ZocDoc Makes Scheduling Doctor's Appointments Easy

The ZocDoc app is available for iPhone and Android (pictured) smartphones. — Photo courtesy of ZocDoc

You don't even have to be near a computer to take advantage of ZocDoc, which is good news if you need medical attention when you're away from home. The company offers free downloadable apps for iPhone and Android phones. The app versions of the service don't squeeze as much information on a page as a computer screen, of course, so there's a certain amount of scrolling and clicking required to reach the information you need. And some of the more advanced search functions aren't included in the mobile versions. The core ability to find a doctor in a particular specialty, located in your area, who takes your insurance, is all there, though, complete with ratings and appointment management. And if your phone's GPS receiver is turned on, you can even skip a step by letting the software determine your current location, without having to enter a ZIP code.

ZocDoc is already an extremely valuable resource. And if the scheduled changes to the health care system kick in, a wave of previously uninsured people will be added to the patient pool, making appointment shopping that much more challenging. ZocDoc has limited coverage areas right now, but if you would like them to come to your town, they're listening, basing expansion plans in part on user demand. You can visit www.zocdoc.com/vote and let the company know you would welcome them to your area.