Augmedix’ Google Glass-powered service allows doctors to view medical records without using a computer. An off-site medical scribe takes notes from the doctor and records them in electronic medical record, freeing up physicians to focus on their patients. The company says the service can save doctors up to three hours a day. With the additional funds, Augmedix plans to build out its team of nearly 1,000 scribes and open new offices overseas to meet growing demand. This latest funding round signals a continued interest in the use of wearable technology and augmented reality in healthcare. Pelu Tran, president and cofounder of Augmedix, told the San Francisco Business Times that about 1% of patients refuse the service, but most people willingly participate when they hear how it works. Augmedix’ bet that businesses may buy into Google Glass where consumers haven’t may be paying off. Last week, Dignity Health announced it was launching Augmedix at multiple locations within its Pacific Central Coast Health Centers. Physicians at the designated health centers are now using Google Glass throughout the day to document patient exams. Augmedix isn’t the only venture to attempt to scale Google Glass to healthcare providers. Last year, Illinois-based Medical Express Ambulance Service launched a pilot program enabling doctors to see what paramedics are doing first-hand via Google Glass.
Augmedix, the Last year company that offers a Google Glass-powered service for doctors to view medical records without a computer, has completed a $23m funding round. The company says doctors can save up to three hours a day by having an off-site medical scribe take notes and record them in electronic medical records. Augmedix has raised $60m to date from investors such as TriHealth, Dignity Health, Sutter Health, Catholic Health Initiatives, OrbiMed and McKesson Ventures. The start-up will use the funds to build out its teams of nearly 1,000 scribes and open offices overseas.