Startup Tackling Loneliness Among Seniors Expands Into Virtual Primary Care

FierceHealthcare reports that the startup Papa is branching out into virtual clinical care services for its members, with expansions into virtual primary care, urgent care, and chronic care management via its new Papa Health health management platform. The platform links members with a Papa Doc virtually, while their companion Papa Pal is alongside the member to help them navigate the appointment and provide transportation and care facilitation. According to Papa CEO Andrew Parker, Papa Pals — usually college students — also function as "boots-on-the-ground" to ensure that members are eating right, exercising, and taking their medications outside of medical appointments. "Engaging in a healthy lifestyle is imperative to leading a long, fulfilling life, and our Papa Pals represent the missing link in delivering high-quality and effective healthcare to older adults," said Joel Rabasco, head of Papa Health.