New Zealanders can now book a virtual consultation with a doctor wherever they are in the country with the launch of online health consultation platform, Bettr.
Local Doctors and White Cross, owned by Total Healthcare-funded primary healthcare group, Tāmaki Health, has launched the first purpose-built at scale virtual consultation platform serviced by doctors from 48 clinics in Tāmaki Health’s network.
Early feedback shows New Zealand is ready
Tāmaki Health Chief Executive Officer, Steffan Crausaz, says the platform has already received an overwhelmingly positive response to its soft launch indicating that New Zealand is ready for the service.
“Within the first two weeks of testing the platform we’ve already seen demand outstrip supply on several days and have ramped up resourcing accordingly. The response from our team of Bettr doctors has been great.
“This is a secure, easy to use and affordable platform that Kiwis can access from wherever they are. While it will never eliminate the need for face to face consultations altogether, there are many health concerns that can be addressed remotely, saving time and potentially lives,” said Crausaz.
Bettr enables patients, registered or non-registered, to have consultations in the convenience and safety of their own home on a smartphone or other personal device and ensures patient notes are securely stored.
Informed, but not driven, by COVID-19
Crausaz said that unlike other providers in New Zealand, Tāmaki Health had not launched Bettr in response to COVID-19 as an ad-hoc addition to existing systems.
“We did provide over 25,000 remote consults during lockdown and we have applied the learnings from that to Bettr. However, we’ve designed Bettr to operate as a complimentary service as part of our long-term strategy to providing affordable access to healthcare for all.
“Importantly, we’ve ensured the safety and security of patient data, taking the time to deliver a platform that will improve accessibility to and delivery of healthcare anywhere in the country,” Crausaz said.
Appointments from just $10
At this early stage, private consultations with one of the New Zealand doctors from our White Cross and Local Doctors network will be available through Bettr seven days from 8am-1pm. Hours will increase with demand.
Initial prices start at $10 for registered patients of Local Doctors or White Cross clinics and $49 for others. Booking can be done in four steps with same day appointments generally available. Patients go through triage questions prior to their appointment to identify and address potential urgent care needs which may need to be seen in person.
For more information on Bettr please visit: www.bettr.co.nz
