Google, future competitor of Doctolib?

In the United States, Google is launching a service directly integrated into its search engine to make an appointment with a doctor, whether for a consultation or an examination.

For several years, Google has been investing in the health sector, as recently with the acquisition of Fitbitto the point of raising many problems and creating controversy related to the protection personal data and medical secrecy. But the American giant does not intend to stop, and it will now use its search engine to simplify appointments with a specialist.

Like a Doctolib, Google will thus make it possible to find a doctor and to check his availability to make an appointment, whether it is a consultation or even an examination. Everything will be done directly from the search engine, without going through an external service. ” When people ask questions about their health, they often start with Internet to find answers », justifies a Google executive.

Anonymity respected

” No matter what people are looking for on the request Google, our mission is to deliver high-quality information, when it’s needed. This feature we’re rolling out shows appointment availability for healthcare providers so you can easily book appointments. »

For this first experience, reserved for Americans for now, Google has partnered with MinuteClinic from CVS and competing services, and it allows you to see the dates and times of appointments available for specialists in your region. The firm ensures that theanonymity is respected, and it recalls that another function, also integrated into its search engine, makes it possible to filter the display of results in the search for a practitioner according to the coverage of his health insurance.