Inspiration
Healthcare is difficult to navigate. Patients often do not know which specialist they need, whether their insurance requires a referral, or where to find affordable imaging and prescriptions. We created Mediq to make the process easier, faster, and less expensive.
What it does
Mediq helps patients find the most efficient path to care. Users describe their symptoms, and Mediq recommends the appropriate type of specialist. After reviewing the user’s insurance information, it determines whether they can go directly to that specialist or need a primary-care referral.
After the appointment, Mediq helps users compare nearby options for prescriptions, imaging, and other requested services so they can choose the most affordable option.
How we built it
We built Mediq around a conversational interface that guides patients through each step of their healthcare journey. The platform combines symptom-based care navigation, insurance-plan information, specialist recommendations, and local cost comparisons into one simple experience.
We focused on creating a clear workflow that turns complicated healthcare decisions into straightforward next steps.
Challenges we ran into
One of our biggest challenges was helping patients whose insurance requires a primary-care referral before they can see a specialist. Instead of sending them through the traditional process of finding a doctor and waiting weeks for an appointment, Mediq connects them with a telehealth primary-care provider who can evaluate their condition and provide an appropriate referral as quickly as possible.
We also had to design a simple experience that clearly distinguishes between patients who can go directly to a specialist and those who need a referral, while accounting for different insurance requirements.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud that Mediq supports the entire journey from identifying the right type of care to finding affordable follow-up services. Instead of solving only one part of the healthcare process, Mediq connects specialist access, insurance requirements, imaging, and prescriptions in one place.
We are also proud of creating an experience that feels simple, even though the healthcare system behind it is extremely complex.
What we learned
We learned that the most expensive part of healthcare is not always the treatment itself. Confusing insurance rules, unnecessary appointments, long wait times, and large price differences between providers can all increase the total cost of care.
We also learned that healthcare navigation must balance speed and affordability with safety. The fastest route is only valuable when it is appropriate for the patient and supported by their insurance plan.
What's next for Mediq
Next, we want to improve Mediq’s insurance-plan analysis, expand its specialist and provider database, and provide more accurate local price comparisons for imaging and prescriptions.
We also plan to add appointment availability, referral support, in-network provider matching, and personalized follow-up guidance. Our long-term goal is for Mediq to become a single place where patients can understand what care they need, where to receive it, and how to avoid paying more than necessary.
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