Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft Announce Pilot Program for Online Health Tools |
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Written by U. S. Insurance News
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Monday, 16 June 2008 |
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Just as many computer users have more than one email account, the day
is coming when the majority of health consumers will have multiple
online tools for managing their health data. The question is, will
these multiple tools and data tools be compatible?
Kaiser Permanente and Microsoft Corp. have answered that question, at least with their programs. The two companies recently announced a pilot program that will enable health data transfers between Kaiser Permanente’s My Health Manager and the Microsoft HealthVault consumer health platform.
Currently, the more than 2 million My Health Manager’s users have online access to clinical information and health management tools, including e-mailing their doctors, refilling prescriptions online, and scheduling appointments. Connecting My Health Manager to the HealthVault platform will allow users to combine personal health information from Kaiser Permanente and numerous health and wellness management applications and devices, such as blood pressure monitors.
“Providing new ways to manage their health online is one more way we can engage consumers in their care,” said Anna-Lisa Silvestre, vice president of Online Services at Kaiser Permanente. “We believe that Microsoft HealthVault will be a valuable supplement to our expanding set of online features.”
Peter Neupert, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Health Solutions Group, said the pilot program will provide a learning opportunity for consumers.
“As the universe of online health applications continues to grow, people will learn how technology can empower them and their trusted providers to make the most informed decisions about their health and care,” he said.
HealthVault supports Kaiser Permanente’s transfer of My Health Manager data in adherence with federal standards and includes safeguards to help protect the personal information of members. HealthVault automatically imports and exports using standards such as WC3 eXtensible Markup Language (XML), HL7 Continuity of Care Document (CCD), ASTM Continuity of Care Record (CCR.), Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), and Common Connectivity Device.
Kaiser Permanente’s 156,000 employees will be eligible to participate in this pilot program. If the pilot is successful, the program will be expanded to include Kaiser Permanente’s more than 8 million members.
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