Medical Benefits

The medical exam is available to all Local 29 members, including non-Medicare eligible retirees participating in the SFFBT health plan. 

We have developed this program because of the unique risk factors associated with being a firefighter. We are at elevated risk for certain types of cancer, respiratory issues, arthritis, allergic reactions and depression, often linked with higher suicide rates. Early detection and treatment are critical to addressing these diseases successfully.

We have worked closely with SIM physicians to develop an exam profile that meets our clinical needs as firefighters. Our goal is to remove as many barriers from this process as we can.

Your exam and the results are completely confidential. Your results will not be shared with the City, the Local, the Trust or anyone else you do not specifically authorize in writing. Under federal law, SIM can only share your results with your written consent.

Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They offer the widest range of services for emergency, after hours care, including diagnostic tests and access to specialists. It is the most expensive option.

Urgent care centers provide same-day care for many illnesses and injuries. Urgent care is good when you need treatment fast, but it’s not an emergency. Go there if it’s after hours or you can’t wait for an appointment or the on-call doctor to return your call on weekend.

Your primary care doctor is the best place to start because they manage your care, know your medical history, and have full access to your patient records.

Virtual care is not meant to replace your relationship with your primary care provider or to replace all in-person, face-to-face visits. It is just another option for you to receive healthcare services. In some cases, it can also help you and your family avoid a trip to the emergency room for non-emergency care.

1. Register

Create an account and fill out a health history. We highly recommend doing this before you need to use Teladoc for yourself or a family member. This can be done online or on the phone. You can also register your covered family members. To save time later, identify your primary care doctor and preferred pharmacy.

2. Consult a physician anytime

When you want to consult with a Teladoc physician, they can make contact by phone, online video, email, or other online media. You give contact information and your current location. Virtual care services – consultations and prescriptions – may vary depending on the caller’s current location. A doctor calls back right away or at a time the member requests.

3. Continuity of care with local doctor

If you have supplied the name of your primary care doctor, Teladoc sends a record of the consult by fax or electronic medical record transfer.

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Dermatology
• Nasal congestion and sinus problems
• Bronchitis
• Respiratory infections
• Allergies
• UTIs
• Ear infections

• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders and Phobias
• Bipolar and Related Disorders
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• Attention Disorders
• Addiction and Substance Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Related Disorders
• Sleep/Wake Disorders
• Neurocognitive Disorders and Dementia

The Teladoc behavioral health program is a comprehensive solution offering members ongoing access to diagnosis, talk therapy, and prescription/medication management when appropriate. Teladoc allows members to choose the type of behavioral health visit based on provider specialty.

Members may request a telephonic or video-based behavioral health visit with a provider seven days a week, from 7am to 9pm local time. Teladoc does not offer urgent/emergent Behavioral Health services and is not a crisis line. Members must request visits 72 hours in advance to allow time for the provider to review the request and then respond to the member to se up the behavioral visit with the right type of provider.