As we get older, we need to be prepared for any kind of health emergency. We all know that the faster we act, the greater the chance we have for a full recovery. The trouble is that many of us travel a lot, relocate every few years, or are constantly on the road visiting family.

We need a better system to help us reach a network of doctors (heart, neck, back, teeth, you name it) at a moment’s notice. No time for recommendations, comparison shopping, or checking out pedigrees. Most doctors today are privy to the same information and have the same formulas to get you well.

All you have to do is reach the right doctor to do the best job for you. Prepare now with ZocDoc, a free service and app that allows you to find a nearby in-network doctor or dentist, see their real-time availability, and instantly book an appointment online. The service is available 24/7, allowing patients to book at their convenience.

Users can read verified patient reviews and search by health insurance plans to find the appropriate doctor.

More than 2.5 million patients each month use ZocDoc, and the service is currently available in more than 1,800 cities, covering 40 percent of the U.S. population. This service is free for patients via ZocDoc.com or the free ZocDoc apps for iPhone and Android. A Spanish-language version called ZocDoc en Español is also available.