Earlier this week, Apple announced its latest iPhone iOS beta update would include an option for patients to input their electronic medical records.
So far, 12 hospitals — and prominent EHR vendors — have partnered with Apple for the effort.
Here are three reasons why Apple is tackling health records, according to Business Insider.
- The Health app update marks a key step in solving interoperability issues with EHRs. Eventually, the update could turn into a platform for patients to add real-time data to their medical records, which could give care providers a more detailed look at patients' health, according to Business Insider.
- Self-monitoring health is a rapidly expanding business. Health and fitness app usage has surged 330 percent over the last three years, according to a Flurry report cited by Business Insider. And, more than 50 percent of consumers use their health and fitness apps more than once a week.
- Since the Apple ecosystem is closed, patients must have an iOS device to use the feature. This could drive up adoption of Apple devices.
However, the company could face challenges. Business Insider notes that only about 8 percent of consumers are willing to share their health history data with tech companies, according to a 2016 Rock Health survey.
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