In this discussion, we delve into the mission of Oatmeal Health, an organization dedicated to improving cancer screening, particularly in underserved communities.
Jonathan Govette, Oatmeal Health’s founder, will shed light on his journey as a founder, sharing the inspirations and challenges behind creating a platform aimed at becoming the nation’s leading minority data broker for clinical trials.
Join us as we uncover the vision driving Oatmeal Health, the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing cancer care, and the personal story of Jonathan Govette’s commitment to advancing healthcare equity.
1. What inspired you to start Oatmeal Health?
I was deeply affected by personal experiences with cancer in my family. My mother’s health challenges and the loss of family members, including my grandfather, to cancer, made me realize the critical importance of early detection. These experiences drove me to combine my passion for healthcare with my technological expertise to make a meaningful difference in cancer screening.
2. What personal experiences led you to focus on cancer screening for underserved populations?
Growing up, I spent a lot of time in hospitals due to my mother’s health issues. This exposure to healthcare environments, coupled with the loss of ten family members to cancer, made me acutely aware of the gaps in our healthcare system, especially for underserved communities. I saw firsthand how lack of access to screening and early detection could have devastating consequences.
3. How did the initial idea for Oatmeal Health come about?
The idea for Oatmeal Health crystallized a few years ago when I realized I could leverage my background in healthcare technology to address the critical need for improved cancer screening in underserved communities. I saw an opportunity to use AI and machine learning to make cancer screening more accessible and efficient, particularly for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving vulnerable populations.
4. What are the primary goals you aim to achieve with Oatmeal Health in the next 5 to 10 years?
Our primary goal is to become the nation’s largest minority data broker for clinical trials, ensuring medical studies reflect our nation’s diversity. We aim to screen 100,000 patients for lung cancer who wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise within the next five years. By 2030, we plan to partner with 200 FQHCs, screening 300,000 patients annually. We also want to expand our services to include other types of cancer screenings.
5. How does Oatmeal Health leverage AI to improve cancer screening and early detection?
We use AI in several ways. Our machine learning algorithms analyze electronic health records to identify patients eligible for lung cancer screening. We also use computer vision technology to assess lung nodules in CT scans, assigning malignancy risk scores. Additionally, we employ generative AI to create personalized, culturally sensitive patient education materials.
6. What do you think about data access and the role of medical collaboration and coordination in enhancing cancer screening and treatment outcomes?
Data access and particularly imaging data access is pivotal for both patient engagement and provider collaboration. For patients, having timely and transparent access to their imaging data empowers them to be more involved in their own healthcare decisions, enhancing their overall engagement in the screening and treatment process.
For healthcare providers, seamless access to imaging data is essential for effective collaboration and coordination. It allows different specialists and care teams to easily share and review crucial information, leading to more informed and cohesive treatment plans. This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s care are aligned, improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of cancer detection and treatment.
By addressing these needs through advanced technology and strategic partnerships, we aim to create a more connected and patient-centered healthcare experience.
7. Why did you choose to focus on FQHC patient populations?
FQHCs serve some of the most vulnerable and underserved communities in the U.S. These populations often face significant barriers to accessing preventive healthcare services, leading to disparities in cancer outcomes. By partnering with FQHCs, we can directly impact those who need our services the most and work towards reducing healthcare inequities.
8. How does your funding model work, and what benefits does it offer?
Our services are fully funded through Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, which means there’s no cost to our FQHC partners or their patients. This model allows us to provide advanced screening services to communities that might otherwise not have access to them, while also ensuring financial sustainability for our operations.
9. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in scaling your operations?
Some of our biggest challenges include navigating complex healthcare regulations, ensuring consistent quality as we scale, and overcoming potential resistance to new technologies in traditional healthcare settings. We’re also constantly working to improve our AI models and ensure they’re equitable and effective across diverse populations.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a social impact through technology in healthcare?
I’d advise them to stay deeply connected to their mission and the communities they’re serving. Understand the real-world problems you’re trying to solve, not just from a technological standpoint, but from a human perspective. Also, be prepared for the long haul – making significant changes in healthcare takes time, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.
11. How can people learn more about Oatmeal Health or get involved with your initiatives?
I encourage people to visit our website at oatmealhealth.com to learn more about our mission and services. We’re always open to partnerships with healthcare providers, particularly FQHCs, who share our commitment to improving cancer screening rates in underserved communities. For those in the tech or healthcare fields interested in joining our team, we regularly post job openings on our website as well.
Email to contact us: [email protected]
FAQs
1. What is the lung cancer screening icd 10?
The ICD-10 code for lung cancer screening is Z12.2. This code is used to indicate an encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the lung.
2. What is the prostate cancer screening icd 10?
The ICD-10 code for prostate cancer screening is Z12.5. This code is used to indicate an encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the prostate.
2. What is the screening for breast cancer ICD 10 code?
The ICD-10 code for screening for breast cancer is Z12.31. This code is used to indicate an encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of the breast. It is important for healthcare providers to use this code accurately to ensure proper documentation and billing for breast cancer screening services.
3. What is the colon cancer screening icd 10?
The ICD-10 code for colon cancer screening is Z12.11. This code is used to indicate an encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the colon.
4. What is the prostate cancer screening icd 10?
5. What is the cervical cancer screening icd 10?
The ICD-10 code for cervical cancer screening is Z12.4. This code is used to indicate an encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of the cervix.
6. How much is a skin cancer screening without insurance?
The cost of a skin cancer screening without insurance can vary widely based on location, provider, and the scope of the examination. Generally, you can expect the following ranges:
- Dermatologist Visit: A consultation with a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening typically costs between $100 and $200. This fee may increase if additional procedures, like a biopsy, are required.
- Full-Body Skin Exam: A comprehensive full-body skin examination by a dermatologist may cost between $150 and $400 or more.
- Biopsy: If a biopsy is necessary, the cost can range from $150 to $300 or higher, depending on the complexity and number of samples taken.
- Telehealth Screenings: Some telehealth services offer skin cancer screenings for around $50 to $100.
Prices can vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to contact local dermatology offices or clinics for specific pricing information.
7. How much does a pancreatic and gastric cancer screening without insurance?
The cost of pancreatic and gastric cancer screenings without insurance can vary significantly based on the type of screening, healthcare provider, and geographic location. Here are some general estimates:
Pancreatic Cancer Screening:
- CT Scan of the Abdomen: Often used for pancreatic cancer screening, this can cost between $500 and $2,500 without insurance, depending on the facility and whether contrast is used.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This procedure, which is also used for pancreatic cancer detection, typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
- MRI of the Abdomen: A less common but sometimes used option, it can cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
Gastric Cancer Screening:
- Upper Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): This procedure to examine the stomach lining can cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
- CT Scan of the Abdomen: Similar to pancreatic screening, this might cost between $500 and $2,500.
- Barium Swallow or Upper GI Series: This test can range from $300 to $800.
These estimates can vary based on factors such as the specific diagnostic center, whether additional tests or imaging are required, and regional pricing differences. For the most accurate cost, it’s best to contact local diagnostic centers or healthcare providers directly.
