#zocdoc business plan

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Directory Listings for Small Businesses: An SEO Goldmine or Overrated?

In the digital age, the success of a small business often hinges on its online presence. Among the myriad of strategies to improve visibility and attract customers, directory listings remain a debated topic. Are these platforms an SEO goldmine, driving traffic and increasing ROI, or are they overrated tools that waste time and resources?

This blog delves deep into the role of directory listings for small businesses, analyzing their benefits, limitations, and strategies to maximize their potential.

Understanding Directory Listings

Directory listings are online platforms where businesses are categorized and listed for easy discovery. Popular directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are household names. These directories allow small businesses to create profiles that typically include:

Name, address, and phone number (NAP).

Website links.

Customer reviews and ratings.

Operating hours.

Categories and services.

Beyond these general platforms, there are niche directories catering to specific industries, such as HomeAdvisor for home services or Zocdoc for healthcare professionals.

Directory listings are essential for small businesses because they help customers find and evaluate services before making purchasing decisions. However, their utility doesn’t end at discovery; these listings can play a critical role in SEO.

How Directory Listings Impact SEO

Directory listings directly and indirectly affect a business's Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. Here’s how:

1. Enhancing Local SEO

For small businesses targeting local customers, directory listings are indispensable. Platforms like Google My Business help businesses appear in local search results, especially the coveted "Local Pack." For instance, when users search for “coffee shops near me,” Google pulls results from its directory.

2. Generating Backlinks

Directories provide backlinks to a business’s website, which are a key ranking factor for search engines. While these are typically no-follow links, they still add to the business’s online footprint and authority.

3. Increasing Visibility

By being listed on multiple directories, businesses increase their chances of being discovered by potential customers. This visibility drives traffic to the website, indirectly improving SEO metrics like dwell time and click-through rates.

4. Facilitating Customer Reviews

Most directories feature review systems. Positive reviews build trust and influence purchasing decisions. Moreover, Google considers the volume and quality of reviews as ranking signals.

The Case for Directory Listings: A Goldmine?

Let’s explore why directory listings could be a goldmine for small businesses.

1. Affordable Marketing

For businesses with limited budgets, free directory listings like Google My Business and Yelp provide cost-effective marketing. Even paid directories often offer reasonable plans that can be more affordable than traditional advertising.

2. Immediate Online Presence

A small business with no website can still have an online presence through directory profiles. This is particularly useful for startups that may not yet have the resources to develop a robust online infrastructure.

3. Driving Targeted Traffic

Many directories cater to niche markets. For example:

Zocdoc attracts healthcare seekers.

TripAdvisor draws tourists and hospitality patrons.

HomeAdvisor caters to homeowners looking for contractors.

Listing in these niche directories ensures traffic from an audience already interested in the services offered.

4. Boosting Credibility

A well-maintained directory profile, complete with reviews and up-to-date information, builds customer trust. Businesses with strong profiles are perceived as more credible and reliable.

5. Strengthening Local SEO

With directories contributing to local pack rankings, small businesses can outperform larger competitors in specific geographic areas.

The Drawbacks: Overrated?

Despite the benefits, there are criticisms of directory listings. Here’s why some believe they might be overrated:

1. Oversaturation

Popular directories often host thousands of businesses, making it difficult to stand out. For example, a local pizzeria might struggle to compete against larger chains with bigger marketing budgets.

2. Inconsistent ROI

Not all directories deliver equal value. Businesses may find themselves investing time and money into platforms that yield little to no traffic or leads.

3. Risk of Duplicate Listings

Duplicate or inconsistent information across directories can harm SEO rather than help it. Search engines may struggle to determine which information is accurate, leading to penalties.

4. Limited Customization

Directory profiles often have rigid templates, limiting how businesses can present themselves. This lack of control can stifle branding efforts.

5. Review Dependency

While reviews can boost credibility, they can also be a double-edged sword. A few negative reviews, even if unwarranted, can deter potential customers.

Maximizing the Potential of Directory Listings

To reap the benefits of directory listings while avoiding pitfalls, small businesses should adopt a strategic approach:

1. Claim and Optimize Listings

The first step is to claim listings on relevant platforms. Ensure profiles are complete, accurate, and optimized with the following:

High-quality images.

Correct NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number).

A compelling description with relevant keywords.

Updated hours and services.

2. Leverage Niche Directories

Identify directories specific to your industry or region. For example:

Lawyers can use Avvo or Justia.

Restaurateurs can leverage Zomato or OpenTable.

Niche platforms often have lower competition and more targeted audiences.

3. Manage Reviews Actively

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Respond to all reviews—positive and negative—professionally. This not only builds trust but also signals to search engines that your business is active.

4. Avoid Duplicate Listings

Use tools to audit and clean up duplicate or inconsistent listings. Platforms like Moz Local or BrightLocal can streamline this process.

5. Track Metrics

Regularly monitor the performance of your directory listings. Metrics like profile views, clicks, and conversions can help determine ROI and guide future strategies.

How to Identify the Right Directories

Not all directories are created equal. When choosing platforms, consider these factors:

Relevance

Does the directory cater to your industry or location? For example, a florist targeting local customers should prioritize local directories.

Traffic

High-traffic directories like Google My Business and Yelp provide better visibility. Use tools like SimilarWeb to estimate a directory’s traffic.

Features

Look for directories that offer value-added features like customer reviews, analytics, or advertising options.

Costs

Compare free directories with paid options. Ensure the ROI justifies any expenditure.

Is It a Goldmine or Overrated?

Whether directory listings are an SEO goldmine or overrated depends on how they’re used. For businesses that strategically choose directories, optimize profiles, and actively manage reviews, these platforms can be a goldmine. They offer affordable visibility, improved local SEO, and increased customer trust.

However, for those who take a passive approach, directory listings may seem overrated, yielding minimal results. The key lies in understanding the platform’s value and aligning it with your business goals.

Final Thoughts

Directory listings remain a powerful tool in the digital marketing arsenal of small businesses. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, they provide significant opportunities to boost visibility, attract customers, and enhance SEO when used strategically.

If you’re looking for more insights into directory listings and how they can benefit your business, click here for a detailed guide. It offers practical advice on understanding and leveraging this essential resource.

Ultimately, whether directory listings are an SEO goldmine or overrated is up to you—and how effectively you wield this tool in your marketing strategy.

[datascraping001]

Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping

Unlock Comprehensive Chiropractor Data: Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping by DataScrapingServices.com

In the competitive field of chiropractic care, having access to accurate and comprehensive information about practitioners can significantly enhance your marketing, research, and business development efforts. Chirodirectory.com is a valuable resource, offering detailed listings of chiropractors across various regions. However, manually extracting this data can be time-consuming and inefficient. DataScrapingServices.com provides specialized Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping services, enabling businesses to obtain structured and up-to-date information effortlessly.

List of Data Fields

Our Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping service meticulously extracts a wide array of data fields, ensuring you have all the information you need. Key data fields include:

1. Full Name: Names of the chiropractors.

2. Clinic Name: The name of the chiropractic clinic or practice.

3. Contact Information: Email addresses, phone numbers, and office addresses.

4. Specializations: Areas of expertise and services offered.

5. Experience: Years of practice and professional background.

6. Education: Educational qualifications and institutions attended.

7. Certifications and Licenses: Professional certifications and state licenses.

8. Patient Reviews and Ratings: Feedback from patients about their experiences.

9. Insurance Accepted: Information on accepted insurance plans.

10. Working Hours: Office hours and availability.

Benefits of Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping

1. Enhanced Marketing Campaigns

With accurate and comprehensive data, businesses can create highly targeted marketing campaigns. Knowing the specifics about each chiropractor’s practice and specializations allows for personalized outreach, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

2. Efficient Business Development

For companies offering products or services to chiropractors, having detailed information readily available can streamline business development efforts. This data facilitates better planning and execution of sales strategies, leading to more successful business relationships.

3. Improved Research Capabilities

Researchers and analysts can benefit from structured and accurate data for various studies and analyses. Understanding the landscape of chiropractic care, including trends and practitioner profiles, supports more informed research outcomes.

4. Better Networking Opportunities

For professional associations and networks, having a detailed directory of chiropractors aids in fostering connections and collaborations. It helps in organizing events, seminars, and workshops by identifying potential participants and speakers.

5. Time and Cost Savings

Automated data scraping saves significant time and resources compared to manual data collection. DataScrapingServices.com ensures that the data is accurate and up-to-date, providing a reliable foundation for your business activities.

Best Doctors Data Scraping Services

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Best Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping in USA

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Conclusion

In an industry where accurate and comprehensive information is vital, DataScrapingServices.com’s Chirodirectory.com Chiropractor Listings Scraping service offers an invaluable resource. By providing detailed and structured data, we help businesses enhance their marketing efforts, streamline business development, and improve research capabilities. Investing in our data scraping service means accessing up-to-date, accurate information effortlessly, saving time and resources while gaining a competitive edge. Let DataScrapingServices.com empower your business with the data you need to succeed in the chiropractic care industry.

Website: Datascrapingservices.com

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[stresstherapistnj-blog]

Overcoming Challenges: Finding the Perfect Therapist in New Jersey

New Jersey, with its bustling cities and charming suburbs, can also be a place where residents grapple with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Stress Therapist NJ, a leading provider of in-person and telehealth therapy services, is here to guide you towards finding the perfect therapist to support your well-being.

This comprehensive guide explores resources for therapists specializing in depression and anxiety treatment in New Jersey. We’ll delve into the benefits of teletherapy and highlight Stress Therapist NJ’s services in Paramus and throughout the state.

New Jersey Therapists for Depression and Anxiety: Stress Therapist NJ

Whether you’re experiencing the low mood and hopelessness associated with therapist in NJ for depression or the constant worry and physical symptoms of anxiety, finding a qualified therapist can significantly improve your quality of life. Here are some resources to help you locate a therapist specializing in these areas:

Psychology Today: This online platform allows you to search for therapists in your area based on location, insurance, and areas of expertise, including depression and anxiety.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey: NAMI NJ provides a helpline and referral service to connect individuals with mental health resources, including therapists specializing in depression and anxiety.

Online Directories: Zocdoc and TherapyDen are online directories that allow you to search for therapists based on location, insurance, and specialty.

The Advantages of Teletherapy in New Jersey

Teletherapy, also known as online therapy, offers a convenient and effective way to access mental health care from the comfort of your own home. Here’s why teletherapy might be the right fit for you:

Accessibility: Teletherapist in NJ eliminates geographical barriers, allowing you to connect with a qualified therapist regardless of location within New Jersey.

Flexibility: Teletherapy sessions can be scheduled around your busy work or personal life, promoting better adherence to treatment plans.

Comfort and Privacy: Teletherapy allows you to attend sessions from a safe and familiar environment, potentially increasing your comfort level and willingness to discuss your concerns openly.

Stress Therapist NJ: Your Teletherapy Partner in Paramus and Beyond

Stress Therapist NJ offers comprehensive teletherapy services throughout New Jersey, including Paramus. Their team of licensed therapists specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and various other mental health concerns. Here’s what sets them apart:

Experienced Therapists: Their team comprises licensed and experienced therapists who utilize evidence-based approaches to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.

Personalized Treatment Plans: They create individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

Flexible Scheduling: They offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Convenience and Comfort: Teletherapy sessions can be conducted via video conferencing from the comfort of your own home in Paramus or anywhere within New Jersey.

Taking the First Step Towards Well-being

Reaching out for help is a courageous step towards overcoming depression, anxiety, mental health issues or any other mental health challenge. Stress Therapist NJ is here to support your journey. Whether you’re seeking a therapist specializing in depression or anxiety treatment in New Jersey or are curious about the benefits of teletherapy in Paramus, they can be your trusted partner on the path to mental well-being.

Don’t hesitate to contact Stress Therapist NJ today to schedule a consultation and explore how their team can help you thrive.

[nushamawellness]

Understand The Process Of Psychiatrist Medication Management Near Me

Have you ever heard of psychiatric medication management in your life? It plays an imperative role in improving your health issues greatly by providing you with the right medication and monitoring which will eventually uplift your overall well-being. Accessing psychiatric medication management near me is quite a challenge in order to find great support and make things more manageable. 

Understanding Psychiatric Medication Management

Psychiatric medication management helps in involving by giving prescriptions and monitoring all the medications to elevate your mental health conditions, which include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other aspects. Moreover, it also requires a collaborative approach that would involve the psychiatrists or practitioners or the mental health experts greatly. 

Ask for Referrals

You can seek guidance from a physician for referrals. They will surely help you find local psychiatrists who are experts in medication management and can greatly address all your basic requirements. 

Check with Your Insurance Provider

Understand your health insurance plan to see which psychiatrists or mental health providers are covered under your policy. It can help narrow down your search and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Online Directories and Reviews

Utilize online directories such as Psychology, Healthgrades, or Zocdoc to search for psychiatrists in your area. These platforms often provide profiles, reviews, and contact information, making it easier to research and reach out to potential providers.

Community Mental Health Centers

Local mental health centers or clinics may offer psychiatric services, including medication management, on a sliding scale fee basis or through government-funded programs. Contact them to inquire about available services and eligibility requirements.

Ask for Recommendations

Ask friends, family members, or support groups for recommendations. Personal referrals can offer valuable thoughts into a psychiatrist's approach, communication style, and effectiveness in medication management.

Consider Telepsychiatry Options

With the rise of telemedicine, many psychiatrists now offer virtual appointments, allowing you to access medication management from the comfort of your home. This option can be especially easy for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or limited access to local providers.

Choosing the Right Psychiatrist

Credentials and Experience: Look for psychiatrists who are board-certified and have experience treating your particular condition. Consider their educational background, training, and any specialized certifications in psychiatric medication management.

Approach to Treatment

Consider whether the psychiatrist's treatment approach aligns with your preferences and goals. Some may prioritize medication management, while others may emphasize therapy or holistic interventions. Choose a provider whose approach resonates with you.

Communication and Rapport

Building a trusting relationship with your psychiatrist is essential for effective treatment. Pay attention to their communication style, empathy, and willingness to involve you in decision-making regarding your medication regimen.

Accessibility and Convenience

Evaluate factors such as location, office hours, appointment availability, and telepsychiatry options to ensure that accessing care is convenient and feasible for you.

Conclusion

Navigating psychiatric medication management near me can be daunting, but with careful research and consideration, you can find competent support near you. By seeking referrals, exploring online resources, and evaluating potential psychiatrists based on their credentials, approach to treatment, and rapport, you can make informed decisions to enhance your mental health and well-being. 

[newhopedentalcare]

How to Find An Emergency Dentist Near Me

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing how to quickly locate an emergency dentist in your area is essential for prompt and effective care. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find an emergency dentist near me:

1. Use Online Search Engines:

The quickest way to find an emergency dentist near me is to use online search engines like Google. Simply enter relevant keywords such as "emergency dentist near me" or "24-hour dentist in [your city]." The search engine will provide you with a list of nearby emergency dental clinics.

2. Check Online Directories:

There are online directories and websites dedicated to helping people find healthcare providers, including dentists. Some popular options include Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Yelp. These platforms allow you to filter your search by location and read reviews from other patients.

3. Ask for Recommendations:

Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues in your area and ask if they can recommend a reliable emergency dentist. Personal recommendations can be valuable, as they often come with firsthand experiences.

4. Contact Your Regular Dentist:

If you already have a regular dentist, contact their office, even if it's outside of their regular business hours. Many dental practices have provisions for emergencies and can provide guidance or refer you to a trusted emergency dentist.

5. Check with Dental Associations:

Dental associations often maintain lists of dentists, including emergency dental providers, in your area. In the United States, the American Dental Association (ADA) is a good place to start. They may have a "Find a Dentist" tool on their website.

6. Use Mobile Apps:

There are mobile apps designed to help you find healthcare providers, including emergency dentists, based on your location. These apps can provide information about the dentist's location, hours, and contact details.

7. Call Local Hospitals:

In some cases, local hospitals may have dental departments or be able to provide information on nearby emergency dental services. It's worth giving them a call if you're unable to find an emergency dentist through other means.

8. Consider Urgent Care Centers:

Some urgent care centers have dental services or can refer you to an emergency dentist. While not every urgent care facility offers dental care, it's an option to explore if you're in pain and unable to find a dedicated emergency dental clinic.

9. Verify Insurance Coverage:

If you have dental insurance, contact your insurance provider to inquire about in-network emergency dentists. This can help you find a dentist who accepts your insurance plan and minimizes out-of-pocket expenses.

10. Be Prepared in Advance:

To be better prepared for dental emergencies, consider researching and selecting an emergency dentist before an urgent situation arises. Having their contact information readily available can save you time and stress in a dental crisis.

In conclusion, knowing how to find an emergency dentist near me is essential for addressing unexpected dental issues promptly. Use online resources, recommendations, and directories to locate a reputable emergency dentist who can provide the care you need when it matters most.

[codebrewlabs]

How Much It Costs To Build Telemedicine Apps Like Practo & ZocDoc?

The current pandemic situations have restricted people to their homes. While all other sectors are switching to remote working, it was challenging for the healthcare industry to cope with the same. Thankfully, there were telemedicine apps like Practo, ZocDoc, Teladoc, and more. These helped patients seek medical attention virtually, at the comfort of their home and without spreading the virus.

Over the last year, telemedicine apps have gained immense popularity. In fact, the global health market is rising at 44.2% and is estimated to reach $112 billion by 2025. Online healthcare apps like Practo are inspiring other business owners and entrepreneurs to build their own telemedicine apps.

Why Launch Your Own Telemedicine Like Practo?

The main objective of these apps is to enable remote access to healthcare services for users from the comfort of their homes. But it is worth noticing that these telemedicine apps have made soaring profits amid pandemic. One of the popular on-demand platforms recently launched a coronavirus assessment tool, stating that their apps recorded 10,000 transactions per day.

Even Practo Technologies registered a of 600% in video consultations since the lockdown started. And 70% of the users were found to be first-time telemedicine app users. Hence, investing in a branded telemedicine app can be a wise choice. Sounds interesting, right?

There might be many questions coming across while you plan to build your own telemedicine app. How does Practo work? How does a telemedicine app like Practo make money? And the list can be long. Out of all the questions, the one that remains unanswered is- How much does it cost to build an app like Practo?

Before you get the answer to this, it is essential to understand what features make these apps useful and popular.

What Are The Must-have Features For Telemedicine Apps Like Practo/ZocDoc?

Most of the health tech apps like Practo and ZocDoc have a patient-centric model. If you want to create an app on similar lines, here’s what you must include:

Easy doctor and patient registration: No one likes a tedious registration process, be it online or offline. Try to keep the registration process simple with minimal data requirements.

Fast and hassle-free doctor appointment booking: A seamless user interface and doctor/patient dashboard are something you cannot miss out on. It plays a crucial role in helping patients connect to doctors and manage/book appointments.

Video/Audio/Text consultation: For maximum efficiency, the app must be capable of providing high-quality audio and video consultation services. The real-time chat window is also a desirable feature that lets patients consult doctors through texts and can send media files like images of records.

Secure payment gateway: Your health-tech app must be integrated with multiple secure payment options. It also must be capable of auto-generating invoices to make payments transparent and fast. When you give multiple payment options to the users, customers are more likely to complete the transaction. Do you know, about of consumers prefer apps with multiple payment options.

Medicine delivery options: Health-tech apps like Practo have medicine delivery features. Here patients can use the doctor’s prescriptions and shop for the medicines. Practo arranges home delivery of these within the shortest time.

Electronic health records: Your health-tech app needs to have enough storage options to accommodate the health records of the patients. In addition, since medical records are highly confidential, you need to ensure they aren’t subjected to any data breaches.

Doctor listing and details: You need to add a section that has a list of board-certified physicians and facilitates. It helps users to choose a health service provider that suits their requirements(nature of illness, location, and budget) You can also add reviews for each of these doctors, so patients can choose a reliable doctor with suitable treatment options.

Geotagging: This feature helps patients to locate doctors and insurance companies at a specified location.

Appointment notifications: You can use this feature to send short messages to the users regarding an upcoming appointment, or a promotional offer or any other relevant information.

Besides, there are many more features to launch, run and grow your telemedicine app. Want to have a quick overview of unique and exclusive features? Get your feature book here.

How Much Does It Cost To Build Telemedicine Apps Like Practo/ZocDoc?

The cost to develop a health care app depends on various factors. The list of factors can be the operating system you choose, technology you prefer, the features you decide to include in your app, etc. Based on the requirements, you can hire a telemedicine app development team. This team will basically include:

Telemedicine app designer — To take care of UX/UI designs. Choose someone with an exceptional portfolio, and you can be assured of high returns. Usually, the good ones charge at least

Telemedicine app developers — Both, front-end and back-end, who have experience in building iOS/Android/Cross-platform applications- For a mobile application backed by a web portal, the back-end development process becomes complex and therefore may cost more around

Telemedicine app testers — To run tests to ensure the end-product is glitch-free. The average hourly rate to hire app testers is at least

Then you will also need a project manager who coordinates the whole process with you. The next factor to consider while charting out cost estimation is the technology stack. For each of the features, you need to select a technology stack diligently. For example, you can either choose IBM, Apache Flink, Spark, Cisco, or Hadoop for real-time analytics. For secure payment, you can choose either Stripe, Paypal, etc. The more advanced the technology stack, the more it will cost. An iOS app may cost around $200 to host on the App store. Also, the cost to host an app in Android’s Play Store is a mere 25$.

Not to forget, the cost will also depend on from where you hire the application development team. This is because the hourly rates for application development companies vary geographically.

For example, if you hire a company in the Asia region, the hourly charges for app development are around $40 to 60$, while the same for a US company is $150- $250. Hence, the average cost of telemedicine app development can be around considering MVP development. However, it can vary based on the features, functionality and a lot more things. And this might go up to USD 100,000.

Worried for the cost? Well, this can be resolved by hiring a proficient telemedicine app development company. Code Brew can help you launch your own telemedicine app like Practo without spending a fortune. Want to know how? Let’s connect now!

ALSO ON CODE BREW

Originally published at https://www.code-brew.com.

[fiddleabout]

ACA Enrollment Cheat Sheet!

so it’s open enrollment time, which means you need to pick a health insurance plan from the exchanges!  it can be daunting as shit, for sure, especially if you don’t live in the filthy weeds that are the business side of our garbage health care industry like yours truly does.  

so!  here’s a quick rundown of some of the vocabulary:

premiums: this is what you pay per month for the glorious honor of having insurance coverage.  it does not count towards your deductible or out of pocket maximum.  depending on your income, you may be eligible for a subsidy or other financial assistance to make your premiums more affordable.  

deductible: this is how much in health care costs you have to pay before your insurance starts really kicking in.  for example, my insurance through work had a $1,500 deductible, so the copays and coinsurances and lab costs that i had to pay early in the year, before i had another surgery, were fully my responsibility until i’d paid out $1,500; after that, my insurance started covering a flat 80% of everything, including copays.  basically, the deductible is how many actual dollars you have to pay out for medical costs before your insurance takes over.  

if you’re someone who goes to the doctor a lot, like me, you’re probably going to want a plan with a lower deductible, which will have a higher premium; however, in the long run, you’ll come out more ahead with a high premium/lower deductible.

on the flip side, if you’re generally healthy and just need an annual checkup, flu shot, ob-gyn annual, etc., then you probably want a lower premium/higher deductible plan.

out of pocket maximum: this is the cap on how much-- aside from premiums-- you should have to pay in health care costs in a year.  most plans on the exchanges right now have a high deductible and higher OOP max.  

network: this is the collection of providers (doctors, surgeons, urgent care facilities, imaging facilities, etc.-- any clinical medical care or medical service provider) that are contracted with the insurance plan.  this means that they have an agreement with the plan to accept payment from that plan for services.  you can still see out of network providers, but your plan may have a separate out of network deductible that is higher and that you pay separately from your main deductible (for example, if your plan deductible if $5,000, you might have a separate out of network deductible of $5,500; even if you’ve already paid of $4,950 of your regular deductible, if you see an out of network doctor, you’re going to have to hit the $5,500 deductible in copays and whatnot before the insurance covers them fully).  

most insurers have their own website that identifies what doctors are in network.  sometimes you can access this without being on the plan already, sometimes you can’t.  a decent, though inconsistent, workaround is to use zocdoc, where you can put in the plan type you’re thinking about switching to and see what doctors are in network.  the drawback to zocdoc is that contract status is doctor-reported, so if the doctor’s office in question is slow to update, the records may be out of date.  

another option to determine network availability for a specific doctor or care group is, if you’re okay hopping on the phone, to just give them a call and ask outright if they’re going to be in network for plan ___ in 2018.  

if you’re like me and hate talking on the phone, the other option is that large provider groups, and a good number of smaller groups and individual providers, will often also have accepted insurances on their websites.  in my experience almost all providers who have privileges at a hospital will have that listed on their pages on the hospital’s website.

copay: this is a flat fee you pay to a provider when you see them.  it’s like the cover charge at a bar: you pay $20 to get in the door, and then you get the dubious honor of also paying for the drinks and food you buy inside on top of that.  

coinsurance: this is a percentage charge for seeing a provider.  instead of a $20 copay for the cost of the visit to see doctor bob, you’re charged, say, 10% of the total cost of all charges associated with you visit to see doctor bob.  if you don’t get much done, this may only like $10; if you get a full metabolic panel run and a bunch of xrays, it might be $100.  

and the plan types:

hmo: health management organization.  the concept of this plan is that you have a pcp (primary care provider - your regular doctor) who functions as your primary point of contact for all medical care.  if you want to see a non-pcp doctor, you have to first see your pcp, who will write you a referral to see said specialist.  specialists include orthopedists, physical therapists, neurologists, ob-gyns,  etc. - any provider who isn’t your pcp, basically.  

hmos tend to be cheaper for you, the beneficiary

this is because of how they’re paid out: pcp doctors receive a capitation (aka, a set flat amount) payment from the insurer for each beneficiary (you) who has them as a pcp.  

so, if i’m a primary care doc and i have 200 blue cross hmo patients and i get $100 per patient, i get $20,000 from blue cross, ostensibly for the cost of care provided, but the provider keeps all $20,000 even if they only end up incurring $15,000 in costs.  the downside of this for you as a patient is that this encourages pcps to get a lot of people to sign up as their patients, and then to see them as little as possible/push them out to specialists for actual care, as this lowers their costs and increases their revenues.  

you may end up feeling like you’re going in circles trying to get actual care because you’re getting pushed from one doctor to another.

note: hmo plans sometimes do not cover out of network providers at all.

ppo: preferred provider organization.  this plan is a free for all: if they’re in network, you can go to whomever you want.  they tend to be a bit pricier (almost always on premiums, 50/50 on deductibles) than hmo plans, but you’re basically paying for ease of access.  you can make an appointment directly with any specialist you so choose.  these plans are ideal for people like me, since i have to see orthopedists and hematologists and physical therapists pretty regularly, and going through a pcp for each of those would be a pain.  

you’ll tend to have relatively low copays within the network and higher ones outside of it

unlike some hmo plans, most ppo plans will provide coverage for out of network providers, just at a less favorable rate

epo: exclusive provider organization. this is the bastard child of the hmo and ppo and is also an increasingly common option on most of the exchanges.  like a ppo, no pcp or referrals are provided; however, the network tends to be narrower and you have less choice of in-network providers and, crucially, they don’t tend to cover any out of network providers except for emergencies 

important note: the classification of “emergency” isn’t just “emergency situation”, but generally is limited to a proven medical emergency in which you go to an actual emergency room or emergency department.  

insurers will frequently challenge ER/ED bills to confirm medical necessity because-- 

in their defense, since they’re meant to cover almost the entirety of emergency bills and also because one of the quantifiable measures of success in moving to value-based care that the ACA established is lowering avoidable ER/ED admissions

--they don’t want to encourage people to go the ER/ED for just anything

high deductible/catastrophic: these are exactly what they sound like-- plans for healthy young people who are pretty much only going to wind up with medical costs if something terrible and, well, catastrophic, like a car accident, happens.  they have low premiums and very high deductibles (often approaching ~$10,000).  these are only available to people under the age of thirty, because clearly as soon as you turn thirty you must turn into a total drain on all healthcare resources :|

so what does all of this boil down to for you and your enrollment?

start by figuring out what financial help you’re eligible for!  the exchanges generally have an option at the front end of the process for you to identify your annual income and number of dependents on your plan.  this will let you know if you’re eligible for a subsidy or other financial help, and, if so, how much; you should also have an option when searching through plans on the exchanges to input estimated financial help, which will adjust the premiums in the search engine.  

after that, start digging into the individual plan options.  every exchange plan should provide a summary of benefits and coverage.  it’ll be a pdf and will look like this:

that red circle in the top right there? that’s where you can identify what type of plan you’re looking at.  the first page in the summary of benefits will always look the same-- it’s the basic overview of the costs and definitions.

this document will also list excluded services.  it’ll generally be somewhere in the middle/back half of the document and will have a clear header like this:

for me, this is the first thing i look for after verifying premium and deductible amounts.  as the above picture indicates, you can find more information in the plan documents.  these aren’t always directly linked to on the exchange website, but you can generally find them on the insurance providers website.  these will be a lot more detailed and can be anywhere between twenty and 200 pages.  ctrl + f your heart out: as frustrating and complicated as insurers can be, they can’t actually fail to disclose if they, for example, don’t cover all forms of contraceptives.  they’ll disclose it in the plan documents, even if they don’t, unfortunately, have to be clear and up front about it.

NOTE: MINIMUM VALUE STANDARDS

towards the end of the summary of benefits document will be a page that looks like this:

minimum value standards roughs out to basically meaning that at least 60% of all medical charges are covered.  if the plan you’re on does not meet minimum value standards, you might be able to get a tax credit to help you buy another marketplace plan.  always check for this verification when you’re researching plans.

what does all of this shit mean? 

it means start here and then find your state’s exchange from there.  the garbage carrot in chief established “maintenance times” on this website throughout the open enrollment period (sunday afternoons, i believe), so schedule around that.  sit down on a monday or wednesday or saturday with some snacks and a cup of your favorite beer/wine/tea/whathaveyou and crank up some good music to jam to and do some research:

start with figuring out what you can afford monthly and if something terrible happens and you have to cover ER and/or surgery bills

if you have a specific doctor you want to stay with, figure out which insurances they’ll be accepting

check for coverage info in the summary of benefits documents and, if you want more detail, in the plan documents

narrow it down to a few and compare the prices

take a break and have a cookie, you deserve it at this point

pick a plan!  if you’re not feeling super certain about it, go for a walk, do some laundry, pet your cat-- just take a break, walk away, come back to it with fresh eyes.  this is a big deal, so you don’t want to wear your brain out and give yourself a headache and then just pick one at random because you have eye strain and want to be done.  open enrollment goes until december 15, so don’t rush yourself.

sign up for your plan

have another cookie and pat yourself on the back, because you just signed up for health insurance for 2018!

now take a nap because that was fucking exhausting and you deserve it

as always, i’m here for any questions you might have!  

if i don’t know the answer, i can point you towards someone or some resource that will.  don’t be afraid to ask me or anyone else for help!  this is a complicated situation and even though the current administration is trying really hard to make it worse, there are still always resources available to you for help and guidance.  all you have to do is ask :)   

[karanchadda]

Why zocdoc clone app is important for your business?

Every element of our lives is now influenced by technology. The health care industry is not far behind the industrial revolution regarding system transformation. Technology has a significant impact on the healthcare industry.

The healthcare industry is still in the early stages of digitization, even after a significant wave of Covid -19 shook the world. It has also been regarded as one of the most robust arguments that the healthcare sector needs more excellent rebuilding while being accessible and digital.

What are the features provided by the ZocDoc Clone application?

1.Filter Advanced

2.Admin Dashboard with Communication

3.Data Availability

4.Login Form

5.Appointments should be scheduled.

6.Plan monthly checkups.

7.Cross-Platform

8.Control Content

To read this full blog, Check out this link -

[orbemnews]

Hunting for a Leftover Vaccine? This Site Will Match You With a Clinic. In the hustle to score an elusive vaccine appointment, the leftover dose has become the stuff of pandemic lore. Extra shots — which must be used within hours once taken out of cold storage — have been doled out to drugstore customers buying midnight snacks, people who are friends with nurses and those who show up at closing time at certain grocery stores and pharmacies. At some larger vaccination sites, the race to use every dose sets off a flurry of end-of-the-day phone calls. In every case, if the leftover dose does not find an available arm, it must go into the trash. Now, a New York-based start-up is aiming to add some order to the rush for leftover doses. Dr. B, as the company is known, is matching vaccine providers who find themselves with extra vaccines to people who are willing to get one at a moment’s notice. Since the service began last month, more than 500,000 people have submitted a host of personal information to sign up for the service, which is free to join and is also free to providers. Two vaccine sites have begun testing the program, and the company said about 200 other providers had applied to participate. Dr. B is just one attempt at coordinating the chaotic patchwork of public and private websites that allow eligible people to find vaccine appointments. Critics have said the current system is confusing, unreliable and often requires access to the internet, as well as the time to prowl websites for the rare appointment. In many places, it also largely ignores people who aren’t yet eligible for a shot, wasting the opportunity to get them on a formal waiting list. While Dr. B does not solve all of those broader problems, if it scales up the way some hope that it will, it could serve as a model for a better, more equitable way of scheduling vaccinations. “I think that’s a great idea,” said Sharon Whisenand, the administrator of the Randolph County Health Department in rural Missouri. Ms. Whisenand said that 60 to 80 people failed to show up to the county’s first mass vaccination event in late January, prompting her staff to make dozens of calls at the end of the day to people on a waiting list. “We sounded a little like a call center for a bit,” she said. The workers eventually found enough takers to administer most of the extra doses, but some shots were thrown out. Dr. B is a for-profit effort, set up as a public-benefit corporation that includes efficient and equitable vaccine distribution in its mission. But its founder, Cyrus Massoumi, a tech entrepreneur, hasn’t yet described Dr. B’s business model. He said he was financing the project out of his own pocket and had no plans to collect revenue. The company is named after his grandfather, who was nicknamed Dr. Bubba and became a doctor during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Mr. Massoumi is a founder and former chief executive of ZocDoc, which helps patients find available doctor’s appointments, and the founder of Shadow, a company that reunites lost pets with their owners using technology and local volunteers. Like both of those efforts, Dr. B seeks to make connections between groups that need something from each other. “Ultimately, patients need this vaccine, and there’s providers who need help getting it to the people of priority,” Mr. Massoumi said in an interview. “That’s my motivation.” After coming up with the idea for Dr. B in January, Mr. Massoumi recruited several engineers from Haven, a now-defunct health care collaboration among Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and J.P. Morgan, to build its website and underlying database. Amazon also donated web services, Mr. Massoumi said. The half a million people who have signed up for the service entered basic biographical information, such as their date of birth, address, underlying health conditions and the type of work they do. If vaccine providers near them have extra doses, they will get notified via text message and have 15 minutes to respond. Then they must be willing to quickly travel to the vaccination site. The company’s database sorts people by local rules about vaccine priority, giving providers better odds of administering their leftover shots to those in the greatest need. For many providers, that orderly procedure would be a welcome change from the haphazard systems they are using now. At some pharmacies and supermarket chains, workers have resorted to combing the shopping aisles to find people willing to get a last-minute vaccine. At other locations, vaccine hopefuls wait in line at the end of every shift, which could pose an infection risk, particularly to the most vulnerable. Despite some grumbling about younger, healthier people skipping the line by snapping up leftover doses, public health experts and many ethicists say the most important thing is that the vaccines don’t go to waste. Earlier in the vaccine rollout, some politicians, such as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, threatened sanctions against providers for not precisely following priority rules, and a doctor in Texas lost his job after he gave expiring doses to people with medical conditions, including his wife. For those who are offered a last-minute vaccine, “that person should not say no because they want it to go to someone else,” said Dr. Shikha Jain, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago, and a co-founder of IMPACT, a group that has been working to improve the equitable distribution of vaccines. However, “it’s really important to be intentional and to be equitable,” she said. Mr. Massoumi said he had taken several steps to ensure that the service will be equitable. That has included turning down early media requests from mainstream publications and instead promoting Dr. B on Zoom calls with representatives for groups like Black churches and Native American community groups, given that the pandemic has disproportionately affected nonwhite groups. Updated  March 9, 2021, 7:05 a.m. ET “It was really important for him to let these communities have potentially a place at the front of the line, or to get the information early,” said Brooke Williams, who is Black and a member of the Resistance Revival Chorus in New York. She joined one of the early Zoom calls and began spreading the word. “Hearing about shots that were getting thrown out was just heartbreaking and infuriating,” she said. The service suffers, however, from some of the same barriers that have marred vaccination efforts so far. Although signing up is simple, doing so requires an internet connection as well as ready access to a cellphone. Because of the last-minute nature of leftover doses, participants must have flexible schedules and access to transportation. “It’s still heavily internet dependent, so it will depend on who hears about it,” said Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. “It seems he’s trying to solve a problem and do some good, but I’m sad that governments — counties, cities, national organizations — didn’t prepare for this and then didn’t react more quickly to give advice and guidance.” Mr. Massoumi noted that the site allowed for people such as community volunteers to sign up on others’ behalf. The site is also available in Spanish. He noted that the program’s setup, which allows people to sign up, then wait for a notification based on priority, is better than other sites that require hours of refreshing websites in the odds they may luck into a rare opening. What You Need to Know About the Vaccine Rollout Some local health authorities, including Washington, D.C., and West Virginia, are shifting to a similar preregistration system, which can help to level the playing field. “There is this feeling where you don’t know where you stand, and the only way to secure your place is by refreshing a browser,” said John Brownstein, a Boston Children’s Hospital researcher who runs VaccineFinder.org, an online portal that helps people book vaccine appointments. For Brittany Marsh, who owns a pharmacy in Little Rock, Ark., figuring out what to do with leftover doses was a daily headache. She said the number of no-shows had increased as vaccines have become more available, and others have had to cancel at the last minute because they developed Covid-19 or were exposed to someone who did. Although sometimes people do call, she said, “more times than not, we just have a no-show.” Ms. Marsh has been testing Dr. B’s service for a few weeks and said it saved her workers the hassle of calling a waiting list of other customers to quickly fill the open slots. With Dr. B, she said, “I know that they’re calling at least what we think is the right group of people to come get those shots, so that we don’t have to ever waste any.” Dr. B has revealed few details about which providers have expressed interest in using its platform, other than to say the providers are based in 30 states and include doctors’ offices, pharmacies and the medical departments at large academic institutions. The company collects sensitive personal information that it vows to closely safeguard, even though, because the company is not itself a medical provider, the data is not protected by the federal health care privacy law known as HIPAA. When asked about his long-term plans for the company, Mr. Massoumi demurred, noting that the race to vaccinate was not going to end anytime soon. “Right now, we just want to get the vaccines allocated in the best possible way,” he said. “I can’t think of a better use of money to help solve the pandemic, so we’re just heads down, focused on that.” Source link Orbem News #clinic #hunting #leftover #match #site #Vaccine

[datascraping001]

DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping

Unlock Comprehensive Medical Insights with DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping by DataScrapingServices.com. In the healthcare industry, having access to detailed and accurate information about medical professionals is crucial for patients, researchers, and healthcare businesses. DocSpot, a leading online doctor directory, provides extensive data on doctors across various specialties. However, manually extracting this data can be labor-intensive and inefficient. DataScrapingServices.com offers a powerful solution with its DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping service, enabling you to gather comprehensive and up-to-date information quickly and accurately.

Gain comprehensive insights into the healthcare industry with DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping by DataScrapingServices.com. Our service extracts detailed information, including doctors' names, specialties, locations, contact details, qualifications, experience, patient reviews, insurance accepted, and availability. This enables patients to make informed decisions, enhances market research, and supports targeted marketing strategies. By automating data collection, we save you time and reduce errors, providing accurate, up-to-date data efficiently. Empower your healthcare operations and improve patient care with reliable data from our DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping service.

Comprehensive Data Fields

Our DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping service extracts a wide range of data fields to ensure you receive the most relevant and detailed information. Key data fields include:

- Doctor's Name: Full name of the medical professional, ensuring accurate identification.

- Specialty: The doctor's area of specialization, helping to match specific medical needs.

- Location: The clinic or hospital address, making it easy to find nearby healthcare providers.

- Contact Information: Phone numbers and email addresses for direct communication.

- Qualifications: Educational background and professional credentials, verifying the doctor's expertise.

- Experience: Years of practice and previous work history, providing insights into the doctor's proficiency.

- Patient Reviews and Ratings: Feedback from patients, offering a perspective on the doctor's care quality.

- Insurance Accepted: Information on health insurance plans accepted by the doctor, facilitating better financial planning for patients.

- Availability: Office hours and appointment availability, helping to schedule visits conveniently.

Benefits of DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping

1. Enhanced Patient Care: Access to comprehensive and accurate data enables patients to make informed decisions when choosing healthcare providers, improving their overall care experience.

2. Efficient Data Management: Automated scraping saves time and reduces errors compared to manual data collection, allowing healthcare businesses to focus on more critical tasks.

3. Market Research: Detailed information on doctors across various specialties aids in market analysis and helps healthcare providers understand competitive landscapes and trends.

4. Targeted Marketing: By understanding the specific needs and preferences of different healthcare providers, businesses can create more effective marketing strategies and tailor their outreach efforts.

5. Improved Operational Efficiency: Accurate and up-to-date data supports better decision-making processes, enhancing the efficiency of healthcare operations and strategic planning.

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Conclusion

In the fast-evolving healthcare sector, having access to detailed and current information about medical professionals is essential. DataScrapingServices.com's DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping service provides an invaluable tool for patients, researchers, and healthcare businesses. By leveraging our service, you can obtain comprehensive data efficiently and accurately, enhancing patient care, optimizing marketing strategies, and improving operational efficiency.

Invest in our DocSpot Doctor Directory Scraping service to unlock the full potential of healthcare data. For more information, contact us at info@datascrapingservices.com. Stay informed and make smarter decisions with accurate and actionable doctor directory data tailored to your needs.

Website: Datascrapingservices.com

Email: info@datascrapingservices.com

[symbiosispune]

CAREER OPTIONS AFTER STUDYING ECONOMICS

Students at SSE are exposed to a rigorous environment where they study courses in all aspects of Economics at both Bachelor’s and Master’s Level. The inclusion of interdisciplinary subjects like Finance, Development Studies, International Trade, Urban Development, and policy analysis makes students at both the levels well versed with the theory as well as recent developments in the real world.

As a part of Symbiosis International University, students at SSE are eligible for the Student Exchange programs post completion of one year at SSE. A set of students fly out to different nations and in exchange, a set of international students fly in to experience the Indian culture and teaching pedagogy at SSE.

Alongside the assignments and projects students completed during their coursework, every student is mandated to undertake two Summer Internships. Thus, for a student enrolled in the B.Sc.(Hons) program has a minimum 2 months of experience, while a student enrolled in M.Sc. Economics Has 2 months of the minimum internship experience, respectively by the time they graduate.

Economics Degree Syllabus

Here’s a quick breakdown about the economics degree syllabi for B.Sc. and M.Sc. at the top economics colleges in Pune, like Symbiosis School of Economics.

Undergraduate level: At Symbiosis School of Economics, B.Sc. (Economics) Honours is a full-time, three-year graduation programme.

It offers a wide array of ‘Out of box’ courses like Accounts, Environmental Economics, International Relations, Political Economy of India, and Research Methodology etc., not emphasized in traditional economics graduation programs. This will help students to get an edge over others in terms of critical thinking, logical analysis and deep understanding of crucial economic issues.

We aim at creating a class of graduates in Economics who would be equipped not only with the strong foundation of economic theory but also with skills required to tackle and analyse the real world business and economic issues.

 Postgraduate level: The basic focus of the M.Sc. course at content at SSE is to train students who apply economic concepts in real life and other inter-disciplinary specializations. The curriculum is designed keeping the employability of the candidate in sectors such as public and private enterprises, banking and financial services, government, consulting, academia and NGOs in India and abroad. SSE is currently offering modules in Advanced Economic Theory, Econometrics, International Economics, and Development Economics, etc.

 What skills do you need to pursue a successful career in economics? 

You should have strong mathematical skills

An awareness of current affairs and their economic implications

You should be research-minded and be able to research every aspect of the economy.

You have to think logically in a variety of scenarios.

 Job opportunities in economics in India after studying B.Sc. Economics at SSE:

Our B.Sc. Economics Programme prepares students for a wide variety of industries including academic research, analytics, finance, market research, and roles in the Government of India. Our students have been successfully placed in prominent organizations like D.E. Shaw Associates, TresVista, Deloitte India, BristleCone, Ernst & Young, Zephyr Financial Services, S&P Capital, ZocDoc  UBS, Vodafone, Demand Planning LLP, QS Intelligence Unit, Hindustan Times and many more.

 Job opportunities in economics in India after studying M.SC. Economics at SSE:

The M.Sc. Economics programme is interdisciplinary. The programme seeks to develop intellectual discipline, critical and analytical thinking with a view to grooming passionate individuals capable of taking up responsibility. Having an eclectic mix of student backgrounds ranging from economics, commerce, mathematics, statistics, management, and marketing, the diversified student base brings to the table a board set of ideas, innovations, and a broad framework of dynamic iterations. This talented student community together with the knowledge of ethic imbibed at SSE ensures that students are prepared for roles as managers, economists, statisticians, analysts, and entrepreneurs.

Job roles in this field also include:

Professional Economist

Financial Risk Analyst

Data Analyst (Banking Sector)

Financial Planner (Banking Sector)

Financial Controller/Financial Economist

Equity Analyst

Cost Accountant

Economic Researcher

Business Economist

Agricultural Economist

International Economist (Specialization)

Industrial Economist (Specialization)

Labour Economist (Specialization)

Investment Analyst

 These are just some of the reasons to enrol in one of the economics colleges in Pune, like Symbiosis School of Economics. You will learn everything you need to begin your career and attain success in the vast field of economics.  

[insurancelifedream]

What Will Gateway Health Insurance Be Like In The Next 6 Years? | gateway health insurance

Most patients who visit ZocDoc can easily search an allergist online, book a consultation, and then see the allergist in 24 hours. Same day appointments are available, as well, you can also search online for real-time availability of allergists who accept ZocDoc and set up an online appointment. There is also a toll-free number you can call to find an allergist who accepts ZocDoc.

Another great feature of ZocDoctor is the ability to schedule appointments online and get information directly from the database of allergists who accept ZocDoc. The information is not only relevant to your allergies, but also to other important health issues. This allows you to quickly find an allergy specialist if it is necessary.

In addition, the database that is stored at ZocDoctor contains links to the websites of most major allergists, which enables you to read patient reviews on these allergists. Many customers report that their recommendations have helped them get better treatments and more effective relief.

Although the website at ZocDoctor does not cover all allergists, it does contain links to the websites of many of the most highly regarded allergists. Some of the recommended sites include: American Academy of Asthma and Allergy, A&D Allergy & Asthma, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Allergy Foundation, American College of Veterinary Asthma, International Medical Council, Mayo Clinic, National Organization for Standardization of clinical guidelines in diagnostic allergy test, and the National Allergy and Asthma Association.

When searching for a gateway health insurance quote or provider, it's always best to go with a company that has been in business for several years. A reputable gateway health insurance company knows how to work the insurance industry and knows which companies are willing to work with their clients. It's always a good idea to research your options and compare various policies before choosing one.

Gateway health insurance providers may cost more than other insurers, but they are a very reasonable option for people who have a serious allergy or asthma issue that requires urgent medical care. In order to ensure that you're getting a gateway insurance quote that will work right for your needs, always compare plans and make sure you know all of the options that are available to you.

Before deciding on a health insurance quote, make sure you know exactly what type of coverage you want. If you don't understand the terms of your insurance policy, you can't be sure that you're getting what you want. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor for advice on your health insurance needs and see what he or she recommends. If you find that there are no recommendations from your doctors, ask for them online as well.

Whether you choose to use the internet to shop for health insurance or to search for gateway health insurance quotes, you will want to make sure you are working with a reputable company. A reputable company will be able to provide you with a reliable health insurance quote, but a reputable company will also be able to help you find the right plan for your specific needs. A reputable insurer will also be able to give you all of the information you need to understand your options and make a more informed decision.

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The post What Will Gateway Health Insurance Be Like In The Next 6 Years? | gateway health insurance appeared first on Insurance.

via WordPress https://insurancelifedream.com/what-will-gateway-health-insurance-be-like-in-the-next-6-years-gateway-health-insurance/

[pharmaphorumuk]

Doctor booking firm DocPlanner raises €80m, eyes M&A

Online appointment booking firm DocPlanner has continued a healthy run of fundraisings with a €80 million Series E that takes the total it has raised above €130 million.

The Warsaw, Poland-based company – which specialises in software that connects patients with doctors – says it will use the proceeds to expand with new hires, as well as developing its platform and – potentially – making bolt-on acquisitions of “young, innovative cloud-based software companies to accelerate growth.”

It intends to boost its headcount by 100, having already passed the 1,000 mark, and plans to continue expanding in its core European and Latin American territories as well as expanding into other markets.

Two years ago the company stepped up its share of the increasingly competitive market for online healthcare booking services by acquiring Spanish rival Doctoralia, having also snapped up Turkish firm Eniyihekim in 2014.

It’s up against a host of other players including US platforms ZocDoc and Doctor on Demand, as well as Push Doctor, TopDoctors, myHealthSpecialist and Doctify in Europe, and all are mopping up venture capital at a rapid rate as they jostle for position in the market.

DocPlanner’s mission is to make it as easy as possible for patients to get an appointment with a suitable doctor, and also to help doctors manage their online practice, for example by reducing no-shows.

Its platform provides free doctor reviews and booking for patients via its online marketplace and software as a service (SaaS) tools to help physicians digitise their practices.

The new round was led by One Peak Partners and Goldman Sachs Private Capital with existing investors Piton Capital and ENERN Investments also participating.

“The growth rate in our core business is accelerating and we’re seeing more opportunities in our space, both in terms of customer segment and product offering, as the health tech market matures,” said DocPlanner’s chief executive Mariusz Gralewski.

“Since our last funding round, we’ve focused on the core marketplace and SaaS business; now we are making a concentrated push into new growth areas.”

DocPlanner says it currently serves 30 million patients, lists more than 2 million healthcare professionals and processes 1.5 million bookings every month.

The post Doctor booking firm DocPlanner raises €80m, eyes M&A appeared first on Pharmaphorum.

from Pharmaphorum https://pharmaphorum.com/news/doctor-booking-firm-docplanner-raises-e80m-eyes-ma/

[jigneshthanki-blog]

TOP 11 Ways Healthcare Can Create Better Patient Care With Smart Technology

In a bid to attract and retain new customers, businesses like financial institutions, restaurants, and online eCommerce shops have brought forth personalization as a way to make customers feel valued. When this is combined with convenience, responsiveness, and immediate access, customer experience, and satisfaction spikes. Now, consumers are expecting the same from healthcare solutions, and what the healthcare industry is learning is that when patients do not feel satisfied, whether this is because they don’t think their healthcare provider values them or is focused on improving their health, they will change providers. So, what can healthcare providers do to create better, value-based patient care that will provide an excellent consumer experience? Integrate smart technology so that patients have access to convenient patient care services.

Pain Point One: Why Healthcare Facilities Have a Lack of Convenient Care

Unfortunately, about 15% of the world’s population has some form of a disability and approximately 110 to 190 million adults suffer from significant impairments according to the World Health Organization Impairments with one’s ability to climb stairs, walk, or carry things causes mobility challenges that present as a barrier to obtaining preventative medical care. Why? Medical buildings are not equipped to take on those with these type of disabilities, whether that be because there’s not enough ramps or elevators or because too much walking is involved through the halls. It doesn’t get much better for those with chronic conditions either, as walk-in clinics don’t always have the quality of care needed to deal with the problem and getting referrals to specialists is an immensely difficult process. Beyond this, postoperative patients also experience poor customer service via healthcare facilities poor communication tools, as getting 24-hour access to medical care for complications like increased pain and fever, is not available in most cases. To tackle these problems, healthcare facilities are creating strategies through smart technology innovation to address the issues.

1. Virtual Visits and the Use of Telemedicine Apps Are on the Rise.

Patients can use telemedicine mobile applications to access their care from anywhere in the world, from any device that they have available. It enables patients to have virtual follow-up appointments and provides immediate access to care for patients who have disabilities or chronic conditions, which means fewer missed appointments and happier patients. Beyond this, telemedicine applications allow the individual to stay with their physician even if they move house, access medical advice for minor symptoms, and access medical aid when traveling. By equipping patient care facilities with telemedicine applications, the barriers to healthcare access are reduced.

2. Remote Monitoring Systems Are Becoming Vital.

The use of IoT based vital monitoring systems that are remotely controlled allows healthcare providers to monitor a patient’s health around the clock, including important vitals like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. These can be used to notify healthcare caregivers when a patient falls, has a condition that worsens, are at risk for heart attack and stroke, or are in need of a new hip replacement. These IoT based healthcare solutions can be automated to send the information to a patient’s mobile phone or transmit the data to healthcare providers who can make informed medical decisions based on real-time data.

3. Robots Are Being Used to Assist the Elderly.

Seniors who want to stay independent for longer can use robots to assist them in household cleaning, mitigate the risks of falling, and even bring medications from another room.

4. HIPAA Compliant Messaging Platforms Are Being Created.

Healthcare providers are not allowed to use instant messaging applications like Telegram and Whatsapp as these are not compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Modern vendors are taking note though and developing a new generation of instant messaging tools that are compliant, allowing patients and healthcare providers to converse in real-time.

5. Patient Portals Are Allowing Access to Health Data.

Online portals that are connected to electronic health records are giving patients access to their data, including discharge summaries, immunization and vaccination histories, allergy lists, laboratory results, and even physician notes. These can be downloaded and shared with other healthcare providers as needed.

Pain Point Two: Wait Times Are Too Long

It is without a doubt that wait times in patient care centers are too long, with patients sitting for hours in reception areas just to be seen. During these waits, patient conditions can deteriorate, causing them to need more complex care at higher costs. Beyond this, waiting to have an appointment schedule is frustrating when one’s health is at risk.

1. Appointment Booking Systems Are Being Created.

Having to phone in and wait on hold just to book an appointment is a frustrating experience for many. Smart technology applications like ZocDoc and Qless are increasing customer experience by allowing patients to book online, change their booking online and cancel their appointments online.

2. Consent Forms Are Going Digital.

By having online consent forms digitized, patients don’t have as much tedious paperwork to sign and they can be released sooner from care. These forms can be loaded right into the patient’s charts once submitted before an appointment.

3. Healthcare Providers Can Alert Patients on Delays.

Patients are better able to adjust their arrival times for appointments and waiting times in the reception room if they are aware of doctor delays. Notifications systems that integrate into electronic health records can notify patients if their doctor is behind schedule.

4. Adding More to Services to Reception Areas.

One way of increasing the patient experience in waiting rooms is by equipping each reception area with a tablet that allows the patient to complete satisfaction surveys, access online portals, provide feedback, update their contact information, or access things like consent forms and healthcare content. Those who have access to more information are far more likely to book future appointments and follow through on treatment plans.

Pain Point Three: Clearing Up Those Confusing Bills

Reaching out and getting healthcare is stressful enough but getting hung up on the bill when it far exceeds what the expectation was going in, is incredibly frustrating for patients. So much so, that some patients will not get medical care unless they know what the prices are for patient care services up front and center.

1. Use Pre-Appointment Messages.

Not only can pre-appointment messages inform patients about their upcoming appointment details, but they can also inform patients about their insurance co-pay details, co-pay obligations, deductibles, and the pricing of services. This makes the check-in process a whole lot smoother.

2. Healthcare Facilities Can provide Online Cost Estimations.

In providing patients with access to an online estimation tool for costs, a patient can garner a more detailed understanding of the breakdown of costs associated with specific procedures, including how much each specialist costs and what is covered by insurance plans.

When it comes to improving patient care, smart technologies like IOT in Healthcare, Patient Care can go a long way in fostering loyalty, establishing long-lasting relationships with patients, and ultimately improving overall patient satisfaction and experience. Using the above strategies can not only increase your reputation as a healthcare facility but it can help you outperform your current benchmarks and retain your patients.

Pioneering custom and robust healthcare mobility solutions for the last decade, Let’s Nurture has the required expertise in custom healthcare app solutions. If you are owning a healthcare business and looking for smart healthcare solutions, we can be your technology partners.

Let’s shake hands! Drop your inquiry to info@letsnurture.com OR Call us at +1-631-954-6922.

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The 20 billion-dollar start-ups to watch that are reinventing healthcare in 2020

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GoodRx CEOs Doug Hirsch and Trevor Bezdek.

GoodRx.

This story is readily available exclusively on Service Insider Prime. Sign Up With BI Prime and start checking out now.

2020 is forming up to be a rough year for startups as they navigate the monetary fallout of the coronavirus pandemic

Even so, through the very first half of the year, health care start-ups handled to raise numerous millions, with some hitting unicorn status.

There are 20 health care startups that have actually reached unicorn status– or the $1 billion and over assessment mark– according to assessments figured out by PitchBook, CB Insights, and Service Expert’s reporting.

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Then, the year started off with one public offering, when One Medical made its stock-market launching at the end of January, surging to a $2.7 billion assessment on its first day of trading.

Some have actually tackled the crisis head-on, and some– typically at the same time– have actually discovered themselves laying off parts of their labor force

In the first quarter of 2020, health care startups raised $146 billion, up from the $135 billion the business raised in the exact same duration of2019

Rani Therapeutics – $1 billion

Wikimedia Commons.

The San Jose, California, company raised $53 million in February from Alphabet’s venture-investment arm GV.

Hims – $1.1 billion

Hims cofounders Hilary Coles and Andrew Dudum.

Hims.

Be it anxiety, hair loss, or erectile dysfunction, Hims desires men to “look after themselves” without worry of stigma through its suite of telemedicine and personal care offerings.

Besides online primary care check outs and treatment, it offers hair, skin, and sex products straight to consumers. Its sis website, Hers, offers similar services for ladies. Hims raised $100 million in its Series C funding round at the end of in 2015, bringing its overall money to $197 million, according to a representative for the business.

Its investors include Atomic, Maverick Ventures, Forerunner Ventures, Founders Fund, 8VC, and Redpoint Ventures.

Read more: Hot start-ups like Hims and Roman are marketing Viagra to young men online, however their approach raises 2 huge concerns

Clover Health – $1.2 billion

Clover Health CEO Vivek Garipalli.

Courtesy Clover Health.

Clover Health offers Medicare Advantage health-insurance strategies. When individuals in the United States turn 65, they can select to be part of traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, which is operated through private insurance providers like Clover and frequently provides additional healthcare benefits. The expect San Francisco-based Clover and other technology-based health insurance providers is to use data to improve patients’ health.

Clover lost $674 million in 2019, according to state insurance coverage filings evaluated by Organisation Insider. That compares to a $409 million loss in2018

Clover is growing its subscription, including approximately 10,000 new members in 2019, and registering an additional 12,000 entering into 2020.

2019 was a huge year for Clover. In March 2019, the business stated it was laying off 25%of its workforce, or about 140 staff members, as part of a restructuring. That came on the heels of Clover raising $500 million in January 2019, bringing the total funds the business has actually raised to $925 million.

Its latest assessment was $1.2 billion, according to PitchBook information from prior to the $500 million round.

Find Out More: We just got a look at the latest financials for health startups like Brilliant and Oscar. They expose the challenges dealing with the insurance providers as they keep growing their footprints.

Rakuten Medical – $1.2 billion

Hiroshi Mikitani, the chairman and CEO of Rakuten Medical.

Michael Seto.

The biotech is led by the Japanese billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani, who is likewise founder and CEO of the big Japanese e-commerce firm Rakuten.

Rakuten Medical has raised about $471 million, according to PitchBook.

Lyell – $1.2 billion

A nurse grabs blood samples taken from a client receiving a sort of immunotherapy known as CAR-T cell treatment at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Proving Ground in Seattle. Immune treatment is the hottest pattern in cancer care and its next frontier is creating “living drugs” that grow inside the body into an army that looks for and damages growths.

AP.

In March, the business raised an overall $493 million in financing from undisclosed investors.

Butterfly Network – $1.3 billion

Charlotte Hu/ Business Insider.

The device, called Butterfly iQ, plugs into the iPhone and isn’t much larger than the phone itself.

In September 2018, Butterfly raised $250 million from investors such as Fidelity, Fosun Pharma, and the Expense and Melinda Gates Foundation

HeartFlow – $1.6 billion

HeartFlow via YouTube.

HeartFlow is attempting to make the procedure of finding obstructions in the heart a lot less invasive. Using imaging from a CT scan, HeartFlow builds a 3D design that pinpoints the clogs related to coronary-artery disease, a heart condition that affects countless Americans and is the leading cause of death in the United States

HeartFlow is based in Redwood City, California, and reached unicorn status in 2018 after raising $240 million. In overall, the business has actually raised $532 million

Zocdoc – $1.8 billion

Zocdoc CEO Oliver Kharraz.

Courtesy of Zocdoc.

Users can browse based on procedures, conditions, and even a specific doctor they may want to schedule an appointment with.

In 2019, the company altered the method it pays its physicians in some states, moving from a membership model to one that charges a per-booking fee.

Zocdoc, which is based in New York, most recently raised $130 million in a Series D round in August 2015, bringing its total raised to $223 million.

Bright Health – $2.2 billion

Bright Health CEO Mike Mikan.

Courtesy Bright Health.

Bright Health offers health plans for individuals under the Affordable Care Act and to senior citizens in Medicare Benefit

It was established in 2016 and has raised more than $1 billion after closing a $635 million round in December. An agent for the company declined to provide its upgraded evaluation, though according to Pitchbook, the assessment is $2.2 billion.

Minneapolis-based Bright Health published a bottom line of $418 million for 2019, a deeper bottom line than the $175 million loss the business had in2018 The company made $2085 million in revenue and recorded $176 million in medical claims, spending about 84%of the premiums it took in on medical costs.

In overall, Bright had nearly 59,000 members by the end of 2019, most of which were on plans purchased in the ACA’s private markets.

Bright in January announced plans to acquire Brand New Day, a health insurance that offered it a big foothold in the Medicare Advantage market The regards to the deal were not divulged, and the acquisition officially closed on May 1.

The business said in July 2019 that it would run in parts of 12 states in 2020, approximately double its geographical footprint for2019 The Brand name New Day acquisition brings that count to13

Read more: $ 2.2 billion Bright Health simply struck a deal to purchase a health plan and get a huge foothold in the profitable Medicare Advantage market

23 andMe – $2.5 billion

23 andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki.

Kimberly White/ Getty Images.

The company, established in 2006, has millions of clients and a number of partnerships with significant pharmaceutical business.

But the customer genetics market has been facing a big slowdown this year, leading the company to lay off 100 workers

Check Out more: The DNA testing industry is stuck in a rut.

GoodRx – $2.8 billion

GoodRx CEOs Doug Hirsch and Trevor Bezdek.

GoodRx.

GoodRx collects drug rates at more than 70,000 pharmacies across the United States and compares them on its site, according to the company. It’s generated more than $18 billion in cost savings, saving the average client about $355 per year, according to GoodRx.

However what began as a one-stop shop for drug rate contrasts is moving into telehealth. In 2015, GoodRx obtained a telehealth startup for an undisclosed amount and now provides online care by means of HeyDoctor by GoodRx Many gos to have to do with $20 and don’t require insurance.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the website also developed a method to compare the expenses of online medical professional visits as more individuals seek health care from the safety of their homes.

Worth $2.8 billion, the Santa Monica-based start-up’s investors consist of Silver Lake, Francisco Partners, and Spectrum Partners.

Find Out More: $ 2.8 billion pharmacy startup GoodRx just entered into the business of prescribing medications, and it demonstrates how a long-hyped technology is removing in healthcare

VillageMD- $3.3 billion

Walgreens is including VillageMD physician’s workplaces to its pharmacy areas.

VillageMD.

Rather than get paid based on the number of gos to doctors have with clients, VillageMD works with insurance providers so that it gets paid based on how well it cares for patients, including in monitoring services, transport, and other methods to keep patients healthier.

In July, VillageMD said it will open 500 to 700 primary-care clinics in partnership with Walgreens.

Read more: Walgreens just made a $1 billion bet on bringing physician’s workplaces into its pharmacies, and it shows how the pharmacy giant is taking on CVS and Walmart as they beef up their health aspirations

Grail – $3.87 billion

Hollis Johnson/Business Expert.

Given that it got its start in 2016, Grail has actually raised more than $1.75 billion from the likes of Jeff Bezos and Expense Gates, together with big names from the pharmaceutical, tech, and health care industries, including Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Arch Venture Partners, Amazon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, and Merck.

The idea behind its cancer-screening test is to recognize the tiny bits of cancer DNA that are hanging out in our blood however are undetectable. If companies like Grail achieve success, they would be the very first to manage a cancer-detecting blood test that works proactively.

The principle resembles liquid biopsy tests, which use blood samples to series hereditary information in that blood to find out how tumors are reacting to a certain cancer treatment. In 2017, Grail acquired Cirina, a Hong Kong business that is likewise taking a look at early cancer detection.

On Might 6, Grail said it raised an extra $390 million in financing. In total, the business’s raised $1.9 billion. The company has actually begun presenting information, consisting of some on early-stage lung-cancer detection, and has begun launching a few of its arise from its early-stage multi-cancer-detection tests

Intarcia Rehabs– $4.1 billion

Intarcia CEO Kurt Graves.

CNBC.

In September 2018, the FDA put the Boston-based business’s strategies for its diabetes implant on hold, pointing out production issues.

In March, the company raised $73 million of convertible debt funding from undisclosed financiers.

Tempus– $5 billion

Eric Lefkofsky, the CEO of Tempus.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images.

The startup, which was founded by Groupon founder Eric Lefkofsky, hopes to help doctors utilize data to find much better cancer treatments for patients, utilizing both clinical information– info about which medications patients have taken and how they reacted to them– and data it sequences in its laboratory based on the tumors and hereditary genes of cancer patients.

Tempus raised $200 million in Series F endeavor financing from Novo Holdings, Transformation Group, and New Enterprise Associates in May 2019 and raised an additional $100 million in March 2020

Roivant – $7 billion

Axovant CEO Vivek Ramaswamy.

Lisa Lake/Getty.

Roivant Sciences is a business known for developing drugs that other pharmaceutical business have actually abandoned.

The business was established by CEO Vivek Ramaswamy, who’s34 Through its subsidiary business, it recognizes speculative drugs that other business may have stopped establishing for one reason or another that still have potential to get authorized and go on the market.

So far, it has actually introduced 17 subsidiary “- vant” companies, consisting of a number that have actually gone public. Those include the neurodegenerative-disease-drug designer Axovant Sciences, the females’s health business Myovant Sciences, and the urology business Urovant Sciences.

In December, the business entered a handle Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Prior to that, the business had actually raised $200 million from financiers a little bit more than a year after raising $1.1 billion in a monster round led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund The $200 million round valued the business at $7 billion.

Samumed – $124 billion

Samumed CEO Osman Kibar, CFO Cevdet Samikoglu, and primary medical officer Yusuf Yazici.

Diana Yukari/Business Insider; pictures courtesy Samumed.

The San Diego-based business has actually drawn in a total of $764 million and a heady evaluation thanks to a pipeline of what might be advanced treatments to restore hair, skin, bones, and joints.

The company’s science hinges on something called progenitor stem cells.

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This post is part of CoinDesk’s 2019 Year in Review, a collection of 100 op-eds, interviews and takes on the state of blockchain and the world. Dr. Alex Cahana is head of healthcare and blockchain consulting at Genesis Block.At the end of 2018, while awakening from the Crypto Winter, a group of noted healthcare professionals led by Mayo Clinic’s John Halamka predicted that 2019 would be a pivotal year for blockchain in the healthcare industry. They said blockchain would become an essential part of consent management, improve remittances and enhance the monetization of personal data. It would tokenize non-cash assets, like patient outcomes, as an incentive to improve health. How much of this agenda was actually realized? The answer is some, but not all. We have seen blockchain deployments in supply chains and for physician credentialing, but not yet implemented as an architecture of electronic health records intended to transform them into self-sovereign, patient-driven digital assets. Why is that, or more fundamentally, why use blockchain in healthcare at all?Healthcare is problematic all over the world. From a patient point of view, healthcare is not always readily accessible and in many cases too expensive. From a healthcare professional’s perspective, there is too much paperwork. For hospital executives, unchecked job growth rate has not translated into better patient outcomes. The future of pharma and digital therapies is fraught with uncertainty. And even insurance brokers have experienced reduced or eliminated commissions on the sale of individual health plans. At least, we can all agree that the healthcare ecosystem is a multi-stakeholder, mal-aligned, friction-full, opaque, heavily-regulated, lacking-of-trust, data-rich environment. From there, we can agree on the need for new responses and approaches, including the use of blockchain. It turns out that blockchain-based platforms are ideal for dealing with the characteristics that plague healthcare.Robert Miller, of ConsenSys Health, produced an excellent report this summer summarizing major trends in the blockchain health space. These include the formation of major new business networks around healthcare use-cases, greater VC funding, and as already mentioned, the use of blockchain for credentialing. This year, half a dozen consortias (like IBM’s Health Utility Network [HUN], Coalesce Health Alliance and MELLODY) announced projects to exchange healthcare and life science data on  using permissioned distributed ledgers. That’s a big deal. Together, these consortia touch the lives of  millions of customers (HUN covers 80 million beneficiaries) in a multi-billion dollar market (MELLODY includes pharma companies with a collective value of more than $300 billion).Venture capital flows have actually slowed, reaching $25M in VC funding this year ($16M of them for Chronicled). This amount is still lower than the $100M-plus raised in 2018 and represents a ridiculously miniscule fraction of the $6B VC funding for non-blockchain digital health projects. As for STOs, the nearly $1B raise in 124 deals included only seven healthcare projects (like Healthbank, Healthereum, Verseon and Agenus), with no significant reported raises.Supply chain applications and physician credentialing are the most common use-cases in healthcare blockchain. The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) of 2013, which mandated the creation of an electronic, interoperable system that can trace and identify distributed prescription drugs, catalyzed the development of a few large scale blockchain-based platforms (like IDLogiq, MediLedger, Rymedi and TraceLink). As for physician credentialing, we’ve seen a multitude of DLT credentialing solutions emerge (like ProCredX developed by HashedHealth, Blockcerts used by the Federation of State Medical Boards, IntivaHealth that maintains records for continuing education and Truu, used by the UK National Health System). But currently these solutions (except Truu) are exclusively business-to-business and do not address the problem of physician identity or improve professional mobility. So what can we expect in 2020? As Nikhil Krishnan correctly predicted in his CB Insight report, the growing blockchain and healthcare landscape (48% CAGR till 2027) is currently dominated by closed consortia, where patient data is minimally used, under strict HIPPA or GDPR regulation. The idea that personal health information in the hands of patients are part of an immutable, master health record has been implemented in Estonia. But it looks like US adoption will be impeded due to a lack of political, regulatory and social appetite to change healthcare from a centralized, corporate, for-profit system into a self-sovereign, decentralized, doctor-patient-driven one.Whether 2020 will be an incremental or transformational year depends on three factors in my opinion.First, will we educate healthcare professionals by using a better, refined language? Already we shy away from using the words “crypto” and “blockchain,” associated with hacking and greed (thank you Mt. Gox and ICOs) and use the term DLT. But if we really want to recruit the public, we also need to talk about re-intermediation instead of disintermediation, coopetition (collaborative competition) instead of competition and distinguish between a sustainable “open” market (open to producers) vs. a non-sustainable “free” market, that includes also non- and counter-producers that manipulate and destroy the market (for details, read about Radical Markets here). In other words, the story shouldn’t be about technology, but what technology can achieve for healthcare and its stakeholders.Second, will we start to explain why we should use blockchain and stop just describing it? Yes, for blockchain to work it must be, as Toufi Saliba, CEO of the TODA Network says:  SECSI (Secure, Efficient, Confidential, Scalable, Interoperable). But doctors don’t care that blockchain is a ledger and are not interested in explanations about PoS, PoW, sharding and DAGs. Healthcare professionals need to understand that the “secret sauce” behind using Blockchain in their practice is that their relationship with patients has an inherent value. By promoting patient health, doctors actually engage in a peer-to-peer economic activity and can reward patients and be rewarded for healthy behaviour. Patient outcome is thus an invested asset (store of value) that can be traded not only by companies (Google, FitBit, 23andMe and ZocDoc) but also by patients and professionals themselves.And third, the 2020 US election outcome. As institutional trust erodes (think government, certain media outlets, Facebook), distributed trust has emerged as an attack-, collusion- and censorship- resistant model to procure, curate, store, manage and analyze data and information. But the public doesn’t understand the difference between universal access to healthcare, which is enhanced when using a distributed, decentralized economic model, and Medicare-for-All (or Amazon-for-All) which is a centralized, friction-full monopsonistic system. Resolving this confusion will be important for blockchain’s future prospects in the healthcare space. As healthcare remains the top issue on voters’ minds this year, the country remains evenly split on whether we should have a very centralized system (Medicare-for-all), a somewhat centralized one (ACA or “Obamacare) or state-based “distributed” (but not decentralized) healthcare. I doubt DLT will be horizontally integrated this year or leveraged as a tool to transform healthcare’s business model and looking ahead to 2020, that future seems some way off given the largely centralized, corporate, for-profit healthcare system in the United States. Nonetheless healthcare provides a very strong, if not perfect use-case for blockchain software solutions. It uses a shared repository (EHRs) with multiple writers (doctors, nurses, staff) and it has transaction dependencies (adherence to treatment plans, payments, regulations) with multiple intermediaries (professionals, patients, payors, regulators) that have no or minimal trust between them. Blockchain is poised to remedy many of these shortcomings.Finally, instead of pointing out what blockchain is missing, or fret that its purpose is unclear and changing, or hedge on what blockchain will become, let us state clearly what blockchain does. It is an attack, collusion and censorship-resistant solution that facilitates peer-to-peer economic activity. And in a world that suffers from a fear of fake products (fake posts, fake news and fake data), the role of DLT as solving the problem of social “fakes” is salient.Disclosure Read More The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups.

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