Devon Blog

Tag: diagnosis

  • Mental Health Screenings with CarePlus

    Bringing Proactive Mental Health Detection into Primary Care

    📊 The Need Is Urgent and Growing

    More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, yet over 50% go undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD can severely impact quality of life and physical health when left unaddressed. Delays in diagnosis often result in higher healthcare costs, emergency interventions, and avoidable chronic disease exacerbation.

    Despite the scale of this crisis, most primary care clinics lack the tools to effectively screen for mental health conditions during routine visits.

    💡 CarePlus Makes Mental Health Screening Simple, Scalable, and Effective

    CarePlus by HealthOcta integrates evidence-based mental health screenings directly into the annual wellness visit—empowering primary care providers (PCPs) to detect early warning signs of mental illness in minutes, using standardized tools and remote assessments.

    How It Works:

    1. Patients self-administer brief digital questionnaires (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) at the clinic or via tablet during intake.
    2. Responses are securely reviewed by licensed mental health professionals through the CarePlus platform.
    3. PCPs receive a clinical summary with risk stratification and referral guidance.
    4. High-risk patients are flagged for follow-up or referral to in-network behavioral health providers.
    5. The entire process is reimbursable through existing preventive care billing codes.

    🎯 What Makes This Different?

    • No additional staff required: seamlessly fits into existing checkup workflows
    • No medical device needed: only a digital form and clinical review
    • Clinical-grade accuracy: based on validated diagnostic tools
    • Remote consultation model: mirrors our success with diabetic retinopathy screenings
    • Fully compliant & secure: HIPAA-compliant infrastructure and workflows

    🏥 Why It Elevates Care Quality

    • Earlier diagnosis → patients get help before symptoms worsen
    • Lower stigma → mental health becomes a standard, routine part of care
    • Continuity of care → PCPs stay involved throughout the mental health journey
    • Better outcomes → reduces hospitalizations, absenteeism, and crisis care
    • Lower cost of care → improves payer ROI through prevention

    ✅ Screen for the Most Prevalent Conditions

    ConditionScreening ToolU.S. Adults AffectedAvg. Detection Time w/o Screening
    DepressionPHQ-921 millionOften >6 months
    AnxietyGAD-740 millionOften >12 months
    Stress & BurnoutPSS70 million (est.)Rarely detected formally
    PTSDPCL-58 millionFrequently missed in PCP visits

    🚀 Bring Mental Health to the Frontline of Preventive Care

    CarePlus enables you to close care gaps, reduce silent suffering, and provide whole-person care—all without adding operational complexity.

    📞 Contact us to integrate mental health screenings into your practice
    📧 [email protected] | 📍 Serving clinics nationwide

  • Need a Second Opinion? Here’s Why More Patients Are Turning to eClinics by HealthOcta

    When it comes to your health, uncertainty is not an option. If you’ve been given a diagnosis you’re unsure about, or you’re facing a serious treatment decision, getting a second opinion can provide clarity, confidence, and in some cases, a completely different direction.

    But in the traditional healthcare system, getting a second opinion often takes weeks. You need referrals, approvals, and the patience to navigate scheduling bottlenecks. If you’re uninsured or paying out of pocket, it can be even harder to access the expertise you need.

    That’s where eClinics by HealthOcta comes in.

    Second opinions, without the wait

    eClinics by HealthOcta is a virtual care platform that gives you direct access to licensed doctors—including specialists—without needing insurance or referrals. You browse profiles, choose a provider based on their background and experience, and book a consult on your time. It’s pay-per-consult, with upfront pricing and no hidden charges.

    Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, a recent diagnosis, or a recommendation for surgery, you can speak with a qualified expert who listens carefully, reviews your history, and gives you real feedback.

    Why second opinions matter

    Second opinions aren’t just about peace of mind. They often lead to better outcomes. Studies have shown that when patients seek a second opinion:

    • 15–30% receive a changed or refined diagnosis
    • More than 60% receive a modified treatment plan
    • Some patients are able to avoid unnecessary procedures altogether

    In many cases, it’s not that the first doctor was wrong. It’s that medicine is complex, and perspectives differ. A second pair of eyes can reveal things that were missed—or offer a simpler, less invasive solution.

    Global access to specialists

    One of the advantages of eClinics by HealthOcta is that you’re not limited to specialists in your city or your network. You can consult with doctors across the country or even across borders. Many are internationally trained, have U.S. board certifications, or have years of experience managing exactly the condition you’re dealing with.

    This matters if you:

    • Live in a rural area or a small town
    • Don’t want to wait weeks for an in-network referral
    • Want the input of someone with a different medical background
    • Need an expert in a specific subspecialty that’s not locally available

    No insurance? No problem.

    Traditional second opinions often require insurance approvals, copays, or travel. With eClinics, you skip the bureaucracy entirely. Everything is paid directly between you and the provider. You know the cost before you book. You’re not locked into long-term plans or subscriptions. You pay only when you need care.

    For patients with high-deductible plans or no insurance at all, this model removes the friction. It puts you back in control of your health.

    Built for people who want answers, not obstacles

    If you’ve ever left a medical appointment with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. eClinics is designed for people who want clear, expert guidance without the delays and barriers of traditional care.

    You’re not rushed. You’re not navigating a call center or portal. You’re speaking with a medical professional who’s there to listen and respond—on your terms.

    Take the next step

    Getting a second opinion used to be a hassle. Now it’s a few clicks away. eClinics by HealthOcta makes it easier to be informed, proactive, and confident in your medical decisions. It’s a simple platform built around your needs—not insurance networks, hospital systems, or outdated rules.

    When it comes to your health, more clarity is never a bad idea.

  • Why Patients are frustrated with Healthcare and How eClinics by HealthOcta offers a Better Way

    Healthcare today is broken for a lot of people. Appointments take too long. Prices are confusing. Insurance creates more problems than it solves. Most patients just want clear answers, affordable care, and someone who listens. Instead, they often face delays, dead ends, and costs they didn’t see coming.

    We’re creating eClinics by HealthOcta (expected to launch by September 2025) to change that.

    One of the biggest frustrations people face is how long it takes to get help. It’s not uncommon to wait two to four weeks for a basic appointment. Seeing a specialist can take even longer. In that time, your symptoms could worsen, your anxiety builds, and your options shrink. With eClinics, you can often speak to a doctor within a day or two. You choose the provider, pick the time, and get answers when you need them, not weeks later.

    Another common issue is the cost of care. In many cases, patients don’t know what they’ll owe until the bill arrives. Even with insurance, there are copays, deductibles, and confusing out-of-network charges. If you’re uninsured, the price of a simple visit can feel out of reach. eClinics uses a pay-per-consult model. No premiums, no copays – even no subscriptions. Prices are clearly listed upfront. You only pay for your consult, and nothing is hidden.

    Insurance adds another layer of complexity. Patients often feel trapped in narrow provider networks. Even when covered, they struggle to find a doctor who’s available soon. If you’re out-of-network or without coverage, your options can feel limited. eclinics removes that barrier. Anyone can use it—whether they have insurance or not. There’s no paperwork, no prior authorization, and no gatekeeping.

    Many people also turn to eClinics when they want a second opinion. That could mean reviewing a diagnosis, understanding a treatment plan, or getting another perspective before deciding on surgery. Traditionally, getting a second opinion means travel, long delays, or high specialist fees. eclinics makes it possible to consult with doctors and specialists from across the country, or even internationally, without leaving your home.

    Perhaps the most important issue is that many patients don’t feel heard. Appointments feel rushed. Doctors are overloaded. People walk out with more questions than they came in with. eClinics is designed to be more focused. You choose the provider. You speak directly with a medical professional who takes the time to listen, understand your concerns, and guides you.

    The current healthcare system makes basic care difficult to access. eClinics offers a simpler path. No referrals. No networks. No fine print. Just straightforward access to real medical expertise, priced clearly and delivered on your terms.

    If you’re uninsured, managing a chronic condition, traveling, or just tired of waiting weeks for answers, eclinics gives you a better option. It doesn’t replace your primary care provider. It gives you more control and more flexibility when it matters most.

    Because taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated. And it shouldn’t depend on what insurance card you carry.

  • Introducing CarePlus: A Platform Transforming Preventative Screening in Primary Care

    What is CarePlus?

    CarePlus is a technology platform designed to embed preventative health screenings directly into the primary care office workflow. It integrates digital diagnostic devices and patient-friendly questionnaires, enabling medical assistants and PCP staff to perform screenings during routine visits. Data collected, ranging from questionnaire responses to imaging results, is securely transmitted to remote specialists for expert review. The platform further employs algorithmic risk stratification and longitudinal data analysis to support ongoing patient management and timely referrals.

    What Impact Does CarePlus Bring to Healthcare? Who Does It Help?

    CarePlus addresses critical gaps in current healthcare delivery by making preventative screenings more accessible, timely, and efficient. Its impact includes:

    • For Payers and Health Systems: Early identification and management of high-risk patients reduce downstream expenditures and support population health goals through data-driven insights.
    • For Patients: Earlier detection of chronic conditions reduces morbidity and prevents costly complications, improving quality of life. Screenings integrated into routine visits lower barriers such as time, cost, and access to specialists.
    • For Primary Care Providers (PCPs): CarePlus expands clinical capabilities, allowing PCPs to deliver more comprehensive care and receive reimbursement for new services, without significant workflow disruption.
    • For Specialists: Remote interpretation of screening data optimizes specialist time by focusing on clinically significant cases referred through the platform.

    CarePlus and Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: A Use Case

    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects over 38 million Americans with diabetes or prediabetes, yet many patients miss annual eye exams, leading to preventable vision loss. CarePlus addresses this by deploying a digital fundoscope within the PCP office, operated by trained staff during routine checkups.

    • Retinal images captured are securely transmitted to a network of remote ophthalmologists who grade the images based on standardized criteria.
    • Patients flagged as at-risk are referred promptly for specialist intervention.
    • Those without immediate risk are scheduled for re-evaluation during their next annual screening.
    • The platform can employ algorithmic analysis and longitudinal tracking to monitor changes over time, ensuring continuous patient surveillance and proactive care management.

    This approach effectively closes the gap between primary care and specialty ophthalmology, improving screening rates and enabling early intervention.

    Extending CarePlus to Other High-Impact Screening Areas

    The CarePlus model, integrating onsite screening tools, remote specialist review, and algorithmic patient monitoring is scalable and adaptable to multiple domains with large patient populations:

    • Mental Health: Questionnaires such as PHQ-9 and GAD-7 administered at the PCP office, with results evaluated remotely to identify depression and anxiety early.
    • Peripheral Artery Disease: ABI testing performed onsite with results digitally reviewed to prevent vascular complications.
    • Chronic Kidney Disease: Lab data integrated with algorithmic alerts for early nephrology referral.
    • Cognitive Impairment: Standardized cognitive assessments facilitating early dementia diagnosis.
    • Pulmonary Function: Simplified spirometry used to identify and monitor COPD and asthma.

    Each use case leverages the same principles of embedding screening into routine primary care visits, remote expert interpretation, and data-driven patient management, targeting conditions with significant public health burden.

    CarePlus is positioned to transform preventative care by operationalizing technology and clinical expertise where it matters most: the primary care office.

    Join Us in Shaping the Future of Preventative Health

    Are you a physician, healthcare operator, or subject matter expert with insight into diagnostics, primary care workflows, or health equity?
    HealthOcta is building an expert advisory group to help us define, refine, and expand our CarePlus offerings. Your experience can directly influence scalable solutions that improve outcomes for millions.

    To express interest, email us at [email protected]



  • 20 Conditions that your Ophthalmologist could detect by an eye exam

    The contents of this post are copied directly from this article at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

    Your eyes are windows to the live action of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues throughout your body. Problems spotted in the eye are often the first signs of disease lurking elsewhere. Here are 20 surprising conditions your eye doctor may detect during a comprehensive eye exam:

    Aneurysm

    An aneurysm is a bubble in the wall of a blood vessel. This weak wall can leak or rupture. Signs of an aneurysm can include a severe, one-sided headache or loss of facial or body function. Aneurysms can be catastrophic and require immediate medical attention.

    Brain tumor

    Tumors can cause increased pressure in the brain that gets transmitted to the eye. Swelling near the back of the eyes causes changes to the optic nerve that an eye doctor can see. Loss of side vision, recent double vision or changes in the size of a pupil are other signs of a brain tumor.

    Cancers of blood, tissue or skin

    Numerous cancers can be found during a detailed eye exam. Skin cancers affect the eyelids and outer surfaces of the eye. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Leukemia and lymphoma can also affect the interior aspect of the eye. Tumors in the breast and other areas can spread to the ocular structures. 

    Diabetes

    Tiny blood vessels in the retina that leak yellow fluid or blood can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Sometimes, this disease appears in eye tissue even before a person has been diagnosed with diabetes. Early detection can help people avoid vision loss and other serious complications.

    Giant cell arteritis

    Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a lingering inflammation of medium-sized arteries that affects the arms, upper body and neck. These same arteries help nourish the eyes, and inflammation can result in blurred vision, double vision, or even sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. A dilated eye exam and blood tests for this condition can allow for an early diagnosis of GCA. Medical treatment can prevent a lifetime of blindness or even early death.

    Heart disease

    Ophthalmologists may be able to detect early signs of heart disease in the eyes. When the retina is examined carefully using an imaging tool called optical coherence tomography, doctors may be able to detect microscopic marks left behind by an eye stroke. These marks can appear in the retinas of healthy people, but they’re found in higher numbers in people with heart disease. 

    High blood pressure

    Unusual bends, kinks or bleeding from blood vessels in the back of the eye can signal high blood pressure, which affects one in three American adults. High blood pressure is a known risk factor in the onset and/or progression of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other diseases. Your doctor may notice signs of high blood pressure during a dilated eye exam.

    High cholesterol

    A yellow or blue ring around the cornea may be a sign of high cholesterol, especially in a person younger than age 40. Deposits in the blood vessels of the retina can also indicate elevated cholesterol. This may be the precursor to a life-threatening stroke.

    Lupus

    This inflammatory disease can coincide with dry eyes. Lupus can also cause swelling in the white part of the eye, the middle layer of the eye or the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.

    Lyme disease

    Lyme disease is an infection spread by ticks, which leads to inflammation throughout the body. Many people with Lyme disease experience inflammation of the optic nerve as well as an increase in floaters at the onset of infection.

    Medication toxicities

    Several drugs may be toxic to the retina and the optic nerve. Symptoms of toxicity include red, scaling eyelids, red eyes, scratchy corneas or conjunctivitis.

    Multiple sclerosis

    Inflammation of the optic nerve can be a harbinger of multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system. Often, this inflammation goes hand-in-hand with severely blurred vision, painful eye movement or even double vision.

    Myasthenia gravis

    Myasthenia gravis is an ongoing autoimmune disorder that causes muscles to weaken and tire easily. The first symptoms of this condition often involve the eyes. The most common sign of the disease is drooping eyelids in one or both eyes. Other symptoms include double vision, weakness in the arms or legs, or life-threatening problems with breathing, talking, chewing or swallowing.

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Ocular signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) most commonly include red eyes with deep, severe pain. This symptom can signal scleritis, a painful inflammation of the white part of the eye which requires medical therapy. Many people who have RA also suffer from dry eye. 

    Sarcoidosis

    This inflammatory disease affects multiple organs the body, including the eyes. The most common eye symptom of this disease is iritis, a recurring, painful inflammation of the iris or colored part of the eye. This condition also causes severe light sensitivity.

    Sexually transmitted diseases

    Syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, genital warts and pubic lice can all affect layers of the eye. These serious conditions are often detected during an eye exam.

    Sickle cell disease

    People with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder, develop stiff, comma-shaped red blood cells that can block the flow of blood throughout the body. This disease can cause a huge spectrum of ocular changes, from redness and burst blood vessels on the surface of the eye to severe hemorrhages and even retinal detachment inside the eye.

    Sjögren’s syndrome

    This autoimmune disease causes the body’s white blood cells to attack the glands that make tears and saliva. Unsurprisingly, dry eyes are a key feature of Sjögren’s syndrome. Other symptoms include burning or stinging in the eyes, blurry vision and dry mouth.

    Stroke

    Blood vessels of the retina sometimes contain blockages or clots. These blockages can cause sudden blind spots or give the sense of a “curtain” closing over a person’s vision. These can point to an increased risk for stroke. A loss of side vison may also be a warning of brain damage caused by a previous stroke.

    Thyroid disease

    Protruding eyeballs and retracting eyelids are telltale signs of hyperthyroidism, most commonly caused by Graves’ Disease. This happens when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormone. Sometimes this coincides with dry eye, blurry vision or vision loss.

    Vascular disease

    Clotting disorders and bleeding disorders may cause visible bleeding in and around the eye. These are known as subconjuctival hemorrhages. These disorders can also cause retinal hemorrhages that threaten vision. 

    Vitamin A deficiency

    Dry eyes and night blindness are both signs of Vitamin A deficiency. Without enough vitamin A, your eyes cannot produce enough moisture to keep them properly lubricated. Low levels of vitamin A also lead to night blindness, by preventing production of certain pigments needed for your retina to work properly. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide.

    It’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t guarantee you have a certain health condition. Whenever an eye exam reveals a possible health problem, your ophthalmologist will recommend further testing by a specialist or your primary care provider.

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all adults get a complete eye examination at age 40. This is when early signs of disease or changes in vision may first appear. If you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease, don’t delay — schedule an eye exam at an earlier age.

  • Benefits of undilated eye exams for retinal eye screenings

    In the realm of preventive healthcare, early detection is often the key to successful intervention.

    This principle holds particularly true when it comes to preserving our precious sense of sight. Retinal complications, such as those arising from diabetes and other chronic disorders, can lead to preventable blindness if left undetected and untreated.

    Fortunately, advances in technology and medical practice have paved the way for more accessible and patient-friendly retinal screenings that can be conducted as part of your annual office visit to your Primary care provider.

    CarePlus by HealthOcta is one such innovation that utilizes undilated eye exams with best of breed, FDA approved non-mydriatic cameras, offering a host of benefits that make them a preferred choice for early detection of retinal disorders. A few of the key benefits are listed below

    Patient Comfort

    Undoubtedly, one of the most significant advantages of undilated eye exams is the enhanced comfort they provide to patients. Traditional dilated eye exams require the use of eye drops to dilate the pupils, resulting in temporary blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty focusing. These side effects can last for several hours, making it inconvenient for patients to resume their daily activities immediately after the examination. In contrast, undilated eye exams using non-mydriatic cameras do not necessitate pupil dilation, ensuring that patients experience no discomfort and can carry on with their life routines without interruption.

    Convenience and Accessibility

    Retinal screenings are vital for patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions, as they are at a higher risk of developing retinal complications. Undilated eye exams with non-mydriatic cameras are highly convenient and can be performed in primary care settings, eliminating the need for patients to visit specialized eye clinics or undergo extensive preparation. The increased accessibility through the CarePlus program encourages more individuals to undergo regular screenings, ultimately leading to earlier detection and intervention.

    Faster results

    Traditional dilated exams may take longer due to the time required for pupil dilation and subsequent examination. In contrast, undilated retinal screenings are swift and produce results almost immediately. This speed not only reduces patient anxiety but also facilitates timely diagnosis, increased coverage in general practice settings and enables timely eintervention, which can be critical in preventing vision loss.

    Most importanly, the use of non-mydriatic cameras allows for quicker and efficient imaging of the retina.

    Safer for Patients

    Undilated eye exams are also considered safer for patients, particularly those with certain medical conditions or allergies that may react adversely to the eye drops used in dilation. Additionally, undilated exams are suitable for patients of all ages, making them a more versatile and inclusive option for retinal screenings.

    Cost-Effective

    By eliminating the time, expertise and resources required for dilation, undilated retinal screenings with non-mydriatic cameras are a cost-effective alternative. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of retinal imaging paired with HealthOcta’s technology to transmit and enhance the images for review by a qualified and licensed Ophthalmologist makes the CarePlus screening program a game-changer for healthcare systems. CarePlus enables healthcare providers to to allocate resources more efficiently and to provide screenings to a broader population.

    Increased Patient Compliance

    The discomfort associated with traditional dilated exams can deter some individuals from seeking regular screenings. Undilated eye exams remove this barrier and encourage greater patient compliance . When patients are more comfortable and experience minimal disruption to their daily lives, they are more likely to adhere to recommended annual screening schedules, ultimately improving their long-term eye health.

    In summary, Eye exams with non-mydriatic cameras used by the CarePlus program offer a significant advancement in retinal screenings. The program and technology prioritize patient comfort, convenience, rapid results, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making our workflows a crucial asset in preventing vision loss due to retinal issues. These screenings administered as part of the CarePlus program enhance accessibility and patient compliance, representing a clear choice in our mission to fuse technology & medicine to protect the precious gift of sight.