Medicine Goes Virtual

From fintech to insurtech, proptech to wealthtech, and beyond, digital innovation is changing the way services are delivered. You can add healthcare to that list as well.

There’s a small but growing number of doctors who are seeking licenses in all 50 states in order to practice “telemedicine,” meaning they can offer medical consultations via the web or mobile phone apps, especially for those who live in remote, rural areas without immediate access to a doctor’s office.  

According to CNBC, “Venture-backed start-ups are now prescribing everything online, whether it’s flu medication, hair loss treatments or birth control. The companies all either employ doctors, contract with a physician network or do a bit of both.” 

It remains to be seen how widely adopted these services will become. While most people would rather use an app than have to drive to a bank branch to conduct a basic service, methinks for some health care concerns, people would rather deal directly with a human.