Just Hope You Don't Get A Virus

Here's a strategy to get doctors to consult with patients on the Web: pay them.

That's the concept behind Healinx Corp., an application service provider that connects doctors to patients over the Internet through its webVisit interactive technology. It's a strong enough business model to garner another $13.1 million from investors in a recent round of funding. "A physician can register with our service and create a Web site that has interactive options of consulting with the doctor, getting a prescription refilled, or scheduling appointments," says Ann Garnier, senior VP at Healinx.

While the idea of Internet-based doctor-patient relationships isn't revolutionary, getting insurance companies to reimburse doctors for the time they spend on the Web is what investors hope will make Healinx a successful venture. Healinx is running pilots with insurance companies to test the concept. In a one-year pilot that began in May, insurance provider ConnectiCare Inc. has agreed to reimburse the 160 doctors at the ProHealth Physicians group practice for each webVisit conducted with a ConnectiCare customer.

In total, Healinx has collected $41.4 million from investors such as Venrock Associates and SI Venture Management. In this most recent round, e.Lilly Venture Fund, a division of Eli Lilly and Co., joined the investment group, and e.Lilly VP Newton Crenshaw will join the Healinx board of directors.

The latest round of funding has been designated for product development, operations, and sales projects.