Wellnus, a new virtual primary care platform, has launched with a distinct focus on delivering culturally competent healthcare through an affordable membership model. The service currently operates in California, offering unlimited appointments starting at $169 annually, with special discounts available for students.
The platform addresses several key challenges in traditional primary care delivery, including extended wait times, high costs, and limited patient-provider interaction. Wellnus differentiates itself by offering 30-minute physician consultations, allowing for more comprehensive care discussions. While the platform facilitates prescriptions and laboratory work, these services are billed separately either through insurance or as out-of-pocket expenses.
"It's taking out a lot of the red tape in medical care," explained Charvee Buch, Wellnus' co-founder. Regarding their approach to cultural competency, she added, "When you tackle that population with some understanding of their background, their religious needs ... it makes a huge difference."
The company was co-founded by Vishaal Buch, M.D., who serves as CEO and brings diverse experience as both a University of California, San Diego student health services physician and adult medicine director at a Southern California federally qualified health center. His background includes service in the U.S. Air Force, providing care to patients globally.
Currently self-funded, Wellnus has assembled a medical team of twelve physicians, along with nurse practitioners and technicians, licensed across multiple states in preparation for expansion. The team's multilingual capabilities support their commitment to cultural competency in healthcare delivery.
The company's future plans include integrating pediatricians, specialists, and mental health therapists to create a more comprehensive preventive care model. "The really big plan for us is to be the Uber of healthcare," stated Charvee Buch, indicating their ambition to expand globally while maintaining their focus on culturally sensitive care delivery.
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