Zipnosis plans to expand its customer base in Central Minnesota

Online healthcare business Zipnosis and Park Nicollet Health Services said they are working with Central Minnesota's largest training provider to gain more customers in that region. Zipnosis allows Minnesotans to log onto its website, pay $25 and answer a list of questions online to get health help for minor ailments, such as a sinus infection or cold. A clinician from Park Nicollet Health Services reviews the survey and diagnoses the patient, recommending treatment and at times, a prescription. The initiative involves training provider Resource Training and Solutions, which will help connect employers from school districts, cities and counties with the service, according to an announcement. Some local doctors have expressed some skepticism over the online health service, saying they were concerned for misdiagnosis. Dr. Benjamin Whitten, president of the Minnesota Medical Association said last May that his personal view is "written information and checklists" can't replace seeing a patient in person. Last summer, Zipnosis experienced a major leadership change. Rick Krieger, a co-founder of the company that became MinuteClinic, is no longer CEO, according to Zipnosis. Krieger had been CEO since the end of 2008. "It wasn't a good fit moving forward," said Jon Pearce, CEO and co-founder of Zipnosis.