Paging Dr. iPhone: The smartphone physical may be here sooner than you think

Effective May 20, 2013

Published May 20, 2013

Last Reviewed May 17, 2013

With the right attachment, smart phones can already check your pulse, lung function, carotid artery patency, eye acuity and body fat percentage. But don’t worry, Doc, they won’t replace you – just give you more patient data to review before the in-person visit even takes place, says the website Co.Exist.

Attendees at TedMed 2013 in Washington, D.C., recently were treated to a 10-point smart phone physical, care of the editor of Medgadget.com and Nurture, a health care furniture company.

Among the physical checks conducted by properly accessorized iPhones, according to the TedMed blog:

Body analysis using an iHealth Scale.
Blood pressure reading using a Withings BP Monitor.
Oxygen saturation/pulse measured simultaneously with blood pressure, using a Masimo iSpO2 placed on the left ring finger.
Visual acuity via an EyeNetra phone case.
Optic disc visualization using a Welch Allyn iExaminer case attached to a PanOptic Ophthalmoscope.
Ear drum visualization with a CellScope phone case.
Lung function using a SpiroSmart Spirometer app to conduct a respirometer test.
Heart rhythm anomalies using the AliveCor Heart Monitor.
Body sounds: A digital stethoscope from ThinkLabs auscultates and amplifies the sounds of a patient’s lungs and heart.
Carotid artery visualization using a Mobisante probe.

Patients may be able to use smartphone screenings to keep their chronic conditions – such as hypertension – under control, suggests Co.Exist.

We think enterprising primary care practices could also use the entire package for community and corporate wellness checks. Read Part B News to find out about other ways to increase your practice’s revenue and drive new patient visits.

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