Wearable Device Guide

Accuracy Disclaimers

• •Consumer wearables are NOT medical devices -- accuracy varies significantly between brands and individuals
• •Wrist-based optical HR sensors can be inaccurate during movement, for darker skin tones, and with tattoos
• •SpO2 readings from wrist sensors have wider error margins than fingertip pulse oximeters
• •Temperature sensors measure skin temperature, not core body temperature (except CORE sensor)
• •HRV algorithms differ between manufacturers -- do not compare raw values across devices

Not a Replacement for Medical Devices

• •Wearables supplement but never replace prescribed medical monitoring devices
• •If your doctor has prescribed a Holter monitor, pulse oximeter, or continuous glucose monitor, use those
• •Clinical decisions should never be made based solely on consumer wearable data
• •FDA-cleared features (like Apple Watch ECG) are screening tools, not diagnostic instruments
• •Always discuss wearable findings with your provider before changing treatment

Anxiety from Over-Monitoring

• •Constant health monitoring can increase health anxiety and hypervigilance in some patients
• •Consider setting specific check-in times rather than monitoring continuously
• •If wearable data is causing more stress than insight, take a break from checking
• •Focus on trends over days and weeks, not minute-to-minute fluctuations
• •Discuss monitoring boundaries with your mental health provider if applicable

Cost & Accessibility

• •Many devices are expensive -- the most costly option is not always the best for your condition
• •Some insurance plans and FSA/HSA accounts may cover wearables with a letter of medical necessity
• •Subscription-based devices (Whoop, Oura) have ongoing costs that add up over time
• •Refurbished and previous-generation models often provide adequate health monitoring at lower cost
• •Free smartphone apps can provide basic step and sleep tracking as a starting point