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Problem Tech Solves
Tech Brief
Today, more than 2,000 CDC-recognized providers offer a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), with more than 300,000 adults completing the program between 2012 and 2019. However, in 2022, over one-third of the American population is estimated to have prediabetes. These gaps in care are compounded by the fact that 89 percent of US counties are whole- or partial-county health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Scaling and implementing this clinically-proven program to all those who need it is critical for reducing prediabetes and diabetes, and Lark is meeting this need by providing scalable, affordable access to diabetes prevention for everyone who may need it. Through the use of AI, Lark has identified a way to increase access to care for individuals living in rural and federally designated health professional shortage areas. The company’s recent peer-reviewed research found that 93.3 percent of its DPP users reside in whole- or partial-county HPSAs. This 93.3 percent exceeds national statistics showing that 89 percent of US counties are whole- or partial-county HPSAs. Moreover, 90 percent of study participants did not have access to an in-person DPP within their zip code and Lark is helping make this high-touch intervention available to them through their smartphones.
Tech Differentiators
Tech. Lark’s use of conversational AI is unlike any others. Developed using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework, Lark creates an engaging, effective, and personalized care experience that can scale and reach all users across health plan and employer groups in real time rather than relying on human capital. This approach has uncovered a unique opportunity to help fully insured, underserved populations that have lacked access to quality care. Unlike nurse-driven virtual care management platforms that use limited forms of AI to supplement their live provider components, Lark is an AI-first platform. Lark’s DPP is delivered through conversational AI coaching, serving as a first line of support and maximizing the value of partner live care resources. While other programs depend on limited live-coaching resources which can constrain their potential reach of enrollment, engagement, and care , Lark can screen members for prediabetes, and then mass onboard and support the entire population identified to be at-risk immediately. Lark’s exceptionally low operational costs facilitate program costs approximately 50 percent lower than other programs, affording the opportunity to engage the entire scope of at-risk members. Whereas most traditional health coaching programs require several days to connect a client with a coach, and engagement opportunities are limited to pre-scheduled and potentially-sparse appointment slots, Lark provides 24x7x365 access to AI-driven coaching, capitalizing on engagement opportunities anywhere, anytime, and as often as needed. Such real-time, on-demand support is critical to translate engagement into outcomes.
Validation
Lark has generated and maintained significant momentum over the past 12 monthsFollowing the announcement of a $100 million Series D funding round toward the end of 2021, Lark has spent 2022 building its clinical evidence base and announcing key partnerships that have expanded Lark’s reach as a covered benefit for 30 million health plan members. In February, Lark’s clinical team published peer-reviewed research which found its digital DPP increased access for individuals living in rural and federally designated HPSAs. Lark researchers found that more than 90 percent of the 25,035 study participants lacked access to an in-person DPP within their zip code. Participants with available weight data achieved an average 9.1 pound weight loss while using the Lark DPP. Lark has also entered into partnerships with other health and technology leaders to expand the breadth and impact of its highly scalable AI solution. In February, Lark joined the Innovators' Network at American Heart Association Center for Health Technology & Innovation, where they collaborate with other companies to develop innovative and scalable solutions to current healthcare challenges. In March, Lark announced that the company is developing a novel AI-driven program for the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics. Finally, in April, Lark announced a collaboration with Salesforce to help health plan customers provide enhanced member services that drive improved health outcomes at scale.
