Apple

CUPERTINO, Calif. – Apple has introduced an update to its Health app that allows users to see their own medical records on their iPhone.

“Our goal is to help consumers live a better day,” said Jeff Williams, COO at Apple, in a statement. “We’ve worked closely with the health community to create an experience everyone has wanted for years—to view medical records easily and securely right on your iPhone.”

Apple is beta testing the feature with 12 health systems, including: Johns Hopkins Medicine; Cedars-Sinai; Penn Medicine; Geisinger Health System; UC San Diego Health; UNC Health Care; Rush University Medical Center; Dignity Health; Ochsner Health System; MedStar Health; OhioHealth; and Cerner Healthe Clinic.

In the past, patients’ medical records were held in multiple locations, requiring patients to log into each care provider’s website and piece together the information manually. Apple worked with the health care community to take a consumer-friendly approach, creating the Health Records section based on Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, a standard for transferring electronic medical records.

Now, consumers will have medical information from various institutions organized into one view covering allergies, conditions, immunizations, lab results, medications, procedures and vitals, and will receive notifications when their data is updated. Health Records data is encrypted and protected with the user’s iPhone passcode.

“By empowering customers to see their overall health, we hope to help consumers better understand their health and help them lead healthier lives” said Williams.

HARTFORD, Conn. – Aetna has announced a new program for members using Apple products.

The insurer will make Apple Watch available to select large employers and individual customers during open enrollment season, and will subsidize a significant portion of the device cost, offering monthly payroll deductions. Aetna will also provide the Apple Watch at no cost to its own employees, who will participate in the company’s wellness reimbursement program.

“We are incredibly excited to use iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch to create simple, intuitive and personalized technology solutions that will transform the health and wellness experience for our members,” said Aetna Chairman and CEO Mark Bertolini in a press release.

With support from Apple, Aetna is planning several iOS-exclusive health initiatives, starting with integrated health apps for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch that will improve the ability of consumers to manage their health and increase healthy outcomes. The apps will include: care management and wellness to help guide consumers through health events like a new diagnosis or prescription medication with user-driven support from nurses and people with similar conditions; medication adherence to help consumers remember to take their medications, order refills, and connect with their doctor through their Apple Watch or iPhone; personalized health plan on-boarding, information, messaging and decision support; and integration with Apple Wallet, allowing consumers to check their deductible and pay a bill.

“Aetna’s new initiatives will be a powerful force toward creating better customer experiences in health care,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The program will be available early next year.

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