HOUSE CALLS: ExpressDoctors.com Brings Docs to Patients
ExpressDoc, Inc. yesterday announced the launch of ExpressDoctors.com, the first Web site to allow patients to ask for and receive a physician house call, typically within an hour of the initial request. Patients -- whose ailments must be "non-life threatening" -- may go online to www.ExpressDoctors.com or call a toll-free number, 1-877-DOC-2-YOU, to complete a request form. They can expect a telephone reply within minutes from the company's 24-hour call center. "Patients require medical assistance 1.5 billion times annually in the U.S. yet there has been no centralized system to help them find a doctor ... when their own doctor is not available," observed CEO Rob Kelly. "There are few choice after-hours other than a typically uncomfortable, expensive and lengthy visit to an emergency room." Founded in 1997 as a phone-based referral service, ExpressDoctors.com officials say the service costs up to $195 per visit and is covered under many health plans (ExpressDoc.com, Inc. release, 9/14).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.