Omada Health has launched a clinical trial of its Prevent app as part of an effort to widen the user base for its program to change behavior to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, according to a company statement. Although its app currently is designed for users with an elevated risk for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other obesity-related chronic diseases, it has developed a version of the app for underserved populations — Medicaid patients, those who are eligible for it, and uninsured patients.
The move is in keeping with the digital health company’s comments at the time of its $48 million fundraise in September that some of the funding would be used to develop a version of the program for Medicaid patients. Although a lot of health IT startups acknowledge the need to develop digital health products to support low-income patients with chronic conditions, relatively few companies do.
Medicaid and uninsured populations have disproportionate rates of type 2 diabetes and chronic conditions, driving up healthcare costs for safety net programs.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
The year-long trial will recruit up to 300 English and Spanish-language speakers across three sites in California and Washington state. Omada will work with The Wellness Center at LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, Northeast Valley Health Corporation in San Fernando; and a Providence Health & Services clinic in Monroe, Washington.
The California Health Care Foundation and The Kresge Foundation are partially funding the trial. Independent evaluators will monitor program enrollment, engagement, and clinical outcomes. They will also assess hospital and health system data utilization and interview provider teams for feedback. The results of the trial will be published in 2017.
Among some of the health IT startups that have addressed Medicaid populations are HealthCrowd , Wildflower Health, and Sense Health.
Photo: BigStock Photos
