Dr. B Review: How Technology Played a Role During a Pandemic

As traditional healthcare continues to burden the overall function within pandemics and core issues, one company hoped to mitigate the influence of conventional enrollment methods during a global crisis.

During the initial rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, the traditional system became overworked, plagued by surplus vaccines, no-show appointments, and deliberate cancelations that put thousands of vaccinations in jeopardy of expiration.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the efficiency of the mRNA vaccine, timeliness in administration was paramount to getting through the global pandemic.

U.S. citizens met the initial vaccine rollout with considerable difficulty. Thousands qualified for vaccination but could not locate a dose, while those who didn’t show up for their appointment or canceled last minute put the resource at risk.

Many facilities were left scrambling to locate willing candidates for the vaccine, trying desperately to use it before it expired. One report indicates that estimated waste due to missed appointments or cancelations hit 20-30%.

With a lack of efficiency within the standard healthcare setting, founder Cyrus Massoumi recognized a glaring need and opportunity for growth.

Developing a level of efficiency

Dr. B functioned as an emergency connection for thawed coronavirus vaccines and individuals desperately trying to receive the vaccine.

Most covid vaccines required administration within six hours of thawing, with the algorithm bridging the traditional gaps in healthcare.

One Dr. B review suggests a candidate simply registers on the platform free of charge, offering their ZIP code, name, pre-existing medical conditions, and address. From there, the algorithm categorized and organized applicants into priority statuses.

The website determined priority status on the different parameters and conditions for vaccine qualification; after the initial priority status, the website worked by cross-referencing applications at registration.

For instance, residents in New York offered first-level vaccine distribution to anyone over 65 or anyone living with co-morbidities. Any second-tier applicants included front-line workers. These applicants on Dr. B’s vaccine list received notifications when a local clinic had vaccine availability.

All lists used the state’s health department qualifications, offering specific guidelines for prioritizing candidates.

How did the process work?

When a nearby location had available vaccines, qualified candidates would receive a time-sensitive invitation to receive their immunization. Applicants had fifteen minutes to confirm the appointment time, using a two-hour window to arrive at the clinic for their dose.

When someone couldn’t make the appointment, the platform shifted the individual to the back of their respective priority group.

Understanding registration requirements for providers

With over 700 different providers across 37 other states on Dr. B’s website, interested facilities or clinics were vetted and confirmed before joining the network.

This verification process ensured anyone registering for the clinic was legitimate, keeping the integrity of the network a top priority.

All facilities updated vaccine availability daily, including the number of vaccines and applicable dose expiration.

The website’s automation facilitated all connections, offering a fully integrated system of securing new appointment times without further effort. This automation minimized the staff effort required to fill vaccine appointments, requiring a manual search for candidates on-site.

Using Ttechnology to improve an Archaic Interface

As society continues to place increasing reliance on technology and communication devices, making the necessary adjustments is essential for the healthcare industry. Influences within technological advancements aren’t always simple, especially when society holds different accessibility.

For instance, offering an exclusive platform for appointment bookings will slow servers to a crawl, making it inaccessible to many. Additionally, those without adequate technology are left without proper medical services.

These advancements must include a hybrid effort, accommodating all citizens within the United States, regardless of their struggle or socioeconomic status.

The Dr. B platform worked to fill those gaps within the technological field, offering additional vaccine opportunities for those struggling with appointment booking online.

The website allowed registration on behalf of others, allowing technologically advanced individuals to aid older generations working with online portals.

When clinics hold a surplus of vaccine appointments, filling the slots becomes critical in minimizing waste. Clinics offering vaccines spent less time locating qualified applicants, while interested parties could find potentially life-saving immunizations.

This real-time connection provides improved access to both parties, reducing the socioeconomic barriers simultaneously.

Collecting consumer information online

Security needed to remain a top priority for Dr. B’s website, primarily when personal health information is stored online.

While the Dr. B website isn’t governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), founder Cyrus Massoumi understood the security efforts required to secure confidential information.

While HIPAA doesn’t mandate security measures, the website did match or exceed all basic guidelines established by the governing body.

For example, all content on the website is protected with bank encryption, minimizing the risk of account compromise overall.

Dr. B’s successful integration

With a slow and intentional marketing approach, Dr. B started building its reputation with many vulnerable communities before a widespread launch.

These vulnerable communities include the NAACP, iHeartRadio’s Spanish-speaking channels, Community Action Network, and Indian Health Services.

Building an intentional start, Dr. B’s platform could slowly build traction, allowing vulnerable communities the opportunity to register online first before general information was available.