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by rcheu 2356 days ago
I like One Medical a lot, I hope they find some way to be profitable. Their doctors are far less rushed than any other GP doctor office I've been to, and their app is well done too.

I've been confused how they're able to do this and not charge more than they do (only $200 a year).

3 comments

Long-time customer here and totally agree -- they are awesome on timing. I think they do this by virtue of having a system. They seem to have a systematic effort thru the entire office of abiding by schedule appt times. Some of that is systematic scheduling to prevent overbookings, etc.

I one time showed up 2min late and they sent me back home, that is when I knew they were the real deal. I'm so glad they did, because 1. I was never late again, and 2. I know they wouldn't be late for me in the future.

I think many times when doctors are late, it is often because

0. They have a cascade of latenesses with really just a single early appt that is actually late causing the domino of late starts and hence ends.

1. They have a patient come in late or w/o appt, cater to them or "squeeze them in"

One thing OMG has going for them is the generally professional clientele -- many of the clients dont want to arrive/leave later either, so that is good for everyone.

Last summer I had a severely broken wrist, and the orthopedic surgeon was able to "squeeze me in" a few days later - literally at the first possible moment I could have had a surgery consult. Later on I had a follow-up with him, he kept me waiting for at least half an hour, but I totally didn't care because I knew why.

But yeah, I use One Medical and it's amazing. For primary care, they really respect your time like none other.

I look forward to reading what you say after they are late for you in the future.
I dont think they are perfect and dont expect them to be. I think the difference is --

For most primary care practices i've used, lateness is expected and there is no design or system.

For OMG, lateness is unexpected and designed out of the system.

Their doctors get paid by insurance (employer or Medicare/Medicaid) the same way any other doctor gets paid. $200 per year is a fee on top.

They are just much nicer to use than some alternatives.

I think a lot of it is just good software. They seem to have a lot of things automated, they let patients indicate if they need a quick or long visit, etc.