There exists a growing number of medical practices that allow patients to schedule appointments online. About 16% of family doctors used online scheduling in 2009, up from 6% in 2005, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Several factors are driving the trend. On the doctors’ side, it’s mostly the need to add patients and reduce overhead costs. They’re also growing more comfortable with computers. About half of family doctors use electronic health records, and 44% prescribe electronically, according to the academy. CEO Cyrus Massoumi says he envisions ZocDoc doing for doctor and dentist appointments what opentable. com has done for restaurant reservations. About 40% of ZocDoc appointments take place within a day of booking. After an appointment is made online, the doctor’s office confirms it by e-mail, then ZocDoc sends electronic reminders. Nearly 85% of appointments made on ZocDoc are new patients. Patients pay nothing. Doctors pay about $250 a month to be listed.
