Recently Kaiser Health News http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org * noted “Grand Rounds is one of many healthcare startups bringing on-demand, concierge-like services once reserved for the ultra-rich to the middle class – similar to what tech outfits like Google, Amazon, Uber, and Lyft have done for personal shopping and transportation.”
“These budding companies offer basic access to medical advice, appointments and other assistance. Some operate regionally, others nationally. Their services and prices vary substantially—but all aim to fill gaps in the existing health care system, in part by using the Internet.”
Often they charge monthly or annual subscriptions – say $50 a month or $149 a year for primary care services — although physical exams, surgeries, and second opinions from specialists can cost more. At Grand Rounds, an online second opinion runs $7500 and an appointment with a specialist is $200. (Sommers only paid $30 because he was covered through his son’s employee benefit package, which includes access to Grand Rounds.)
“They …. contend they provide better quality. Grand Rounds, for instance, chooses its doctors from a list of 520,000 physicians based on an algorithm, plugging in variables such as research and publication history, patient outcomes and how other doctors rate them.”
* to read the full KHN “Need A Doc? These Companies Will Hook You Up In A Hurry” by Daniela Hernandez article highlight and click on open hyperlink
http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2014/May/07/online-firms-offer-concierge-medical-services.aspx?utm_campaign=KHN%3A+First+Edition&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=12710185&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Cdtf5thzkeINqyOqOcXNKEl10wEdRBMs7be82fM275kpqVJqiPpRzd59NykBNqTK5Tw_M-zDHo3lQY7ZqqfPm-3jvXtsDHBIiAqhPhSK_Xa7A0-c&_hsmi=12710185