Granville, Ohio - May 31 - HowMuchDoc.com recently
added a new section to their web site; the doctor's toolbox. The
doctor's toolbox is a series of office forms such as financial policies
and fee estimates. Also included in the toolbox are suggestions
that can help doctors who participate in HowMuchDoc.com treat uninsured
patients.
HowMuchDoc.com is
an internet search engine that links uninsured patients with a database of doctors and dentists who will see patients
who have no
health insurance. Patient searches are performed by zip code.
HowMuchDoc.com provides patients with a doctor profile that describes
the doctor, their office policies and fees for common office services.
"As a doctor, it has really been interesting
talking to my peers and getting their impressions of how they treat
uninsured patients." Dr. Jeff Oster
stated. "What's surprising is that there is no standard of
care. Many doctors just don't have the tools to complete an office
visit if a patient is uninsured. That's why we've introduced our
doctor's toolbox on HowMuchDoc.com. We hope to provide the
necessary forms and advice to guide more doctors into treating uninsured
patients," Oster said.
Dr. Oster is medical director and web master of HowMuchDoc.com.
"Each year I see an increasing number of uninsured patients in my
office. HowMuchDoc.com is simply a tool that evolved from my personal
experience as a physician. HowMuchDoc.com is a great way to improve access to affordable care for the uninsured."
Who are the uninsured? Are they indigent or
homeless? You may be surprised. 82 million people were without health
insurance benefits in the U.S. during the past two years, most of whom
were uninsured for more than 9 months. Four out of five of the uninsured
were in working families. Among people with incomes between 300 and 400
percent of the federal poverty level (between $55,980 and $74,640 in
income for a family of four in 2003), more than one out of four were
uninsured over the past two years. (Source - www.families.org)
Are uninsured patients able to access the
internet? Each year the use and popularity of the internet grows. The
Pew Internet & American Life Project (November 2004) found that 59%
of all adults go online. Search tools are the most important growth area
on the internet. HowMuchDoc.com feels that the use of a search tool for
uninsured patients is a tool poised for growth over the next several
years. "Our goal is to provide relevant search terms within 6
months" Oster said. "Our challenge is to develop our database
of providers. Until we can provide relevant search results, sign up for
doctors is free." Oster went on to say that at some point, doctors
would be required to pay an annual subscription fee.
The fear of living without health insurance is
real for many Americans. That fear often prevents patients from seeking
care. HowMuchDoc.com breaks the cycle of fear by enabling prompt access
to healthcare and early intervention of illness.
