While telemedicine hasn't taken over traditional medicine by any stretch, a handful of new companies are arising to deliver telemedicine in new ways. One is Doctor On Demand, a startup that offers 15-minute primary care consultations with MDs via smartphone.
To learn more about how this model works, we reached out to Adam Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Doctor On Demand.
How long have you been in business and how you are funded?
Adam Jackson: Doctor On Demand was created in 2013 by myself and my co-founder Jay McGraw, the creator and executive producer of the show The Doctors. We wanted to start the company because we saw there was a lack of access to doctors in the U.S., rising insurance premiums and urgent care costs and wait times were all major problems across the health care system. We also recognized that there was no direct to consumer app that allowed you to have a video consultation with a U.S. licensed physician. We launched the app on iOS and Android in December of 2013.
To date, we have raised a $3 million seed round from Venrock, Andreessen Horowitz, Google Ventures, Lerer Ventures and Shasta Ventures. Angel investors include Jonathan Bush, co-founder and CEO of Athena Health; Michael Birch and Trevor Traina.
Can you tell me how patients use the app?
Jackson: Doctor On Demand has created an application that connects users directly to a doctor any time of day no matter where they are. Patients can use Doctor On Demand via the iOS or Android app.
Patients are prompted to complete a brief tutorial and sign-up process that asks for their name, date of birth, credit card information, email and password.
Once initial setup is complete, a patient simply logs in, types in their symptoms, allergies and current medications and is connected to a doctor via phone or video conference within minutes – the average wait time is 3 – 5 minutes. Sessions typically conclude with medical advice, a referral or a prescription.
We take security and privacy very seriously. Our infrastructure must be HIPAA-compliant, so the video, audio and medical record that results from the call are all encrypted.
Are the doctors on contract or do you hire them?
Jackson: Our doctors are on contract. Many of them are part of a full-time practice and would like to make supplemental income or like the convenience and flexibility that working remotely through Doctor On Demand offers. Doctor On Demand employs U.S. licensed doctors, not nurse practitioners or physicians assistants.
Physicians set their own schedule and usually see 3 – 5 cases per hour during their shift. They receive $30 per visit and our scheduling algorithm is designed to maximize physician productivity.
Doctor On Demand provides full malpractice coverage (including tail) from the nation’s largest carrier and gives doctors extra income potential from anywhere.
Do you see your business as one that is strictly focused on independent growth, or is it something you would franchise out to other medical practices?
Jackson: We are definitely interested in partnering with other organizations that would like to utilize the service. These organizations could be medical practices that want to offer this option to their patients, companies who would like to provide it to their employees, or health insurance companies that would like to offer the option to their customers.