August AI, operating global chatbot in stealth mode, rolls out U.S. telehealth services
The company is on a mission to prevent knowledge and care access gaps. August AI is used by over 9 million people and will continue to be free globally. August Care is available in the U.S.
August AI, an AI-enabled telehealth provider, has recently launched its services in the United States under the name August Care. This direct-to-consumer model offers clinical services, discounted lab tests, and quick prescriptions for a monthly membership fee of $39.
While August's AI chatbot is accessible globally at no cost, enabling users to access information and not medical advice, the telehealth services are a premium offering. August Care's features include unlimited AI health chat, one telehealth visit per month, next-day access to labs and prescriptions, and unlimited follow-up messaging for a year after a consultation.
Nirav Shah, M.D., M.P.H., the company's fractional chief medical officer and former health commissioner for New York State, emphasizes that AI can help bridge the gaps that often occur between doctor visits. August AI's mission is to prevent knowledge and care access gaps, with the company founded in 2022 by 25-year-old CEO Anuruddh Mishra. Mishra's personal experience with misdiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis led him to found August AI.
The company boasts an impressive user base, with over 9 million users across 160 countries and availability in over 30 languages. August Care subscribers can save up to $3,000 annually or up to $3,500 for those with chronic illnesses due to the reduced cost of consultations and labs. The company also helps patients find medication coupons and integrates with external Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to assist with benefits navigation.
August AI's AI model, trained on 300 million real patient interactions, scores 100% on the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination and 97% on MedQA, a benchmark of USMLE-style clinical vignettes. The company is on the lookout for reimbursement from insurance providers, focusing initially on those who are under- or uninsured.
Written by urgent.news from Fierce Healthcare's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
