Google plans big boost to virtual healthcare amid Covid; will pilot move in Search & Maps

Google is introducing two new features in its search and maps to simplify matters for people who are seeking virtual healthcare options such as a doctor’s availability nearby, hospital across town, or a national telehealth platform.

In an official blog post released by tech giant, it said that changes across platform will be effective within a week in view of surge in searches for online healthcare during ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Due to recent change in hospital visits policies, Google said that  Healthcare providers like hospitals, doctors, and mental health professionals can w enter a virtual care offering in ir Business Profile so that people searching for ir local provider might search for ir link on Maps and Search.  company will also begin listing widely-available virtual care platforms directly on Search so that people can access virtual visits more often and easily.  

Read: Scientists Find Six New Coronavirus Strains In Bats 

Read: Georgia Coronavirus Cases Surpass 12,000

A pilot project

Explaining furr about potential changes, Google wrote, “when people search for immediate care, we’ll be able to also present available virtual care options and related information such as out-of-pocket price charged for a visit (for those without insurance) and an easy way for people to directly connect with virtual care platform.” It furr added, “ visit between patient and provider will take place on healthcare provider’s platform of choice.” search engine told a local media outlet that it was conducting a pilot project in US wherein people could begin to see links to virtual care offered by Amwell Medical Group, Doctor On Demand, and Anm in search results instantly. 

Earlier in March, Google launched a dedicated website for coronavirus pandemic that listed resources and provided information cards that enabled search results for terms related to COVID-19. It offered free-of-cost access to a video conferencing feature called “Google meet” for those under home confinement during outbreak. 

Read: Arkansas Coronavirus Death Toll Continues To Rise To 25

Read: Mississippi Officials Report 8 Additional Coronavirus Deaths