I believe there is an opportunity for online health care.
Health care is one of the basic human necessity that everyone in the world at one point in their lifetime will need, from a newborn to an older person. This a need that has always existed but unfortunately for people with low incomes or that lives in remote areas do not have access like people who live in the city or close by. At this moment this need is not currently been meet because of outrageous price of consultations or the lack of a medical provider where they reside.
I conducted my interviews at the medical clinic where I work and may not have been very lengthy because some information cannot be disclosed, but I was able to get opinions of different clients and from medical provider.
Single mother of two children in her early thirties.
Where do you live and how long does it take you to get here?
“I live in Haines city, which is an approximate drive of 45 minutes to an hour.”
Who is the client being seeing today?
“My two children, age 10 and 8.
Why do you drive so far?
“Where I live there isn’t a psychiatrist that sees children or take their insurance”
What is the biggest problem you face when you take your kids to their appointment?
“In all honesty, is time. I must take off from work, either pick them up from school or not send them at all. Another issue is traffic on the way here, because if I don’t make it in time my kids will not be seen, or I have to wait so they can be put back in the schedule.”
Would you be ok, if the consultation could be done from your home through a videoconference call?
“Yes, it would save me a ton of time and they usually spend about 15 minutes with their doctor.”
What could be a concern about an online medical consultation?
“My two concerns are whether my kids are actually going to be seen by a medical provider and if they can send the medications to the pharmacy.”
Gentlemen in his late forties.
Where do you live and how long does it take you to get here?
“I live in BVL (a closed by neighborhood in Kissimmee), and it takes me about 15 minutes to get here.
Who is the client being seeing today?
“Myself.”
Do you have any issues to attend your appointment?
“No”
Would you be ok, if the consultation could be done from your home through a videoconference call?
“No, I really like my doctor and I prefer to see her in person and I really don’t understand technology.”
Board certified psychiatrist in her early sixties.
What do you think of medical consultations through the internet?
“I think is something that could be done, I know some practices do offer that type of service.”
Do you know how it works?
“Yes, the patient comes to the practice, they are process by a medical assistant, and they see the doctor in an office. The only difference is that the doctor is not physically present.”
Would you feel comfortable providing this type of services?
“Yes, as long as I can talk to them and help them.”
Do you think is there any problems with the service being provided?
“My only issue would be that it could be a lengthy process for me, because is not something I am familiar with and some patients may not be comfortable.”
I think that the opportunity still there, we are currently transitioning in a way that everything and anything can be done by means of internet. We do our shopping, watch TV, and communicate online. The younger generations would probably see it, as a new convenient trend. I think the opportunity is accurate because some people live far from medical doctor that provide specific services. Non-emergency health conditions can be asset remotely by a medical provider, such as the flu. By cutting many expenses, like having a facility that can accommodate many patients, supporting staff and other cost and the middleman (insurance companies), health care could become affordable for many people who currently can’t even afford the copays of their health insurances. An entrepreneur would have to adapt greatly, because is not a type of service that is very common so many people will be skeptical and will not be ok. Also, not all type of medical services could be provided this way, the market does have limitations.
Hey Herzen, I think you have an original idea on your hands that you could capitalize on. The interviews you conducted were planned accordingly and the people you spoke to were relevant and from a diverse group. Customer 3 said it would be a "lengthy process", however I believe if you were to perfect your product as best possible before launching your website, the infrastructure of your company would make people realize the idea is just what they need.
ReplyDeleteHi Herzen,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting idea. I could totally see the potential for this need to exist. The people you interviewed seemed to agree that it could be beneficial to all parties. With the way the world is heading with the desire for quicker services and the shift to online services, this would be a logical next step forward once the technology is there.
Hi Herzen! I really like this idea. I believe that this is slowly being implemented due to most people’s preference for being face-to-face with a doctor or medical provider. I agree with you though that there is great potential for future generations. I have noticed that many young people are afraid/dismissive of social interactions, so not being able to be in the presence of a doctor might be appealing to these people.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Matthew