Access to specialty medical care is difficult in such parts of the country. Urologists are even harder to find. He explained, “By 2025, we’ll have a shortage of 7000-9000 urologists. We’re only training about 300 a year and don’t have the supply to meet the demand because of fewer slots in residency programs. Telemedicine is a way to bridge that gap.”

Many might think urology wouldn’t work in a virtual care environment. Pazona disagrees. “There are very few times I need to touch the patient physically. A urologist’s greatest asset is their wisdom in an area of medicine where many lack proper education.”

Realizing that consumers are battling a broken system with confusion in referrals, insurance, and other barriers, Pazona started VirtuCare. No referral or insurance is required to have a telemedicine visit with a physician.

“The platform is consumer-based and has cost transparency. I take patients as far as telemed will go. If they need hands-on, I refer them to a urologist in their area,” Pazona said.

As for the future, Pazona believes that telemedicine should continue to be a solution beyond the pandemic. “There is a silver lining because it sparked innovation and forces people to take control of their healthcare decisions,” he added.