The Suit Magazine

The American medical industry is facing a bit of a paradox. A 2009 “Vanity Fair” article claims that healthcare costs accounted for a full 17 percent of the United States’ total GDP in 2008. Meanwhile, nearly 50 million Americans did not have health insurance in 2010.

Larry Zuccolotto is trying to bring that number down. This 30-year health care industry veteran is the vice president of marketing for AmeriDoc and the president and CEO of Victor Vision, both of which are in the field of telemedicine. BCC Research, a leading research company, projects $23 billion in revenue from telemedicine by 2015

Interactive telemedicine allows for real-time interactions between patients and practitioners for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and non-emergency medical matters. Individuals can obtain access to doctors via telephone or video conference. This has the potential to make our healthcare system incredibly efficient; according to the Wellness Councils of America, 70 percent of doctor visits could be handled remotely, and telemedicine could free up the overburdened medical system for true emergencies. AmeriDoc not only lets patients conference with physicians more easily; it also provides a virtual space for patients’ medical records so they and their doctors have immediate access.

Victor Vision, on the other hand, is a marketing company; it helps large associations—such as the California Professional Firefighters’ Association—connect with programs such as AmeriDoc in order to supplement their members’ health insurance.

Zuccolotto comes from an insurance background. His many years of experience and extensive knowledge of the health care industry have helped him fine-tune numerous marketing programs. “We’ve been able to create alternatives that accompany health insurance programs, and marketing plans that make sense,” he said.

The biggest issues facing the health care industry, says Zuccolotto, are the growing number of underinsured and uninsured people in America, the reluctance of employers to see their rates increase, and the still-uncertain impacts of President Obama’s health care legislation. That last concern remains up in the air, but Zuccolotto thinks AmeriDoc can absolutely help with the first two. “We believe that our program is going to be a relief to all—the uninsured and employers alike,” he said.

The flexibility of telemedicine and its extremely low rates—most telemedicine plans go for less than $20 a month—have helped AmeriDoc grow by a whopping 2,000 percent between 2007 and 2010. Zuccolotto says he receives testimonials from satisfied customers almost every day, like the traveler who forgot to pack blood pressure medication and was able to refill a prescription while away from home. “The telemedicine program works,” said Zuccolotto. “People are very happy with it. It helps to keep employer productivity up, saving time and money.”

For more information, please visit: www.ameridoc.com

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