Imagine stepping into an AI-powered doctor’s office – Now you can

November 25, 2023

By Kim Komando

When I saw this news, I had to share it with you. In our latest episode of “Black Mirror” comes to life, new AI-powered health care tech just dropped. I did a ton of research, so you know what it is when it pops into your hometown. And this is def a talker around the dinner table.

Inside the so-called CarePod, you can get your blood drawn, a blood pressure reading and a strep throat test … without a real live doctor or nurse present. That’s right. Just you and AI in a room. Say it with me out loud, “Holy mother of robots!”

Paging doctor robot

CarePod is the baby of AI-centric health care company Forward Health. It has facilities across the U.S. that blend AI-powered tech with traditional health care. People say it feels like your doctor’s office collided with an Apple Store.

The first 25 CarePods will launch in cities like Scottsdale, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. It’s hoping to have 3,200 rob docs up and running within a year. You’ll find CarePods in malls and office buildings if all goes well.

Open the health pod door, Dave

So, how does it work? First, you’ll walk up to the pod’s door and unlock it with your phone. Inside, you’ll find a large touchscreen, a chair and a glowing ring on the floor (that’s the full-body scanner).

On the touchscreen, you’ll see several options like a full body scan, thyroid testing, diabetes screening and much more — a program for every ailment. On the side, a drawer pops open with everything you need for whichever tests you choose.

After your test is complete, you’ll get a diagnosis on the screen. If there’s any follow-up needed, a (human) Forward Health doctor will provide a prescription or additional instructions.

Every CarePod is staffed with a real person who answers questions and tends to the device between users. They won’t hop in the pod with you, though. 

Need a blood test? CarePod uses a single-use, needleless collection device. Blood pressure is measured through a wireless arm cuff. CarePod can also check for STDs, but we’re in the dark about how that one happens.

Data diagnosis

Here’s one where, for now, we have to take its word for it. Forward Health’s founder says protecting user data is a top priority. (They all say that, btw.) The company claims to use “best-in-class security practices for data encryption and access control” and does regular security audits.

Forward Health says it doesn’t sell user data to third parties and patients always own their data. It only shares your information if you need to be referred to a specialist.

The cutting edge

You might not be sold on Club CarePod, but the truth is health care uses AI more and more every day. In fact, it may have had a hand in one of your recent appointments.

• Through machine learning, algorithms process huge amounts of info to identify patterns and predict medical outcomes. It helps health care professionals improve treatments and cut costs.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a form of AI that can diagnose illnesses by extracting information from health data. It can also identify relevant treatments, medications and predict health risks.
• AI automates administrative tasks like data entry, claims processing and appointment scheduling. Whether that means care gets better or cheaper for me and you remains to be seen.

Would you use it?

The cost of CarePod? On-demand access (aka go when you want) and virtual visits for $99 a month. They don’t accept insurance.

Snagging a medical appointment right now can be a real headache, right? Enter Telehealth — your digital doc for those moments when you don’t need the tests, just the talk. But sometimes you need more than that.

These medical pods will offer health care that’s quick and convenient without waiting rooms. I think this could be a real winner when you need physical tests.