Re:Ask HN: What's one problem you'd like startups to solve?
by benhirashima on Friday December 13, 2013 @07:01PM
(#6903654)
i think it's ridiculous that in order to get a prescription for a simple low-risk medication, i have to call my doctor, make an appointment, wait 45 minutes past when my appointment was supposed to be, and have a physical meeting with the doctor that consists of nothing but talking and takes all of 5 minutes. oh, and i have to pay way too much for it too. i should be able to do this over the phone or internet, and for less money.
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Re:Ask HN: What's one problem you'd like startups to solve?
by draker on Friday December 13, 2013 @08:13PM
(#6904029)
This is often because doctors aren't paid unless they physically see you in the office. Current insurance payment policies do not recognize phone or internet consultation as billable events.*
My doctor provides this service and does so as follows:
I call my doctor leave a voicemail(Name, DOB, Phone#). A "triage nurse" (their exact wording) returns my call. I describe my symptoms and answer a few questions, these are then relayed to my doctor. If he feels the issue doesn't require a visit but requires a prescription the order is placed electronically and a nurse calls back to confirm my desired pharmacy, provide instructions and answer any additional questions.
*While some companies are making efforts to amend these policies, this holds true for the majority in my experience.
Re:Ask HN: What's one problem you'd like startups to solve?
by namenotrequired on Friday December 13, 2013 @07:59PM
(#6903961)
Yes, I agree! Health care is notoriously hard to get into but some startups are working hard on it, some with quite some succes already. I don't expect a startup to come in and do exactly that right away and be succesful with it; it might have to be more incremental, but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing some improvement in this field come from their side.