Virtual Visits To Doctors Spreading

tresho writes to tell us that virtual doctors visits seem to be on the rise. A new service, most recently deployed in Texas, from "NowClinic" is allowing doctors to make virtual house calls and prescribe anything short of controlled substances. "For $45, anyone in Texas can use NowClinic, whether or not they are insured, by visiting NowClinic.com. Doctors hold 10-minute appointments and can file prescriptions, except for controlled substances. Eventually they will be able to view patients’ medical histories if they are available. The introduction of NowClinic will be the first time that online care has been available nationwide, regardless of insurance coverage."

Comments

Re:Nationwide, for anyone in Texas?

[Shakrai]

It's like a whole 'nother country.

Actually I have a funny story about that. I called Dell once upon a time to get a warranty replacement for a power supply that had gone up in smoke. My company has a support agreement with them and is supposed to receive priority support from Americans. Somehow I wound up in the queue talking to the morons from New Delhi. That went something like this:

Heavy Indian Accent: Thank you so much for calling Dell, my name is "Bob" (yeah, I bet it is buddy....), how many I assist you?
Me: *sigh* (well, might as well give it a shot) "Yeah, I have a bad power supply here and I need to get a replacement for it."
Tech Guy: Yes, yes, I am understanding that you have a bad power supply. Please insert the system diagnostics CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Me: I can't do that. When I plug the system in sparks come out of the back.
Tech Guy: Yes, yes, I am understanding your problem, please insert the system diagnostics CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Me: No, you don't understand, I can't plug the system in, the power supply failed.
Tech Guy: Please insert the system diagnostics CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Me: (trying different tack) I can't get the CD-ROM drive to open.
Tech Guy: Yes, I understand, is the computer plugged into the wall outlet?
Me: (back to square one) No, sparks will come out of it.
Tech Guy: Please insert the system diagnostics CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Me: *click*

So I call them back and go through the same exact menu system. Somehow I wind up with an American this time. He had the thickest Texan drawl that I've ever heard in my life.

Tech Guy: Thanks for calling Dell, my name is John, how may I help you?
Me: John, are you in the United States?
John: No sir! I'm in Texas.

Needless to say I knew I had somebody on the phone that I could do business with ;)

Amazingly enough he didn't ask me to use the system diagnostics CD either. I don't know how he was able to troubleshoot my "sparks are coming out of the back of it" problem without the assistance of the system diagnostics CD, but somehow he managed.....