The Hawaii Medical Service Association is offering it’s Online Care service for free to people who have flu-related queries during the next eight months.

The offer is open to all residents of the state and is good for one online visit during flu season, which runs through the end of May. Normally HMSA members are charged $10 for a 10-minute online consultation with a physician, or $45 for non-HMSA members.
“The flu is very contagious, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawaiçi state Department of Health recommend people stay home when they are ill,” said Dr. Patricia Avila, HMSA medical director, in a press statement.
“If people can speak with a doctor without leaving home, we are limiting the likelihood of spreading the disease.”
HMSA has been trying to increase use of the Online Care offering since being launched as a first-of-its kind service in January. The service allows people to consult with doctors over the Internet or telephone calls at any time of day.
People who take HMSA up on the offer and haven’t use the service before must first register before the can access the service. They will enter a promotion code of “FLU” to gain the free consultation. HMSA spokesman Chuck Marshall said the offer is not to be used with other questions or concerns.