ZocDoc Clarifies that Participating Physicians May Opt-Out of New Data Integration Procedures
Physicians Review Data Sharing Controls

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MSSNY staff met with representatives of the appointment scheduling service ZocDoc this week to raise questions from MSSNY-member physicians regarding ZocDoc’s expanded data integration procedures for its contracted physicians. ZocDoc notified physicians that beginning November 23 it will expand the data it receives through EHR integration to include all of the practice’s appointments, together with expanded appointment outcome data and reimbursement data. Questions were raised regarding the purposes for expanding the data it collects as well as whether physicians will have the ability to opt-out of this expanded data integration process.

Importantly, ZocDoc has issued the following statement clarifying that the physician has the right to opt-out of this expanded data integration:

“ZocDoc is upgrading certain of its EHR integrations to help practices streamline operations and get more value from the ZocDoc platform. This enhanced integration will support administrative features that are not limited to bookings made through ZocDoc, such as viewing appointments across an entire practice in the ZocDoc calendar and collecting reviews from patients who booked through other means. In the future, we’ll continuously add features to help providers glean insights into their marketing and practice performance, such as attendance trends and reimbursement analysis.

As always, patient privacy and data security remain priorities for ZocDoc. Information regarding non-ZocDoc patients accessed through the integration is handled in accordance with ZocDoc’s Business Associate Agreement with the practice and applicable law. Practices can opt out of the enhanced integration at any time by contacting [email protected]. “

It is important to note that some of the concerns raised by physicians arise from the terms of each physician’s existing user agreement with ZocDoc. The exact terms of the agreement are to be negotiated or re-negotiated, or terminated, if desired, between the physician practices and ZocDoc. Physicians are reminded of the importance of seeking the input of their legal counsel, and that MSSNY offers discounted legal services for its members through the law firm of Norris McLauglin.

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