HealthTap is an interactive health network and Q&A platform that connects people to 38,000 licensed doctors. Established in 2014, the company now serves over 7 million unique visitors each month and answers more than 10 million questions.
The company’s Prime subscription plan offers 24/7 access to two doctors per device, as well as tools for asking questions, getting prescriptions, making referrals and ordering lab tests. It also features reminders and a patient portal.
Screening for Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disorder that develops when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize what insulin it does produce. It can strike at any age, with most forms curable through medications and lifestyle modifications.
HealthTap provides a free Health screening for diabetes that measures blood sugar levels. Patients whose results fall below 140 mg/dL after two hours are classified as healthy; those with higher readings are diagnosed with prediabetes.
Test results that are either high or low can be discussed with your doctor to explore possible treatments that might help them remain within healthy limits. These may include diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication.
Diabetics are especially vulnerable to infections like pneumonia and hepatitis B, so they should get regular vaccinations.
Screening for High Blood Pressure
HealthTap provides screening for high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and chronic kidney disease. The platform connects customers with physicians qualified to treat their symptoms.
Blood pressure measurements are taken at the brachial artery (upper arm) with a validated and accurate device in a seated position after 5 minutes of rest. Generally, measurements are done one or two times daily or week, though they can also be spread out over more time.
Screening for high blood pressure should be a routine part of most health care checkups. According to the USPSTF, annual screening should be provided for adults aged 40 or older and those at greater risk for hypertension.
Office blood pressure often indicates true hypertension, but further testing with either an ABPM or HBPM is necessary for those with isolated elevated clinic blood pressure at initial screening. Unfortunately, these individuals are at greater risk for misdiagnosis and other harms from unnecessary drug treatment.
Screening for High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a serious health concern that impacts millions of people. It can be caused by genetics, diet and lifestyle choices.
Cholesterol is an essential molecule in our bodies that keeps cells and blood vessels functioning optimally. It also assists with hormone production, vitamin D production and bile acid formation.
When someone’s cholesterol levels are high, they put themselves at greater risk for developing heart disease and stroke. That is why having a health screening for cholesterol is so important.
A cholesterol screening involves a quick blood draw to check your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels. Your results will help your doctor decide the most effective way to treat and prevent heart disease.
Screening for Depression
Depression is a severe medical illness that causes feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can affect relationships and daily tasks alike, while worsening conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and cancer.
Studies have demonstrated that early detection and treatment of depression can improve health outcomes in many patients. Unfortunately, many primary care physicians do not recognize depression when it occurs in their patients; thus, systematic screening has been advocated as an effective solution to increasing recognition and providing appropriate treatment.
To assess the efficacy of depression screening in primary care settings, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of studies. We identified randomized trials that examined the impact of depression screening on identification, treatment or clinical outcomes.
