ZocDoc, the developer behind an app that enables patients to find and make quicker medical appointments, has attracted US$50 million in backing from venture firm DST Global. The additional funds will enable the further roll-out of ZocDoc’s service, which is currently available in nine US cities. In his blog, company CEO and founder Cyrus Massoumi (pictured) talked about expansion: “In the short term, our highest priority is bringing ZocDoc to the country and the world," implying the four-year old service will make an appearance outside the US.

Currently ZocDoc has 700,000 patients making appointments through the service each month, which it claims reduces waiting times for appointments by finding patients the specialist they require. Among the specialists located for patients by ZocDoc are allergists, dentists, dermatologists, orthopaedic surgeons and pediatricians. The service is available via a PC as well as smartphones. It can be downloaded as an app to Android and iOS handsets.