With just a few clicks, HotDoc helps millions of Australians schedule doctor’s appointments, making it a disruptive force in the digital healthcare space. However, who is responsible for this revolutionary platform? Let’s explore HotDoc’s history, innovation, and the philosophy behind its success.
The Origin: A Doctor’s Son with a Vision
HotDoc was founded in 2012 by Dr. Ben Hurst, an Australian entrepreneur with deep roots in medicine. The son of a GP (General Practitioner), Hurst witnessed firsthand the everyday challenges that both patients and medical practices face — from long waiting times to missed appointments and inefficient communication.
Rather than follow a traditional medical career path, Hurst combined his insider knowledge of healthcare with a passion for technology. He envisioned a platform that would improve the patient experience while also helping doctors run their practices more efficiently. That idea became HotDoc.
What is HotDoc?
HotDoc is an online platform that allows patients to:
- Book appointments with GPs and other health professionals
- Receive appointment reminders
- Check in digitally at clinics
- Request repeat prescriptions or referrals
It serves both patients and practices by automating administrative tasks and ensuring better patient engagement. Over the years, HotDoc has grown to become Australia’s most popular patient engagement platform, used by thousands of clinics and millions of Australians.
From Startup to Market Leader
What started as a small Melbourne-based startup has now become an essential tool in Australian healthcare. Under Ben Hurst’s leadership, HotDoc has continued to evolve, introducing features like telehealth integration, vaccine bookings, and secure messaging — especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hurst’s vision, shaped by his unique background at the intersection of medicine and technology, has guided HotDoc’s mission: to create a healthcare experience that’s simple, secure, and human-centered.
In Summary
Dr. Ben Hurst is the inventor and founder of HotDoc, born from a desire to solve the inefficiencies in patient-practice communication. Thanks to his insight and drive, HotDoc is now helping modernize the healthcare system in Australia — one appointment at a time.