The average wait time to speak with a physician is less than 10 minutes. The average length of a visit is 10 minutes. The patient’s issue is resolved in 85 percent of visits. And patients rate their satisfaction 4.8 out of 5.

Those are some of the advantages of telemedicine, which provides online consultations with doctors, dieticians, nutritionists and other providers, utilizing two-way video, email, smartphones, wireless tools and other forms of technology. This service is available now for UFT members employed by the Department of Education who are GHI subscribers. The new benefit is part of the changes to the city health benefits plan for city workers that took effect on July 1.

With telemedicine, GHI subscribers get increased access to care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The telehealth option often can replace unnecessary visits to the emergency room, urgent care or retail clinics.The copay for GHI subscribers is $15, which is the same as the copay for visiting a GHI primary-care physician.

It’s a healthy alternative to an office visit. Sign up at the EmblemHealth website or call 1-844-SEE-DOCS, or download the app and enroll using the Service Key EMBLEM.