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Online Medical Practice Offers Free House Calls

by Terrence O'Brien on October 5, 2007 at 09:31 AM

Medical Practice Opens Up Online
Private medical practice is one of the few industries that hasn't been drastically changed by the advent of the Internet.

But sometimes, all it takes is one resourceful individual to change how entire an industry utilizes the online space. That's why we'll be keeping a close eye on amateur photographer and Brooklyn, New York-based M.D. Jay Parkinson.

Dr. Parkinson opened his own private practice in September with no waiting room, no exam room, and no receptionist. In fact, his entire practice is online. All his medical records are stored online at Life Record so that he has 24/7 access to them via his MacBook or iPhone.

For a flat fee of $500 a year, each patient receives two house calls and an unlimited number of consultations via IM or e-mail, as long as they live in Brooklyn. Parkinson is out to serve the uninsured creative types in his neighborhood (which happens to be the hipster-haven of Wiliamsburg). And to that end, Parkinson has surveyed over 2,000 doctors to find the lowest prices available for scans, imaging, and tests.

Parkinson plans to charge $150-$200 for additional house calls beyond the first two, but says "I'll probably make some exceptions or accept artwork for my services."

From Wired

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Tags: breaking+news, brooklyn, doctor, health, online, top

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