The near-ubiquity of mobile devices coupled with the healthcare industry's increasing need to improve care while reducing costs have attracted both big tech companies and a growing number of mobile-focused startups to enter the healthcare space.
Here are five mHealth startups to watch.
Turing smartphones into diagnostic labs: Biomeme
Backed by investor Mark Cuban of "Shark Tank" fame, Biomeme is a device that attaches to an iPhone and turns it into a device capable of DNA diagnostics. The device uses the smartphone or tablet's computing poweress and built-in cameras in conjunction with a portable prep kit to detect the flu or other diseases. It is currently in trials at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Bringing EHRs to the iPad: drchrono
Billing itself as "the original mobile EHR," the drchrono has been certified for the meaningful use program and has been the top-ranked mobile EHR platform for two years, according to Black Book. Cofounder Daniel Kivatinos said approximately 60,000 physicians are registered with the EHR.In June, drchrono launched an app that would make it compatible with Google Glass.
Connecting healthcare professionals: Healthcare Engagement Solutions
The startup's flagship platform, Uniphy, is designed to allow clinicians to access relevant information and communicate with each other in real time across devices. In June, Healthcare Engagement Solutions signed a service agreement with Cleveland Clinic under which Cleveland Clinic Innovations would help develop the platform and find potential customers and avenues of financial support.
Reducing childhood obesity: Kurbo Health
The Kurbo app is designed for use by children, employing either human coaching or automated text messages along with meal and exercise tracking to help kids keep their weight under control. Part of the Rock Health accelerator, Kurbo Health recently raised $5.8 million in Series A funding.
Connecting patients' mobile devices and apps to healthcare stakeholders: Validic
Validic's cloud-based platform allows data from patients' mobile apps, health and fitness trackers and similar devices to be sent to healthcare organizations, including providers, payers, pharmaceutical companies and health clubs. Validic recently raised $5 million in new capital, bringing its total funding to about $7 million.
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