This week, two telehealth providers unveiled distinct capabilities.
Los Angeles, California-based SnapMD revealed a new language functionality. Its virtual care management telemedicine platform now includes support for Spanish speakers.
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While using SnapMD’s platform, patients can click on a flag icon and select Spanish as their language of choice.
“SnapMD built the VCM platform to deliver all the features and functions needed for a true point-of-care solution,” SnapMD CEO Dave Skibinski said in a news release. “The development of Spanish language capabilities allows us to further our mission to help providers deliver care virtually to conquer the last mile in healthcare.”
The telehealth startup raised $5.3 million in 2016. In an interview earlier this year at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Skibinski said he believed 2017 would be “a tipping point year for telemedicine.”
MDLive is broadening its horizons in a different way.
The Sunrise, Florida company announced a new dermatology offering. The service is made possible through a partnership with Iagnosis, an online dermatology provider.
Patients can take pictures of the impacted area of hair, skin or nails and send them to Iagnosis’ network of dermatologists through the platform. They will then receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
As Iagnosis CEO Dave Zynn pointed out:
Access is one of the top issues consumers face when needing to see a dermatologist today. Wait times in some areas of the U.S. can be as long as three to six months. Now MDLive can reduce the patient’s wait time to get the dermatology specialty care they need from weeks or months to less than 24 hours. It’s also a great option for individuals suffering from chronic skin conditions who need to consult with a dermatologist on a regular basis.
The dermatology offering is available for self-paying patients immediately and for health plans and employers with a January 1 effective date.
MDLive was in some hot water this spring when it was hit with a class-action lawsuit over patient privacy issues. It later filed a motion to dismiss the suit. In early June, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit.
All this news surrounding SnapMD and MDLive comes less than one week after CMS said it will be paying for more telehealth services, including ones surrounding psychotherapy, chronic care management and others.
Photo: anilakkus, Getty Images
