In this engaging discussion, Kristina Saffran, co-founder and CEO of Equip Health, shares her inspiring journey from anorexia recovery to creating a virtual provider revolutionizing eating disorder treatment. She highlights the staggering fact that 80% of Americans suffering from eating disorders lack access to adequate care. Kristina delves into misconceptions surrounding these disorders, the innovative multidisciplinary approach of Equip, and the critical role of insurance collaboration to improve treatment access. Her insights are a beacon for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs.
Equip Health tackles the significant treatment gap for eating disorders in the U.S. by offering accessible, evidence-based virtual care through a multidisciplinary team.
The podcast emphasizes the need to dispel common misconceptions about eating disorders and highlights how diverse demographics can be affected by them.
Deep dives
Equip's Mission and Multidisciplinary Approach
Equip aims to ensure that everyone with an eating disorder has access to effective treatment. The organization employs a multidisciplinary care team that includes a therapist, dietitian, medical provider, peer mentor, and family mentor. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide patients with the necessary support and evidence-based treatment options for their eating disorders and any accompanying conditions. By offering coverage through insurance for extended periods, Equip emphasizes symptom reduction and relapse prevention to foster lasting recovery.
Barriers to Treatment for Eating Disorders
A staggering 80% of individuals with eating disorders in the U.S. do not receive treatment due to various barriers. These include misconceptions about who can suffer from eating disorders, a significant shortage of qualified providers, and the high costs of care which often excludes insurance coverage. The podcast highlights the misconception that eating disorders predominantly affect affluent white females, while neglecting the fact that they can occur across diverse demographics. Additionally, the shortage of trained professionals means that many suffering individuals do not receive timely and effective care, exacerbating their condition.
Innovative Treatment Modalities at Equip
Equip stands out by delivering high-quality evidence-based treatments like family-based treatment for adolescents and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for adults. This innovative model ensures that patients maintain connections with their support systems throughout their recovery journey, thereby enhancing their chances of sustained improvement. The effectiveness of Equip’s approach is underlined by significant reductions in eating disorder symptoms within just five months of care. Moreover, caregivers report increased self-efficacy, suggesting that Equip's model not only aids patients but also empowers their support networks.
Challenges and Growth as a Digital Health Startup
Starting as a direct-to-consumer model, Equip has evolved into a B2B2C approach, aiming to build partnerships with insurers and healthcare providers while still maintaining a focus on patient needs. This shift was informed by an initial understanding of the healthcare landscape and a recognition that collaborative efforts with payers could enhance access to treatment. Equip's growth has also involved dispelling skepticism around virtual treatment, especially during the pandemic, as the model demonstrates effectiveness and accessibility. Ultimately, the founder emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with skilled professionals to create an impactful and purpose-driven organization.
80% of Americans suffering from eating disorders don’t get the treatment they need. That’s where Equip comes in. In this episode, Steve Kraus sits down with Kristina Saffran, the co-founder and CEO of Equip, a virtual provider transforming eating disorder treatment by making evidence-based care more accessible to patients and families. Kristina shares her personal journey recovering from anorexia and how her experience with the challenges in traditional treatment led her to found a non-profit and ultimately start Equip. She and Steve dive into:
Misconceptions about eating disorders and the barriers that prevent the vast majority of sufferers from getting treatment
Equip's virtual, multidisciplinary five-person care team model
The company's focus on delivering evidence-based treatment while pioneering new research to improve outcomes
The importance of collaborating with insurance payers to improve access and reduce costs
Kristina's advice for mission-driven healthcare entrepreneurs