MedStar Health’s concierge medicine service is giving patients free connected health devices to monitor their vital signs at home. The partnership with Withings Health Solutions puts cellular blood pressure monitors and smart scales in patients’ hands, streaming data directly to their care teams.
The move comes as concierge medicine grows 4% to 7% annually, with up to 14,000 U.S. physicians now offering these premium services. But rising healthcare costs and doctor shortages are pushing the model to prove its value beyond just personalized attention.
Signature by MedStar Health patients receive Withings’ BPM Pro 2 blood pressure monitor and Body Pro scale at no charge. Both devices connect via cellular networks, so patients don’t need smartphone apps or Wi-Fi setup.
How does it work?
Patients use the devices as they normally would – step on the scale or take their blood pressure. The measurements automatically send to MedStar’s clinical teams through secure data connections. Doctors can spot concerning trends between appointments and reach out proactively.
“By staying connected to patients at home through these devices, we’ve been able to identify potential health issues faster,” said Dr. Merlene Horan, Medical Director of Signature by MedStar Health. The continuous monitoring lets doctors catch problems early rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
The devices are designed for simplicity. Patients don’t need to download apps, sync data, or remember to upload readings. Everything happens automatically in the background.
Why does it matter?
Traditional healthcare relies on snapshots – your blood pressure during a 15-minute appointment might not reflect what happens at home. Continuous monitoring gives doctors a fuller picture of patient health patterns over weeks and months.
This matters especially for conditions like hypertension, where readings can vary significantly throughout the day. Home monitoring often reveals “white coat syndrome” – when patients’ blood pressure spikes just from being in a medical setting.
“We selected Withings devices because they offer a premium monitoring experience,” said Dr. Ethan Booker, Chief Medical Officer of Telehealth for MedStar Health. The partnership aims to catch health issues before they become emergencies, potentially reducing hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
The context
Concierge medicine charges patients annual fees for enhanced services like longer appointments, same-day access, and personalized care plans. Critics question whether these premium services increase healthcare inequality, but supporters argue they reduce strain on the broader system.
Healthcare is shifting toward value-based care models that reward keeping patients healthy rather than just treating illness. Connected monitoring fits this trend by enabling preventive interventions before costly complications arise.
“As health care continues its shift toward value-based care, partnerships like this are essential,” said Patrick Sheehan, Vice President of Value-Based Care at Withings Health Solutions. The collaboration tests whether combining high-touch concierge services with connected devices can create a scalable model for personalized care.
MedStar Health operates 10 hospitals and over 300 locations across the region, serving as Georgetown University’s medical education partner. Withings, founded over a decade ago, makes consumer health devices that have gained medical-grade credibility.