The Unseen Struggles in Fertility Diagnosis
At 27, Caroline Mitterdorfer received an early-stage cancer diagnosis that changed her life forever. This experience not only made her realize how little she knew about her health but also sparked a passion for learning about fertility and women’s reproductive health. Through her research and advocacy work, Mitterdorfer became aware of the daunting challenges women face when trying to get diagnosed with fertility issues.
The Need for Early Diagnosis
Mitterdorfer’s journey led her to understand that it often takes an unacceptably long time for doctors to diagnose fertility problems in women. She soon realized that this delay was not only frustrating but also had severe consequences on women’s mental and physical health. Frustrated by the lack of awareness and support, Mitterdorfer decided to take action.
Co-Founding Levy Health
In 2022, Mitterdorfer co-founded Levy Health along with her team members Silvia Hecher (CPO) and Dr. Theresa Vilsmaier (founding physician). The trio’s mission was to revolutionize the fertility diagnosis process by empowering doctors and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge technology.
Levy Health: A Clinical Decision Support Platform
Levy Health has developed a clinical decision support platform that helps physicians and fertility specialists diagnose women with fertility issues more efficiently. The platform is designed to streamline the diagnostic process, reducing the time it takes for patients to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Here’s how it works:
- Patient Questionnaire: Users fill out a comprehensive questionnaire that provides vital information about their reproductive health.
- Lab Work Analysis: Patients submit necessary lab work, which is analyzed by Levy Health’s software.
- Biomarker Analysis: The platform analyzes biomarkers to identify potential fertility issues.
The software narrows down the list of 110 potential diagnoses to a few likely conditions, providing doctors with valuable insights and treatment options. By presenting this information before patient consultations, doctors can make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to faster diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Impact on Fertility Diagnosis
Mitterdorfer proudly shares that Levy Health’s platform has resulted in a 50% reduction in time to diagnosis. This significant improvement is a testament to the power of technology in transforming healthcare.
While clinical decision support platforms are not new, Mitterdorfer emphasizes that they are a relatively recent innovation in the fertility space. She attributes this delay to the lack of awareness and expertise among OB-GYNs and primary care providers regarding endocrine disorders like infertility.
A Solution for the Fertility Industry
Mitterdorfer highlights the pressing need for early diagnosis, stating that "fertility issues are not just a personal problem but also have broader societal implications." By addressing these challenges head-on, Levy Health aims to make fertility diagnosis more accessible and efficient.
The Rise of Venture Capital Investment in Healthcare
In recent years, venture capital investment in healthcare has seen significant growth. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for innovative solutions that can transform patient care and outcomes. Mitterdorfer’s journey with Levy Health serves as a prime example of how technology can revolutionize healthcare and improve lives.
Conclusion
Caroline Mitterdorfer’s story showcases the power of determination, advocacy, and innovation in transforming healthcare. Through her work with Levy Health, she is helping to bridge the gap in fertility diagnosis, ultimately improving the lives of countless women worldwide.