Is there a doctor in the house?
October 1, 2007
It has been a long while since I’ve been so WOW’d by a business model as I’ve been this morning. Simply put, this is the BEST template I’ve seen for building a home-based practice from, of all people, a physician
So says Matt Homann about Dr Jay Parkinson a Brooklyn based physician who’s breaking all of the rules. He has a web based practice where you can sign up for appointments (click here for his schedule) .. not only that but you can reach him via text, chat, email or phone. From his website:
• I AM A NEW KIND OF PHYSICIAN.
• I strictly make house calls either at your home or work.
• Once you become my patient and I’ve personally met you, we can also e-visit by video chat, IM and email for certain problems and follow-ups.
• I’m based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. My fees are very reasonable.
• I’m extremely accessible. Contact me by phone, email, IM, text, or video chat. Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM. 24/7 for emergencies.
• I specialize in young adults age 18 to 40 without traditional health insurance.
• When you need more than I provide, I make sure you wisely spend your money and pay the lowest price for the highest quality.
• I’ve gathered costs for NYC specialists, medications, x-rays, MRIs, ER visits, blood tests, etc…just like a Google price search.
• I mix the service of an old-time, small town doctor with the latest technology to keep you and your bank account healthyl
Not only that but he’s a blogger as well …
Matt is recommending this model for lawyers, I can see myriad applications for a model like this and I wonder how it might work for the medical community on this side of the pond if they were brave enough to take the leap? I wonder does Dr Jay do cyber based consultations with people outside of the United States…lots to think about here particularly for the ‘helping professions.’
Thanks for the post. I don’t do cyber consultations with anyone who isn’t officially my patient…that is, anyone who I haven’t actually met in person and properly assessed their health and performed a physical exam. I wouldn’t want to play with people’s health. Take care.
Jay – thanks for commenting – congratulations on the model. I think it’s fascinating and I also suspect a lot of people in the professions will be looking closely at what you’re doing to see if it can be applied elsewhere..
This makes total sense and lawyers should do this. In fact, can you imagine an e-court, where arguments are simply fed in on both sides (e.g. statements of claim and defence), and the judge gives his or her decision accordingly? The justice system would be far swifter and lawyers won’t be able to hide extras in their fees. Plus, parties could not fake emotion: the law is not meant to play favourites and such a system could ensure that. Any mitigating factors missed by the initial process can go to appeal with a real tribunal sitting.