Strep Throat Treatment
Covered by BCBS in Pennsylvania

Amoxicillin 500mg twice daily × 10 days (first-line per IDSA); penicillin V 500mg twice daily × 10 days

Azithromycin 500mg day 1 then 250mg × 4 days for penicillin-allergic; cephalexin 500mg twice daily × 10 days

Yes — amoxicillin is a Tier 1 generic covered by virtually all commercial plans. Typically $4–$10 at major pharmacies.

Modified Centor score used to assess strep probability. Scores ≥ 3 support antibiotic prescribing without rapid test in telehealth setting.

Yes. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial plans cover telehealth visits for Strep Throat in Pennsylvania. TeleDirectMD (Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD, NPI: 1104323203) is an in-network telehealth provider with BCBS in Pennsylvania. Your standard BCBS telehealth copay applies — typically $0–$30 for most commercial plans. If clinically appropriate, your prescription is sent to your Pennsylvania pharmacy immediately after your visit.

Most Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial plans in Pennsylvania have telehealth copays of $0–$30. Often $0 for employer plans. Your exact cost depends on your specific plan and whether your deductible has been met. Log into your BCBS member portal or call the member services number on your card to verify your telehealth copay before your strep throat visit. Self-pay is always available for a flat $49 if you prefer to skip insurance.

Modified Centor score applied via video interview. Visual inspection of throat when possible. Assessment of exudate, lymph node tenderness, fever, and cough history. Telehealth is a well-established, evidence-based modality for strep throat management. The same clinical standards used in an in-person office visit are applied — you are seen by Dr. Bhavsar, MD, a board-certified physician, not a nurse practitioner or PA.

For strep throat, Dr. Bhavsar may prescribe: Amoxicillin 500mg twice daily × 10 days (first-line per IDSA); penicillin V 500mg twice daily × 10 days. Alternatives include: Azithromycin 500mg day 1 then 250mg × 4 days for penicillin-allergic; cephalexin 500mg twice daily × 10 days. Yes — amoxicillin is a Tier 1 generic covered by virtually all commercial plans. Typically $4–$10 at major pharmacies. Modified Centor score used to assess strep probability. Scores ≥ 3 support antibiotic prescribing without rapid test in telehealth setting.

Yes. If Dr. Bhavsar, MD determines that a prescription is clinically appropriate for your strep throat symptoms, it is sent electronically to your preferred Pennsylvania pharmacy the moment your visit ends. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield covers the telehealth visit itself (billed as CPT 99213/99214). Your prescription is then covered by your BCBS pharmacy benefit — check your plan's formulary for your specific medication's tier and cost.

If your specific BCBS plan is not in-network with TeleDirectMD in Pennsylvania, or if your deductible has not yet been met, you can book as a self-pay patient for a flat $49 fee — same physician, same quality of care, no insurance needed. You may also be eligible to submit an out-of-network claim to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for partial reimbursement depending on your plan's out-of-network benefit.

TeleDirectMD typically offers same-day and next-day video visits. Book at teledirectmd.com/book-online and select a time that works for you. Most patients are seen within a few hours of booking during business hours. Your strep throat symptoms are evaluated by Dr. Bhavsar, MD — not a nurse practitioner or PA — ensuring you receive a board-certified clinical assessment.

Yes — your Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield pharmacy benefit applies to prescriptions written during a covered telehealth visit. Yes — amoxicillin is a Tier 1 generic covered by virtually all commercial plans. Typically $4–$10 at major pharmacies.. Check your BCBS formulary or call your pharmacy with your BCBS member ID to confirm your copay before pickup. Most first-line medications for strep throat are Tier 1 or Tier 2 generics covered by virtually all commercial plans.

Yes. TeleDirectMD is operated by Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD (NPI: 1104323203), a board-certified Family Medicine physician. TeleDirectMD is LegitScript certified, HIPAA compliant, and is contracted as an in-network telehealth provider with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pennsylvania. Claims are billed using standard CPT codes (99213/99214) and submitted electronically to BCBS.

Medicaid managed care (BCBS brand), Federal Employee Program (FEP), BlueCard out-of-network Note that BCBS varies significantly by state affiliate. TeleDirectMD is in-network with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield specifically — not all BCBS-branded plans are in-network. If your plan is not listed, self-pay is available for $49 flat — no insurance required, same physician and quality of care.

Yes. After your telehealth visit, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will process the claim and send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) — typically within 2–4 weeks by mail or available sooner in your BCBS member portal. The EOB shows the amount billed (CPT 99213 or 99214), what BCBS paid, and your responsibility (copay or deductible portion). This is standard for any in-network physician visit.

Yes. Telehealth visits with a licensed physician are qualified medical expenses eligible for FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) payment. If your BCBS plan applies your deductible first, your FSA or HSA card can be used to pay your portion. The $49 self-pay option is also FSA/HSA eligible.