Former Google, Facebook employees bring tech-enabled concierge medical practice Forward to LA

Forward, a San Francisco-based startup, recently opened a concierge medical practice in the Westfield Century City mall in Los Angeles, marking its first location outside of San Francisco, TechCrunch reports.

Forward was developed by former employees from Google, Facebook and Uber. Its founder and CEO, Adrian Aoun, a former Google employee, was inspired to create Forward after realizing the difficulties involved in navigating the healthcare system when one of his relatives suffered a heart attack.

Here are four things to know about Forward.

1. Forward launched its first location in San Francisco Jan. 17. The technology-focused physician's office includes full-body diagnostic tools, genetic testing and a touch-screen display monitor in the exam room, which uses artificial intelligence to listen to physician-patient conversations to take notes in real-time.

2. A key feature Forward's leadership highlights is the startup's full body scanner, which collects vital signs like temperature, pulse and weight. This information is delivered to a physician, who is able to access the data in the exam room, and the patient, who is able to access the data via mobile app.

3. The $149 monthly membership fee covers "unlimited access to ... medical staff; baseline screening; blood and genetic testing; wellness and nutrition counseling; and ongoing monitoring from wearable sensors provided at the clinic," according to TechCrunch.  Mr. Aoun told TechCrunch roughly 15 percent of Forward's early users are from underserved communities, who received membership for free.

4. Mr. Aoun told TechCrunch he plans to add vitamins, supplements and wearables to Forward's onsite store in the future. He's also interested in expanding services with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars