Enter the E-Doctor

Dr. Jay Parkinson doesn't have an office. He'll visit patients in their homes, old-fashioned like, and in a very '00s twist, follow up via email, instant messaging, and video chats. He may be the most wired doctor of all time.

Such a novel approach to medicine is fascinating and refreshing in the Sicko age, as Parkinson caters to clientele who don't have insurance but still might need the ocassional look at a rash or checking to make sure a nasty cough isn't really T.B. He charges $500 a year for the first in-home visit, up to two follow-up visits, and unlimited electronic check-ins and Q&A sessions via the net. All records are kept on a secure online service called Life Record, which he can access any time (even when out on the town, via his iPhone).

Meanwhile, most people have trouble getting their primary physicians to return a call even when there's an emergency.

Parkinson's just getting started (he nabbed 15 patients in his first four days in business) and has some obvious gaps in his service: Anything more complicated than fairly basic primary care issues will require referrals, with Parkinson sending women to Planned Parenthood for pelvic exams. If you come down with something serious (cancer, heart trouble), you'll need to see a specialist, and without insurance that's going to be problematic.

But I find Parkinson's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to health care absolutely inspiring. In one of the stodgiest and most expensive industries in the world, it's guys like Parkinson who are injecting it with some much-needed new blood. No pun intended.

LINK: OMG! You've Got Cancer :(