Interactive Medical Care Available Over the Phone

A novel healthcare consultation service provides affordable 24/7 access to doctors and nurse practitioners via phone and webcam.

CareSimple is a new service available for people when they are not sure what to do about a health concern or who to turn to for assistance, especially when a visit to a primary care provider is not available, such as during nights, weekends, or holidays. Typically, users speak to doctors and nurse practitioners within 15 minutes of placing a request. Each provider is board-certified and trained specifically to diagnose and deliver care using phones and webcams, and if necessary can conduct house calls as well. The providers can also offer personalized treatment plans and prescriptions, as well as delivering a visit summary to the patient's regular provider, ensuring continuity of care.

CareSimple has been available since October of 2012 at an introductory pricing during the public beta test period of USD 10 per visit. In a survey among users of the CareSimple beta pilot program, currently available to individuals and families in the US states of Washington and California, 98% of the patients reported they had their issue resolved, and more than 50% stated they avoided a trip to the emergency room (ER). The CareSimple service is provided by Carena (Seattle, WA, USA).

“In all healthcare scenarios moving forward two things are certain: healthcare costs paid by individuals and families are going up; and it will be harder to get an appointment when you need it,” said Ralph Derrickson, CEO of Carena. “We are using well accepted internet technologies to make high-quality, affordable care available on the patients' terms. CareSimple brings peace of mind and resolution to common medical issues in a world where Skyping with the grandparents happens every day.”

“Consumers are paying more out of pocket for care than ever – through higher co-pays and deductibles, reduced benefits, and in the rising costs of goods and services,” added Mr. Derrickson. “Taken together, healthcare has become more expensive and less accessible. CareSimple makes healthcare more affordable by providing the right care at the right time for the right cost.”

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Carena