Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) will introduce Virtual Primary Care (VPC) through Doctors Online beginning in 2027. The program will be available to fully insured members upon renewal and as an optional buy-up for self-funded (ASC) groups.

VPC offers routine, preventive, and wellness-focused primary care by scheduled video appointment. It is designed as a convenient alternative to an in-person primary care practice for members with lower-complexity care needs. Virtual PCPs can coordinate care, make referrals to in-network specialists, order laboratory and imaging services, connect members with care management programs, and electronically prescribe medications when clinically appropriate.

What providers should know:

• Members enrolled in products that require a PCP may select “Doctors Online Virtual PCP” using BCBSRI’s online PCP selection tool.
• Referrals will come directly from the group and not the individual PCPs. 
• Virtual PCPs will coordinate member care in the same manner as in-person PCPs, including referrals to specialists, laboratory services, imaging facilities, and care management programs.

If a member changes coverage and is no longer eligible for the VPC benefit, the member will need to select a new in-network PCP.