Maclean's

New Digital Platform Offers Convenient Mobile Access to Health Care Providers

- Michele Sponagle

It’s no secret that digital innovation­s have had a profound effect on how we live over the last few years. How we travel, shop, and consume media has been completely disrupted — in a good way, courtesy of companies like Apple, Uber, AirBnB, TripAdviso­r, and Amazon.

But when it comes to accessing health care, that same digital revolution has been lagging behind. We still have to go digging for informatio­n on medical profession­als and services, from dentists to mental health practition­ers, who can help us. It’s time-consuming and archaic — kind of like listening to cassette tapes in your car or having to drive to the bank to deposit a cheque.

There has to be a better way. Having access to high-quality health care is crucial to our wellness. It impacts our ability to earn

a living, to enjoy life and do the things that bring us joy. And yet the health care industry has lagged behind others in terms of offering digital solutions for connecting Canadians to the most suitable resources. Fortunatel­y, that is now changing.

A better way to access health care providers

Canadians know Sun Life primarily as an insurance provider, but it’s also a leading provider of employee benefits. It covers millions of plan members for essentials like prescripti­on drugs, medical equipment/ supplies, vision care, dental care, and paramedica­l services like chiropract­ors and massage therapists. That vast experience has provided valuable insight and connection­s to more than 150,000 health care providers.

Backed by Sun Life’s comprehens­ive understand­ing of what Canadians need and expect, and ratings from verified Sun Life plan members, the company was inspired to take health care to the next level with the launch of Lumino Health. This unique digital health network makes getting the resources needed quick and easy with a one-stop shop. It takes a TripAdviso­r-like approach, with a database that includes informatio­n on health care providers ranked by criteria such as cost, ratings, and location.

The other great benefit is that you can connect with health care profession­als instantly to request an appointmen­t, see if a provider is accepting patients, or find a new, top-rated meditation app.

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