Zocdoc helps Utah residents to secure faster access to quality healthcare

ZocDoc, a free online service used by more than six million patients each month, arrives in Utah today, helping residents effortlessly secure faster access to quality healthcare. Wasatch patients can use ZocDoc.com or the free ZocDoc app to find in-network neighborhood doctors, read verified reviews and instantly book appointments online.

Not only does ZocDoc's free service make the appointment-booking process much easier, it also makes it much faster despite a nationwide doctor shortage. This shortage – which has contributed to a national average wait time to see a physician of nearly three weeks – is particularly acute in Utah. The state ranks in the bottom two nationally for the number of primary care doctors per resident, according to a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The typical ZocDoc patient, however, sees a doctor in under 24 hours. ZocDoc helps uncover the "hidden supply" of appointments in doctors' calendars caused by cancellations, no-shows and shifting schedules – up to 25 percent of a doctor's day.

"With residents feeling the effects of the current doctor shortage so greatly, it's now more important than ever to bring ZocDoc to Utah," said ZocDoc founder and CEO Cyrus Massoumi. "We're excited to improve local patients' access to quality care and help physicians increase the efficiency of their practices."

To use this free service, patients can visit the ZocDoc website (www.zocdoc.com) or the free ZocDoc mobile app for iPhone or Android and enter their location, insurance and the type of doctor they would like to see. ZocDoc shows local physicians' real-time availability, qualifications, photos and verified patient reviews. Patients select an available appointment time and click to book instantly.

Patients can use ZocDoc Check-In to speed the paperwork process. Their online personal and family medical history forms can be filled out prior to a first appointment and then travel with the patient from doctor to doctor – saving time and providing physicians with more complete and accurate patient information. ZocDoc email and text Appointment Reminders and personalized Wellness Reminders also help patients better manage their health.

At launch, Wasatch residents can use ZocDoc to book appointments with eight types of specialists including participating primary care doctors; obstetrician-gynecologists; dermatologists; ear, nose, and throat doctors; dentists; eye doctors; psychiatrists; and orthopedic surgeons. Additional physicians and specialties will continually be added to the service.