Dive Brief:
- Health care startups are increasingly offering affordably priced, on-demand concierge-like services to consumers, Wired/Kaiser Health News reports.
- The startups typically offer consumers online access to basic medical services such as appointment scheduling assistance and medical advice, but sometimes a broader range of services.
- According to Wired/KHN, the companies say their customers often pay much less than other patients typically would for the same services from a private concierge physician. But prices vary widely, from about $50 a month to $149 a year.
Dive Insight:
Moving from brick-and-mortar concierge services to online platforms is a logical evolution. While it may seem like they do, these services don't necessarily compete with real-world concierge medicine. Perhaps the two forms of concierge care will merge, with sophisticated concierge care companies offering both forms of access.