Categories
Digital Health MedTech

Cracking Reimbursement — Value-Based Pricing for MedTech Startups

Pricing in MedTech isn’t just a number — it’s your business model. In the EU, where public payers dominate and health systems are increasingly value-driven, getting paid requires clinical validation, health economic proof, and a clear story about long-term cost savings.

This post breaks down how to approach reimbursement and pricing for MedTech startups, with examples from DTx, devices, and AI diagnostics. We focus on the frameworks that matter and what early-stage founders must do to prepare.


1. Understand What Payers Actually Buy

Public and private payers (like insurers and national health services) don’t buy tech — they buy outcomes. Successful pricing strategies show how your product: – Improves health outcomes (efficacy) – Saves money (cost avoidance) – Improves workflow or capacity

Tip: Frame pricing in terms of cost per QALY (quality-adjusted life year) or ROI within 12–24 months.


2. Pricing Models That Work in MedTech

ModelBest forNotes
One-time saleCapital equipment, implantablesRequire large budget cycles
SubscriptionDTx, RPM, AI toolsCommon for digital health; easier for payers to adopt
Outcome-basedDigital diagnostics, chronic careReimbursed only if outcome achieved; harder to negotiate
Bundled with servicesMonitoring devices + clinical servicesEnables multi-stakeholder value delivery

Example: Kaia Health offers MSK therapy via reimbursed app + coaching in Germany, priced as monthly license.


3. EU Reimbursement Pathways to Know

Germany: DiGA Pricing

  • Startups can set their own price in the first year post-listing.
  • After 12 months, price must be negotiated with the GKV-Spitzenverband (National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds).
  • Must show comparative evidence vs standard of care.

Caution: DiGA price averages dropped 30% post-negotiation in 2024 (IQVIA DiGA Report).

France: PECAN / LPPR

  • PECAN pilot covers early-stage pricing with proof-of-concept.
  • Long-term reimbursement requires HTA via HAS and inclusion on LPPR list.
  • Prices often benchmarked to existing therapies.

UK: NICE HTA and Value-Based Pricing

  • NICE uses cost-effectiveness models (e.g., ICER thresholds: ~£20k–£30k per QALY).
  • Pilots with NHS can inform real-world pricing.
  • Commercial frameworks like NHS England’s MIA allow negotiated price-volume deals.

4. Building Your Reimbursement Strategy Early

a. Collect Health Economics Evidence

  • Use budget impact models (BIMs)
  • Simulate payer scenarios: what happens if 1,000 patients adopt your solution?

b. Start Conversations With Payers

  • Germany: GKV associations
  • France: CNAM and HAS
  • UK: NICE and NHS regional leads

c. Use External Tools

  • Partner with health economics consultancies like Coreva Scientific
  • Validate models with HTA reviewers and KOLs

5. Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pricing too high without evidence → rejection by payers
  • Free pilots without contract conversion → unsustainable
  • Lack of cost comparator → HTA rejection
  • Misunderstanding budget holder (hospital vs insurer)

Insight: In France, even successful pilots stalled due to unclear budget responsibility between national and regional health bodies.


Quick Reference Table: National Pricing Characteristics

CountryNegotiation BodyModelNotes
GermanyGKVPost-listing price setDiGA pricing volatile post-year one
FranceHAS / CNAMCase-by-casePECAN pilots used for prep
UKNICE / ICSValue-basedUses QALY model and ROI thresholds

Final Takeaways for MedTech Startups

  • Start pricing strategy early — not after CE mark
  • Understand payer incentives and outcome expectations
  • Prepare BIMs and value dossiers during pilot phase

Up next in the series: 📌 Commercial Channels That Actually Work in MedTech

This content has been enhanced with GenAI tools.

Categories
Digital Health MedTech

Market Access in Europe — What Founders Need to Know

Getting into the hospital is no longer the endgame. For MedTech startups in Europe, getting reimbursed — and doing so consistently across fragmented markets — is what separates hobby projects from scalable businesses.

In this second post of our series, we dive into the European market access landscape for medical devices and digital health, with a founder-focused lens on systems in Germany, France, the UK, and Nordic/CEE markets.


1. Germany: DiGA and the Fast Track for Digital Health

Germany remains Europe’s most structured digital reimbursement market thanks to the DiGA Fast Track, launched in 2020 by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

What qualifies: Apps or software-based interventions classified as low-risk medical devices (Class I or IIa under MDR).
Who pays: Statutory health insurance (covers 73M+ Germans).

Key Steps: 1. CE Marking as a medical device 2. Apply for DiGA listing (provisional or permanent) 3. Submit evidence (clinical, economic, usability)

Success story: Selfapy — a digital mental health therapy platform — was listed in 2022 and now reimbursed nationally.

Caution: Only 55 apps were listed as of mid-2025, with >40% later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence or pricing issues.


2. France: PECAN Pathway and Public Evaluation

France doesn’t have a DiGA equivalent yet, but the new PECAN pilot launched in 2023 offers early funding for digital therapeutics.

Agencies involved:HAS (clinical evaluation) – CNAM (payer negotiations)

Key routes for market access: – PECAN for DTx and AI diagnostics (pilot program) – LPPR for physical devices (Listing for reimbursement)

Tip: Leverage French Tech Health20 status to speed up access via Bpifrance support.


3. United Kingdom: NICE, NHS Pathways, and DTAC

In the UK, access is driven by public health pilots and evidence-based appraisals.

Key frameworks:NICE DHT Evidence StandardsNHS DTAC (Digital Technology Assessment Criteria)

Best path for startups: 1. Pilot with NHS via accelerators like NHS Innovation Accelerator 2. Gather local data and enter NICE appraisal 3. Align with Integrated Care Systems for regional deployment

Example: Huma has scaled UK pilots into global expansion after evidence-driven adoption in NHS settings.


4. Nordics: Digital-First, But Decentralized

Sweden, Denmark, and Finland lead in digital infrastructure but lack a unified reimbursement track.

Approach: – Run local hospital pilots (funded by Vinnova, Business Finland) – Engage with regional procurement bodies

Tip: Nordic health systems value co-creation and evidence transparency over hype.


5. Central & Eastern Europe: EU-Backed Access with Cost Advantage

In Poland, Romania, and Czechia, adoption is slower but aided by EU structural funds.

Tactics that work: – Partner with local CROs or academic hospitals – Position for structural fund-backed pilots – Focus on affordability + clinical value

Note: EIT Health plays an active role in startup acceleration and validation across CEE.


Summary Table: Market Access Pathways by Country

CountryKey FrameworkEntry PointReimburses Digital?
GermanyDiGABfArM application✅ Yes
FrancePECAN / LPPRHAS + CNAM⚠️ In pilot
UKNICE / DTACNHS pilot + ICS✅ If evidence exists
SwedenLocal procurementRegional pilots❌ No central track
Poland/CEEEU-backed pilotsAcademic/hospital use❌ Not at scale

Takeaways for Founders

  • Don’t treat Europe as one market — the access frameworks are radically different.
  • Start with pilots and evidence in 1–2 strategic countries.
  • Use programs like DiGA and PECAN if applicable, but expect pricing pressure and compliance overhead.

Up next in the series: 📌 Cracking Reimbursement — Value-Based Pricing for MedTech Startups

This content has been enhanced with GenAI tools.

Categories
Digital Health MedTech

The MedTech Go-to-Market Playbook (2025 Edition)

Breaking into healthcare is hard. Breaking into MedTech is harder — thanks to complex regulations, long sales cycles, and conservative procurement paths. For early-stage medtech startups, choosing the right go-to-market (GTM) strategy can be the difference between scaling and stalling.

This guide breaks down the GTM playbook for MedTech in 2025, with a focus on startups launching in Europe and beyond. Based on real-world cases and regulatory insights, it’s built for those bringing medical devices, diagnostics, SaMD, or digital therapeutics (DTx) to market.


1. Choosing Your Commercial Model

Startups typically consider three primary go-to-market approaches:

1. Direct Sales (Field Reps, Clinical Liaisons)

  • Best for: High-margin products requiring clinician education (e.g. surgical robotics, diagnostics)
  • Challenges: Expensive ramp-up, long hiring timelines, regulatory training

2. Distributor & Channel Partnerships

  • Best for: Physical devices, CE-marked products in new geographies
  • Challenges: Less control over brand, data access, or customer experience

Example: Aidar Health used local channel partners to launch its multi-parameter diagnostic device in the EU before expanding direct.

3. Hybrid Model (Digital + Field, Centers of Excellence)

  • Best for: DTx, connected devices, AI-enabled diagnostics
  • Combine inbound marketing, centralized KOL outreach, virtual demos, and sales hubs

Example: Kaia Health built its GTM around remote clinical onboarding + digital HCP engagement, reducing cost-per-acquisition in Germany.


2. B2B vs B2C vs B2B2C in MedTech

MedTech isn’t one market — it’s multiple buyer archetypes:

ModelBuyerExampleRisk
B2BHospitals, GPOsSurgical robots, AI diagnosticsLong cycles, tender processes
B2CPatientsWearables, chronic disease appsAcquisition cost, compliance
B2B2CEmployers, insurersDTx, remote monitoringValue-based outcomes required

Key takeaway: Align GTM strategy to your reimbursement model and data capture capabilities.


3. Launch Sequence: What Comes First

Here’s a 4-step playbook most successful medtech startups follow:

Step 1: Identify Use Case + Early Adopter Segment

  • Focus on a narrow clinical pathway (e.g. remote respiratory monitoring in COPD)
  • Validate with 3–5 pilot sites

Step 2: Secure Certification or Reimbursement Milestone

  • EU: CE Mark under MDR, DiGA listing in Germany
  • UK: NICE DHT Evidence Standards
  • US: FDA 510(k) or De Novo

Step 3: Establish Clinical + Economic Credibility

  • Publish real-world evidence or observational data
  • Prepare short HTA dossiers (see EUnetHTA)

Step 4: Build Repeatable GTM Engine

  • Onboard 2–3 KOLs as advisors
  • Launch pilot-to-procurement playbook
  • Invest in sales enablement tools (e.g. Showpad, Veeva)

4. The Rise of Digital-First MedTech GTM

  • Virtual engagement is now table stakes. Over 70% of HCPs prefer virtual or hybrid touchpoints post-COVID (Accenture Life Sciences Report).
  • AI-powered reps, modular education, and asynchronous demos are outperforming live-only tactics.
  • Tools like ExplORer Surgical are now used in complex OR sales motions.

5. Budget Benchmarks for GTM Readiness

For pre-Series A startups, GTM budgets vary by model:

GTM ModelTypical Budget (Year 1)Headcount
Direct sales€300K–€1M3–5 reps
Distributor€100K–€250K1–2 BD FTEs
Hybrid/Digital€150K–€500KGrowth + Med affairs + digital comms

Up Next in the Series

📌 Post 2: Market Access in Europe — What Founders Need to Know
We’ll explore DiGA (Germany), PECAN (France), NICE (UK), and how early-stage companies can position for public system adoption.

Explore related reading: – Bigfoot Biomedical’s GTM modelPear Therapeutics: Why commercialization failed

This content has been enhanced with GenAI tools.

Categories
Digital Health MedTech

EU Digital Health Funding Landscape 2025: Where and How to Raise Capital in Europe

With over €20 billion in public and private capital flowing into digital health ventures since 2020, the European Union has become a strategic launchpad for healthtech founders. But where exactly does this capital come from? And what’s the smartest path for early-stage startups looking to digital health funding?

This in-depth guide breaks down the EU digital health funding landscape in 2025 — covering both EU-level grants (like Horizon Europe, EU4Health, and the EIC Accelerator) and national innovation programs (from France’s Bpifrance to Germany’s HTGF). We also map out the private funding scene, spotlighting active VCs and corporate funds, and show how EU regulations like MDR and GDPR influence access to capital.

Whether you’re applying for your first public grant, looking to raise a blended round, or building a scalable platform for regulated care — this guide is for you.

The Big Picture: Why EU Digital Health Funding Matters in 2025

In 2024 alone, startups in Europe raised $4.8 billion in digital health VC — a 27% YoY increase (Galen Growth). Mega-rounds like Alan (€193M), Ōura (€200M), and Flo Health ($200M) highlighted the growing maturity of the region.

Public funding is also expanding. The European Commission committed over €14 billion to digital health via Horizon Europe, EU4Health, and the Digital Europe Programme. Countries like France, Germany, and the Nordics doubled down on national programs for startups, especially those focused on regulated innovation (e.g. DTx, AI diagnostics, RPM).

But with increased capital comes increased complexity: understanding how to access the right programs, meet regulatory expectations, and position your startup for both grants and venture capital is essential.

EU-Level Public Funding: Key Programs for Startups

1. Horizon Europe

The EU’s flagship R&D program with a €95.5 billion budget, Horizon Europe funds large-scale innovation consortia. While not startup-specific, early-stage digital health ventures can access funds by partnering in consortium projects (e.g. under Cluster 1: Health).

Pro tip: Join a consortium via national contact points or through platforms like CORDIS.

2. EIC Accelerator

For high-risk, high-impact innovation, the EIC Accelerator offers up to €2.5M in grant + €15M in equity. In 2024, only 71 out of 1,211 applicants (≈5.9%) were selected (EIC Results).

Eligible: single startups incorporated in the EU.
Selection: based on scalability, scientific merit, and impact.

3. EU4Health

A €4.4 billion program supporting digital infrastructure, health data, and cross-border health services. Includes funding for the upcoming European Health Data Space (EHDS).

Best fit: startups providing EHR, interoperability, cybersecurity, or public health software.

4. Digital Europe Programme

Targets adoption of digital capabilities like AI and cybersecurity. Useful for startups bridging research and deployment.

National-Level Public Funding: Country Breakdown

France – Bpifrance and France 2030

  • Over €2.3B deployed into health innovation via Bpifrance since 2021.
  • Grant programs: i-Lab, i-Nov, French Tech Emergence.
  • Digital Health Acceleration Strategy under France 2030.

Germany – High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF)

UK – Innovate UK

  • Smart Grants up to £2M.
  • Health-specific challenges (e.g. mental health, aging tech).
  • Access to NHS pilots via NIHR, NHS Innovation Accelerator.

Nordics (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway)

  • Innovation agencies (e.g. Business Finland, Vinnova) offer R&D grants, public co-investment.
  • Highly digital healthcare systems ideal for pilots.

CEE (Poland, Estonia, Czechia, etc.)

  • Heavy use of EU structural funds via EIT Health and local programs.
  • Lower VC volumes but rising interest from pan-European funds.

Private Capital: VC and Corporate Investors in Digital Health

Top early-stage investors active in EU digital health (2024–2025):

VC/InvestorHQNotes
BpifranceFRPublic VC, top deal count in Europe
Octopus VenturesUKHealthtech-focused team, 7 deals in 2024
Heal CapitalDEBacked by German insurers
MTIPCHDigital health scale-up investor
Nina CapitalESSpecialized in early-stage health tech
Khosla VenturesUSActive in EU AI health rounds
Wellington PartnersDEKnown for Temedica, Kaia Health

EU Regulations and Their Impact on Fundraising

MDR (Medical Device Regulation)

If your product qualifies as a medical device (e.g. AI diagnostics, digital therapeutics), you must comply with MDR to enter the EU market.

Pro tip: CE-marked startups are more likely to receive both VC and public funding.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Strong privacy and data governance are mandatory. Consider external audits, ISO27001 certification, and working with GDPR Sandboxes in countries like France or Spain.

EHDS (European Health Data Space)

Coming 2025, EHDS will define interoperability and data-sharing standards across Europe. Compliance could unlock access to new tenders and cross-border pilots.

2025 Outlook: Trends and Opportunities

  • AI dominance: ~60% of 2025 funding so far went to AI-driven health ventures (CB Insights).
  • Public-private blending: More startups combining EU grants + VC in same round.
  • Reimbursement as ROI: Germany (DiGA), France (PECAN), and Nordics offer clear digital reimbursement paths — critical for Series A+ readiness.
  • CEE Rising: Low costs + EU funds = surge of new startups in Poland, Romania, Hungary.

FAQs

What are the best EU digital health funding programs for early-stage startups?

Top options: EIC Accelerator, EU4Health, national innovation agencies (Bpifrance, HTGF), and Digital Europe grants for AI/infra.

How competitive are EU public grants?

Highly. For example, the EIC Accelerator had ~5.9% success in 2024 (source). “Seal of Excellence” can still unlock national funds.

Which EU country is best for starting a digital health company?

France (strong grants), Germany (DiGA reimbursement), UK (private VC and NHS pilots), Nordics (public adoption), and Poland (cost and EU access).

Want to go deeper into commercialization, regulatory strategy, or fundraising? Explore our insights on how Bigfoot Biomedical built a commercial model around a digital-first insulin delivery system and why Pear Therapeutics failed to secure sustainable revenue despite FDA-approved DTx.

This content has been enhanced by GenAI tools.

Categories
MedTech

What Is MedTech? A Beginner’s Guide to Medical Technology

The intersection of medicine and technology is rapidly transforming healthcare worldwide. If you’ve ever wondered, what is MedTech?, you’re not alone. This beginner’s guide explores the definition, industry scope, and the latest trends shaping medical technology today.

What Is MedTech?

MedTech—short for medical technology—refers to the vast range of products, services, and solutions that leverage technology to diagnose, monitor, treat, and improve patient health outcomes. MedTech encompasses everything from simple tools like thermometers and bandages to complex innovations such as MRI machines, surgical robots, and AI-powered diagnostic platforms.

“Medical technologies are products, services or solutions used to save and improve people’s lives.”
MedTech Europe

Key MedTech Categories

  • Medical Devices: Instruments and machines used in diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring (e.g., pacemakers, CT scanners, insulin pumps).
  • In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD): Laboratory tests and equipment for analyzing blood, tissue, or other samples.
  • Digital Health Solutions: Software and connected devices for remote monitoring, telehealth, and electronic health records.
  • Implantable Devices: Artificial joints, stents, and other devices placed inside the body.

Industry Scope

The MedTech industry is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, serving hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and home care settings. Its scope includes:

  • Patient Diagnostics: Tools for early and accurate disease detection (e.g., imaging systems, point-of-care diagnostics).
  • Therapeutic Devices: Equipment for surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management.
  • Monitoring & Wearables: Devices for continuous tracking of vital signs, glucose levels, or cardiac rhythms.
  • Connected Care: Integration of devices and data for seamless patient management and improved outcomes.

MedTech is distinct from HealthTech, which focuses more on consumer-facing digital health apps and telemedicine. MedTech primarily empowers healthcare professionals with advanced tools for clinical care.

Global Impact

The MedTech sector demonstrated resilience and growth in 2024, achieving a robust 5–7% annual growth rate despite global economic pressures. Demand is surging for wearable devices, AI-enabled diagnostics, and minimally invasive procedures, especially in emerging markets where access and affordability are critical priorities.

The MedTech landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Here are the most influential trends shaping the industry:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI is revolutionizing diagnostics, imaging, and workflow automation. AI-powered tools help clinicians detect diseases earlier, improve diagnostic accuracy, and streamline administrative tasks. The adoption of AI in healthcare operations is projected to grow at an annual rate of over 30%.

2. Connected Devices and Home Healthcare

Wearable devices and remote monitoring solutions are empowering patients to manage their health at home. Edge computing and IoT-enabled devices provide real-time data to clinicians, supporting proactive care and reducing hospital visits.

3. Minimally Invasive and Patient-Centric Solutions

Technologies that reduce recovery times and improve patient comfort—such as robotic surgery and advanced imaging—are in high demand. The market for minimally invasive devices is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12-15% through 2025.

4. Data Security and Regulatory Compliance

With the expansion of digital health platforms, cybersecurity and regulatory oversight are top priorities. Investments in AI-powered threat detection and compliance tools are rising to safeguard sensitive medical data and meet evolving industry standards.

5. Global Expansion and Access

Emerging markets are driving growth through investments in healthcare infrastructure and affordable medical technologies. Companies are focusing on scalable, cost-effective solutions to reach underserved populations worldwide.

Conclusion

MedTech is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, blending advanced technology with clinical expertise to enhance patient care. From AI-driven diagnostics to connected home health devices, the industry is shaping a future where healthcare is more precise, accessible, and patient-centered than ever before.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, industry stakeholder, or curious newcomer, understanding what is MedTech is essential for navigating the evolving landscape of modern medicine.

References

  1. MedTech Europe – What is Medical Technology?
  2. FDA – What Are Medical Devices?
  3. Mayo Clinic – Wearable Technology in Healthcare
  4. Deloitte – 2024 Global MedTech Industry Outlook
  5. McKinsey – MedTech in Emerging Markets
  6. Nature – Artificial Intelligence in Medical Devices
  7. Statista – AI in Healthcare Market Size
  8. Forbes – The Rise Of Connected Medical Devices
  9. MarketsandMarkets – Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments Market
  10. Healthcare IT News – Cybersecurity in MedTech
  11. PwC – Medical Device Regulation
  12. WHO – Medical Devices: Managing the Mismatch

This content has been enhanced with GenAI tools.

Categories
Digital Health

23andMe Unveils Total Health to Become a HealthTech Company

23andMe, renowned for ancestry tracing, steps into healthcare with “Total Health”, a service set to decode your health secrets embedded in your genes for $1,188 a year.

23andme offering. Source: 23andme

This leap from mere curiosity to actionable health insights exemplifies 23andMe’s ethos of evolving with scientific advancements. It also addresses earlier concerns on the misinterpretation of the data, false positives, and consumers left without healthcare professional support that the company faced in the past.

23andme TotalHealth screenshots. Source: 23andme
23andMe journey into healthcare:
  • 2006: Founded with the aim to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome.
  • 2007: Launched Personal Genome Service.
  • 2013: FDA issues a warning letter prohibiting marketing of the Saliva Collection Kit and PGS until it received proper marketing authorization for the device
  • 2015: FDA authorized the marketing of a Bloom Syndrome carrier test, marking a significant regulatory milestone.
  • 2017: Expanded to offer risk reports for conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
  • 2021: Acquired Lemonaid Health, stepping into telehealth.
  • 2023: Launches Total Health, transitioning into a holistic healthcare provider.

Total Health, employing exome sequencing, unravels the entire protein-coding region of your DNA, spotlighting “actionable” genes. With healthcare practitioners on board, 23andMe’s endeavor isn’t just to hand over a report, but to guide you through a personalized health regimen, marking a significant stride in proactive healthcare.

This service, available from November seems to be a significant milestone in pivoting 23andme from scientific entertainment and curiosity, towards a proper healthcare service.

Categories
Digital Health MedTech

The Top 10 Medical Devices Types Revolutionizing Digital Health in 2023

Digital health in 2023 continues to advance rapidly. Medical devices that utilize digital technology are becoming increasingly popular and offer a wide range of benefits, including improved accuracy, increased convenience, and greater efficiency. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 medical devices revolutionizing digital health in 2023.

Smart Inhalers

Smart inhalers are innovative medical devices that can help patients manage their asthma and other respiratory conditions more effectively. These devices are equipped with sensors that can track the usage of the inhaler, monitor patient symptoms, and provide feedback to help optimize treatment plans.

Wearable Glucose Monitors

Wearable glucose monitors are becoming increasingly popular for individuals with diabetes. These devices provide continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels and can alert the wearer when their levels are too high or too low, allowing for more timely and effective management of the condition.

Remote Patient Monitoring Systems

Remote patient monitoring systems enable healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving patient outcomes. These systems typically involve wearable devices that can track vital signs, medication adherence, and other health metrics.

Virtual Reality Therapy Devices

Virtual reality therapy devices are a new and innovative way to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and PTSD. These devices allow patients to immerse themselves in a virtual environment, providing a safe and controlled space to address and overcome their fears.

Portable Ultrasound Machines

Portable ultrasound machines are an exciting development in medical imaging technology, allowing for easier and more accessible imaging in a range of clinical settings. These devices are also more cost-effective than traditional ultrasound machines, making them valuable tools for healthcare providers.

  • Philips CX50
  • Chison Sonobook 9
  • Mindray M7
  • GE Logiq e

AI-Powered Diagnostics Tools

AI-powered diagnostics tools are changing the game when it comes to early disease detection and diagnosis. These devices can analyze large amounts of data to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a health condition, enabling earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Smart Pill Bottles

Smart pill bottles are an excellent tool for medication adherence, particularly for patients with chronic conditions who need to take multiple medications. These devices can track medication usage, remind patients to take their medication and alert healthcare providers if medication is missed

Robotic Exoskeletons

Robotic exoskeletons are a new and exciting development in the field of physical therapy. These devices can assist patients with mobility issues, providing support and assistance with movement and helping to reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.

Wireless ECG Monitors

Wireless ECG monitors are a convenient and effective way to monitor cardiac health. These devices can be worn for extended periods, providing continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm, and alerting healthcare providers to potential issues in real time.

Smart Contact Lenses

Smart contact lenses are an exciting new development in digital health, allowing for continuous monitoring of a range of health metrics, including glucose levels, intraocular pressure, and other vital signs. These devices could have a significant impact on patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic conditions. We have seen early pioneers (Alcon+Verily, Mojo) failing to deliver on their promises, but the platform has its potential and the research continues. The most recent advance was when the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) scientists led by Dr. Seol Seung-Kwon and Professor Lim-Doo Jeong made a significant step forward in 3D-printed smart lenses.

Medical devices are revolutionizing digital health in 2023, offering patients and healthcare providers new tools to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and increase access to care. From wearable glucose monitors to smart inhalers and AI-powered diagnostics tools, the future of digital health looks bright. Are you working on any of the trends above? Do you have a new disrupting healthcare technology in mind? Let us know!

Categories
Digital Health

Germany leading in DTx reimbursement with 42 DiGA-approved apps

With four more Digital Therapeutics (DTx) added in January, Germany is a leader in reimbursing of prescribed digital health applications. The DiGA directory lists now 42 digital therapeutics available to be prescribed and reimbursed for German patients.

It has been almost two years since we have been discussing the approval of Deprexis, the 11th DiGA-approved digital therapeutics. The pace of the German regulator, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) increased dramatically.

BfArM has so far received 165 applications. By the 22nd of February 2023, there were 43 positive decisions. Sixteen DTx are DiGA-approved permanently, 27 are approved provisionally (gathering additional RWE), and five were removed from the directory (two of them on developer request).

BfArM - DiGA assessment of digital therapeutics results
BfArM – DiGA assessment of digital therapeutics results

How to get a digital health application (DiGA) in Germany?

  1. Arrange a doctor’s appointment

    It is best to let your doctor advise you on your desired DiGA DTx.

  2. Get a prescription

    You get a red prescription. If you do not receive one, the health insurance company can also pay for the DiGA without a prescription.

  3. Submit

    Submit the prescription to your health insurance company (Krankenkasse). This can be done online. If in doubt, contact customer service.

  4. Receive code

    Your cash register will send you an activation code for three months (90 days) of DiGA usage. After that, you will need to submit a prescription again.

  5. Download the app

    Download the app to your mobile phone. Every DiGA is available in the google play store or app store. Some can also be used via browser.

  6. Enter code

    Where exactly you have to enter the code in the app depends on the DiGA. However, the application should query for the code itself.

Categories
MedTech

What is MedTech all about?

You can read a lot about MedTech. There are websites (like disrupting healthcare), news resources, and companies focused on one thing. MedTech. But what is MedTech? What does a MedTech company do? Is Medtech in a hospital or can you have it at home, on your wrist, or inside your body?

To make your journey into the world of MedTech easier, let’s discuss basic facts about MedTech.

Photo by Natanael Melchor on Unsplash

What is MedTech?

It is just an ugly abbreviation. MedTech stands for medical technology. And as you can guess there are very many technologies in the medical sector.

What are medical technologies?

MedTech is a very wide subject, but it can be categorized into three categories.

  1. Medical Devices
  2. In-vitro Diagnostics (IVDs)
  3. Digital Health Solutions  and Digital Therapeutics (DTx)

What are Medical Devices?

Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

Medical Devices is yet another very wide term in the MedTech world. It covers any product, service, or solution used to prevent, diagnose, monitor, or treat people. As you can now understand, it can be literally anything, an instrument, appliance, software, implant, reagent, material, or even a service for processing some vital data. Under Medical Devices, you will find all known gadgets of the medical profession, syringes, needles, stethoscopes, big machines to perform X-Ray or MRI, or the special chair in your dentist. Wheelchairs and canes, and hospital beds are also medical devices. And of course, everything that can be put on or in your body in medical procedure – sensors, cardiac pacemakers, and so on.

To become a Medical Device and be used in a healthcare setting, an object or service has to meet certain regulations to ensure its safety and reliability.

What is In Vitro Diagnostics?

Photo by Testalize.me on Unsplash

In vitro means literally in the glass. In vitro diagnostics (IVD) is any diagnostic procedure taken outside of the patient body. It is a non-invasive test made on a sample taken from your body, used to determine the status of a patient’s health. The sample can be blood, urine, tissue, or saliva. COVID-19 tests are IVDs. IVD never comes into direct contact with a person, they provide information based on scientific measurement of the sample. IVDs are not used for treatment, they are supposed to inform patients and healthcare professionals to make decisions.

What is Digital Health?

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Digital Health covers all tools and services that combine information and communication technologies in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Digital Health plays an increasingly important role in healthcare. It allows for gathering and analyzing health data on an unprecedented scale, allowing scientists to discover patterns and insights. Digital Health speeds up and facilitates research and development of new therapies. It also allows remote monitoring of vital signs, early prevention and diagnosis, and at-home or ambulatory treatment. Finally, there are specific Digital Health solutions called Digital Therapeutics (DTx). Digital Therapeutics is usually Software as Medical Device – or in layman’s terms software application, that can be prescribed and used as medicine. There are more and more such DTx available, we have been covering examples such as Deprexis and NOCD.

What is MedTech – summary


Now, you know what is MedTech! It is any technology that is used in healthcare. MedTech covers Medical Devices, In vitro Diagnostics and Digital Health Solutions. On disrupting.healthcare we discuss MedTech with a focus on Digital Health on the exciting journey to improve the health and well-being of patients around the world.  

Categories
Digital Health

Meet Troy Tazbaz, a new director of the FDA Digital Health CoE

Troy Tazbaz Linkedin profile. Source: Linkedin

Troy Tazbaz has been appointed as a Director of the Digital Health Center of Excellence at the FDA. Mr. Tazbaz combines a long career in IT with long and personal involvement in healthcare.

Most media outlets focus on Mr. Tazbaz’s recent career as a cloud infrastructure at Oracle and earlier at social software Ning. For us, however, the most important is his voluntary and very personal engagement in patient care, especially in Hematology and Oncology.

Since 2010 Troy Tazbaz has been involved in campaigning for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a Patient Advocacy Group, and the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancer. Since 1949, the LLS has donated over $1.6 billion to support research on leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma.

Mr. Tazbaz has very personal experience in oncology treatment and care. He was supporting his wife, Brynn Fowler in her patient journey as documented on her blog, The Millenial with Cancer. Mrs. Fowler was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer at the age 37. Now, after Mrs. Fowler has passed away, the website is still maintained by Mr. Tazbaz as The Continuum Diaries.

FDA DHCoE Infographics. Source: FDA.gov

FDA Digital Health Center of Excellence is part of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). It is responsible for envisioning a future of safe and effective healthcare delivery with a focus on advancing public health goals with the use of technology. It performs technology evaluation, policy development, and strategic partnerships, as well as maintains a network of Digital Health experts.