Karoo Health Bets on AI, Value-Based Care to Reshape Cardiac Treatment

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

The Rise of Proactive Cardiac Care

Karoo Health, a company focused on transforming cardiac care through value-based principles and artificial intelligence, recently appointed Aneesh Pakala, M.D., F.A.C.C., as its Chief Medical Officer. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to scaling its innovative approach nationally and tackling the leading cause of death in the United States: heart disease. While many healthcare organizations focus on treating cardiac illness, Karoo Health is staking its future on a proactive, preventative model designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system.

“The current system is largely reactive,” says one industry analyst. “Providers are often incentivized to perform procedures rather than prevent the need for them. Karoo Health is trying to flip that script, and they’re using technology and data to make it happen.” The company’s Kohere.ai platform, launched in April 2024, is central to this strategy. It aggregates patient data to identify individuals at risk, enabling earlier interventions and personalized care plans.

Scaling Through Value-Based Contracts and AI

Karoo Health isn’t simply offering a new technology; it’s fundamentally changing how cardiac care is delivered and paid for. The company is actively forging partnerships with health plans and provider networks to transition to value-based care (VBC) contracts. These contracts shift the financial risk from payers to providers, incentivizing them to prioritize quality and outcomes over volume.

“The transition to VBC is complex, but it’s essential for creating a sustainable healthcare system,” says a healthcare economist. “Karoo Health is providing the technology and expertise that many organizations need to make that transition successfully.” A key element of their model is leveraging AI to manage population health, identify care gaps, and streamline administrative tasks. The company reports significant results from pilot programs, including a 23% diversion of patients from unnecessary emergency department visits and high levels of patient engagement with their digital platform.

A Competitive Landscape of Innovation

Karoo Health is entering a crowded and increasingly competitive market. Several companies are vying to become leaders in the value-based cardiac care space, offering similar technologies and services. Companies like Ventricle Health and CardioOne are also focused on enabling providers to transition to VBC through data analytics and care coordination. However, Karoo Health distinguishes itself with its comprehensive approach, integrating technology, data analytics, and clinical expertise. “What sets them apart is their ability to not just offer a platform, but to actually partner with organizations and help them navigate the complexities of VBC,” says a source familiar with the company's strategy.

Expansion Plans and Untapped Potential

With its CMO in place, Karoo Health is gearing up for significant expansion. The company plans to launch programs in nine new states, reaching over 20,000 at-risk lives by the first quarter of 2026. While the specific states have not been publicly announced, analysts speculate that they will target regions with high rates of heart disease and limited access to specialized cardiac care. “There's a tremendous opportunity to improve healthcare outcomes in these underserved communities,” says a public health advocate.

The company’s partnership with Zing Health, covering members in six states, has served as a proving ground for its model. Early results indicate a strong potential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. “We’re seeing a positive impact on patient engagement and overall health,” says a representative from Zing Health. “Karoo Health is helping us deliver more value to our members.”

“The future of cardiac care isn’t just about treating illness; it’s about preventing it and empowering patients to take control of their health,” says one industry expert. “Karoo Health is positioning itself to be a key player in that transformation.