The Hawaii Medical Service Association is encouraging all Hawai'i residents to register for its new Online Care service, saying doing so will enable visiting a doctor on the Internet or through telephone calls when the need arises.

HMSA said people can register for free by going to HMSA.com and setting up a secure account or other registration. It said people are asked for personal information such as what they give when shopping online, including credit or debit card information, e-mail address and a phone number.

HMSA launched the Online Care service on Jan. 15 with the hope of giving around-the-clock access to healthcare through the Internet or telephone consultations with doctors. HMSA is the first to use a system licensed by Boston-based American Well.