DOCTORS at a private hospital have developed a new subscription-based health service for unlimited GP appointments for an 'affordable fee'.
In a move doctors say will “shake up the traditional private medical insurance model”, patients will be able to access the Harbour Hospital’s services within 48 hours with the new app.
The new model, pioneered by Poole consultants Charles Willis-Owen, Simon Garrett and Oliver Allenby-Smith, offers a £19.99 monthly subscription to access unlimited appointments, tests, checks and scans.
Mr Willis-Owen, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Harbour Hospital, said: “We have brought together almost every part of the treatment process into one easy-to-use app.
“Private GP services have seen a significant increase in usage over the last 18 months. However, there is no service currently available that also gives access to specialist consultants and follow-up diagnostic tests and scans that a patient often needs to confirm a diagnosis or inform a treatment plan.”
Membership for the model, called MyWay, also offers discounts for hospital treatment and physiotherapy at Harbour Hospital.
Fellow consultant Mr Allenby-Smith said: “Think of the MyWay club like an insurance policy you have complete control over. For a small fee each month, you are guaranteed to get access to specialist care.
“We know that patients are becoming increasingly worried about waiting. With MyWay you don’t have to worry because whatever you need is ready and waiting to be accessed.”
The MyWay service was developed in response to growing demand for high-quality occupational health services that help get people back to work after illness.
As an introductory offer, hospital owner Circle Health Group says anyone who signs up to MyWay before August 31 will be eligible for a full membership refund if they are unhappy with the service after three months.
Group CEO Paolo Pieri said: “Subscription services have transformed many other parts of our lives, so one that guarantees speed, control and consumer power in the area that matters most to all of us – our health – is a no-brainer.”
Visit circlehealthgroup.co.uk/myway for more information.
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