rPPG vs Wearables vs a Clinic Visit
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rPPG, wearables, and a clinic visit answer different questions. rPPG uses a camera for a quick everyday wellness check with no hardware. A wearable tracks continuously on your wrist. A clinic visit gives a medical assessment. Each has a place, and none replaces the others.
How they compare
| Approach | Hardware | Friction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| rPPG (camera) | A camera you already have | None to wear, a few seconds | A quick everyday wellness check |
| Wearable | A device to buy and charge | Wear it through the day | Continuous trend tracking |
| Clinic visit | Professional equipment | Appointment and travel | Medical assessment and diagnosis |
Where rPPG fits
rPPG removes the hardware and the friction. It is a first, everyday check you can take in seconds, for example before a workout or during a busy day. It is a wellness reading, not a clinical verdict.
Where a clinic still matters
If you have symptoms, a known condition, or a result that concerns you, see a health professional. rPPG can prompt that conversation. It does not replace it.
Is it accurate?
rPPG gives wellness estimates. NervoScan's approach was developed through research with Singapore General Hospital and the National University Health System, with heart rate agreement about 2 bpm and blood oxygen about 2 percent. Read the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is a camera as accurate as a wearable?
Both give wellness estimates rather than clinical measurements. In research with Singapore General Hospital and the National University Health System, NervoScan's heart rate agreement was about 2 bpm and blood oxygen about 2 percent. A camera check is best with good lighting and a still face.
Can rPPG replace my smartwatch?
They do different jobs. A smartwatch tracks continuously on your wrist; rPPG is a quick check with no device to wear. Many people use both.
Should I use rPPG instead of seeing a doctor?
No. rPPG is a wellness reading, not a diagnosis. See a health professional for any medical concern.