Sramana: Among the benefits you are bringing to the space is the ability to become a bridge to the EMR systems. Ido Schoenberg: EMR is very important, and that is an example of one area where we do highly integrated with a backbone facility. If you are a WellPoint member, you want to make sure
Sramana: Are you trying to compete with the existing healthcare network and provide a more efficient means of delivery? Ido Schoenberg: The last thing in the world we want to do is compete with the existing delivery network. The important distinction between us and many of our competitors is that we believe the existing system
Sramana: When did you establish American Well? Ido Schoenberg: American Well was founded 7 years ago. Sramana: What was the market situation like, and what gaps did you identify to start American Well? Ido Schoenberg: After Roy and I sold CareKey, we knew we wanted to do something else. This time we looked for a
Sramana: You have described several different progression points in healthcare IT. Have you seen multiple companies created in the marketplace to address each point? Ido Schoenberg: Some aspects of it, such as EMR [electronic medical records], spawned an entire industry, with multiple businesses competing. In other spaces there were niche players like iMDSoft. Healthcare IT
Sramana: You have been immersed in the healthcare IT space since 1996. Could you give me an overview of the major trends and evolutions you have witnessed in that industry? What is your analysis of the progression of the industry leading up to this point? Ido Schoenberg: It has been a fascinating journey to say
Ido Schoenberg is the chairman and CEO of American Well Corporation, a provider of online healthcare and telehealth visits. Ido has a lengthy track record of successfully leading technology companies in the healthcare field. In 1996, together with Phyllis Gotlib, he co-founded iMDSoft, a provider of enterprise software that automates hospital critical care units. He
Sramana: Can you talk through your team building process? I’m interested in how you have built your executive team and how your location has influenced that process. Sinclair Schuller: We have talked a bit about our location but one thing I want to point out is that we are not bent out of shape when it
Sramana: What strategies are you working on now? Sinclair Schuller: One important lesson for any startup is to learn the direct sales model. Once you understand the buying model and the basics of your sales process, then you immediately start to look for leverage. Intuition will lead you to partners or channels that give you