"We make sure a layperson can operate the EKG system, with the help of a spouse or by himself or herself-but we have a certified X-ray technician come to the house," explains CEO Jonathan Frye, who, while new to the company, knows a bit about high-end service. He owned and operated the Lindquist Group, the nation's largest and oldest domestic staffing firm, with clients that make up 10% of the Forbes 400.
To ensure that clients get focused care, Guardian 24/7 doctors each are assigned a limited number of patients. This allows doctors to spend more time with appointments, which patients can schedule on short notice.
"We go far beyond concierge medicine," says Darling.
Guardian 24/7 feels the technology it uses gives it an edge over its competition.
"We differ from concierge medicine in a few key areas, all dealing with remote care," O'Mara says. "We have the equipment to remotely diagnose, monitor and treat in addition to having the ability to prescribe and deliver medications on demand and have a physician virtually there."
With Guardian, after an initial in-person office visit, the service model is built around long-distance medical care, diagnosis and treatment with convenience as the primary selling point, according to officials with the firm.
"We can do away with many office visits or visits to the emergency room by virtually bringing the physician into the room to diagnose and treat the client in their home," O'Mara says.
In cases where conditions or emergencies fall outside the scope of the virtual ready room, "their own doctor outside of the relationship with us kicks in," he says. "We believe somewhere around 50% of the visits to the ER or physician's office can be handled in the client's ready room."
Privacy and convenience are the prime selling points of the company's services.
"We have a 93-year-old man in Washington State who has a history of congestive heart issues," explains O'Mara. "By way of our ability to monitor this man via the VTC, we were able to actually inform him before he felt ill that his oxygen level was dangerously low. A tech was immediately dispatched to his home and the situation was resolved quickly and conveniently for the patient."