Discovery Health has launched an innovative new app that promises to revolutionise the way individuals access and manage their healthcare.
The Discovery Health App, introduced on the 25th of October is poised to become a personalised gateway to the healthcare system for all Discovery Health customers, offering end-to-end healthcare support and navigation. This groundbreaking digital platform introduces several first-in-South Africa innovations designed to enhance the health and well-being of its users.
The CEO of Discovery Health, Dr. Ryan Noach, expressed his enthusiasm for the app, stating, “The new Discovery Health App is the digital front door to the health system for our customers, providing a single access point through which health consumers can meet all their digital healthcare needs.” With the integration of cutting-edge digital healthcare technology and services, this app consolidates all aspects of an individual’s health in one convenient location, offering a myriad of benefits.
One of the standout features of the app is its personalised approach. The “Just For You” section provides tailored health and lifestyle recommendations, allowing users to make informed decisions about their well-being and care. This approach supports Discovery Health’s drive to deliver healthcare solutions that align with each individual’s unique needs.
In addition to these personalised features, the Discovery Health App introduces three pioneering services that are firsts in South Africa:
- Speak to a Doctor Now: This on-demand service enables users to speak to a doctor 24/7, providing immediate access to healthcare professionals. The app also includes an emergency feature that can pinpoint a user’s location and summon medical assistance when needed. In non-urgent situations, users can book appointments with healthcare professionals.
- Virtual Physical Therapy: In partnership with Genie Health, this feature offers users support for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Users can access in-app support for prescribed physical therapy exercises, with the app tracking their movements through their device’s camera. This innovative technology ensures that exercises are performed correctly, increasing the chances of a successful rehabilitation.
- Digital Therapeutics for Mental Health: With a focus on treating depression, this feature provides internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT). Considering the rising global rates of mental illness, it addresses a critical need. Users can undertake a mental wellbeing assessment, and those diagnosed with symptoms of depression can access iCBT to support their treatment. This service is provided in partnership with SilverCloud® by Amwell®, a globally digital behavioral health and wellbeing platform.
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Dr. Noach emphasised the importance of mental health care, noting that an increasing number of individuals worldwide experience mental disorders, particularly depression. In South Africa, the prevalence of mental illness has grown significantly, with depression being the most diagnosed condition.
The Discovery Health App is segmented into four main categories:
- Just For You: Offers personalised recommendations and “next best actions” based on individual needs.
- My Health: Provides access to relevant information and programs, including health checks and mental wellbeing assessments.
- My Cover: Allows users to manage their medical aid plan, view accounts, track benefits, and manage claims.
- Get Care: Facilitates access to immediate care in the healthcare system, including the “Speak To a Doctor Now” feature.
The app is seamlessly integrated into the broader Discovery digital ecosystem, enabling users to navigate between the Discovery Health App, Discovery Bank, and Discovery Corporate apps.
Dr. Noach stressed that this app aligns with the growing global trend of digital healthcare adoption, accelerated by the structural health system pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investment in digital healthcare technologies, including AI, cloud platforms, wearables, and telehealth services, has skyrocketed, and user demand for these technologies is on the rise.
Discovery Health aims to meet this demand by providing innovative tools that enhance access to healthcare and contribute to the health and well-being of their customers.
The launch of the Health App will assist Discovery in their mission to make healthcare more accessible, personalised, and convenient for its members.