Virtual Primary Care Startup Wellnus Launches with Focus on Cultural Competence

Wellnus, a new virtual primary care startup, has launched its services with a strong emphasis on providing culturally competent, affordable healthcare through a membership model. The company aims to address several key issues in traditional primary care, including high costs, long wait times, and a lack of cultural understanding between providers and patients.

Innovative Membership Model and Service Offering

Wellnus offers yearly membership plans starting at $169 for unlimited appointments, with discounted rates available for students. The startup is currently accepting new members in California and has plans for expansion. Each virtual visit provides patients with a 30-minute consultation with a physician, significantly longer than typical primary care appointments.

Dr. Vishaal Buch, co-founder and CEO of Wellnus, explained the company's approach: "We're taking out a lot of the red tape in medical care." The platform allows for prescriptions and lab work, which patients can pay for out-of-pocket or through their insurance.

Focus on Cultural Competence and Multilingual Care

A key differentiator for Wellnus is its focus on cultural competence in healthcare delivery. Dr. Buch, a family medicine physician with experience in the U.S. Air Force, has treated patients globally and understands the importance of culturally sensitive medicine.

Charvee Buch, co-founder of Wellnus, emphasized this aspect: "When you tackle that population with some understanding of their background, their religious needs ... it makes a huge difference." The company has recruited a diverse team of multilingual physicians, nurse practitioners, and technicians to support this mission.

Future Plans and Expansion

While currently bootstrapped, Wellnus plans to seek venture capital funding in the near future to support its expansion plans. The company aims to onboard pediatricians, specialists, and mental health therapists to offer more integrated preventive care. Additionally, Wellnus has global aspirations, with Charvee Buch stating, "The really big plan for us is to be the Uber of healthcare."

As the primary care landscape continues to evolve, Wellnus represents a new entrant in the growing field of virtual care providers focused on addressing gaps in traditional healthcare delivery models.