Doctor on Demand today announced a desktop browser version of its video service for on-demand doctor’s visits. The company has also closed a $21 million Series A funding round and signed a partnership with Comcast that will offer the cable company’s employees free access to the service.
Previously, patients could take appointments on iOS and Android. The new Web version is optimized for Chrome on Mac and PC. Check-ups cost a flat fee of $40 and last roughly 15 minutes. All of Doctor on Demand’s physicians are board-certified for the state they’re taking calls in. The service is 24/7 in most US states, but a few regions might have off hours on a Sunday night or other non-peak times.
Of course, not every medical issue is suitable for a video call with a doctor. The service isn’t designed for emergencies and the kind of tests that require physical presence, but many of the most common reasons for a visit, such as a cold, rash or minor sports injury, can be addressed remotely. In some cases, doctors can call in prescriptions for you to a local pharmacy.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
The service is kind of like having a good friend who’s a doctor that you can send photos to or Skype with when you have questions – except Doctor on Demand is a friend you have to pay. Depending on your insurance, the $40 fee might not work for you, but if you have high co-pays, the service can save you time from having to schedule an appointment and then travel to the clinic.
You might not always have to choose between an out-of-pocket video appointment and your insurance. Doctor on Demand CEO Adam Jackson said the startup is in talks with all the major insurance carriers to include its service with their healthcare plans.
Image credit: romrf / Shutterstock
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.