WebMD, where millions flock every month for advice on ailments, is teaming with a data management search firm to offer users the ability to search for doctors and schedule appointments.
From Fierce Healthcare:
The company is teaming up with symplr, a provider data management search platform used by some of the largest health systems in the country, to utilize search engine optimization and health content to drive consumers to a health system’s “digital front door” for provider search and appointment scheduling, the companies said in a press release.
According to the companies, it marks the first solution that allows consumers to go from a WebMD search for health information to scheduling an appointment with a participating provider in a single, EHR-integrated workflow in three clicks.
The symplr directory (formerly Phynd) is a provider data management search platform used by some of the largest health systems in the country. Extending symplr’s provider resources and services and curated provider data to WebMD, including subspecialty, clinical and patient-friendly search terms, health plan participation and direct scheduling in the EHR, makes it easier for consumers to find healthcare providers and book an appointment with an available, in-network provider, the companies said.
With the new offering, consumers will be able to search and schedule appointments with a provider in a single workflow instead of having to check providers’ availability and health plan participation by phone.
