CONTACT:
Jeremiah Whitten, Park Nicollet Health Services, 952-993-6057
Jon Pearce, Zipnosis, 612-823-3704
PARK NICOLLET, ZIPNOSIS ENTER PILOT TO PROVIDE
BASIC DIAGNOSES ONLINE FOR MN RESIDENTS
Starting May 1st, Minnesotans can go online or use iPhone/Android phones
to be diagnosed and treated for minor health concerns by Park Nicollet clinicians
(Minneapolis, MN, April 27, 2010): Park Nicollet Health Services, one of the largest multi-specialty group practices in the United States, and Zipnosis, Inc. a Minnesota-based start-up, have signed a 12-month pilot agreement to provide online and mobile diagnosis for basic health needs of patients in Minnesota. The quality of Park Nicollet care will be easily accessible at an affordable cost using proprietary Zipnosis technology.
Consumers with basic health problems, such as a sinus infection, bladder infection or allergies, can go to www.zipnosis.com, enter their credit/debit card and spend 5 minutes answering questions about their symptoms using Zipnosis’ proprietary software interview. The patient’s symptoms are then converted into a fully digital clinical note and sent securely to a Park Nicollet clinician. Within an hour, the clinician will respond with a diagnosis and treatment, including a prescription if appropriate. Designed to maximize consumer convenience, Zipnosis automatically sends a text message or e-mail when the diagnosis is ready. Consumers then view the response on their desktop computer using a web browser. Consumers can also access the response directly on their iPhone or Android phone, using the GPS on the phone to choose the nearest pharmacy for their prescription.
Each $25 visit is paid via a credit card or HSA/MSA debit card. The Zipnosis digital triage platform allows Park Nicollet to deliver the most affordable, convenient health care to any Minnesota resident regardless of their geographic location or provider network.
“This pilot reflects our goal to be a leader in health care technology while preserving our commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients,” says Park Nicollet CEO David Abelson. “With a shifting policy landscape it’s critical to use technology to increase patients’ access to medical care and also to lower costs. Our pilot with Zipnosis represents a unique opportunity to do both at the same time.”
“As a founder of the retail health care movement, this is the next logical step to enhance the consumer medical delivery process” notes Rick Krieger, CEO of Zipnosis and co-founder of QuickMed/MinuteClinic. “Zipnosis leverages the advancement in digital technology to revolutionize the basic consumer health care experience. We’re excited to have Park Nicollet as a partner in developing this platform and providing Minnesota residents the first chance to participate. Minnesota has always been a leader in medical technology and the Park Nicollet/Zipnosis agreement is a powerful blueprint for cost-effective consumer health care for a national delivery process.”
The entire process is not only more efficient for Park Nicollet clinicians, but dramatically more convenient for consumers who would otherwise wait at a Retail Clinic/Urgent Care or avoid treatment altogether. This technology works exceptionally well for those patients who do not have a regular physician. Consumers can start a visit anywhere, anytime without scheduling an appointment. This also allows Park Nicollet to shift clinical care to the clinicians that are currently available, allowing Park Nicollet to deliver care more efficiently and to save important health care dollars that can be used to provide care to other patients with more complex conditions.
Park Nicollet Health Services is an integrated care system that includes Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, Park Nicollet Clinic, Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Institute. Park Nicollet Health Services is based in St. Louis Park and has more than 7,100 employees, including 630 physicians on staff.
Zipnosis, Inc. is digital triage platform that provides convenient, affordable health care for consumers. Based in S. Minneapolis and was founded in 2008 after winning the MN Cup student business plan competition. For more information visit: www.zipnosis.com or e-mail: info@zipnosis.com