Utah tech startup Udo LLC, creator of a video healthcare collaboration app called Udo Care, has acquired Phoenix-based virtual care company Smile Virtual.

“Udo improves healthcare collaboration and strengthens communication and connections between providers and their patients through a video platform that revolutionizes and simplifies provider service for patients at the highest levels,” the Farmington-based company said in a release.

Udo said the acquisition is a natural outgrowth of work between the two companies in early use of the Udo platform. As a combined entity, two teams and connected platforms will allow a patient to experience a virtual consult in Smile Virtual that is further empowered by ongoing video communication and collaboration in Udo.

The acquisition increases Udo’s customer base by 450 virtual consult subscribers and 40 elite subscribers. Udo anticipates adding 15-20 employees in 2022 to accommodate the potential for growth that Smile Virtual brings. Smile Virtual co-founder Dr. Brian Harris will join the Udo executive team as chief strategy officer.

“With this acquisition, we are transforming the doctor/patient relationship and empowering patients to control their health story,” said Danny Frasure, Udo co-founder and CEO.