Investigation Of San Francisco’s Zenefits Leaves Customers Looking For Guidance
In other news, a startup looks to make it easier for patients to get a second opinion from a doctor, and more insurers are embracing telehealth services.
The San Francisco Business Journal:
Four Things Zenefits Customers Need To Know
With Zenefits under investigation by multiple regulators, some of its approximately 10,000 customers are likely to be looking for guidance: where does the turmoil that has engulfed the company leave its clients? The once-sparkling San Francisco startup, which zoomed to a $4.5 billion valuation last May, has been tarnished in recent weeks by news that insurance departments in California, Washington and other states are investigating it for allegedly selling insurance without proper credentials. Its co-founder and CEO Parker Conrad resigned abruptly last week, its t op sales executive left the company without explanation three days later, and new CEO David Sacks acknowledged that the company and its employees made a number of serious errors in the compliance realm. (Rauber, 2/19)
Modern Healthcare:
Tech Company Connects Patients With Docs For Second Opinions
Access to top-tier specialists, second opinions and timely appointments. That's what the savviest and most connected patients get when they're faced with a serious medical condition.Technology company Grand Rounds has developed tools it says provide that same level of service to everyone else. The company's technology platform helps connect patients who want a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan with physicians who are experts in their conditions. (Kutscher, 2/20)
Modern Healthcare:
Virtual Reality: More Insurers Are Embracing Telehealth
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama resisted paying for most telehealth services for years after their introduction. The insurer, which holds a near-monopoly of the state's commercial market, had cost concerns about the still-evolving technology that electronically connects patients with doctors and other clinicians. There wasn't even a clear definition of what qualified as a telehealth visit. (Herman, 2/20)