“Apple and Microsoft will each be sending a representative to a meeting on Monday hosted by a group that’s supporting efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to make it easier for patients to access and share their medical information.”
“The nonpartisan Carin Alliance, which describes its focus as ‘advancing consumer-directed exchange in health care,’ posted the attendee list and talking points on its website on Friday. More than 40 people representing some of the biggest companies in the industry are planning to attend, either in person or by phone, according to the list.”
“They’ll be meeting as part of an effort to push through a rule change proposed by HHS in 2019 to promote medical data interoperability. The proposal has been in a public comment period, with backers hoping it will be finalized in the coming weeks.”
“The inclusion of Apple and Microsoft is notable because the largest technology companies have largely stayed silent on the topic of late, although several shared their perspectives during the comment period. Apple’s Ricky Bloomfield, who’s working on efforts to add health information to the iPhone, is expected to join by phone, as is Microsoft’s Joshua Mandel, a chief architect at the company…”
“The most prominent opposition thus far has come from Epic Systems, one of the largest U.S. medical records companies. CEO Judy Faulkner sent a letter earlier this week to large hospitals, which are also the company’s customers, urging them to take a stand against the rule, in part because of concerns around patient privacy.” Read the full article here.
Source: Apple and Microsoft representatives are set to join a meeting on Monday promoting patient access to health data – By Christina Farr, January 24, 2020. CNBC.
