Digital health screening tools put prevention in our smartphones

The rising cost of healthcare has driven the world to seek cost-effective, life-saving solutions to improve accessibility. While technology is making strides, building a truly healthy society requires a long-term focus on prevention rather than just treatment.

Profmed CEO Craig Comrie says technology is also the key to prevention.

Today, personalised healthcare is no longer just about cutting-edge treatments,” says Comrie. “It’s all about AI and personalised data-driven wellness plans that transform everyday health. Your smartphone and other devices like your wrist watch can now be a life-saving device that monitors health, detects risks and nudges you towards better choices.”

Comrie notes that preventative care is key to maintaining health and reducing costs. Regular check-ups, tracking vital statistics like blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), and managing chronic conditions all contribute to a longer, healthier life. Yet, many people delay or neglect these measures, often seeking medical attention only when symptoms become severe.

“AI-driven digital health tools are making preventative care more accessible and insightful. One such innovation enables individuals to conduct a digital health assessment using a smartphone or computer camera,” says Comrie.

Last year, Profmed launched its own digital wellness tool as part of it’s Amplifire benefit, which utilises an FDA-approved digital screening facility. This tool measures vital signs like blood pressure and pulse rate, detects irregularities such as dysrhythmia, and even assesses stress levels all through a quick scan of the face. The cameras on our phones are now able to pick up small blood vessels amongst other features and provide a personalised health assessment or early warning system.

Comrie says the potential impact is significant. “Early detection of health risks can prompt timely medical intervention, reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation and long-term complications,” notes Comrie.

To illustrate the point, Comrie recounts one noteworthy testimonial from the Amplifire beta test which was conducted with an initial group of 30 people:

Mary (not her real name) a 42-year-old, had always considered herself relatively healthy and rarely prioritised regular check-ups. When she came across Profmed’s new digital health assessment, she decided to try it out. The digital facial scan supported by the AI analysis flagged an irregularity in her pulse rate, prompting her to seek medical advice. Further tests revealed a condition affecting her heart’s right ventricle, pointing out a previously undetected risk which could have resulted in catastrophic outcomes. The condition potentially requiring a pacemaker in the future was advised after consulting with a cardiologist. Without this early detection, Mary might not have discovered the issue until it was too late and so she has already begun to change her lifestyle and improve her health.

While this is just one example, Comrie says six people out of 30 detected something they were unaware of. Imagine when this technology rolls out en masse. “This technology is transforming how we engage with our health. With screenings in the palm of our hands, we can identify risks much earlier, empowering people to make informed healthcare decisions before conditions become critical.”

Comrie believes Mary’s experience illustrates how AI-driven assessments can serve as an early warning system. “It must be made clear that these tools do not replace healthcare professionals, but they offer valuable insights that encourage people to take charge of their own health earlier and where necessary make appointments with their local GP and take it from there.”

Medical schemes often rely on claims information to proxy indicate the health risk of individuals however many members do not claim until a lengthy high-cost hospital event, that often requires extensive treatment or ongoing chronic care. Early detection mechanisms save lives and provides opportunities for early detection and intervention.

Comrie says digital health assessments can address the challenge of affordability by preventing healthcare issues down the line—it a personal investment for the long-term.

“Many people struggle to afford frequent doctor visits or specialist consultations. AI-powered tools help bridge this gap by offering an initial health check at a fraction of the cost of traditional screenings. The digital health assessment costs less than 2% of the price of a normal consultation,” says Comrie.

He says healthcare systems worldwide are already integrating these assessments into their value chains, allowing members to access them at little or no extra charge.

“With the right support and widespread adoption, digital health diagnostic and health detection assessments could transform how we manage our health, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive wellbeing. True healthcare transformation starts with prevention today for a healthier tomorrow,” concludes Comrie.