On June 2, Apple announced the pending release of the Health app and corresponding SDK, HealthKit at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Apple also announced that it is working with both the Mayo Clinic and Epic to refine their health offering for both clinician workflow and patient/consumer engagement. The implications of this announcement could be significant, particularly for patient generated health data (PGHD), which is a proposed requirement for MU Stage 3.
Apple’s Move Last Week
In the two-hour, high level presentation at the opening of WWDC, a mere three minutes was devoted to the announcement of the Health app and HealthKit. Within those brief three minutes that Apple SVP Craig Federighi presented these two new offerings, the following thin details were announced for the Health app:
- Health is a new app that Apple will provide as part of its iOS 8 release scheduled for this fall.
- Somewhat like Apple’s existing Passport app, Health will allow a user to aggregate a number of key health tracking measures (e.g., biometric sensor data) in one spot.
- Health app allows you to choose what measures you may wish to share across apps, for example track nutrition and fitness together. This data may also be shared with others, say your coach or your doctor.
- Health app will allow you to have other information stored, including lab results and medication lists.
- App allows one to create a medical emergency ID card that can be viewed by an emergency responder with screen locked.
All Domain Monitors included with Chilmark Advisory Service subscription. Learn more about becoming a CAS Subscriber!
