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PokitDok Launches E-commerce Site with Price Transparency Tools to Support New Consumer-Driven Healthcare SystemToday at the Forbes Healthcare Summit, PokitDok unveiled a comprehensive site update with new enhancements created for U.S. consumers and health practitioners. The site introduces an expanded library of localized prices for non-acute healthcare procedures, appointment booking, extensive procedure and specialty search, plus support for real-time, flexible payments so consumers and health providers can complete co-pays and out-of-pocket owed at any time including during the online appointment booking. This latest PokitDok release makes healthcare more accessible and efficient in the $2.8 trillion healthcare industry for all stakeholders. Providers Can Easily Package and Sell Services PokitDok now gives providers an improved foundation to support e-commerce as consumers shift to high deductible health plans and cash-based healthcare purchases. The timing of the rollout supports the year-end peak of healthcare appointment scheduling and consumer push to use remaining funds in tax-advantaged Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Practices and health systems can cater to this demand by using their digital storefront on PokitDok to package services and customize pricing. Drawing from PokitDok's powerful database of health information, providers have access to cash and insurance prices billed in their area so they can set their own rates based on market conditions. Once rates are posted, providers can quickly respond to quote and appointment requests or accept paymnts from consumers directly. "Whether it's scheduling appointments or assessing insurance coverage before I see a patient, PokitDok's latest enhancements relieve our practice of administrative burdens, so we can spend more time delivering care," says Dr. Linda Li, a Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon. "On PokitDok, I can see what my colleagues are charging for surgery and then determine if our practice's fees are in line with the market. And, my patients can come to my office strengthened with the knowledge of what I can do for them and a sense of what it's going to cost. No patient wants to leave the doctor's office wondering how big the bill will be when it arrives in the mail weeks later." Retail E-commerce Meets Healthcare for Consumers Consumers requesting a quote for a procedure or service with PokitDok will now receive up to five responses for a single request based on the providers they choose or recommendations in their area. Quotes and appointment requests can be made for themselves or a dependent such as a child, spouse or aging parent. Consumers can now compare average cash and insurance prices for a procedure in their area - from Botox injections to a hip replacement - and schedule and pay for treatment with participating providers through PokitDok.com. Consumers who use the service before the year ends can optimize the benefits of their tax-advantaged FSA and make the most of their insurance coverage if they have already hit their deductible. "U.S. healthcare consumers are recognizing their growing roles in decision-making and paying for health care," says Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, Health Economist, THINK-Health. "Like eBay (News - Alert) for goods and Kayak for travel, PokitDok gives consumers the real cost of care for medical services based on the current day and date, and not based on historical claims data. With more financial skin in the game, consumers are proactively choosing treatment options where they get the most value. Health providers who will survive will respond to this inevitable consumer-driven retail environment." PokitDok is immediately available to consumers at no charge. Providers can claim and manage their e-commerce storefront today for free at PokitDok.com/Providers. Standard credit transaction fees apply for all services sold on PokitDok. About PokitDok PokitDok is a HIPAA-compliant cloud-based platform for healthcare purchases, connecting consumers directly with practitioners in a transparent, e-commerce experience. PokitDok provides Enterprise access to market-driven provider, treatment, pricing and scheduling information through Application Programming Interfaces (API), plus X12 claims, authorization, eligibility and referrals solutions. Health systems, technology providers and start-ups seeking to reduce expenses and streamline health-related business processes can sign up at platform.pokitdok.com to request an API key. PokitDok is based in San Mateo, CA and Charleston, SC and is backed by New Atlantic Ventures, Rogers Venture Partners, and Subtraction Capital.
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