Doctorless Exams

2ND YEAR ON THE LIST

Biofourmis’ BiovitalsHF algorithm adjusts heart failure medications for patients.

KEY INSIGHT

Breakthroughs in sensors and artificial intelligence are expanding the possibilities for remote diagnosis. Data captured by clinical-grade sensors is triaged by algorithms, reducing the time from insights to action.

EXAMPLES

AliveCor’s personal EKG devices now calculate cardiac QT interval, an early risk indicator for life-threatening arrhythmias. Last July, the Food and Drug Administration granted a “breakthrough device designation” for a wearable device called BiovitalHF for heart failure patients. Made by Boston health technology company Biofourmis, it combines patient-reported symptoms and lab results to automatically adjust medications. Apple added the “walking steadiness score” to its iPhone and Apple Watch, which warns if someone might fall. Rockley Photonics of Pasadena, California, recently unveiled its “clinic on the wrist.” It’s a wearable that uses infrared spectrophotometers to measure traditional vitals like temperature and blood pressure, and to detect hydration, muscle lactate, alcohol, and glucose levels. Rockley’s largest customer is Apple, so the Apple Watch may soon monitor even more aspects of wellness.

DISRUPTIVE IMPACT

By detecting health changes before symptoms are felt, continuous health monitoring can cut intervention costs and improve outcomes. Insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, have started offering free or discounted devices for their members. As algorithms improve, we’ll see more accurate risk predictions and close the gap in care. The future is not entirely optimistic, however. We are already seeing examples of bias in medical algorithms exacerbating inequities in care.

EMERGING PLAYERS

• Sonde Health • Ellipsis Health • AliveCor • Biofourmis • Apple • Butterfly Network • VitalFlo • Rockley Photonics