remains on telehealth as the preferred means of providing that care.
“Telehealth must continue to be utilized and prioritized, whenever feasible and appropriate,” according to the statement. Policy for providing services in person should focus “on high-priority preventive services, pediatric care and immunizations, and urgent procedures that lead to high risk or significant worsening of the patient’s condition if deferred.”
Fallon members can access telehealth services from all network providers that are offering these services. Fallon members who have the Teladoc benefit can also use that service. Fallon is waiving all member cost-sharing for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related medically necessary telehealth services, along with telehealth well visits. Members who have the NurseConnect benefit can also use this channel to receive medical services or advice at no cost.
