The obesity factor
Given the rise in adult obesity rates in the United States and worldwide, more people will begin to experience liver damage and associated health issues. In fact, obesity rates are increasing across America, with states having rates ranging from 25 to 38 percent of the adult population. Overall, about 13 percent of the world's adult population (11 percent of men and 15 percent of women) were obese in 2016 and the worldwide prevalence of obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016.

Obesity can cause severe damage to the body and contribute to not only liver disease, but also Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and more. The rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, two of the main causes of NAFLD, will likely increase the demand for liver transplants, while the supply of available healthy livers dwindles. Now more than ever, there is a need for early detection and earlier treatment intervention.
The military and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are paying increased attention to liver disease and hepatitis C and utilizing FibroScan technology. One study found that the military experienced a 12-fold increase in the number of active military diagnosed with NAFLD and is recognized by the VA as a growing disease that requires immediate action. In fact, the Echosens contract with the VA was recently expanded to include the FibroScan 430 mini+ portable technology, improving access to non-invasive liver assessment and early detection of NAFLD.

FibroScan enhances physicians’ ability to better diagnose and monitor veterans and their families for liver disease -- no matter where they receive their care. With one-third of veterans receiving their healthcare in community clinics vs. the VA Medical Centers, the addition of the FibroScan 430 mini+ provides greater access to care for these patients, thus reducing the burden of assessing liver health on veterans, their families and the VA system overall.

Strategic growth channels
Health Plans and payers are moving from a fee-for-service model to outcome-based care and value-based reimbursement models. The Echosens technology platform is designed to meet these innovative approaches and support payer programs that promote quality, cost-effective delivery of care. This includes commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid sectors where it is a strategic imperative to align with priorities around better individual health, improved outcomes and cost-containment.

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