We are seeing that compliance increases because the patient can schedule their treatments when convenient for them, are reminded to treat via the app, and monitored and supported by Zerigo care coaches. The smartphone app is intuitive to use and very convenient for the patient. Wu: As with all devices, there is a learning curve, but I think most patients can learn it quickly. Is there any learning curve to its use?ĭr. Zerigo has also measured consistently high levels of patient treatment satisfaction at more than 80 percent. This data is available to prescribing clinicians in succinct progress reports which can be used to counsel patients during follow-up visits. Because Zerigo can monitor adherence and outcomes remotely via its software application, we see patients progressing and clearing. At 10 weeks, all patients experienced improvement in the treated lesions, with a mean improvement in Psoriasis Severity Index of 57 percent. Wu: Zerigo conducted a small prospective, interventional study which demonstrated comparable outcomes to outpatient NB-UVB therapy. What type of results are your patients seeing?ĭr. Wu: I tend to use it as monotherapy for mild to moderate psoriasis, but it certainly can be used in combination with topical therapy, oral therapy, or biologics. Is the Zerigo Health Solution device used with other therapies?ĭr. From a physician control and patient convenience standpoint, this connected system is superior to the legacy home phototherapy devices that have been used historically. On a treatment day, the patient gets a treatment reminder through the Zerigo app at the time that they designate as most convenient for them and simply turn on the device and press one button to begin treating with protocol-driven dosing automatically calculated via the app. One of the unique attributes of the Zerigo Health Solution is that it manages the patient’s treatment schedule, including dosing, frequency, and duration, per the protocol that is prescribed. Many times, patients will want to take a break completely during the summer months, but then in the winter when they flare, they will return to the home phototherapy. Once they are clear or nearly clear, they can reduce to once per week or once every two weeks to maintain their response. Wu: Usually, patients need therapy three times a week for the first eight to 12 weeks, which is called the induction phase. How do you suggest they use the device?ĭr. Unfortunately, it’s not available for out-of-pocket purchase. It is available for Medicare & Tricare beneficiaries (for the treatment of psoriasis) and members of health plans and self-insured employers which cover the Zerigo Health Solution as part of their health benefits program. Patients also appreciate not having to come to the clinic for follow-up visits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this has been my recommended method of phototherapy. Patients who prefer to have their phototherapy at home, live far from the clinic, or have a busy work or school schedule benefit from it. Patients who are tech-savvy tend to prefer this type of self-delivered care, but all patients can benefit from using this treatment model. The ideal patients present with three percent to 10 percent affected body surface area. Wu: I recommend Zerigo for mild to moderate psoriasis more than other conditions. Which patients benefit most from the device?ĭr. They also use this real-time treatment data to monitor all patients on therapy and provide them with personal coaching and support to help them throughout their treatment journey. Zerigo has a group called CarePartners who are trained phototherapy experts and care coordinators. All the treatment, adherence, and patient-reported outcomes data are then aggregated and analyzed in Zerigo’s cloud-based software application and condensed into summary progress reports to monitor patient progress, counsel patients during follow-up visits, and monitor for side effects. The handheld Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy treatment device plus the patient’s mobile phone help manage dosing, treatment frequency, and duration of therapy, according to the prescription. Wu, MD: Zerigo Health’s connected home phototherapy treatment platform (Zerigo Health Solution) is cleared for psoriasis.
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