Product Information

ZocDoc Health App — Doctor Appointments Online!

Developer: ZocDoc health app

Price: Free

Available for: iPhone, Android, Blackberry

Basics

Staying healthy means more than just eating right and exercising.

Sometimes you need a doctor to help keep you going.

Finding a doctor nearby that takes your insurance, though, can be a hassle, and keep you from getting medical care when it’s most needed.

The ZocDoc health app relieves some of that pain by allowing you to find a doctor and schedule an appointment using your smartphone.

How This Health App Works

The ZocDoc health app allows you to search for doctors in your vicinity who accept your health insurance.

• You choose the type of doctor that you need, such as primary care doctor or urologist, and then select a reason for your visit.
• ZocDoc shows you a list of doctors with appointments available on the date selected.
• To book an appointment, all you have to do is click on one of the times and answer a few questions about your visit.
• ZocDoc emails you an appointment confirmation.
• You can even cancel or reschedule your appointment using the app.

The Upsides

• Scheduling—or rescheduling—a doctor’s appointment has never been easier.
• If you tend to wait until the last minute—and aren’t choosy about your doctor—the ZocDoc health app helps you find doctors with available appointments that day.
• You can also review a doctor’s education and credentials, along with reviews from other patients.

The Downsides

• ZocDoc is not available in every city yet, and only includes doctors who sign up to be part of the service, so your favorite physician may not be listed.
• If you are restricted to a network of physicians, or you need referrals for specialists, you may need to do more work on your end to be sure that your visit will be covered by your insurance.
• In addition, when searching for specialists, ZocDoc sometimes lists primary care doctors who handle the procedure listed, which may not be what you want.

The Verdict

If you’d rather suffer through the flu than wait on the phone for half an hour to schedule a doctor’s appointment, the ZocDoc health app is exactly what you need.

• You can find a doctor and schedule an appointment on the fly, and be back to Angry Birds in no time.
• ZocDoc works best for scheduling with doctors you have already visited, because you know what to expect. It’s also useful for finding new doctors who aren’t afraid of technology.
• Be sure to verify that your insurance company will cover your visit. It’s also not a bad idea to check reviews on other sites like Yelp.
• If you decide to use ZocDoc, their FAQ provides answers to many common questions (like how to cancel or reschedule an appointment, or how to leave a review for your doctor). You can also contact ZocDoc online or by email or phone.

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Photos by ZocDoc