Virtual portal gives patients remote access to healthcare services

Regular readers of Springwise will be familiar with innovative services such as those offered by Hello Health and Carena, who are currently utilizing webcams to offer “house calls” remotely. In a similar vein, One Medical have taken on the idea of web-based healthcare services and applied it not only to house calls, but to a full range of medical services. One Medical’s online portal enables patients to access their personal health records, renew prescriptions, schedule appointments and fill out medical forms — all remotely. There is also the option to contact a physician for follow-up advice and referrals, as well as the ability to books same-day appointments. As part of the offline care, the service offers longer appointments, claiming that this will improve doctor-patient relations, and they promise to respect patients’ schedules by always meeting appointment times. There are currently five hospitals in San Francisco, and two in New York, with a third coming soon. Remote access can help save time and money for both doctors and patients alike. Healthcare service that haven’t gone online yet, don’t get left behind! (Related: Online service takes the pain out of health insurance claims — Waiting-room service lets patients pass the time elsewhere.)