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Show HN: We built a real-time desktop companion for patient's telehealth visits

Original article
openhand.health|3 points|0 comments|by nikilr|Oct 1, 2026

Introducing Sidekick by OpenHand: Your Real-Time Telehealth Ally

Sidekick is an innovative AI-powered companion designed to sit alongside you during your virtual medical appointments. The goal is simple: ensure your health is fully understood.

Instead of struggling to keep up with complex jargon or forgetting the questions you prepared, Sidekick assists you in the moment. It translates medical terminology on the fly and prompts you with pertinent questions—even the ones you might have overlooked.

Once the call ends, you aren't left with a blank notepad. Sidekick aggregates the visit's highlights and actionable next steps, allowing you to remain present in the conversation rather than frantically scribbling notes.

Sidekick Interface Concept


🛠️ How to Get Started

Getting Sidekick up and running involves a simple three-step pipeline:

Your Onboarding Checklist

  • Step 1: Request Access. Complete the brief application form to join the waitlist.
  • Step 2: Installation. Once you receive your invite code from hello@openhand.health (Subject: OpenHand Sidekick - Early Access Invite), download the software.
  • Step 3: Activation. Launch the app and click Start Visit immediately before your appointment begins.

💻 Compatibility & Availability

Sidekick currently operates as a desktop application that runs in parallel with your chosen video conferencing tool.

PlatformRequirementAvailability
macOSVersion 13 or later (Universal)Available via Download
WindowsStandard PCAvailable via Microsoft Store
MobileiOS/AndroidComing Soon (For in-person & mobile telehealth)

🛡️ Privacy, Trust, and Data Integrity

We recognize the sensitivity of healthcare conversations. Privacy isn't an afterthought; it is the foundation of OpenHand.

Our Privacy Pledge: We maintain a profit-driven patient-centric model. There are no ads, and your personal information is never\text{never}never sold.

Technical Safeguards

{
  "compliance": "HIPAA-aligned architecture",
  "legal": "Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) signed with partners",
  "model_training": "No identifiable health data used for foundation model training",
  "user_control": "Full revocation rights & opt-out for de-identified aggregate analysis"
}

⚖️ The Legal Landscape: Consent

Navigating the legality of recording healthcare visits can be complex. The rules generally fall into two categories:

  1. One-Party Consent: Most states allow you to record a conversation you are participating in without notifying others.
  2. All-Party Consent: In twelve states, every participant must agree to the recording.

Because telehealth visits often cross state lines, we strongly recommend transparency. We suggest telling your provider at the start of the call:

"Is it cool if I use my healthcare notetaker that helps me understand and keep track of my care?"

Why Clinicians Support Sidekick

Most doctors appreciate the tool because it increases the efficiency of the visit:

  • Enhanced Engagement: Patients ask more thoughtful, informed questions.
  • Better Adherence: Reviewing the summary later improves follow-through on care plans.
  • Reduced Friction: It minimizes misunderstandings regarding the discussed treatment.

🌐 The Bigger Picture: The OpenHand Ecosystem

Sidekick is the first piece of a larger puzzle. OpenHand is envisioned as a comprehensive co-pilot for care preparation and cost navigation.

The OpenHand Value Proposition: Better Health=(Clear Communication+Cost Navigation)×Patient Agency\text{Better Health} = (\text{Clear Communication} + \text{Cost Navigation}) \times \text{Patient Agency}Better Health=(Clear Communication+Cost Navigation)×Patient Agency

  • Care Prep: We help you organize medications, symptoms, and queries into a concise brief for your doctor.
  • Cost Navigation: We assist in managing billing, insurance coverage, and finding lower-cost alternatives.
  • Bill Review: While currently paused, this feature is slated to return within the upcoming mobile application.

🚀 Join the Early Access Program

We are currently prioritizing users who are eager to provide active feedback. If you are willing to tell us what works and what doesn't, we want you on the waitlist.

For Patients: [Request Early Access] For Clinicians: [Learn how Sidekick supports your patients]