Prisma Health introduces innovative medical exam kits that give patients access to critical monitoring tools at home
August 24, 2022
With a new diagnostic tool that pairs with smartphones, Prisma Health patients can now send detailed medical information like heart or lung sounds or video of ears and throats to their doctors from the comfort of their own homes for virtual telemedicine visits.
Prisma Health is the first health system in South Carolina to offer TytoCare Medical Exam Kits, which include elements such as FDA-approved stethoscope and otoscope adaptors that patients can use at home to help collect data that their providers can use to make a virtual diagnosis. The capabilities of the tool are designed to closely mimic the physical exams performed during an office visit, giving patients high-quality comprehensive health assessments and care without leaving their home. Prisma Health launched the innovative program this week across its 21-county footprint after having successfully piloted it for the past two years.
“TytoCare is a great way to supplement our current virtual care offerings and is quite easy to use. It allows us to deliver quality comprehensive care to our patients who can’t be here in person,” said Ryan Hensley, MD, a pediatrician with Prisma Health Pediatrics-Easley. “The ability to conveniently capture, share and discuss information in real-time and provide a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription, if necessary, helps to meet the needs of our patients and their families.”
The high-tech home exam kit includes a lightweight device and three attachments that collect a variety of data to assist with the virtual visit. Through a high-quality camera on the device, patients can capture and share clear, detailed images and video of ears, throat, and skin with their providers in real time. The stethoscope attachment collects sound waves to monitor the heart and lungs. TytoCare can also measure heart rate and body temperature.
Patients use the TytoCare app to connect the kit with a smartphone or tablet, so the user can securely send the information collected by the device to a Prisma Health provider through the MyChart platform. All data that is collected is encrypted, and the platform is HIPAA-compliant.
TytoCare can help healthcare providers diagnose and treat many common conditions such as:
- Allergies.
- Asthma.
- Bronchitis.
- Bug bites.
- Cold and flu.
- Constipation.
- Ear Infections.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Pinkeye.
- Rashes
- Sore throats.
- Upper respiratory infections.
The TytoCare kit has uses for patients of all ages and is helpful in multiple ways, according to Telicia Allen, MD, family medicine specialist with Keystone Family Medicine in Simpsonville.
“We know that decreased access to health care has been associated with poorer health outcomes. Sometimes for our elderly or mobility-challenged patients, that access can be affected by transportation issues and lack of family support, which can result in missed or delayed healthcare appointments. TytoCare allows for quicker, accessible evaluation of common issues without leaving the comfort of home,” she said.
Allen says the kit can even provide benefits for adults with chronic conditions, like atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. The tools in the kit enable providers to follow-up and help patients manage chronic conditions between in-person office visits. TytoCare should not be used for emergency care.
Prisma Health is offering the full kit at a discounted price of $179 through online purchase at prismahealth.org. The tools can be used during a virtual care visit with Prisma Health providers at no extra cost.
This offering is part of Prisma Health’s commitment to improve access to quality, convenient, affordable care in South Carolina. Prisma Health is a leader in virtual care, including 24/7 On Demand Video Visits through the MyChart platform.
To see which providers are using the tool, visit prismahealth.org or check with your provider directly to confirm access. For more information on Prisma Health’s virtual visits and how to purchase a TytoCare kit, visit PrismaHealth.org/TytoCare.
About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company and the largest healthcare organization in South Carolina. The company has 29,500 team members, 18 acute and specialty hospitals, 2,947 beds, 300 outpatient sites, and more than 5,100 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Along with this innovative network, Prisma Health serves almost 1.5 million unique patients annually in its 21-county market area that covers 50% of South Carolina. Prisma Health’s goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. Learn more at PrismaHealth.org.
