12/18/2024

Why We Pivoted: The Journey from Healthcare Search to PatientGenie’s AI Navigation Platform

When we first started PatientGenie, our vision was to build a search engine for healthcare - a simple, intuitive tool where patients could find the care they needed, effortlessly. It felt like the natural solution to a complex problem. But as we dove deeper into the industry, worked with stakeholders, and listened to patients, it became clear: search alone wasn’t solving the real problem.

The Challenge: Access Overload

Healthcare is overflowing with information. Even with a well-designed search tool, patients still struggled to find answers to questions like:

  • Which provider is in my network?
  • Who can see me soonest?
  • Is this the right type of care for my condition?

The issue wasn’t about finding care - it was about connecting patients to the right care and taking action to make it happen. Too often, patients were left navigating a maze of options, ultimately delaying the care they needed.

The Pivot: Focus on Access and Action

Through conversations with health plans, health systems, and patients, we realized that improving access to care meant going beyond search. It required:

  • Understanding patient needs. Instead of just providing options, we needed to guide patients to the right provider, based on their unique situation.
  • Taking action. Matching patients with care is only half the equation; scheduling that care is where the magic happens.
  • Building trust. Patients and providers alike needed a solution that felt human, reliable, and integrated with the realities of healthcare workflows.

Where We Are Today

PatientGenie is no longer just about searching for care - it’s about navigating healthcare. We’ve built an AI-driven platform that simplifies the process of connecting patients to providers and scheduling appointments on their behalf. By combining natural language interaction, personalized guidance, and seamless scheduling, we’re tackling one of healthcare’s most frustrating bottlenecks: access.

Our decision to pivot wasn’t just strategic - it was necessary. We saw an opportunity to deliver real value, not just by helping patients find care, but also ensuring they can access it effortlessly and in a timely manner. This shift has allowed us to partner with health plans and systems, helping them improve member experiences, drive better outcomes, and reduce inefficiencies.

The Lesson

Sometimes, the idea you start with isn’t the one that makes the most impact. At PatientGenie, we’re proud of our evolution - from a search engine to a navigation partner - because it means we’re solving the problems that matter most.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the patients, partners, and innovators who have helped shape our journey so far. Together, we help make timely appropriate care happen.

By Alex Zoller | CEO @ PatientGenie

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