Whether driven by a shortage of medical professionals or financial constraints, healthcare accessibility is a global challenge. A startup called Forward believes one solution is to offer people a self-service option, which is why it's introducing the CarePod, which it calls 'the world's first AI doctor's office.' CarePod will offer AI-powered diagnostic tools for preventative care and monitoring in a self-service, standalone unit.
Patients step inside, check in with an app and get access to vital sign measurements, biometric body scans and blood testing, with additional screening options to follow. According to Forward, its health apps can help people address a range of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, depression and anxiety. All data collected during a patient's visit is transmitted to Forward's care platform, which uses a combination of AI and human medical staff to continuously monitor treatment response, identify disease risks and evaluate the health of its users.
The pods will be placed in public spaces like malls, gyms and offices. With an ambitious plan to double its presence in 2024, Forward is targeting major urban areas like San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia for its initial rollout. The company raised USD 100 million in growth capital to manufacture and deploy its CarePods, and the service will operate on a membership model, starting at USD 99 per month.
