The business That's Fighting Chronic Condition With Big Data

The business That's Fighting Chronic Condition With Big Data

Within a perfect world, claims Glen Tullman, the co-founder of Livongo, digitally based medical care services like his would operate the way Netflix or Amazon does: deliver on demand, and use data analytics to anticipate what's needed and improve |customer support. "When we ask people about their diabetes or hypertension, they say, 'We would like to live our lives. Make it disappear, ' "states Tullman, who has a boy who has diabetes.



A deserving goal for Livongo, producer of the blood-glucose meter which utilized by 120, 000 diabetes patients to instantly add their blood sugar data to Livongo's analytic motor. Livongo has additionally introduced a cellphone-enabled, cuff-to-cloud blood-pressure device for individuals with hypertension, as well as a wireless-enabled scale.



All that data is why patients pay nothing for the gear, test strips, and even medications, while Livongo applies big-data analytics to help them better manage their disease. And if Livongo users' blood sugar tests outdoors normal parameters, they can expect a call or text within 90 more secs from a diabetes specialist to determine the problem and suggest next steps--which could range from taking a walk to calling the doctor--or to give a few encouraging words. Patients can also contact Livongo day to day to speak with advisers to guide these to much healthier behaviours. Revenue originates from customer companies like Amazon and Target, which pay Livongo $65-to-$75 a month for each and every afflicted employee it displays.



But the bigger idea animating Livongo is how by using AI to consistently analyze its devices' data, plus everything else the system knows about the patients. By doing so, it's searching for styles and discoveries across the population--potentially incredibly valuable insights--while delivering increasingly personal advice. As Livongo agglomerates all that data, this suggestion loop--what Livongo calls an "AI+AI applied health signals" platform--refines such advice, and adjusts it as needed.



"We accumulate medical and pharmacy claims, but also the social determinants of health: Where are you grocery shopping? What exactly is your commute time? Gym usage? " claims Jennifer Schneider, Livongo president. "This is very personal advice, which drives clinical outcomes. inch In one pilot at a Chicago hospital, diabetes sufferers who followed Livongo's program noticeably lowered their blood sugar levels, had a 17 pct decrease in diabetes-related medical costs, an 11 pct fall in every medical claims, and 21 pct fewer I'M OR HER visits.



Chronic illnesses accounts for 70 pct of the nation's $3. 5 trillion in medical care costs, so Livongo has its own other potential targets: arthritis, COPD, Crohn's disease. Because, in the evolving digital health care world, patients might not exactly desire a doctor or an ER for many medical issues. Maybe they just desire a attached device and some well-timed advice.