San Francisco, CA – Pear Suite and Rocket Doctor have announced a new partnership that combines virtual medical care with comprehensive social care to deliver holistic healthcare solutions, starting in California. Effective immediately, the more than 15 million patients who qualify for Medi-Cal can be seamlessly referred between Rocket Doctor’s virtual care network and Pear Suite’s team of Community Health Workers (CHWs), streamlining access to both clinical care and social support.
With this partnership, Medi-Cal patients referred from Rocket Doctor will gain access to Pear Suite’s network of 700+ CHWs across the state, who help meet the social determinants of health needs of individuals and families. Similarly, community
members connected with Pear Suite who require specialized or urgent medical care will be able to access Rocket Doctor’s network of family doctors, psychiatrists, and medical experts through virtual consultations.
This collaboration aims to address patients’ full spectrum of health needs, from medical attention to essential social supports, such as increasing food security, improving housing stability, and securing access to reliable transportation, providing a whole-person healthcare experience that enhances overall patient outcomes.
Rocket Doctor CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Bill Cherniak highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing both medical and social factors impacting health. “This partnership reflects our shared vision to bring equitable, quality healthcare to everyone, no matter where they live. By aligning our virtual healthcare services with Pear Suite’s community health resources, we’re not only providing medical care but also addressing the critical social factors that impact health. We’re excited to work together to drive better patient outcomes and close gaps in care.”
The collaboration allows for coordinated care where both teams share tools for real-time updates and follow-ups, confirming care delivery and facilitating timely responses to emerging needs. Pear Suite’s tech-enabled CHWs use its care navigation platform, integrated with Rocket Doctor’s systems, to share information with medical providers and health plans about individuals’ health and social needs. This reduces barriers to care by creating a streamlined system of referrals, ensuring patients have consistent access to the services they require.
Pear Suite Co-founder and CEO Colby Takeda emphasized the collaboration’s focus on patient-centered care, noting that many people face health challenges that extend beyond traditional medical issues.
“At Pear Suite, we believe in fully understanding each patient and the social context that shapes their health journey,” Takeda said. “By partnering with Rocket Doctor, we can bridge community health services and virtual medical care, creating a supportive healthcare model that adapts to patients’ needs both inside and outside the doctor’s office. Together, we’re working to make healthcare truly accessible, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive.”
Integrating community health support with virtual medical care promises significant impacts, including improved access to healthcare services, better patient outcomes, and increased efficiency in care delivery. Medi-Cal members who need assistance with social or health needs, such as food and housing, can also connect to a community health worker to access covered services through Pear Suite’s Pear Cares network, and community-based organizations and clinics can refer clients for support.
By addressing all aspects of a patient’s well-being, Pear Suite and Rocket Doctor—and other community-based organizations and clinics—can help to reduce health disparities and improve long-term wellness.
About Pear Suite
Pear Suite is on a mission to empower Community Health Workers (CHWs) through its care navigation and billing platform, training, advocacy, and a nationwide provider network of over 700 CHWs. Pear Cares, a program of Pear Suite, utilizes local CHWs to provide social needs screenings, care navigation, health information, and resource referrals to eligible members. The company’s unique ability to combine software with tech-enabled services is significantly impactful when addressing the social determinants of health among Medicaid members, ethnic minority groups, and other medically underserved groups. To learn more or make a referral, visit PearCares.com.
About Rocket Doctor
Rocket Doctor provides 24/7 access to family doctors, psychiatrists, and medical experts through virtual appointments, making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone. By leveraging advanced technology and in-home medical devices, Rocket Doctor delivers high-quality care that reaches patients wherever they are. Learn more at www.rocketdoctor.io.
