Digital Health Roundup: Hologram Doctors, FDA's DermaSensor Approval, & More

Your Hologram Doctor Will See You Now

Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, has introduced a cutting-edge hologram technology, allowing doctors to interact with patients as lifelike 3-D images via Holoconnects' Holobox. This advanced telehealth setup aims to enhance the remote healthcare experience by providing a more immersive and realistic interaction between doctors and patients, primarily used for pre- and postoperative visits. Hospital executives believe this technology significantly improves patient engagement and comfort, with plans to expand its use to regular appointments.

However, some healthcare experts question the tangible benefits of hologram technology compared to traditional 2-D telehealth options like Zoom or FaceTime. Critics, including Dr. Eric Bressman from the University of Pennsylvania, argue that there is no concrete evidence supporting the superiority of holograms in improving care quality, access, or cost. Despite the high costs of $42,000 per Holobox and an annual fee of $1,900, proponents like Crescent Regional's CEO, Raji Kumar, emphasize the improved patient experience over financial gain, highlighting the potential for better patient-doctor engagement and more comprehensive physical assessments. Read more.

Nature declares that FDA’s clearance of DermaSensor “marks a pivotal moment in digital health innovation”

A recent article from Nature highlights the groundbreaking introduction of DermaSensor, an AI-powered device, as a significant advancement in digital health. This device, designed for use by primary care physicians (PCPs), aids in the early detection of skin cancer by providing an automated, non-invasive, and highly accurate assessment of skin lesions. DermaSensor's FDA authorization marks a pivotal moment, as it addresses the long-standing challenge faced by non-specialist physicians in diagnosing suspicious moles. Clinical studies demonstrate that DermaSensor significantly enhances diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, comparable to in-person dermatologists, thereby improving the overall quality of care and patient outcomes.

The device's introduction is poised to transform dermatologic care by extending the diagnostic capabilities of PCPs and addressing access limitations in dermatology. Unlike previous AI-enabled devices, DermaSensor is accessible to non-specialists and effective for all three major types of skin cancer. The article emphasizes that DermaSensor's regulatory approval could set a precedent for future AI-enabled medical devices, with a focus on health equity and diverse patient population tracking. This development not only enhances early skin cancer detection but also potentially improves referral prioritization for high-risk patients, marking a significant step forward in healthcare innovation. Read more.

UC Davis Health launches digital program to support people after incarceration

UC Davis Health has launched the Digital SAFE-T Program to support individuals reentering society after incarceration, addressing challenges such as homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health issues. This program, developed by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in collaboration with the Digital CoLab, provides free smartphones, automated SMS check-ins, and a web-based community resource guide to help former inmates access essential services. The initiative builds on the success of the original SAFE-T Program, which significantly reduced re-arrest and emergency room visit rates through personalized case management.

Funded by a $1.5 million congressional grant, the Digital SAFE-T Program aims to enhance care coordination and improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population. By offering technological tools like text-to-speech resources and GPS navigation, the program ensures that recently released individuals can easily access social, medical, and community services. This innovative approach combines human support with digital solutions to reduce barriers to care and promote health equity, potentially serving as a model for similar programs nationwide. Read more.

What’s happening in Digital Health this week?

Grab your coffee (or tea, we like both too) and take a deep dive into what’s happening in our market this week.

Samsung, UGA to develop new digital health experience

Samsung has partnered with the University of Georgia (UGA) to develop a new digital health experience for the upcoming Galaxy Watch, featuring a personalized Energy Score. This score, created through collaboration with Professor Patrick O’Connor and based on his research into exercise and psychobiology, measures daily energy levels by combining data on physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and heart rate variability. The watch uses AI technologies and scientific insights to provide users with accurate health suggestions, aiming to enhance both physical and mental performance. Read more.

As Walmart shutters clinics, startup Fabric buys its MeMD telehealth business

As Walmart shuts down its primary care clinics, it has sold its MeMD telehealth business to healthcare technology startup Fabric. Fabric, which emerged from stealth mode in early 2023, aims to enhance clinical and administrative workflows through its telemedicine platform, now expanding its reach to MeMD's extensive customer base of 30,000 employers and 5 million employees. The acquisition will bolster Fabric's services by incorporating virtual behavioral health, expanding its provider network, and leveraging its AI-driven technology to improve patient and provider experiences. Read more.

Amazon Health Announces $49 Telehealth Service, Consolidating Clinic Into One Medical

Amazon is consolidating its Amazon Clinic into the Amazon One Medical brand, rebranding it as a pay-per-visit telehealth service with transparent pricing: $29 for messaging visits and $49 for video visits. This move aims to streamline Amazon's healthcare offerings under the One Medical umbrella, providing affordable, on-demand clinical care and a membership option for managing chronic conditions. With the acquisition of One Medical in 2022 and ongoing investments in its healthcare ecosystem, Amazon continues to innovate in providing accessible and efficient healthcare services, despite challenges in the clinical services market. Read more.