South Korean telehealth provider Doctor Now has undergone a significant strategic shift, rebranding itself as an “AI medical portal” as it navigates a changing regulatory landscape for non-face-to-face medical consultations. The company, once a leader in remote healthcare services, is now emphasizing artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic support and real-time medical advice, following a curtailment of the scope of its original business model.
The move comes as South Korea’s pilot program for non-face-to-face medical consultations nears its end in September 2024, leading to a reduction in the availability of such services. Doctor Now is responding by expanding its “real-time free consultation” service, previously offered on a limited basis, and introducing a new “AI doctor diagnosis” feature, according to a statement released by the company and reported by The Electronic Times.
Doctor Now’s CEO, Jang Ji-ho, stated that the company aims to turn into a leading “medical portal” offering 24-hour real-time medical consultations and facilitating connections between patients and appropriate healthcare providers. He described the ambition as building a “real-time, trust-based ‘J.A.R.V.I.S.’ for the medical field,” referencing the AI assistant from the Iron Man franchise.
The AI-powered diagnostic service is built upon a dataset of one million consultation cases, allowing it to provide responses to patient inquiries. An example provided by Doctor Now involved a female patient expressing concerns about irregular menstruation and weight gain. The AI’s response highlighted potential links to environmental changes, stress, lifestyle shifts, and hormonal imbalances, specifically mentioning the possibility of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The AI advised the patient to seek a consultation with a gynecologist for hormone testing and an ultrasound.
Doctor Now, which currently holds the title of the number one non-face-to-face medical consultation app in South Korea according to both the 2025 Han Kyung Business Korea Consumer Satisfaction Index and the 2024 Weekly Dong-A Korea Customer Satisfaction Index, is also continuing to offer its core services, including remote consultations for conditions like colds, skin issues, and pediatric care, alongside prescription and delivery services. The app allows users to select doctors based on consultation fees, and reviews.
The company’s shift reflects a broader adaptation within the telehealth industry in South Korea, as providers seek new avenues for growth in the face of evolving regulations. Doctor Now’s future trajectory will likely depend on its ability to establish itself as a trusted and reliable AI-driven medical information resource.
