About
The Health App is a centralised hub for all healthcare needs, elevating patient-provider interactions. Features include Get Care for virtual consults & online pharmacy; My Health for health records & digital therapeutics; & My Cover for policy admin
Innovation presentation
Discovery Health has recently launched the Health App, a cutting-edge healthcare platform that delivers comprehensive healthcare services to our members. The app not only allows members to manage their medical aid plans, find providers, submit claims, and track their Vitality® Active Rewards, but also offers in-app access to a range of innovative services including virtual consultations, online pharmacy services, and digital access to electronic health records. Additionally, the app facilitates interactions between members and providers, including Virtual Urgent Care, Mental and Physical Health Digital Therapeutics (DTx’s), booking wellness assessments, and e-scripting with medicine delivery. It also provides direct access to a curated selection of third-party ecosystem tools and offerings such as digital therapeutics and connected medical devices, enhancing the overall healthcare experience for members.
The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a seismic shift in digital healthcare, accelerating trends that reshape global healthcare delivery. In 2024, the sector thrives on technology, patient-centric approaches, and the enduring impacts of the pandemic, fostering a rich environment for innovation. Care at home and remote diagnostics have become more prevalent, powered by wearables and virtual technologies. These advancements not only broaden access to healthcare but also encourage patients to actively manage their health.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI, is transforming the healthcare landscape by improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing patient monitoring, and optimizing treatment outcomes across various sectors. The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for healthcare data sharing, advocating for a more interconnected ecosystem.
Trends in Virtual and Remote Care
The recent surge in remote healthcare, driven by global events, has led to a notable reduction in healthcare costs and improved patient experiences through enhanced convenience and accessibility. This growth is backed by technological innovations like sophisticated telemedicine platforms and AI-powered diagnostic tools, offering more personalized healthcare solutions. A critical factor in this evolution is addressing the issue of unnecessary, costly emergency room visits and admissions due to the lack of immediate access to medical advice for urgent care needs. With nearly 48% of emergency room visits between 2019 and 2021 being for non-emergency needs, the adoption of Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) services has become a pivotal strategy. VUC aims to match patients with the appropriate level of care, effectively cutting down these unnecessary visits by about 50%.
In line with these developments, we have meticulously designed the features of our Health App to align with key objectives, including enhancing the customer experience, streamlining the delivery of care, and deepening our understanding of how users interact with the app. By providing our members with comprehensive information and resources, we are empowering them to manage their health more effectively and efficiently.
Trends in AI-based symptom checkers
Determining the most suitable care for a member based on self-assessment can significantly reduce the costs and frustration associated with misdirected care, thereby improving overall care efficiency. The Health App's collaboration with Diagnostic Robotics® is a notable example, enhancing clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency through an AI-powered symptom checker. This tool processes vast datasets, including electronic health record (EHR) information and billions of data points from the US and Israel, aiming to boost patient outcomes and lower healthcare expenditures. This platform aids in clinical intake processes, offers diagnostic suggestions, and calculates hospitalization risk scores, assisting healthcare providers in navigating patients towards optimal care paths and potentially cutting healthcare costs by up to 47%.
Trends in Mental Health and Digital Therapeutics (DTx)
Recently, the world has seen a marked increase in mental health issues, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a global trend toward higher rates of depression and anxiety. This upsurge, combined with a worldwide shortage of healthcare professionals, highlights the urgent need for innovative, tech-based solutions to improve access to mental health care. In response, Discovery’s collaboration with Amwell®, through the use of the SilverCloud® platform, represents a targeted effort to confront these challenges directly. SilverCloud® offers a digital mental health and well-being platform that has reached over a million users worldwide. The platform has demonstrated substantial success, with approximately 65% of its users experiencing significant improvements in their condition. Specifically, it has shown that 56% of users diagnosed with depression or anxiety symptoms became diagnosis-free within three months of using the service. This initiative marks Discovery Health's commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and effective mental health care, leveraging digital solutions to meet the increasing demands for mental health services.
Trends in Virtual Physical Therapy (VPT) and Digital Therapeutics (DTx)
Discovery's decision to incorporate Virtual Physical Therapy (VPT) into its offerings, through a strategic partnership with Genie Health®, is underpinned by compelling research, trends, and internal data highlighting the critical need for innovative solutions in the management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions—the leading cause of disability worldwide. These conditions represent a significant financial burden for health plans, with evidence suggesting that over 80% of recovery occurs outside clinical settings.
Today, a substantial gap exists in rehabilitation adherence, with 70% of patients not completing their programs and 82% not following their prescribed regimens. Genie Health's® platform addresses these challenges by offering a digitally integrated solution that connects patients with physiotherapists and biokineticists dedicated to providing comprehensive, technology-driven rehabilitative care. The collaboration is poised to redefine MSK care by ensuring round-the-clock access to personalized rehabilitation services, fostering better adherence, reducing the need for specialist referrals, and potentially decreasing the rate of unnecessary surgeries.
Population Health Management (PHM) and Primary Care Provider (PCP) Trends
International research and Discovery claims data unequivocally highlight the benefits of maintaining a long-term relationship with a single primary care provider (PCP), showing that it not only enhances the coordination of healthcare services but also improves outcomes and lowers medical costs. Recognizing these benefits, Discovery encourages members, especially those with chronic conditions, to nominate a PCP who will serve as their main contact for accessing healthcare services. To support this initiative, Discovery has leveraged digital technology, developing tools within the Health App for members and Health ID for doctors. These tools facilitate the nomination of a PCP by prompting members to select a provider based on their history, helping them search for a new doctor within the network, and ensuring visibility of the chosen PCP for both members and doctors. Furthermore, Discovery aims to make it more appealing and simpler for doctors to adopt the PCP role by offering value-based incentives. This is complemented by Population Health Management (PHM) capabilities that provide doctors with crucial health metrics and insights, allowing for better population management and enabling PCPs to determine a member’s eligibility for care programs.
Uniqueness of the project
The Health App sets a new benchmark in healthcare innovation by uniquely integrating cutting-edge HealthTech to orchestrate a complete, end-to-end patient journey, unlike any other platform in South Africa. It stands out by offering a holistic approach to health, considering not just the physical well-being of its members, but also their mental health and financial affordability. This app is tailored to the individual’s needs, providing personalized recommendations and actions that are relevant to their specific healthcare journey. Furthermore, it pioneers in the market by leveraging partnerships with top institutions and utilizing AI-driven tools, such as symptom checkers and virtual care options, which significantly enhance user experience and healthcare outcomes. This level of personalization and comprehensive care distinctly sets the Discovery Health app apart from its competitors, making it a leader in the South African healthcare sector.
The Health App simplifies navigating the healthcare system with its user-friendly interface and personalized services. It offers tailored health recommendations, access to personal health history, and direct booking for health checks and therapy sessions under "My Health." "My Cover" allows users to effortlessly manage their medical plan details, including claims and savings accounts. For immediate care needs, "Get Care" provides options like consulting a doctor instantly, booking healthcare professionals, ordering medication, and symptom checking. This comprehensive app integrates all aspects of healthcare management into a single platform, making health maintenance both simple and accessible.
Moreover, the platform introduces essential features such as "Emergency Assist," alongside personalized actions and prompts within the "Just for You" and "My Next Appointment" sections. These tailored recommendations empower members to take an active role in their healthcare journey, offering guidance specifically designed around their immediate needs and data, ensuring every action is both relevant and impactful.
The "Just for You" section of our platform is powered by a sophisticated personalised algorithm, specifically designed to provide recommendations to enhance your health management. This innovative feature offers up to 15 tailored nudges and alerts, guiding you towards the most beneficial actions for your ongoing healthcare journey. Whether it's a reminder for a routine check-up or a nudge to stay active, this section ensures you're always one step ahead in maintaining your health.
Under the "My Health" tab, you'll find a wealth of resources tailored to your unique health needs. From accessing your complete health history to booking essential Health Checks, this segment is your go-to for managing personal health data. It also offers specialized programs like the Mental Wellbeing Assessment and innovative services such as Virtual Physical Therapy and Mental health Digital Therapeutics, focusing on both physical and mental health enhancements.
The "My Cover" section simplifies the management of your medical aid plan. Here, you can view details of your Medical Savings Account or WELLTH Fund, and track and manage your benefits, limits, and claims with ease. The innovative WELLTH Fund, launched by Discovery Health Medical Scheme in 2023, addresses the impacts of COVID-19 and heightened health awareness. Offering a once-off additional risk benefit of up to R10,000 per family, this fund empowers members to actively manage their healthcare needs. It covers a comprehensive range of services, enhances the Screening and Prevention Benefit, and is available once per lifetime for members who complete their health checks. Adhering to the Scheme's clinical criteria, this benefit ensures effective healthcare financing and optimal health management. To date, the WELLTH Fund has successfully paid out more than R600 million to members and providers.
Lastly, the "Get Care" feature provides immediate access to medical assistance. Whether you need to speak to a doctor right away, search for healthcare professionals, book appointments directly, order medicine, or simply check symptoms, this tool makes it convenient and quick to get the care you need. This comprehensive approach not only saves time but also optimizes your healthcare experience, ensuring you receive the right care at the right time.
The Health App establishes a holistic healthcare ecosystem, fostering seamless interactions among members, healthcare providers, and a broad network of third-party partners and service providers. This collaborative framework ensures an integrated healthcare experience, where each interaction is part of a well-coordinated health journey for the member. Below are some examples of these types of closed-loop journeys, illustrating the app's commitment to comprehensive and connected care.
1. Discovery Health App’s vast ecosystem for comprehensive care across the healthcare spectrum
The Discovery Health App’s ecosystem is meticulously structured around the complete healthcare journey, ensuring that every aspect of a member’s well-being is addressed—from wellness to advanced illness and senior care.
Starting with 'Wellness', the ecosystem emphasizes a holistic approach to health, considering physical, emotional, and social determinants. It encourages activities and behaviors that maintain good health and improve quality of life, supported by wearables and wellness apps, linked to Discovery Vitality’s® wellness and active rewards program, that monitor daily activities and offer insights into overall well-being.
'Preventative Care' is the next critical stage, where the ecosystem provides tools for screening and primary care services, including AI-assisted symptom triage (Diagnostic Robotics ®) and point-of-care diagnostic devices. These proactive measures are designed to prevent illness, detect diseases early, and manage health risks before they escalate. Here, Health Coaching, a service provided By Discovery Healthcare Services, embodies the prevention agenda, by pairing members with Health coaches who can proactively guide them through their healthcare journey.
For instances requiring immediate attention, the 'Acute Care' component offers virtual care solutions such as virtual physical therapy (via. Genie Health ®) and urgent care services, ensuring that members have prompt access to medical interventions when they need them the most. Our partnerships with Recomed® and Discovery Home Health, allows members to quickly book consults and access In-home hospital services, as and when it needed.
Chronic conditions require ongoing attention, and the 'Chronic Care' facet of the ecosystem delivers with Discovery’s disease management programs and a series of third-party digital therapeutics and online-based support group functions (myHealthTeams®). These resources support individuals in managing long-term health conditions, providing personalized care plans and tools to monitor and manage their health.
Lastly, the platform addresses 'Advanced Illness & Senior Care' with services focused on palliative, hospice care, and senior care, ensuring dignity and quality of life even in the face of serious, life-limiting illnesses.
Each stage of the healthcare journey is supported by an array of devices, software applications, analytics, and care delivery services, making the Discovery Health App ecosystem a comprehensive digital health platform. This ecosystem is not just a series of disjointed services but a continuum that supports the member’s health at every point of need, ensuring an integrated, patient-centered approach to healthcare.
2. Get care: an end-to-end healthcare journey
The "Get Care" journey within the Discovery Health app is designed to provide members with a comprehensive and complete healthcare experience, focusing on delivering end-to-end care quickly and conveniently from the comfort of their homes. This seamless journey includes essential services such as immediate medical consultations, the ability to search and book appointments with healthcare professionals directly, ordering medication, and symptom checking.
The journey begins with the "Symptom Checker," a user-friendly tool powered by Diagnostic Robotics’ ® AI technology. Members can input their symptoms and receive immediate, personalized advice on the next steps, whether it's seeking urgent care, consulting a doctor, or monitoring symptoms at home.
For those moments when immediate medical advice is needed, the "Speak to a Doctor Now" feature connects members with a doctor at any time, day or night. This allows for urgent or non-urgent consultations directly through the app, ensuring that members can receive professional medical advice whenever it's needed, without leaving their homes.
In cases of medical emergencies, the "Emergency Assist" feature stands ready to provide swift assistance. With a simple tap, members can connect to emergency services, request an ambulance, and ensure that their medical records are promptly shared with the emergency team, enhancing the care they receive.
Finally, the "Online Pharmacy" service revolutionizes the way members access their medications. Prescriptions can be filled and refilled through the app, with the option for home delivery or click-and-collect. Once a doctor has prescribed medicine to the patient during a virtual consultation, the electronic prescription is uploaded to the app and con be filled from the convenience of the member’s home.
3. Virtual Physical Therapy and Genie Health®
The Discovery Health Virtual Physical Therapy program, developed in collaboration with Genie Health®, revolutionizes recovery from musculoskeletal conditions by providing personalized, evidence-based care from the comfort of home. This program kicks off with an initial assessment by a healthcare professional who then crafts a tailored plan, including exercises and therapeutic activities, leveraging Genie Health's® technology-enabled platform to connect members with the best care outcomes.
Members benefit from AI-powered guidance during their home exercises, using 2D and 3D AI motion tracking through their smartphones, ensuring precise execution of prescribed exercises. The program facilitates progress tracking, allowing for the adjustment of treatment plans based on real-time data on pain levels and range of motion, all while offering a direct communication line to the clinical care team via the Genie Health® app for ongoing support and feedback. This approach not only makes recovery more accessible and efficient but also sets a new standard for physical therapy care.
4. Mental Health and SilverCloud®
The Discovery Health Digital Mental Health program, powered by SilverCloud®, offers a revolutionary approach to managing stress, worry, and depression directly through the Discovery Health app. This program provides Discovery Health Medical Scheme members with access to a leading internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy platform, renowned for its clinically proven effectiveness and seamless integration into daily life.
a. Empowering Mental Health Management:
The program enables members to take control of their mental health by accessing the Digital Mental Health course, which utilizes SilverCloud's® evidence-based programs and tools to foster lasting change. With over 18 years of clinical research backing, SilverCloud® has positively impacted over a million users, demonstrating significant improvements in mental health outcomes.
b. What Members Gain:
The course offers a goal-based learning experience, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and positive psychology to reduce symptoms of stress, worry, and depression. Its flexible, user-friendly format supports self-paced learning, enriched with interactive activities like videos and quizzes, ideal for accommodating busy schedules or caregiving responsibilities.
c. Comprehensive Support for Enhanced Outcomes:
Each member is assigned a supporter to guide their journey, helping to set and achieve personal goals, integrate learnings into daily life, and recognize progress. This personalized support ensures members not only engage with the course content but also apply it effectively, enhancing their mental wellbeing.
This partnership between Discovery Health and SilverCloud® represents a significant advancement in accessible mental health care, enabling members to navigate and overcome mental health challenges with confidence and support.
5. Population health Management: Enabling the healthcare provider to better deliver healthcare
Discovery Health's HealthID dashboard revolutionizes patient care by providing general practitioners with actionable insights for enhancing member health outcomes. This innovative tool offers a comprehensive view of patient health metrics, enabling personalized care decisions. It streamlines patient management, identifies care opportunities, and highlights unused benefits, empowering providers to optimize health plans.
By integrating data on Chronic Illness Benefit registrations and program participation, HealthID supports effective management of chronic conditions. Screening and prevention insights encourage proactive health measures, improving member well-being. The dashboard also provides instant access to the latest pathology reports, allowing for timely adjustments to care plans.
HealthID is not just a tool; it's an initiative to drive meaningful health outcomes for members by equipping providers with the information needed to deliver targeted, effective care. Through this platform, Discovery Health is shaping a future where healthcare is more personalized, efficient, and impactful.
