Working with Ron Dixon, MD an internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, I developed the the marketing strategy behind what began as a small yet obvious experiment: Treating primary care patients with an existing relationship with a primary care provider for common conditions via videoconference.
Our first attempt at developing models for alternative care delivery, we began with proof of concept, and published a study in 2009 comparing visits via videoconference versus in person visits. While there were drawbacks, especially in the physical exam, the study found that both patients and physicians were satisfied with the results. MGH Virtual Visits paved the way for e-Visits to be a foundational part of primary care and today and can be accessed by patients across all specialties.