MinuteClinic cofounder touts Zipnosis, program connecting patients, doctors

MINNEAPOLIS Entrepreneur Rick Krieger, who was a cofounder of MinuteClinic, has a new project he is working on that connects patients and doctors anywhere, anytime for minor health problems using the Internet or a mobile phone.

Jonathan Pearce, an MBA student at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, thought up the concept called Zipnosis. Pearce recently won the top student award for Zipnosis in the Minnesota Cup, which is an annual statewide contest that seeks out, supports and promotes the state’s newest and most innovative business concepts. As the student winner, Pearce received $5,000.

According to a local news report, Krieger first met Pearce at Carlson?s Enterprise Lab in September. Today, Krieger serves as chief executive officer and Pearce holds the title of chief operating officer at Zipnosis.

Zipnosis was incorporated in October and Krieger is reportedly planning to make a $2 million private stock placement in the coming months.

Krieger was a co-founder of QuickMedx/MinuteClinic and served as chief executive officer from beta conception through the opening of 12 operating units over three years. In 2002, the name changed from QuickMedx to MinuteClinic. In September 2006, pharmacy retailer CVS acquired MinuteClinic.

Over the past 30 years, Krieger has participated in the founding of seven startups in healthcare, manufacturing, oil and gas exploration and finance.