Startup provides health information

If you've ever walked out of a doctor's office more confused than when you went in, YesRN.com may be for you.

The Reno-based startup is recruiting professional staff and working hard to build a base of users for its service, which provides medical information to callers.

YesRN.com, launched six months ago by Lynn Mataiya, a registered nurse who serves as its president and chief executive officer, connects users to a nurse who can answer health-related questions, translate medical terms for the layman and identify local resources such as physicians and clinics.

"I've been in nursing for 35 years, and I saw a need for people who are uninsured or underinsured or for people with insurance who want a third-party opinion," says Mataiya. "We're an advocate for the user online. A user can ask any health-related question they want. Where do I take my kid to get immunization? Or my doctor just told me I have cancer, what do I do? We're not taking over diagnosis; we're filling in the holes on the education side."

Although the service is virtual, Mataiya is focusing initially on Nevada, staffing up with in-state nurses who are familiar with area resources and marketing the service locally.

The service costs $1 per minute with a $5 minimum. Monthly plans starting at $19.95 are available for individuals such as a diabetic who wants a weekly coaching session with a nurse, or for businesses looking to offer employees some kind of health assistance.

Along with consumers, the company is targeting business owners who would like to provide some health benefit to employees but can't afford the cost of insurance.

Each chat is archived so users can access the information after the session and maintain a history. The company is gradually adding a resource guide and other features to the site.

"No third party is involved," says Mataiya. "There is strong consumer control."

Right now, the site is available Monday through Thursday and has a few users, but Mataiya said she is busy recruiting nurses in Nevada and talking to physicians and others, trying to get the word out about the service.