Question 1

What is the Neko Health Scan?

Accepted Answer

A 60-minute comprehensive, multi-specialty, non-invasive and radiation-free assessment that captures millions of health data points across your skin, heart, circulation, blood, and metabolic health.

This includes:

an external assessment using visible spectrum cameras, infrared thermal cameras, and depth-sensing cameras

internal measurements covering blood pressure, body composition, EKG, advanced cardiac assessments and a blood draw processed on-site

additional biometric checks including grip strength and intraocular pressure.

Results are delivered same-visit during a face-to-face consultation with a clinician – all in under an hour.

Question 2

What is the Neko Health Scan designed to do?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan is a health check built around prevention. Our measurements focus on some of the biggest drivers of preventable illnesses and death worldwide. We look for early signs of cardiometabolic disease by looking at how your body processes and uses sugar and fat, which can help identify early signs associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes. We also take a close look at your skin, checking moles and marks for early signs of skin cancer.

You'll come away with a clearer picture of where your health is today, and a baseline for future scans. The scan is not designed as a replacement for your primary care provider, nor to urgent care.

Question 3

What do you measure in the Neko Health Scan?

Accepted Answer

See the list of measurements taken and devices used in the Neko Health Scan.

Question 4

Which biomarkers do you test for?

Accepted Answer

ApoA1, ApoB, Lp(a), Ultra HDL, LDL Direct, Cholesterol (total), Triglycerides, Non-HDL cholesterol, RBC (red blood cell count), Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin), MCHC, RDW-CV, Platelet count, MPV (mean platelet volume), PDW (platelet distribution width), P-LCR (large platelet ratio), Plateletcrit, Ret-He, Blasts flag, WBC (white blood cell count), Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein), Albumin, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, Bilirubin total, Bilirubin direct, Conjugated bilirubin fraction, Uric acid, Cystatin C, Urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, eGFR, creatinine, eGFR, creatinine + cystatin C, Iron (serum), Ferritin, Transferrin, UIBC, TIBC, Transferrin saturation, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Glucose (fasting), HbA1c

Question 5

How is the Neko Health Scan different from an MRI or a full-body scan?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan is not an MRI or a CT scan. It assesses health risks; it does not provide MRI or CT images of your internal organs.

Through a combination of proprietary technology and prevention-focused clinical protocols, the Neko Health Scan captures health data across your skin, heart, circulation, blood, and metabolic health.

Your visit includes 360° visible mole mapping and checks, body and visceral fat measures, EKG and 4-point blood pressure checks, microcirculation checks, and a 53-biomarker blood panel.

We have engineered the experience at Neko to deliver all of the results to your Neko clinician within your 1-hour visit, so that you can discuss your results and create an action plan for your health together.

Question 6

Is this just an annual physical?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan is a completely different experience. We combine technology-based measurements with a clinician consultation to give you the bigger picture of your health during a 1-hour visit. By building our own technology and designing a very considered and efficient experience, we’re able to process all data on-site and deliver results within the same visit. We believe our services are complementary to, not a replacement of, your primary care relationship.

Question 7

Is the Neko Health Scan a diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan provides a detailed picture of your health today and can identify signs that warrant further investigation.

We often identify findings that have not been detected previously. If we find something that deserves a closer look, we’ll explain what we found, how confident we are, and the appropriate next steps.

Where further evaluation or diagnostic testing is recommended, we’ll make that clear so you know exactly what to do next.

Question 8

Will the scan catch any possible issue going on in my body?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan does not check for every possible condition. It is designed to collect data related to key areas of health associated with a high burden of disease. The Neko Health Scan evaluates heart and circulatory health, metabolic health including body composition and skin health, with new data points added over time. Our focus is on checking for health risks where the data can provide meaningful insights and where there are actionable steps that can be taken to help prevent disease.

Question 9

Can a Neko scan miss something?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No health check finds everything. Some conditions simply don't show up in the things we measure; others leave no trace at the time of your scan; and every measurement has a margin of error. This is why it is important to follow the data over time, as we can see changes that may indicate a change worth discussing with your clinician. Results in the normal range mean we didn't find anything concerning in what we looked at, on the day we looked. Normal results do not rule out all health conditions.

Question 10

Can the scan find something that turns out to be nothing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you look carefully at a lot of healthy people, some findings will look worth checking and turn out to be harmless. That can mean an extra test, a bit of waiting, and some worry that in hindsight wasn't needed. We work hard to keep that to a minimum. We set our thresholds carefully, we tell you how certain or uncertain we are, and we don't raise things where there's nothing useful to do with the answer. False alarms are still possible.

Question 11

Does a normal result mean I'm healthy?

Accepted Answer

A normal result means the measurements taken were within the expected ranges. Health is broader than any one set of measurements. That's why the scan becomes more valuable each time you repeat it. How your numbers are moving usually tells you more than any single number on its own.

Question 12

Does the Neko Health Scan detect cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan is designed to detect skin lesions that may be or could become cancerous. We check your moles and marks and can pick up features that should be seen by a specialist, which matters for melanoma and other skin cancers where early detection is critical for outcomes.

The scan doesn't screen for breast, cervical, colon, prostate, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, or most other cancers, so clear results aren't a sign that you don't have cancer. This is why the national screening programs still matter, and why anything new or persistent in your body is worth mentioning to your doctor.

Question 13

Can the scan tell me whether I have coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan can identify signs associated with coronary artery disease, but it cannot definitively diagnose or rule it out.

Our 12-lead EKG may reveal abnormalities suggesting reduced blood flow to the heart muscle or damage from a previous heart attack. However, a normal EKG does not exclude coronary artery disease.

The Neko Health Scan does not directly image your coronary arteries or detect plaque or narrowing. This may require additional tests, such as a CT coronary angiogram.

What we can do is assess your cardiovascular health and risk.

We measure blood pressure, cholesterol and other lipids, hs-CRP, HbA1c, and BMI. We also listen to your heart and perform a 12-lead EKG. We combine this data with your medical history to estimate your cardiovascular risk and heart age, helping identify opportunities to reduce your future risk.

If we find abnormalities that warrant further investigation, we may recommend an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or vascular ultrasound, which we can perform in-house at no additional cost when clinically indicated.

A normal Neko Health Scan does not rule out coronary artery disease or other heart problems. If you experience chest pain, pressure or tightness, or new or worsening breathlessness, seek medical advice promptly. If you have sudden or severe symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Do not delay seeking medical attention because of a recent Neko Health Scan.

Question 14

Does the Neko Health Scan replace other screening programs?

Accepted Answer

No. Programs like breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening use tests built specifically for those cancers, offered at intervals based on research evidence. We don't replicate them and recommend them when appropriate for you.

Question 15

What credentials do operators and clinicians have?

Accepted Answer

All of our clinicians are board-certified physicians, DOs, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants licensed to practice in the state where the clinic is located. Our operators are most often Medical Assistants or Licensed Practical Nurses. Once they join, all of our clinicians are put through a rigorous technical and clinical onboarding.

Question 16

What measures are in place to ensure patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Holding the highest standards of patient safety is our primary priority. Our onsite laboratory is a certified moderate complexity CLIA laboratory. We do regular audits and quality evaluations to ensure that our care is above all safe, high quality, and accurate.

Question 17

Will intimate areas be photographed?

Accepted Answer

The Neko Health Scan includes skin and body imaging, which involves taking up to 6,000 images of your visible skin and body surface. During this part of the scan, you are invited to remove your robe so that more skin is visible for the purposes of mole mapping. You have full choice over how much of your skin you would like to have visible to the cameras during this part of the scan. Please note that our technology cannot capture moles hidden beneath underwear or clothing, which means that our clinicians are unable to assess the risk of any moles in these places.

Question 18

Is it safe to have a Neko Health Scan while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Neko Health Scan is entirely non-invasive, with the exception of the blood draw. Part of the scan involves lying on your back, which may be less comfortable later in pregnancy. There is no use of x-rays, so it is considered safe throughout pregnancy. If you have any concerns, your healthcare provider is the best person to advise based on your specific circumstances. You're also welcome to contact our team at support@nekohealth.com with any questions before your visit.

Question 19

Does the Neko Health Scan use radiation?

Accepted Answer

No. Every Neko device is designed to capture data without any radiation exposure.

Question 20

Is the technology registered with the FDA?

Accepted Answer

Please contact support@nekohealth.com for the current FDA status of the Neko-developed devices used in your Neko Health Scan.

Question 21

Do I need a referral to book a scan?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need a referral. Join the waitlist at nekohealth.com and when a scan slot becomes available, you'll be invited to book – no referral required.

Question 22

How long is the current waitlist?

Accepted Answer

We now count over 25,000 New Yorkers on our waitlist for our first location in the city. Wait times vary depending on the clinic you'd like to visit. We're working hard to open more locations and increase availability.

Question 23

I'm already on the US waitlist. What happens now, and when can I book?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for joining our US waitlist. We’ll email and text you as soon as it’s your turn to book. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for locations across the US.

Question 24

I'm an existing member. Can I book a scan in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes – please contact our Customer Care team at support@nekohealth.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Question 25

Are you coming to my city?

Accepted Answer

We can’t wait to bring Neko to many more people across the US. Sign up to join our waitlist and tell us which city you’re based in, to help us decide where to open next.

Question 26

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

The scan is $499 in the U.S. We don't currently accept insurance. Today, people can use HSA and FSA funds to pay for their Neko Health Scan. Neko's mission is to democratize access to preventive healthcare, so over time we will work to make our scan available to more people and that may include accepting insurance in the future.

Question 27

Can I pay with an FSA or HSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can pay for your Neko Health Scan with an FSA or HSA card. An itemized receipt will be shared with you automatically upon checkout. If you need further help with payment or supporting documentation, contact support@nekohealth.com. We also recommend that you check with your HSA/FSA plan administrator or similar to confirm your eligibility.

Question 28

What happens if the scan detects something?

Accepted Answer

Your clinician will review your results with you during your consultation. If anything requires further attention, our in-house specialist consultants, including cardiologists and dermatologists, will review the findings at no additional cost.

If additional evaluation is recommended, Neko provides a range of follow-up services at no extra charge, including echocardiograms and follow-up skin checks where appropriate.

In some cases, we may recommend seeing an external clinician, such as a primary care provider or specialist. In this case, our clinical care coordination team will connect you with the appropriate care.

Question 29

How do referrals work?

Accepted Answer

Our medical team determines whether you need a referral to an external clinician, including primary care providers and specialists, for services such as diabetes treatment or lesion biopsies. If a referral is needed, we will send a referral letter to the receiving physician and contact you to coordinate scheduling and next steps.

In New York, Neko refers members who require additional care to vetted physicians and healthcare systems, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Schweiger Dermatology, and Mount Sinai Health System. We also refer members to a national virtual care provider, General Medicine.

You may also choose to see a clinician you already know. In that case, we are happy to send the referral letter directly to them. Please let our coordinating team know at suppport@nekohealth.com.

Question 30

Do I have to pay for my follow-up appointments?

Accepted Answer

Some follow-up appointments are provided directly by Neko at our clinics and are included in the $499 price. If your clinician identifies a medical need for follow-up care during your scan, our team will contact you to arrange scheduling.

For other needs, we refer you to external providers, including primary care providers and specialists. Your costs will depend on your insurance benefits, applicable copays, and the portion of your deductible you have met.

Question 31

What will my receiving provider receive about me?

Accepted Answer

If anything is discovered during your Neko Health Scan that requires referral to an external provider within dermatology, cardiology, and/or primary care, Neko can help you by arranging a referral to a provider in our vetted network.

If you would instead prefer to be seen by a provider who you have an existing relationship with, please let our team know and we can arrange to share the relevant referral information with them directly or help you do so yourself. No information is shared without your consent. And Neko only shares the information required to help the treating provider fully review the concern that necessitated the referral. If you want a copy of the records shared with the external provider, please ask the team at support@nekohealth.com.

For Neko, our key priority when referring you to a treating provider is that your health concern is further reviewed. If we spot something that needs further attention, we want to help you get seen.

Question 32

Can the clinician prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

Today, our clinicians do not prescribe. Our clinicians do provide members with non-pharmacological intervention recommendations and sometimes additional testing, if required, in the clinic. If they feel a member would benefit from medications or specialty care, we will arrange referrals for that care.

Question 33

Do I need a scan every year?

Accepted Answer

How often you need a scan depends on your age, previous results, family history, and other risk factors. Your Neko clinician will discuss this with you.

Question 34

How is my health data protected?

Accepted Answer

We use safeguards including encryption and access controls to help protect your information against unauthorized access. If you have questions about how your data is protected, contact our Privacy Office at dpo@nekohealth.com.

Your health data is protected by dedicated security and privacy teams who design our systems, review our defenses, and monitor for threats. Data at rest is encrypted, with the most sensitive information protected by two separate layers of encryption, and data in transit always uses strong encryption like TLS. Access is restricted to a small number of employees whose roles require it, and every request must be formally approved; all access is logged and monitored, with unauthorized access sanctioned. All employees complete security and privacy training, with extra training for specific roles. Questions can be directed to our Privacy Office at dpo@nekohealth.com.

Question 35

How is AI used on my data?

Accepted Answer

Neko uses an AI tool to help create and draft your patient summary from the conversation, scan data, and questionnaire responses. The consultation is recorded and transcribed to support that process and members provide explicit consent for the recording, transcription, and summarization of the conversation, which can be withdrawn at any time in the app.

Every AI-drafted summary is reviewed by a Neko clinician before it becomes part of your record, so no report reaches you without a clinician's review.

Neko members can also opt in to use the Ask Neko AI chat. In connection with opt-in they give their consent for the chat to access their medical information – for informational and educational purposes.

Members can revoke their consent at any time at which point the chat will stop accessing their information. Use of AI is disclosed in Neko's privacy notices and terms and conditions.

Question 36

Is my data ever shared or sold?

Accepted Answer

Neko does not sell member health data to third parties. We do not share it with insurers, employers, or pharmaceutical companies. We may share information for coordination of your care, payment, medical operations, legal requirements. We may also share your information based on your separate and explicit consent, to Neko group companies for internal R&D purposes. When we do so, we always share the minimum necessary information to achieve the objective with such sharing.

Neko's model is predicated on trust and consent. The data generated during health scans belongs to the individual – including the decision whether to opt in to product development or research participation.

Question 37

Where is my data stored, and for how long?

Accepted Answer

Please contact dpo@nekohealth.com for details about where your US data is stored and the retention periods that apply to your records. Our public US notices do not specify storage countries or a record-by-record retention schedule.

Neko is built on trust and consent; protecting member health data is our top priority. Neko does not sell member data. We hold ourselves to the strictest standards and you can find more information in our privacy policy, including contact details for any specific questions, which our Privacy Officer can help answer.

Question 38

Which privacy and security standards do you meet?

Accepted Answer

Protecting member health data is central to how Neko is built, and we hold ourselves to the strictest standards that apply to us in any market.

As a direct-pay model, HIPAA doesn't apply to us today; however New York's SHIELD Act does, which protects the private information of any New York resident whether or not HIPAA is in play, alongside FTC requirements and state consumer health privacy law. Our security, privacy and legal teams have built to those requirements from the start.

Our program is already operating at a standard that covers the substance of what HIPAA protects.

Frequently asked questions

About the Neko Health Scan

What the scan can and cannot tell you

Your visit, clinical team, and safety

Booking, locations, and payment

Results, referrals, and ongoing care

Your data and privacy