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Apple Adds Medical Records Feature For iPhone (cnbc.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the on-the-go dept.

On Wednesday, Apple released the test version of a new product that lets users download their health records, store them safely and show them to a doctor, caregiver or friend. "We view the future as consumers owning their own health data," Apple COO Jeff Williams said in an interview with CNBC. From the report: It all works when a user opens the iPhone's health app, navigates to the health record section, and, on the new tool, adds a health provider. From there, the user taps to connect to Apple's software system and data start streaming into the service. Patients will get notified via an alert if new information becomes available. In June, CNBC first reported on Apple's plans, including early discussions with top U.S. hospitals. The company confirmed that it has contracts with about a dozen hospitals across the country, including Cedars-Sinai, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Penn Medicine and the University of California, San Diego. The medical information available will include allergies, conditions, immunizations, lab results, medications, procedures and vitals. The information is encrypted and protected through a user's iPhone passcode.

3 of 101 comments (clear)

  1. Apple's reaction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Now apple gets to tout that they need flawless encryption to prevent being accused of HIPPA violations!
    Playing one agency of the government against the other ought to be fun.

  2. No by willoughby · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So Apple want me to use the same passcode for both my phone access and my medical records? There's no way I'd even consider doing that.

  3. When I was diagnosed... by GerryGilmore · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...with an AVM back in the late 1980s, I asked my neurologist what would happen to me if it popped and no one could access the great MRI pictures he'd taken of it. Basically, "too bad". All of you government haters can tune the fuck out right now when I say that ALL of our medical records SHOULD be on-line and available to ALL medical personnel when needed. Before you "privacy-uber-alles" types start getting *your* panties in a wad, there can easily be audit trails and other mechanisms (including SEVERE penalties for inappropriate access to same) to prevent abuse, and you ignore the "greater good". For me, I'd MUCH rather have the EMS personnel responding to my twitching, unconscious body know about my AVM and be able to respond with real, accurate info than worry that someone will find out I got the clap back in 1979. Fuck y'all! You don't want to participate? Fine, have an opt-out option. Me, sign me da fuck up!