Apple to launch health records with VA
Apple is working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make its Health Records on iPhone feature available to veterans, the company announced. Patients receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration will be able to view their aggregated health information on their iPhone in the Health app.
The deal was expected after rumors surfaced in late 2018 that Apple was in talks with VA for digital health capabilities. The deal brings Apple into the largest medical system in the country, with more than 9 million veterans across 1,243 facilities.
“We have great admiration for veterans, and we’re proud to bring a solution like Health Records on iPhone to the veteran community,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. “It’s truly an honor to contribute to the improved healthcare of America’s heroes.”
Health records data will be displayed alongside other information in Apple’s Health app, such as Apple Watch data.
“When patients have better access to their health information, they have more productive conversations with their physicians,” Jeff Williams, Apple’s COO, said in a statement. “By bringing Health Records on iPhone to VA patients, we hope veterans will experience improved healthcare that will enhance their lives.”
The deal comes as HHS is making a push for interoperability and better access to digital health information, with newly proposed rules announced on Feb. 11.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."