A new health care offering aims to provide truck drivers and their families an affordable way to receive basic services that fit into their schedules.
Launched about 6 months ago, Hello Alvin gives families “an affordable solution and immediate access” to health care through electronic devices for $100 annually, said CEO and co-founder Joey Truscelli.
“We are focusing on how to make things better for industries like trucking . . . by getting them more affordable access to care while on the road,” he said.
Truckers can purchase plans for themselves and their families at the Hello Alvin website, or at 1,300 Love’s Travel Stops, Pilot Flying J, or EZ Mart locations nationwide. Truscelli expects that number to grow to 2,000 retail locations before the end of 2017.
That initial fee includes round-the-clock access to registered nurses, as well as the opportunity to e-mail with dentists, dieticians, pharmacists and other medical professionals. Live video conferences with board certified doctors can be scheduled for $45.
“Rather than taking them off the road for a sore throat, we can handle it in a parking lot of a travel center with a cell phone,” he said.
Hello Alvin services can be purchased at many Love's Travel Stops and Pilot Flying J locations. (Photo: Hello Alvin)
Truscelli said 97% of cases are resolved during the first phone call. Patients can upload photos of an ailment to better ensure a proper diagnosis.
It provides a quick way to obtain non-narcotic prescriptions in the state they are traveling through, and assists families overcome some of the difficulties of having a parent away from home when out on the road.
In the event a Hello Alvin doctor determines hands-on medical attention is required, 911 can be immediately notified.
Truscelli has been in the health care field for about 25 years, and previously developed electronic data interchange software to reduce the paperwork burden between doctors and insurance firms.
He noted the services offered by Hello Alvin would not be affected by any potential law changes as the ongoing health care debate plays out on Capitol Hill.
Truscelli added Hello Alvin’s health care model is particularly ideal for truckers, who already are stressed for time, between hours-of-service regulations and highway congestion. Additionally, he pointed out, it can be difficult for drivers to find a place to safely park a tractor-trailer near urgent care facilities.
Besides owner-operators, Truscelli suggested it is a good option for small fleets that face hardships when a driver returns home sick, or needs to come off the road for a doctor appointment.
Truscelli added Hello Alvin programs could also be tailored for larger companies, even those with more than 1,000 employees.
