The idea of performing medical checkups without the physical presence of a doctor might have seemed like science fiction until recently. Finally, Forward Health and CarePods make that scenario closer. Imagine a compact, AI-powered medical station that can perform blood tests, diagnostic tests, blood pressure checks and swabs for various conditions, all autonomously and at an affordable monthly cost.
The genesis of CarePods
The birth of CarePods is the latest step in the journey of Forward Health, a company founded in 2016 with the goal of reinventing the healthcare industry. Its vision was initially realized by opening technologically advanced medical offices, where body scanners, smart sensors, and diagnostic algorithms replaced much of the traditional medical staff. This evolution began in 2017 and now finds its fullest expression in medical checkup “booths,” which are named CarePods. Each CarePod is a microcosm of medical technology. Featuring a large touch screen and a friendly guiding voice, the CarePod guides patients through a series of medical checkups and health tests. One can choose from various “apps” for specific examinations: heart checks to, thyroid tests, blood pressure measurement, and diabetes management. The diagnosis, based on artificial intelligence, is displayed on the screen, and if needed, a Forward Health physician can intervene in real-time for prescriptions or further instructions.
A scalable approach to care
Forward Health CEO Adrian Aoun compares the evolution of CarePods to that of Tesla cars: his company started from a “luxury model,” such as high-tech medical offices, to a more affordable and scalable solution (somewhat like Tesla’s Model 3). The expansion plan calls for 3200 CarePods to be installed in a year, with the first wave of 25 units already operational. Despite the emphasis on technology, Forward Health does not neglect the importance of the human element. Each CarePod is assisted by an attendant, who is ready to answer basic questions and maintain the device. In addition, patients can interact with real doctors via Forward Health’s mobile app, thus ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.
A vision of the future of medical monitoring
CarePods clearly represent a paradigm shift in the way we think about diagnostics and health care. With the ability to access them quickly, independently, and affordably, Forward Health aims to make many checkups more efficient and accessible to everyone. Think of a hectic, work-filled day when caring for one’s health seems like an unattainable luxury. But lo and behold, you find a CarePod in a nearby shopping mall in the middle of a lunch break. You enter this future capsule, and with a few touches on a glowing screen, you initiate a series of medical checkups.
Perhaps it’s just a routine checkup, or perhaps you need a more specific checkup, such as a test for an allergy that has been bothering you lately. As you wait for the results, reflect on how much the world of health care has changed: once upon a time, you would have had to book a visit, wait in a crowded waiting room, and lose half a day for a simple checkup. Medical checkup results are ready in minutes, and an on-screen virtual doctor gives you a clear diagnosis and personalized advice. The system can remember your entire diagnostic history and collect data from your wearable devices.
You may even receive a prescription ready for pickup at the pharmacy or directly at an automated dispenser next to the CarePod. Step out of the CarePod back into your day, reassured and cared for, without having wasted any more time than necessary: you will allocate physical visits with your doctor (always important because of the human factor) as much time as necessary when it is.
