Q What kinds of products or services does your website offer?
A Midland Medical Clinic specializes in treating anxiety, chronic pain, erectile dysfunction(ED), sleep disorders, and smoking cessation. Our goal is to provide a higher standard of medical care by bridging traditional approaches to medicine with modern technology.

Q What do you feel has helped to make your site successful?
A We have done a number of innovative things. We have made it possible for our customers to complete everything online. From obtaining a telephone consult time on our online calendar to requesting a refill. This benefits all customers because they can choose a consult time that fits in their busy schedule while on the computer instead of having to request a consult and wait for a reply. We are also very proficient at getting a customer’s prescription(s) to their doorstep within 48 hours from receiving their faxed ID and medical records.
On our home page, we have a section called “How to use” that goes through the whole process of how our site works. Customers can also reach us at anytime by email at and we are more than happy to answer any questions they may have.

Q What has been your biggest challenge in doing business online?
A I don't know that there has been one big challenge. We have tried lots of different activities with consumers to get them to use www.midlandmc.com, and some have worked better than others. I think that the biggest challenge continues to be the skepticism I see on the part of existing brick-and-mortar chain pharmacies and “old school” physicians. I believe that some of them in their heart of hearts are in a "wait-and-see" mode as to whether consumers will continue to flock to the internet to seek medical services.

Q What about alliances?
A Our major Internet pharmacy alliance is with BiWise Pharmacy. They are currently the only pharmacy that can guarantee our customers low costs on medications and guarantee us that our customers come first over other OP’s they are assisting.
Our power lies in full integration with BiWise with the secured information such as refills, shipping and payment methods. The "back-end" of the website isn’t the glitz which grabs headlines, but it’s where the ultimate patient satisfaction resides.

Q What is the cost of your physician phone consultation?
A Your valued VIP members get a $20 discount so they will only have to pay $90. We do not charge our customers any other administration fees and the physician typically writes a prescription with 2 refills so it is normal to receive a 90 day supply.

Q Is midlandmc.com affiliated with any other online service or OP?
A No, we do not have any partners nor do we own any other online service or OP.

Q What do your thoughts regarding federal guidelines, and how the media portrays the internet pharmacy industry?
A There are no simple answers here, however, both the Sate and Federal law enforcement agencies, without doubt, will continue to shut down, and potentially prosecute online medical service providers that operate outside the law. Most of us are aware that federal law enforcement has shut down a number of OPs over the last 2 years because there was no physician consultation occurring or a lack of proper medical record keeping. It is unfortunate that a few “rogue sites“, give the general public a negative perception of industry, that for the most part is trying to fulfill the unmet healthcare needs of legitimate patients. On a positive note, these events have forced this infant industry to evolve. I believe two years ago there weren’t any OPs requiring medical records. Today almost all OPs require medical records. This self-policing is what will create longevity and legitimacy in this industry.

Q Regulators are proposing that online pharmacies be more regulated by the government. Would such measures have a positive or negative effect upon your business?
A If anything, it would help our business, because the press has consistently blurred the distinction between the legitimate pharmacies and the rogue pharmacies, which are in effect breaking today's laws. We have already done all of the work to get licensed in all the states we represent. We are in the process of obtaining the VIP certification, which is a product of a national association board of pharmacies where they come out and review all of our activities and make sure that we are meeting all the specifications for all of the states we do business in.

Q Where do you see your business one year from now?
A From my perspective, our most important goal is to continue to satisfy our customers and build a loyal long-term relationship with them. The repeat business is very important to us. We want to continually improve and do a better job serving our customers, identifying them and ways that they can save time and money and see that they have an enjoyable experience.

Q What advice do you have for beginners who are interested in starting up a health/medical service relating business over the Web?
A Unless you have very deep pockets, great stamina and a clear vision of what you are trying to do, I'd probably say don't try. Additionally, you have to have a genuine interest in helping people and solving their problems, because customer service is paramount in this industry. That isn't to say that there isn't opportunity, but there are also lots of entrepreneurs going after that opportunity. You have to have more than a great idea -- you also need a great idea coupled with great management, and significant resources.