Health 2.0
The last thing I want to do when I'm sick is go to the doctor. Scheduling an appointment when you need one is almost impossible. Then sitting in a waiting room of coughing patients watching a parade of drug reps go in ahead of you only adds insult to injury. It's no wonder so many people completely avoid the doctor and forego preventative health care.
I recently read about a Dr. Jay Parkinson, a Williamsburg, Brooklyn doctor who is changing the way people think about a doctor's visit. Dr. Parkinson has no office and does consultations by e-mail, video chat or IM. For face-to-face visits, Parkinson visits the patient at work or home, preferably in Williamsburg. Having a virtual office saves him money on rent, staff, and office supplies.
His mobile doctor kit consists of an iPhone, MacBook, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, blood pressure monitor, thermometer and blood drawing supplies. When a patient requires additional treatment, he helps them find the most reasonable health care prices in the city. Patients pay an annual fee of USD 500, which includes an initial consultation plus two additional face-to-face visits as needed.
Why did he choose to set up his practice this way? Parkinson explains: "First, I feel an easily accessible physician is the best way to optimize your health. Second, healthcare and traditional health insurance is too expensive in NYC. I'm doing my part to make it more affordable for you. Third, I feel that the healthcare industry profits largely by keeping cost information from you. I think this is extremely unethical. The industry takes advantage of people when they are in need and willing to pay anything to get back on their feet. I will absolutely not let this happen to you when you are my patient."
This sounds like a fantastic business model for other physicians to adopt. In my own circle of friends there are many new parents who could certainly benefit from having a doctor available to answer basic healthcare questions online. For those caring for elderly parents, having a doctor that does housecalls is a tremendous help. Hopefully, this idea will be contagious.
See Dr. Parkinson's website at http://www.jayparkinsonmd.com
Why did he choose to set up his practice this way? Parkinson explains: "First, I feel an easily accessible physician is the best way to optimize your health. Second, healthcare and traditional health insurance is too expensive in NYC. I'm doing my part to make it more affordable for you. Third, I feel that the healthcare industry profits largely by keeping cost information from you. I think this is extremely unethical. The industry takes advantage of people when they are in need and willing to pay anything to get back on their feet. I will absolutely not let this happen to you when you are my patient."
This sounds like a fantastic business model for other physicians to adopt. In my own circle of friends there are many new parents who could certainly benefit from having a doctor available to answer basic healthcare questions online. For those caring for elderly parents, having a doctor that does housecalls is a tremendous help. Hopefully, this idea will be contagious.
See Dr. Parkinson's website at http://www.jayparkinsonmd.com
