Imagine being able to see your doctor, on demand via your computer.
A company is looking to make this scenario a reality, where patients can “visit” a doctor for a 10-minute, online consultation via webcam. Malpractice is covered, and the cost is low enough that health plans are paying for it.
It’s a smart play on the primary care shortage, targeting a web-savvy demographic. At the risk of sounding ageist, this population would likely be younger and healthier which is optimal for this kind of service.
As an aside, it’s also a commentary on how non-relevant the physical exam has become these days.
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- Newsflash: PCPs juggle multiple problems during office visits
- Webcam in the hospital room shockwaves
- Newsflash: Office and ER visits surge
- Suicide by drug overdose, live via webcam
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{ 2 comments }
I’m curious as to why you think this would be such a younger and healthier group of patients? I am in my late 50s and have multiple health issues. I am quite adept at using a computer as are all my friends, co-workers and almost every single person I know, in my age range, uses a computer for hrs each day. Also, this older group would find it much easier to communicate via pc with a physician than going to his office, so what makes you think the way you do?
Granted John McCain admittedly doesn’t do the computer, but I would say he is the exception rather than the rule among his age group.
I agree with anonymous. My 80-year-old father acquired a wireless laptop long before I did.
By contrast, I have middle-aged co-workers who rarely use the Internet or e-mail.
It’s an individual thing, no?
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