Health Tech Spotlight: The OnMed CareStation

BY MUFARO MHARIWA
Jan 23
3 min read

OnMed’s CEO Karthik Ganeshunveiled a groundbreaking healthcare solution, the OnMed CareStation, which promises to revolutionise healthcare access through technology. In a world where healthcare accessibility is often limited by factors like geography, cost, and availability, the OnMed CareStation brings innovative telemedicine to everyday places. The solution merges traditional healthcare tools with telemedicine, offering a user-friendly experience that connects patients with medical professionals no matter where they are. This is a vital solution, especially for those in rural or underserved areas where healthcare facilities are scarce.

Healthcare access in the U.S. is a crisis, with millions of Americans struggling to receive the care they need. As OnMed CEO Karthik highlights, 80% of U.S. counties lack adequate healthcare resources, and over 83 million Americans are without access to primary care. These statistics underscore the need for change in how healthcare is delivered. The OnMed CareStation tackles these issues head-on, providing a solution where healthcare can be accessed in unconventional locations like homeless shelters, airports, prisons, and shopping centres. This approach not only addresses the gap in healthcare but also promotes equality, making healthcare available to those who need it the most.

How the OnMed CareStation Works

The OnMed CareStation offers a hybrid solution that blends traditional medical tools with telemedicine. Upon entering the CareStation, patients are immediately greeted by a clinician via a touch interface, which starts the consultation. The station includes an array of diagnostic tools that patients can use under the guidance of the clinician:

Weight and Blood Pressure Checks: To assess overall health and detect potential issues.
Thermal Scanning: To detect conditions like sinusitis or chest congestion.
High-Definition Cameras: To enable remote clinicians to visually assess symptoms like rashes or sore throats.
Remote Stethoscope: A ceiling-mounted stethoscope allows clinicians to listen to heart and lung sounds from a distance, which is essential for diagnosing respiratory conditions.

These features ensure a full clinical experience while allowing patients to remain in the comfort of the CareStation, guided step-by-step by a clinician. The system is designed to be intuitive and accessible, requiring minimal technical expertise from users.

OnMed’s vision of "anywhere healthcare" is being realised through strategic placements of the CareStation in high-need locations. From homeless shelters in urban areas to correctional facilities in Texas, these stations provide a much-needed lifeline to people who would otherwise have limited access to healthcare. The CareStation offers a chance for patients to see a clinician, whether they’re in a shelter, a busy airport, or a shopping centre, making it a highly scalable solution to healthcare’s accessibility challenges.

Privacy and Security: Protecting Your Health Data

As healthcare becomes more reliant on technology, data privacy remains a significant concern. OnMed has incorporated several privacy features to ensure that patients feel safe and comfortable during their consultations. The fogging glass in the CareStation ensures privacy during the session, while the user experience remains human-centric, with clinicians personally guiding patients through the consultation process. OnMed prioritises the human aspect of healthcare, making sure technology never becomes a barrier between the patient and clinician.

The OnMed CareStation is more than just a convenience; it has the potential to change how healthcare is delivered in the future. By combining traditional healthcare tools with telemedicine, OnMed is paving the way for a more accessible, efficient, and equitable healthcare system. The ability to access healthcare while at an airport, in a shopping mall, or even at a shelter could reduce the barriers many face when it comes to getting the care they need.

Karthik's vision is clear: "We want healthcare to be available anywhere, anytime." As more stations are deployed, OnMed hopes to reach even more underserved communities, providing better access and ensuring healthcare is just around the corner for anyone who needs it.

Final Thoughts: A Revolutionary Step for Healthcare

OnMed’s CareStation is a game-changer in the world of healthcare. With its blend of cutting-edge telemedicine and traditional clinical tools, it is breaking down the barriers of healthcare access in real-time. The future of healthcare is not confined to hospitals and clinics; with innovations like the OnMed CareStation, it’s coming to where people need it most. Whether it's improving access in rural areas or providing fast consultations in airports, the CareStation has the potential to reshape the healthcare landscape.