Just two months after Apple announced its Health Records solution that allows consumers to see their medical records right on their iPhone, 39 health systems have signed on to launch the feature, the tech giant announced today.
Starting today, according to Apple officials, patients of leading health systems such as NYU Langone Health, Stanford Medicine and nearly 40 others, representing hundreds of hospitals and clinics, can view their medical records right from their iPhone. Previously, Health Records was available to patients who joined the Apple Beta Software Program.
“The updated Health Records section within the Health app helps consumers see medical information from various institutions organized into one view and receive notifications when their data is updated. This information can help patients better understand their health history, have informed conversations with physicians and family members, and make future decisions. Health Records data is encrypted and protected with the user’s iPhone passcode,” Apple said in the March 29 announcement.
Apple first tested the feature out with 12 hospitals in all, inclusive of some of the most prominent healthcare institutions in the U.S. The company said it has “worked with the healthcare community to take a consumer-friendly approach, creating Health Records based on FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), a standard for transferring electronic medical records.”
Paul Testa, M.D., of NYU Langone Health’s CMIO noted that he has implemented a new service for ER doctors through Apple Watch’s push notifications. Today, 35 NYU Langone doctors can request notifications for vital lab results so they see the results and respond quickly as well as be notified as their patients progress through the system from arrival to discharge. Dr. Testa said he believes Health Records “is an incredible first step to being able to have the patient take possession of their own information,” but more importantly, “it highlights where we’re going to end up.”
