The popularization of digital telemedicine and the innovation of detection and monitoring technology are empowering grassroots healthcare and ordinary people, truly helping to achieve a decentralized medical model. The industry continuously provides and upgrades various innovative tools and solutions:
1. Wearable devices
Wearable devices are no longer just tools that can record steps and indicate abnormal indicators, many of which have been directly used for medical diagnosis.
For example, iRhythm in the United States provides a wearable skin patch that patients can use at home for up to 14 days of continuous monitoring. By combining deep learning with data analysis by cardiac technicians, the results report can be used for the diagnosis of arrhythmia. The clinical test results show that the out of hospital monitoring effect of iRhythm wearable device can replace the traditional Holter monitor out of hospital monitoring. In the United States, the wearable device used for this doctor's prescription has been approved by the FDA and is covered by national medical insurance and major commercial medical insurance, and can be compatible with the digital case (EHR) systems of various clinics.
2. Instant detection assisted by smartphones
Smartphone assisted instant detection (POCT) is gradually entering households and grassroots levels. A low-cost, widely available, lightweight and easy to operate smartphone combined with AI data analysis can provide us with multiple real-time detection solutions, covering multiple medical fields.
For example, digital home urinalysis (Healthy.io, Inui health) and remote skin disease detection and monitoring (SkinVision, VisualDx) both use smartphones to take photos and analyze images, allowing users to complete tests at home, thereby reducing unnecessary medical treatment and improving medical efficiency.
3. Directly facing consumers for testing products
Directly facing consumers (DTC, direct to consumer) for testing products, allowing users to purchase directly online, sample at home, and deliver to the central laboratory for testing and analysis. At present, there are not only active start-up companies in this industry, but also major diagnostic companies LabCorp and Quest are starting to enter.
DTC detection has covered several major in vitro detection fields, including biochemical detection (such as EveryWell, LetsGetChecked), Genetic testing (such as 23andMe, Color Genomics, Helix) and intestinal microbiome detection (such as uBiome, Arivale).
4. Remote medical platform
The remote medical platform enables users to seek medical treatment online at home.
For patients with very complex disease conditions, online second opinion platforms (such as 2nd. MD) can help them contact top medical experts worldwide for online consultation within a few days.
