Clad only in my underpants, I find myself in front of an array of high-resolution cameras in a basement in SoHo.
A voice echoes above, instructing: “A bright light will shine for a few moments. Please close your eyes.”
This is the new Neko Health located on Lafayette Street, where a machine and a doctor will analyze my skin for any potential issues. And that’s just one part of the examination.
For a fee of $499, this Swedish company offers insights into your skin, body composition, visceral fat, circulation, and heart health. In contrast, standalone tests like MRIs and DEXA scans can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars each without insurance.
“I don’t think there’s really anything quite like Neko’s scans available,” stated Dr. Sunita Mishra, the company’s chief medical officer.
The facility boasts numerous high-tech gadgets, including a proprietary laser system that examines micro-vasculature in your feet, complemented by flashy animations and dramatic lighting in a stylish office that might remind you of a Disney ride.
I was curious whether this was just another unnecessary health fad or if it could provide meaningful insights — and, surprisingly, I discovered something about my heart that previous EKGs had overlooked.
High-Tech Preventative Health
The preventative health sector is rapidly growing, currently valued at around $415 billion, largely driven by an increase in chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. New York City, in particular, has become a hotspot for the affluent seeking cutting-edge medical care aimed at extending lifespan — with one service costing $60,000 annually plus a $100,000 initiation fee.
Neko Health, however, aims to offer a more accessible perspective on individual health.
The truth is, many American adults skip their annual physicals, often only visiting their doctors when they’re feeling unwell, which can lead to important health issues going unnoticed.
Neko has some remarkable success stories from its locations in London and Stockholm, successfully spotting life-threatening conditions like “lots of melanoma” and “serious metabolic issues in about 6% of patients,” according to Mishra.
“Just last week, we identified a patient with a dissecting aortic aneurysm — similar to what Lindsey Graham experienced. We referred them for immediate care, and they underwent surgery the very next day,” she recounted.
They’ve also assisted in identifying cases of leukemia, diabetes, hypertension, and heart trouble.
Neko’s scans, Mishra explained, are designed for individuals who are already somewhat engaged in understanding their health, like users of health trackers such as Oura or Whoop. Although their hour-long service isn’t currently covered by insurance, payments can be made using FSA or HSA funds.
Experiencing a Scan at Neko Health
Returning to that underground facility in SoHo, my skin underwent detailed imaging after I posed for frontal and rear photographs. After putting my robe back on, more tests awaited.
The environment, reminiscent of a high-tech spa, featured gentle piano music. An operator guided me through various tests, including an EKG, blood pressure readings, and a blood draw. My blood samples were sent away via a pneumatic tube to be analyzed quickly, ensuring results would be ready by the time I finished.
Then came the more advanced technology: Neko’s unique tools included a camera and light system for skin analysis, as well as gadgets measuring circulation and heart health.
As testing commenced, an automated voice, reminiscent of Siri, instructed me while the lighting dimmed, showcasing an “analyzing” animation akin to something from Star Trek.
Lasers also assessed my heart function and pulse, while another test utilized lasers to check circulation at the base of my feet.
Finally, they assessed grip strength, a measure that can indicate lean muscle mass and longevity, alongside eye pressure evaluations that can signify the risk of glaucoma.
Reviewing My Neko Health Results
After the various tests, the doctor conducted a thorough skin examination, including checking my feet and the spaces between my toes. He mentioned that individuals of Asian descent (like myself) have higher melanoma risks on the palms and soles.
Using a special scope, he scrutinized spots for any concerning characteristics. After receiving a clean bill of health, we examined all the results in yet another tech-inspired room.
Fair warning: you’ll encounter a digital avatar of your bare body from the initial scan, which was quite startling for me.
I received an estimate of my body composition, including visceral fat levels, potential indicators of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
However, it’s important to note: the clinicians at Neko do not make diagnoses. Any suspicious findings are referred to partner medical centers for confirmation.
The clinician indicated something unusual regarding my heart — which had already been a concern among my previous doctors. For years, I’ve experienced bouts of dizziness and even fainted during exercise classes. My resting heart rate was often very high.
Despite multiple EKGs that yielded no answers, this time was different; the EKG revealed evidence of right-axis deviation. This condition means the heart’s electrical signals may be slightly misdirected.
“This could arise from various causes. Some are benign, while others might require further investigation or treatment like an echocardiogram,” the doctor explained.
My results were sent to an in-house cardiologist, who advised I follow up with my own cardiologist for further assessment the next day.
Conclusion
Some aspects of the experience felt less useful to me — like the “heart age” metric, which simplifies heart health into a single figure. Although the whole process felt exceptionally premium, it leaned towards the theatrical side, which might be engaging for some but could induce anxiety for others.
Nevertheless, what stood out was leaving with more insights about my health. Having just had my annual physical a month before, I appreciated the comparison.
Testing at Neko was significantly more comfortable and comprehensive. My operator had the time to provide detailed explanations, unlike the hurried nature of a typical primary care visit.
I came away with more information about my health, learning things I didn’t know or had the chance to ask about during my primary appointment, such as the implications of different blood fat levels — pretty valuable overall.
To clarify, my Neko clinician pointed out that they do not intend to replace your primary care provider. I view this service as a beneficial adjunct to an annual physical. If you opt for a scan, I recommend scheduling it before your annual check-up, allowing for a more comprehensive dialogue with your PCP regarding any follow-ups.
While a standalone scan provides significant insights, tracking changes annually truly enhances its value — which is why, despite a few lingering doubts, I’m likely to pay another $499 to return to that SoHo basement next year.
