Visiting your doctor in person isn't always convenient. That’s why Blue Shield of California gives you options, including virtual primary care physicians (PCPs).*
It starts with your virtual PCP
A virtual PCP makes it easier to get care on your schedule– including access to virtual specialists when needed.† Your virtual PCP can be your best ally in helping you stay healthy and connect you with the care you need.
- Coordinates your care with a dedicated virtual care team.
- Requests labs and prescribes medications.
- Provides referrals to specialists† – virtual or in person – when needed.‡
You can choose virtual primary care through the Accolade Care provider group, then get care from home, work or on the go.
What makes these virtual PCPs different from basic telehealth?
Like basic telehealth, Accolade Care gives you access to care from anywhere. But Accolade Care delivers so much more, including:
You decide which virtual PCP you’ll see. You can choose your PCP for ongoing care by what matters to you.
Your PCP gives you access to a virtual care team, which keeps your prescriptions, labs, and referrals in one convenient place.‡
Schedule appointments, check test results, and securely message your care team before or after visits.
How to select a virtual PCP
If you signed up for virtual care when you joined your plan, you may have been assigned a virtual PCP. If you don’t have a virtual PCP, follow these steps to select one. Either way, you can change to a different virtual PCP at any time.
Log into your Blue Shield account.
Select the covered member that needs a virtual provider.
Explore virtual providers in the Accolade Care group.
You can always switch to in-person primary care
If you decide you’d rather see your PCP and other providers in person, you can change from virtual primary care to in-person primary care at any time. To make the change, log in to your Blue Shield account or call Customer Service at the number on your Blue Shield member ID card.
Annual virtual health checkup: An extra service included with most plans
Even the healthiest people need a yearly check-in. Your annual virtual health checkup is a dedicated time with a provider to talk about your health and develop a specific preventive care plan for you. There is no extra cost.
If you have an in-person PCP for your ongoing care, you most likely can get this virtual health checkup.# The virtual health checkup doesn’t replace any of your benefits or change your in-person PCP. If you want, you can have an in-person annual checkup with your PCP in addition to a virtual checkup at no extra cost.
Find out more about what to expect during a virtual checkup.
*Please confirm your health coverage prior to your virtual visit if you are unsure of your coverage. You may incur out of pocket costs during your visit or follow-up visits for services that fall outside of preventive health care. The services offered through this Virtual Health Checkup program are in addition to your Blue Shield health plan covered benefits for preventive care. Blue Shield reserves the right to terminate this program at any time without notice. Members who are not satisfied with services received may use Blue Shield’s grievance process described in the Grievance Process section of their health plan.
†HMO members need a referral from their PCP before seeing specialists. Your PCP may refer you to in-person or virtual specialists, depending on your needs and preferences.
‡Virtual specialist care is provided by Telemedicine Group P.C. d/b/a TeleMed2U. A referral from your virtual primary doctor is required to see virtual and in-person specialists.
#Services and benefits offered by plans vary. See your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for details.
Accolade Care is the d/b/a of PlushCare of California P.C., a subsidiary of Accolade, Inc. Neither Accolade nor the associated medical practices are emergency medical services. Dial 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency. ©2025 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Accolade, Inc., is independent of Blue Shield of California and is contracted by Blue Shield to provide an integrated member experience, offering access to virtual primary care, mental health services, and support for virtual specialist care services through the Accolade Care solution.
You may receive services from network providers on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available. Contact your primary care provider, treating specialist, facility, or other health professional to learn more. Network telehealth and in-person services are subject to the same timeliness and geographic access standards. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, they are subject to your plan’s cost-sharing obligations and balance billing protections.