Intro

"Imagine getting a real-time snapshot of your health just by looking into your phone’s camera for 30 seconds." - Simon

My guests this week are Simon Spurr, Founder of VivaScore, and Chris Burns, a veteran benefits advisor with over 40 years of experience at firms like Mercer and Sequoia. They join the show to demonstrate a piece of technology that feels like science fiction but is actually here today: rPPG (Remote Photoplethysmography).

We discuss how this technology turns a standard smartphone camera into a diagnostic tool capable of measuring blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), and stress levels with medical-grade accuracy, no wearables required.

In this episode, we explore whether this "digital avatar" of employee health could become the new front door to primary care. We dive into how employers are using this data to spot "silent killers" like hypertension before they become claims, why engagement rates are hitting 50%+, and how this platform connects the "worried well" to actual care pathways.

Tune in to see how we can finally move from "sick care" to true preventative maintenance, all through an iPhone lens.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.

Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.

Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.

Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Is This App the Future of Primary Care? 

(00:06:12) Global Healthcare: Why Costs Are Rising Everywhere 

(00:08:02) Chris Burns: From Mercer to Sequoia to Tech Advisor 

(00:12:45) Why Employers are Tired of "Point Solutions" 

(00:22:26) How rPPG Technology Works (The Face Scan) 

(00:30:18) The "What Next?" Strategy for Employers 

(00:39:06) Why Everyone is Talking About HRV (Heart Rate Variability) 

(00:44:37) Finding the "Silent Killers" in Your Population 

(00:51:46) Gamification: How to Get 50% Engagement

Key Links for Social:

@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded

Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02

Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286

Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/

Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/