Zocdoc is a digital health marketplace that connects patients with healthcare providers of various specialties, including teletherapy.
Its mission is to provide a seamless healthcare journey by reducing the complexities of finding the right care.
With its user-friendly interface, patients can book appointments, view provider ratings, and even fill out necessary paperwork all online. Zocdoc is more than just an appointment scheduling app; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to make healthcare simpler and more accessible.
What is Zocdoc?
Founded in 2007, Zocdoc is an online medical care appointment booking service that offers patient reviews of doctors and allows users to book appointments online instantly.
The platform is available as a free app on iOS and Android, as well as a website. Users can search based on specialty, location, insurance, and availability, making it easier than ever to find the right healthcare provider.
Zocdoc’s teletherapy services are a relatively new addition to the platform, but they’ve quickly become popular among users.
Teletherapy, or online therapy, allows patients to receive mental health services from the comfort of their own homes.
Specialties Offered By Zocdoc
| Specialties | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Primary Care Doctor | Typically the first point of contact for patients, handling a broad range of health issues. |
| Dentist | Specializes in oral health, including teeth, gums, and mouth. |
| Dermatologist | Focuses on conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. |
| Psychiatrist | A medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. |
| Clinical Psychologist | A professional who is trained to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They cannot typically prescribe medication. |
| Neuropsychologist | Specializes in understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. Often work with people who have suffered a brain injury. |
| Eye Doctor | Provides care for vision, diagnosing visual problems and prescribing corrective lenses. |
| OB-GYN | Specializes in women’s health, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. |
| Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor | Expert in medical and surgical treatment for patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. |
| Allergist | Specializes in diagnosing and treating asthma and other allergic diseases. |
| Cardiologist | Deals with diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. |
| Pediatrician | Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers. |
| Gastroenterologist | Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders. |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | Deals with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. |
| Neurologist | Specializes in treating disorders of the nervous system. |
| Endocrinologist | Specializes in glands and hormones and the diseases that affect them. |
| Podiatrist | Specializes in foot, ankle, and lower limb problems. |
| Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist | A psychiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders in children and teenagers. |
| Addiction Psychiatrist | A psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of people with addiction issues, often involving substances or alcohol. |
| Geriatric Psychiatrist | Specializes in the mental health of elderly people, addressing issues like dementia and depression common in this age group. |
| Forensic Psychiatrist | Works at the intersection of law and psychiatry, providing expert testimony in court cases and treating mentally ill offenders. |
| Social Worker (Mental Health) | Provides support and resources for people dealing with mental health issues, often connecting them with community services. |
| Mental Health Counselor | Provides counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They cannot prescribe medication but provide a wide range of therapy methods. |
| Psychoanalyst | Provides a specific type of therapy that explores unconscious patterns of behavior that affect a person’s mental well-being. |
| Art Therapist | Uses creative arts as a form of therapy to help improve mental health and overall well-being. |
| Occupational Therapist (Mental Health) | Helps individuals develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working, often with a focus on mental health. |
How Does Zocdoc Work
Zocdoc Pros and Cons
Pros
One of the main advantages of Zocdoc is its ease of use. The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for patients to find a suitable healthcare provider and book an appointment.
Additionally, the availability of patient reviews helps users make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Another significant benefit is the convenience offered by Zocdoc’s online booking system. Patients can book appointments at any time, reducing the need to call during business hours.
Furthermore, the platform’s teletherapy services provide a convenient way for patients to access mental health services remotely.
Cons
No guarantee of an in-network provider match when using insurance
While Zocdoc allows users to search for providers based on the insurance they accept, there is no guarantee that the provider will be in-network.
This means that patients may still need to confirm with their insurance company whether the provider is covered under their plan.
Provider availability varies and isn’t always guaranteed
Another drawback of Zocdoc is that provider availability can vary. While the platform allows users to view a provider’s available appointment times, these slots can fill up quickly.
Therefore, it’s possible that a user may not be able to book an appointment with their preferred provider at their desired time.
Zocdoc is a digital health platform that serves as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers. It simplifies the process of finding a healthcare provider and booking an appointment, whether virtual or in-person.
Zocdoc Features
Zocdoc offers several features to ensure a seamless healthcare experience for its users. One of the key features is the ability to search for healthcare providers based on their specialty, location, and the insurance they accept. This way, patients can find a provider that best fits their needs.
In addition to this, Zocdoc also provides a platform for teletherapy. This feature allows patients to access mental health services remotely, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Zocdoc Insurance Checker Run-Down
How Does Zocdoc Work for Therapy?
Zocdoc’s teletherapy service works similarly to its regular service. Patients can search for therapists based on their specialty, location, and the insurance they accept. Once a suitable therapist is found, patients can then book a virtual appointment.
User Experience With Zocdoc
Users generally find Zocdoc convenient and easy to use. Its user-friendly interface makes the process of finding a healthcare provider and booking an appointment straightforward.
Moreover, the platform sends appointment reminders via text, which can help reduce no-shows.
However, it’s important to note that while Zocdoc allows users to search for providers based on the insurance they accept, there’s no guarantee that the provider will be in-network.
Therefore, it’s recommended that users confirm with their insurance company whether the provider is covered under their plan.
Zocdoc Therapy Cost and Payment Options
Zocdoc is a platform that connects patients with healthcare providers, including therapists. The cost of therapy through Zocdoc can vary greatly depending on the therapist’s rates and the patient’s insurance coverage.
It’s important to remember that while Zocdoc allows users to search for providers based on the insurance they accept, there is no guarantee that the provider will be in-network.
As for payment options, Zocdoc itself does not charge patients for using the platform.
However, physicians pay an annual licensing fee that starts at $299, which covers account setup and maintenance.
Patients are responsible for paying their healthcare providers directly, and this can typically be done through various methods, such as credit card, debit card, or health insurance.
Compare Zocdoc to Other Online Therapy Options
Brightside
Brightside offers online therapy and medication management for anxiety and depression. Their services are available in select states and the cost ranges from $95 to $240 per month depending on the chosen plan.
Sesame
Sesame is a direct-pay healthcare marketplace where you can book appointments with doctors and therapists. It doesn’t require insurance and the cost for a therapy session can range from $50 to $200.
Betterhelp
BetterHelp provides online counseling services with licensed therapists. The cost ranges from $60 to $90 per week, billed monthly.
Hims
Hims offers online mental health services including therapy. The cost for a therapy session is $99.
MDLive
MDLive provides virtual healthcare, including therapy and psychiatry. The cost for a therapy session varies but is typically around $108 without insurance.
Sources:
Zocdoc Online Therapy Reviews
While Zocdoc has received mixed reviews across various platforms, it’s important to note that these reviews often encompass all the services offered by Zocdoc, not just therapy.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Zocdoc is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating1. However, customer reviews on the BBB website are mixed, with some praising the platform’s convenience and ease of use, while others express dissatisfaction with issues related to insurance coverage and appointment scheduling.
Why You Can Trust Zocdoc
Despite the mixed reviews, there are several reasons why you can trust Zocdoc. Firstly, Zocdoc is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating, indicating that the company meets the BBB’s accreditation standards.
Secondly, Zocdoc verifies the credentials of healthcare providers listed on their platform2. This ensures that users are connected with licensed and experienced providers.
Lastly, Zocdoc offers transparency by providing users with access to patient reviews. These reviews can provide valuable insight into a provider’s practice and help users make informed decisions about their healthcare.
The Bottom Line
Zocdoc provides a convenient platform for finding healthcare providers and booking appointments, including therapy sessions.
While there may be some limitations, such as variations in provider availability and potential issues with insurance coverage, many users find the platform useful and easy to navigate.
As with any healthcare service, it’s important to do your own research and confirm details such as insurance coverage directly with your insurance company and the healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Zocdoc reviews be trusted?
Zocdoc reviews can provide valuable insight into a provider’s practice. However, like any online review, they should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s always a good idea to read multiple reviews and consider other factors, such as the provider’s credentials and experience, before making a decision.
How does Zocdoc work?
Zocdoc is an online platform that connects patients with healthcare providers. Users can search for providers based on specialty, location, and insurance acceptance. Once a suitable provider is found, users can book an appointment directly through the platform.
Is there a cancellation fee for Zocdoc?
Zocdoc itself does not charge users a fee to cancel appointments. However, individual healthcare providers may have their own cancellation policies and fees. It’s recommended to check the cancellation policy of the provider before booking an appointment2.
What are the benefits of using Zocdoc?
The primary benefit of Zocdoc is the convenience it offers. Users can find healthcare providers, book appointments, and even attend virtual appointments all in one place. Zocdoc also provides transparency by allowing users to read and write reviews of healthcare providers1.
Is it safe to use Zocdoc?
Yes, Zocdoc is safe to use. They comply with HIPAA regulations to ensure the privacy and security of users’ health information. Additionally, Zocdoc verifies the credentials of healthcare providers listed on their platform.
Why did Zocdoc fail?
While Zocdoc has faced some criticism and challenges, it would not be accurate to say that it has “failed.”
The company continues to operate and serves millions of patients across the U.S. Some of the challenges Zocdoc has faced include changes to its pricing model, which were met with backlash from some providers, and issues related to insurance coverage.
Is there an alternative to Zocdoc?
Yes, there are many alternatives to Zocdoc that offer similar services. Some of these include CareLogic EHR by Qualifacts, AdvancedPM by AdvancedMD, NextGen® Practice Management Solutions, Healthgrades, Vitals, Practice Fusion, Phreesia, Evariant, PatientPoint, and SimplyBook.me.
How do I get rid of Zocdoc?
To stop using Zocdoc, simply delete the app from your device or stop accessing the website. If you’re a healthcare provider and wish to remove your listing, you should contact Zocdoc’s support team.
Who are Zocdocs competitors?
Zocdoc’s main competitors include healthcare and appointment scheduling platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, Practice Fusion, Phreesia, Evariant, and PatientPoint.
Other competitors include CareLogic EHR, AdvancedPM, and NextGen® Practice Management Solutions.
How popular is Zocdoc?
Zocdoc is quite popular, serving millions of patients across the U.S. However, the exact number of users or appointments booked through Zocdoc is not publicly available.
What is the difference between Teladoc and Zocdoc?
Teladoc and Zocdoc offer different services. Teladoc provides virtual healthcare, allowing patients to consult with healthcare professionals over the phone or video chat.
On the other hand, Zocdoc is a platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for in-person or virtual appointments.
Are Zocdoc reviews anonymous?
Yes, Zocdoc reviews are anonymous. The platform allows patients to leave reviews after their appointments, but these reviews are posted without any personally identifiable information.
Is ZocDoc private or public?
As of now, Zocdoc is a privately held company. It was founded in 2007 and has been privately funded since then.
What are the features of ZocDoc?
Zocdoc offers several features including search functionality for finding healthcare providers, online appointment booking, insurance verification, patient reviews, and virtual appointments.
Who benefits most from telehealth?
Telehealth can benefit a wide range of people, including those who live in rural or remote areas, individuals with limited mobility, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone who prefers the convenience of virtual healthcare.
What kind of app is Zocdoc?
Zocdoc is a healthcare app that connects patients with healthcare providers. Users can search for providers based on specialty, location, and insurance acceptance. They can also book appointments and attend virtual appointments through the app.
