The Medpod MobileDoc 2 [Image courtesy of Henry Schein]
Henry Schein’s Henry Schein Medical (Melville, N.Y.) is the exclusive seller, marketer and distributor of the Medpod MobileDoc 2, made by software company Medpod (New York). Packed into a portable, carry-on sized case, the microcart includes professional-grade medical devices and instruments including dermatoscopes to examine skin lesions and electrocardiograms to detect heart attacks and heart rhythm problems during remote consultations. There are instruments to capture patients’ temperatures, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index (BMI).
The new partnership integrates Uber Health service directly into Medpod’s end-to-end telediagnostics platform. with Medpod access to Uber Health’s browser-based online dashboard. An initial pilot program will roll out based on Uber Health resources.
A doctor could dispatch an Uber driver with the Medpod MobileDoc 2 to the home of a person needing an examination, and then the doctor could use the microcart to remotely examine the patient. Uber could then drive the patient to the doctor’s office if the patent needs further attention.
“Henry Schein Medical is eager to bring this expanded Medpod offering to our customers in multiple market segments, helping transform their practices and improve relationships with patients looking for convenient access to health care,” said Brad Connett, president of Henry Schein’s U.S. Medical Group, in a news release.
“Together with Medpod and Uber Health, we look forward to expanding off-site point-of-care options our customers can rely on to meet their patients’ portable needs,” Connett said.
This is an interesting but undoubtedly expensive idea. It may be a nice convenience for the very wealthy, but far beyond the reach of those who might benefit from it the most, the infirm and immobile who are not wealthy. And just how much time would the doctor actually spend on such an examination, since most of the testing will be very automated?