A web service endorsed by Dr. Phil McGraw, of Oprah fame, has a new financial supporter. Billionaire Brit and tech investor Sir Richard Branson is pledged his support for the new breed of telemedicine services with a $21 million funding infusion.
The service is called Doctor on Demand and the start-up connects patients to doctors via video feed. The service was announced Wednesday, according to a report. It has recruited 1,400 doctors across 46 states. It can be accessed across multiple devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones and desktop computers. The service costs $40.
A $40 cost includes 15 minutes spent with a U.S.-certified physician, states a report. The idea is to remove one of the largest barriers to patient care--the time involved in appointment setting and crowded waiting rooms.
Doctor on Demand boasts celebrity founders, Dr. Phil and his son, Jay McGraw.
Dr. Phil is doing a bit better these days than TV physician-personality Dr. Oz, who was recently grilled at a Senate hearing for promoting "miracle" weight loss products. Oz faced criticism for suggesting products in a deceptive way that led millions of Americans buy under his advice, as a Tech Times article points out.
Branson said he was intrigued after seeing a TV program about the venture. His $21 million is a huge part of cash support from Venrock and Shasta Ventures. The total capital raised is $24 million. A major health IT investor, Bryan Roberts has joined the company's board.
The service is mainly for individuals. However, Comcast inked a deal with the companies to offer a subsidized rate of service to the company for its employees health care benefits. Comcast is the largest ISP in the nation.
The service aims to undercut its competitors. Those services include LiveMD and American Well/Wellpoint Services. Those services cost $49.
