Fitbit launches Fitbit Care platform for health care plans, expands Humana partnership
Featured
Fitbit launched a platform called Fitbit Care to connect health plans, wearables, employers, health systems and coaching. The company also said Humana has selected Fitbit Care as its coaching platform.
The effort is a big move into recurring revenue and using Fitbit's data to become more of a software provider. For now though, Fitbit's primary business rests on device sales and the popularity of smartwatches like the Versa.
Fitbit Care takes Fitbit's data and the tools from the Twine Health acquisition. Fitbit is still a large wearable and fitness player, but Apple and its Apple Watch is increasingly focused on healthcare outcomes.
With Apple likely to take the Apple Watch into corporate wellness programs Fitbit had to roll out more of its vision. Fitbit Care will feature digital interventions and coaching through the new Fitbit Plus app.
Also: Apple Watch 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Polar Vantage: Comparing their heart monitoring capabilities | Fitbit buys startup Twine Health to grow health services, revenue | Fitbit Q1 outlook stumbles amid business model pivot | Fitbit aims for device to data pivot: Can you monetize 90 billion hours of heart rate data, 85 trillion steps? | Fitbit teams with Dexcom for glucose monitoring on Ionic watch | UnitedHealthcare, Qualcomm Life, Fitbit aim to expand corporate wellness
According to Fitbit, Fitbit Care will be available through its business-to-business unit called Fitbit Health Solutions. Humana will use Fitbit Care for its employer group. Humana has more than 5 million members via companies.
Adam Pellegrini, general manager of Fitbit Health Solutions, said Fitbit Care is designed to support the company's more than 1,600 enterprise health customers and the various health plans that connect them.
Fitbit Care includes:
- Wearables and devices for self tracking of activity, sleep, heart rate. This data serves as the basis for personalized care. Humana will offer members personalized watch faces.
- Digital interventions via support tools, challenges, private groups and guided workouts. Enterprises can provide employees with motivational tools.
- Fitbit Plus, an app that serves as a health coaching tool. The app also connects metrics with health care data, medications and trended activity.
- Health coaching and virtual care. Coaches will work with participants to create personalized care plans. Coaches will connect with individuals via app, phone and in-person meetings. Weight management, smoking and management of conditions like heart disease, diabetes and depression are core topics.
Work by phone: 11 best smartphones for business users
Previous and related coverage:
Want a new iPhone or Android smartphone? Here's how to sell or trade
The new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was just announced and we expect three new iPhones and two Google Pixel phones to launch soon. Now is the time to consider selling your current one before market prices drop or plan to participate in a trade-in program.
he major smartphone launch season is upon us and one of the first out of the gates is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, immediately taking over the top spot in our list of best smartphones.
Best Wearable Tech for 2018 CNET
Our editors hand-picked these products based on our tests and reviews. If you use our links to buy, we may get a commission.
The best tablets for 2018: Our top picks TechRepublic
Tablet sales may be declining, but there are still plenty of viable use cases and many models to choose from. Here's our pick of the best.
Related stories:
- Classic Steve Jobs disses you can put on your next resignation letter
- Galaxy Note 9 event: First look at Samsung's new phone, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Home
- Galaxy Note 9 or iPhone XS Max? Compare before you upgrade
- Apple finally moves beyond the shadow of Steve Jobs with a truly life-changing product
- Apple Watch Series 4 doubles down on digital health: Features, specs, prices
- How Apple Watch saved my life
- Why Fitbit could make a good Google acquisition
- Does Fitbit have time to pull off its digital healthcare transformation?