As is the case with many trained specialists, America currently has a shortfall of cardiologists. And it looks like the doctor shortages are going to get worse. According to a 2021 report released by the Association of American Medical Colleges, by 2034 the United States could have a shortage of medical specialists — including cardiologists, oncologists, pulmonologists, and more — of between 3,800 and 13,400 physicians. Overall, the U.S. may be short between 102,400 and 180,400 physicians by 2034. It’s easy to see how increased reliance on digital healthcare might help to offset this dearth.
Enter KardiaComplete. The latest service from AliveCor, a leader in mobile ECG hardware and software, is designed to meet the needs of patients with arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. KardiaComplete is available through health insurance plans, health systems, and self-insured employers for a lower cost than traditional brick-and-mortar healthcare; AliveCor says the KardiaComplete service has saved enrollees an estimated $160 per month after one year through disease prevention and mitigation of acute events.
AliveCor’s AI-enabled devices play an important role in the KardiaComplete service, namely the KardiaMobile 6L, an FDA-cleared personal EKG that has the ability to detect cardiac irregularities including tachycardia, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation in about 30 seconds. Connected with the AliveCor app via Bluetooth, the device logs all the user’s data, making it easy to share with one’s doctor and providing a high level of remote patient monitoring for a low-level investment.
AliveCor’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Archana Dubey says, “Reducing the cost of heart care requires not only addressing established disease but also reducing the risk of disease progression that can lead to even greater downstream economic impacts.” AliveCor CEO Priya Abani adds, “KardiaComplete goes beyond short-term monitoring and education to offer payers and employers a more robust solution to manage patient care and drive lasting results. We have brought our deep heritage in AI and user-friendly devices and services to invent a single virtual disease management program that can augment existing programs and streamline patient care.”
KardiaComplete also includes both digital and live heart health coaching, targeted at improving sleep, relieving stress, and promoting healthy diets. It also has a digital virtual assistant and individualized analyses of EKG data. Looking forward, AliveCor says it plans to expand the KardiaComplete service to include people with other heart issues such as coronary artery disease and heart failure.
