Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a renowned plastic surgeon and entrepreneur, has established himself as a leading innovator in the weight and wellness industry with the development of DrWell, a groundbreaking provider-to-consumer platform. His passion for medicine, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, has led him to create solutions that empower both healthcare providers and patients.
From a young boy’s fascination with medicine to a leading innovator in weight and wellness, discover the inspiring story of Dr. Kaplan in this exclusive interview. We delve into the unique features and benefits of DrWell, its comprehensive treatment offerings, and its transformative impact on the provider-patient relationship.
Interviewer:
Dr. Kaplan, your journey is quite compelling. What sparked your initial interest in medicine and what experiences shaped your path towards specializing in plastic surgery and ultimately developing platforms like DrWell?
Dr. Kaplan:
My passion for medicine began at a young age, growing up in Louisiana as the youngest of seven children. My father, a general surgeon, had a fulfilling career that inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I was fortunate to have early exposure to the operating room, which further solidified my desire to become a surgeon. At 16, I had the opportunity to observe a plastic surgeon skillfully repair a patient’s leg using skin from their neck, and that’s when I knew I wanted to specialize in plastic surgery. The ingenuity and artistry of that procedure captivated me. It wasn’t just about fixing a problem; it was about restoring a person’s body with precision and care.
After completing my medical training and practicing as a reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, I saw a need for better price transparency in healthcare. Patients were constantly calling in, asking about the cost of procedures, whether it was for cosmetic or insurance-based treatments. There was no easy way for them to get clear, upfront pricing. This frustration led me to create BuildMyBod, an iPhone app that evolved into a price estimator for cosmetic procedures and insurance-based treatments.
We expanded the platform to include e-commerce and subscription modules, recognizing the growing demand for online purchasing and recurring healthcare services. This evolution ultimately paved the way for the creation of DrWell, a platform that’s revolutionizing the way providers offer weight loss and wellness services.
Interviewer:
DrWell emphasizes “Your Weight Loss, Your Way.” Can you elaborate on what makes DrWell’s approach to weight loss unique, and how the platform facilitates personalized plans and ongoing support for lasting success?
Dr. Kaplan:
DrWell is a provider-to-consumer (PTC) platform that provides healthcare providers with the tools and technology to offer weight loss and wellness services seamlessly. Unlike direct-to-consumer models, which often rely on independent contractors and lack accountability, DrWell prioritizes the provider-patient relationship. We believe that lasting success in weight loss and wellness requires ongoing support, personalized guidance, and a strong connection between patients and their healthcare providers.
With DrWell, patients have access to asynchronous consultations, which allow them to initiate conversations with their providers 24/7 through online questionnaires. This feature not only provides convenience for patients but also enables providers to efficiently manage their consultations and provide timely responses.
Furthermore, DrWell automates prescription generation and manages medication subscriptions, reducing administrative burdens for providers and ensuring that patients receive their medications on time. By streamlining these processes, DrWell allows providers to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional care to their patients.
Interviewer:
Other than weight loss, what are some of the key treatments offered through DrWell?
Dr. Kaplan:
DrWell offers a variety of treatments in addition to GLP1 medications for weight loss, including longevity and peptide therapies, exosomes, hair growth treatments, sexual wellness treatments, and topical anesthetics. Peptides, essentially proteins, are currently a popular treatment option, encompassing vitamins like B12, injections for nausea, the antioxidant glutathione, MIC shots to improve fat metabolism, and NAD shots to boost energy and cellular repair. DrWell also offers exosomes, which are used in conjunction with microneedling and hair growth treatments. In addition, DrWell facilitates the provision of sexual wellness treatments for urology patients and topical anesthetics for in-office use by providers. In short, if a compounding pharmacy offers it, we can make it easier for the provider to access at a lower cost for their patient.
“When I began offering GLP-1 weight loss treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide, I chose DrWell at BuildMyHealth because it’s a trusted platform. They partner with top-tier compounding pharmacies, and despite the FDA’s frequent changes to drug availability, BuildMyHealth manages everything smoothly. The platform is straightforward and easy to use with excellent support. I’ve had no issues with the compounded drugs, and overall, it has been a very positive experience.” – Dr. Timothy Mountcastle, Mount Castle Plastic Surgery in Ashburn, VA
Interviewer:
DrWell emphasizes the importance of the provider-patient relationship. How does the platform empower providers to deliver exceptional care, and what are the key benefits for both patients and physicians compared to purely direct-to-consumer models?
Dr. Kaplan:
DrWell empowers providers to deliver exceptional care by streamlining administrative tasks, automating processes, and providing access to a wide range of treatment options. Compared to direct-to-consumer models, DrWell ensures that patients receive personalized support and continuity of care from their trusted healthcare provider.
One of the key benefits of DrWell is that it allows patients to connect with local providers, fostering a stronger sense of trust and connection. Even if a provider is not local, the platform facilitates virtual visits, ensuring that patients can access care from the comfort of their own homes.
“We currently have over 75 patients in our weight loss program. Initially, the pharmacies ship GLP-1 medications to our office for weekly injections. After the first month, patients take home a month’s supply but return for monthly weigh-ins, similar to Weight Watchers. This keeps patients engaged and brings them back into the office, where they often request additional treatments like Botox or purchase skincare. Regular visits are invaluable for maintaining patient relationships and driving revenue. We can also monitor rapid weight loss closely, addressing potential side effects like skin laxity or ‘Ozempic face’ in person. Offering injectables at discounted rates as part of our program helps manage these side effects while enhancing patient satisfaction.” – Dr. Jason Bloom, Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery
Interviewer:
Could you share a success story that particularly resonates with you?
Dr. Kaplan:
One of the most rewarding aspects of DrWell is seeing the success stories of both providers and patients. The average DrWell provider generates over $100,000 in annual recurring revenue, with significant savings on medication costs and time. More importantly, patients are achieving their weight loss and wellness goals while receiving ongoing support from their healthcare providers.
We’ve received numerous testimonials from providers who have been able to streamline their practices, reduce administrative burdens, and increase patient satisfaction thanks to DrWell. Patients have also shared their positive experiences, highlighting the convenience, personalized support, and continuity of care they’ve received through the platform.
Interviewer:
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of DrWell? Are there any new features or services on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
Dr. Kaplan:
I envision DrWell becoming the central hub for compounding pharmacies in the U.S., providing an efficient and standardized way to connect providers and patients with these essential services. We are also excited about new features, such as an internal messaging system and exclusive formulations from compounding pharmacies, which will further enhance the platform’s capabilities. DrWell has the potential to transform the weight and wellness landscape by empowering providers, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a stronger sense of connection between patients and their healthcare providers.
