Google is quietly testing a service that enables users seeking information on medical conditions or symptoms to connect with a doctor for advice particular to that search topic.
“When you’re searching for basic health information — from conditions like insomnia or food poisoning — our goal is to provide you with the most helpful information available,” a Google spokesperson confirmed to Gizmodo. “We’re trying this new feature to see if it’s useful.”
The feature appears to be part of Google’s Helpouts, a year-old service for connecting people via video with experts for advice on a broad range of topics, including mobile apps, parenting, photography and so forth.
The big questions and regulatory obstacles for telehealth offerings like Google’s are going to be how doctors are paid for services rendered, rules about care spanning state lines and, depending on how extensively doctors advise patients for various types of care, matters of liability.
Early reports indicate that Google will be footing the bill — at least during the testing phase.
“Google is covering the costs of any chats during the trial phase. You'll likely have to pay for virtual appointments if and when the service is ever ready for prime time,” Engadget reported. “That's not ideal, but it could be much cheaper than seeing a physician in person.”
