HealthMeter™
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is this device called the HealthMeter™, and was it specifically designed to monitor key vital signs of early Covid-19 infection?
HealthMeter™ is a new modification of the AgeMeter® technology that is specifically designed to monitor some of the key early signs and comorbidities (risk factors) of Covid-19 infection. However, the HealthMeter™ device retains all of the functions of the original AgeMeter®. The AgeMeter® is a non-invasive scientific device that was designed to study selected biomarkers of aging. The AgeMeter uses the biomarkers to estimate a client’s “functional age” (how ‘young’ the body is behaving). The AgeMeter® compares the client’s functional age to his/ her “chronological age” (age measured from client’s date of birth). Advanced age and premature aging are also key Covid-19 risk factors.
2. Tell me more about HealthMeter.
The HealthMeter is a state-of-the-art, noninvasive, telemonitoring device. It is a sturdy Apple iPad based device that is placed in the patient’s home. Bluetooth paired devices [scale, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, spirometer, etc.] allow it to remotely monitor some of the key early signs and known comorbidities (risk factors) of Covid-19 infection, avoiding the risks of repeatedly sending medical personnel into the patient’s home.
3. Was the HealthMeter designed originally for this Covid-19 function?
No. HealthMeter is a modification of the original AgeMeter technology that performs noninvasive estimation and monitoring of your functional age [how young your body is functioning]. HealthMeter uses the same Internet Cloud technology to perform noninvasive monitoring of some of the key early markers of Covid-19 infection. Advanced age and premature aging are also key Covid-19 risk factors.
4. What is “remote telemonitoring”?
Whenever the patient takes a test using one of the monitoring devices that has been placed in the home, (e.g., temperature) the device sends the result of the test to HealthMeter using a Bluetooth signal. This same result is stored in the HealthMeter device and transmitted to the HealthMeter web portal in the cloud. Centers For Age Control Inc. partners with a telemonitoring company that continuously monitors and evaluates the patient’s key results that are sent to the cloud to determine whether any of the patient’s key results fall outside of the established normal limits (e.g., has the temperature exceeded 99 or has the Oxygen level fallen to less than 90?). This process is called remote telemonitoring, because the telemonitoring healthcare team sees only the patient’s results, but not the patient.
5. How does the HealthMeter obtain my vital signs?
The instructions of the visiting nurse and the instructions that are incorporated into the HealthMeter guide teach you how to take your temperature, BMI weight, pulse oxygen, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. The results of these tests are automatically sent to the HealthMeter device in your home and are stored in that device under your name.
6. How do I know that this technology works?
Monitoring vital signs via Bluetooth and internet cloud is a proven technology that has been used for many years. The availability of the world wide web has recently made it possible to monitor a patient from anywhere in the world [remote telemonitoring].
7. Who sets the upper and lower limits for each of my vital signs?
These limits are set by credible worldwide organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], the World Health Organization [WHO], and by recognized specialty organizations such as the American College of Cardiology
8. Where is the information about my vital signs stored?
Your information is stored on the HealthMeter device that is located in your home. An encrypted backup copy of your information is also stored in the HealthMeter web portal in the cloud.
9. How much does the HealthMeter device cost?
See latest information at https://agemeter.com/shop
10. Is the HealthMeter device made in America?
Yes. The computer algorithms for HealthMeter were developed by American scientists and engineers. Some of the peripheral devices that are used with the current versions of HealthMeter, e.g., the BMI scale, are imported.
11. How will my doctor know whether my vital signs are tracking outside the normal range?
The nurse that installs the HealthMeter will record the name, phone number and email of your primary care doctor. The monitoring company has built-in machine learning that notifies the monitoring healthcare team when your key signs fall outside of the normal range. If your vital signs are outside of the normal range, machine learning triggers an alarm and automatically notifies your designated doctor as well as the monitoring team.
12. Will I have a copy of the information that is sent to my doctor?
Yes. A copy of the values is automatically made available to you and to your doctor, with your written permission. You may also give written permission to send a copy to 1 other responsible adult. (e.g., your son or daughter)
13. Can the HealthMeter perform any other functions besides monitoring the early signs of Covid 19 infection?
Yes. The HealthMeter is built on the same platform as the AgeMeter®. Your HealthMeter device has the same ability as the regular AgeMeter to perform noninvasive estimates and to monitor your “functional age” [how young your body is behaving]. Advanced age or premature aging is also a key Covid-19 risk factor. We anticipate that the HealthMeter system will continue to be used as an important preventive health device for many years after the Covid-19 infection has passed.
14. What can I do with the HealthMeter device once the Covid 19 pandemic has passed?
HealthMeter can continue to monitor your key vital signs for many years to come. HealthMeter can also estimate and monitor your functional age [how young your body is behaving] for many years to come, to help you keep your body looking and acting “younger” than your chronological age.
15. Has this HealthMeter device been approved by the FDA?
The HealthMeter is not a medical device and does not prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease. As such, HealthMeter does not require approval by the Food and Drug Administration. (FDA)
16. How long has the HealthMeter been available?
The HealthMeter represents the latest modification of the AgeMeter® technology and was specifically designed to monitor the key early warning signs of Covid 19 infection. The AgeMeter® has been in use since 2018 and is the successor to a similar device first introduced in 1990. It has been presented at several global technology conferences including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The AgeMeter is currently used by health-conscious individuals, in medical practices, medical schools, and in research institutions in 12 countries on 4 continents.
17. What additional devices do I need to enable my HealthMeter to monitor my key vital signs?
Peripheral devices that are currently used to help doctors monitor your key vital signs with the HealthMeter include:
Bluetooth enabled thermometer
Bluetooth blood pressure cuff
Bluetooth enabled pulse oximeter
Bluetooth enabled BMI scale
Bluetooth enabled Spirometer (for lung function)
More non-invasive devices and more on screen only tests to monitor additional biomarkers of aging and key vital signs are being investigated.
18. How will I obtain the bluetooth connected devices that I will need to make my HealthMeter function as intended?
The additional devices that you need are included with your HealthMeter.
19. If I order a HealthMeter today, how long does it take to have it delivered?
Current delivery time is approximately 30 days from the date of your order. We anticipate that delivery time will become shorter as production is ramped up.
20. How do you keep my HealthMeter technology up-to-date?
Cost of major software upgrades will be at https://agemeter.com/shop and announced to you when available. Lesser upgrades are supplied regularly and are free of cost. As with the Agemeter, the software is hosted on the Apple App Store, enabling Centers For Age Control to send upgrades to your HealthMeter automatically with no action required by you.
21. What is the cost of annual upgrades to HealthMeter technology?
22. What improvements do you anticipate in the HealthMeter technology?
The HealthMeter team is regularly making improvements to the HealthMeter technology. We anticipate that continued improvements will allow the HealthMeter device to be able to monitor additional vital signs and additional biomarkers in the coming months and years.
23. Are any medical schools or research institutions currently doing research with the HealthMeter?
Yes. Contact us for details.
24. Is there a risk of catching Covid 19 infection from the HealthMeter device that is placed in my home?
Bacteria and viruses can be transmitted from patient to patient by devices that are moved between patients. HealthMeter is a stationary device that is intended to be used by a single-family in a single home. The spirometer test [lung function] uses a disposable turbine mouthpiece. You are instructed to use the standard PPE precautions and handwashing technique in using and cleaning the HealthMeter and the accompanying peripheral devices.
Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to substitute for the judgment of a healthcare professional. Consult your physician regarding your results.