Healthcare company Teladoc has been in the doctor-visits-over-webcam industry for the last 8 years. In that time, the group has facilitated somewhere in the range of 80,000 patient/doctor visits by webcam or telephone.
Now it seems like the group is looking to release new iPhone and iPad apps that will allow patients to visit the doctors office, by simply making a FaceTime call. But can a doctor effectively diagnose a patient over the web?
Teladoc CEO Jason Gorevic says that the virtual visits will only be performed by licensed professionals for “routine medical issues.” In other words, don’t plan on getting your arthroscopic knee surgery done over the phone.
The typical appointment lasts 12 minutes. The doctor visits are available on demand 24/7, and the typical waiting time is just under 20 minutes.
The Dallas-based company says that it is a qualified expense for HSA, FSA, and HRA accounts. After your appointment is over, your credit card is charged and you can request a receipt for deductibles or reimbursement.
Still not convinced? Digital doctor visits won’t be for everyone, but they could provide a cheaper form of healthcare for folks who don’t have deep pockets. Now we just need an app that can check your temperature and other vital signs and we’ll be in business.
Are you sold? Would you engage in a FaceTime doctor visit?
[Mobiledia]