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Cakehealth's Open Enrollment Cheat Sheet [INFOGRAPHIC]

2011-12-03T20:35:00.001-05:00

Sunlight Foundation introduces iPhone mobile app for searching healthcare facilities and supplies

2011-08-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

A mobile app that collects data on various healthcare providers and suppliers was released by Sunlight Foundation – a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., whose primary advocacy is government transparency. The new mobile app, which is available on the iPhone, is called the “Sunlight Health” and enables patients and their families make informed decisions in regards to their options on healthcare services and prescription drugs.

Through the app, consumers can view government ratings on various hospitals and nursing homes. They can also search nearby stores that offer medical supplies and prescription drugs. Essentially, the app categorizes data provided by nonprofit and government institutions into categories namely healthcare facilities, suppliers of medical equipment, and sellers of prescription drugs.

Using the smartphone’s geo-location functionality or by indicating a zip code, users of the app can easily find different medical facilities including home healthcare providers, dialysis centers, nursing homes, and hospitals within the area.

The app makes use of the database of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid’s Services (CMS) Hospital Compare database in order for users to view ratings for those facilities, important details pertaining to the quality of care and other patient services, and the type of coverage provided for Medicare and Medicaid recipients in the facility.

In finding suppliers, the user simply enters the zip code and the app can find the different sellers of common home medical supplies in that area. The information likewise comes from CMS’ Hospital Compare database.

Users can research information about prescription drugs with the use of Consumer Reports’ Best Buy Drugs ratings project. All you need is to search for the class or name of the drug and the app will provide a price comparison between the brand and its generic version, if there is any. It also provides more details on its drug class as well as other chemicals that belong in that drug class.

The organization has developed mobile apps in the past that monitors politicians. Users can download the app for free at the Apple’s iTunes store or in Google’s Android Market.

University of Michigan Medical School releases iPhone app for prospective medical students

2011-08-24T07:01:00.000-04:00

Prospective medical school students of the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) can now turn to the free mobile application M.D. Stat+ in checking their admission status. With its collaboration with the Applications Development, Enabling Technologies, and Marketing offices, the medical school’s admissions office was able to create the mobile app that works to meet the needs of their prospective students.

The app, now available for iPhones, makes it possible to prospective as well as admitted students of the UMMS to view useful details on the current application process for the medical school. The app also provides links to relevant social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter as well as several medical student blogs. It gives applicants the ability to review the UMMS application process and provides details on incoming medical student class including demographic, academic, and other information.

After downloading the app, the user logs in and instantly he sees important status updates like the status of their application and whether or not it has been received, any interview offers, or confirmation if they have been admitted. If there is a change in their status, a badge will show up on the iPhone icon. Other features of the M.D.Stat+ include University of Michigan’s social media channel links and latest admissions stats.

Robert F. Ruiz, UMMS director of admissions, recognized the importance of continuously assessing the needs of the medical school’s applicants by having those needs always at the top of their priorities. He also acknowledges the stress involved in applying for medical school that is why UMMS wants to promote a process that is transparent as possible.

In 2010, UMMS had over 5,200 applications but only interviewed just 700 applicants. That resulted to an incoming class of merely 170 students. For this year, interviews began on August 19 and will continue until January 2012. A rolling admissions process is set to begin on the midnight of October 15.

Although the app is available via iPhones and Android, it has a mobile-friendly site – https://www.umms.med.umich.edu/mdstat/ – that is accessible via any smartphone’s web browser.

CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 50th edition now on iPhone, iPad, and iPhone Touch

2011-08-23T07:01:00.000-04:00

Regarded as the world’s most popular annual general medicine reference, the CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment (CMDT) is now the latest medical reference book to take advantage of the mobile applications technology. Publisher McGraw-Hill and app developer Mobile Systems have teamed up for the release of CMDT’s 50th edition on the iPhone, iPad, and iPhone Touch.

The mobile version is designed to provide quick access to important patient care information anywhere. The app comes with a searchable index, categories for easy reference, hyperlinks between words and articles, and bookmarks for later reading. Physicians are able to personally read evidence provided by journal articles – that support a treatment recommendation for a particular condition. The application itself, however, is not able to link directly to the articles.

Medical practitioners are able to benefit with the information that focuses on different options for diagnosis and treatment for various diseases. The app places a lot of importance on detail as it covers important clinical aspects for any kind of condition and these are strongly supported with evidence based resources. Navigation is generally easy although the hefty price of $74.99 is seen as the only drawback as this could make most healthcare professionals rethink of purchasing one.

CMDT is written by various clinicians that are experts in their respective fields. It offers the latest insight into the epidemiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment for over a thousand disorders and diseases. The topic offers concise answers to questions regarding ambulatory and hospital medicine.

More and more reference books are now tapping the electronic format to provide fast and easy way to keep abreast with the most up-to-date medical advances, cost-effective treatments, and prevention strategies, to name a few.

Institute for Health Technology Transformation's Seattle Summit tackles issues on mHealth

2011-08-23T06:17:00.000-04:00

In the Institute for Health Technology Transformation (IHTT) summit in Seattle, among the issues discussed include how to accelerate adoption of mobile health projects, cloud computing, improving clinical outcomes using mobile health strategies, and the classifying mobile health as a disruptive innovation.

The two-day conference on August 15 and 16 titled “Unleashing the Power of mHealth and Telemedicine” became a get-together for over a hundred healthcare executives throughout the nation.

Some of the resource persons spoke about the challenges in the next few years for the mobile health industry in terms of innovation. Bill Spooner, CEO of Sharp Healthcare – a San Diego-based not-for-profit integrated regional health care delivery system – pointed out some of the factors that could slow down innovation like the change-over from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and the need to prove its significant use.

Some sectors are already looking at mHealth as a disruptive technology – creating a new market and value chain using existing technologies that are used in new forms and processes. Amnon Gavish, Vidyo’s senior vice president of vertical solutions, referred to the time when the phone became more than a tool to make calls as the watershed in the cycle of innovation.

According to mHealth Initiative’s Claudia Tessier, the changes in the mobile healthcare technology are spurred by the needs of patients and physicians whose demand for new uses of their mobile devices have kept healthcare institutions up to date. That is the same sentiment given by Petra Knowles, PeaceHealth Southwest’s VP and chief information officer, saying that the exciting new changes in mobile healthcare has been pushed by the demand of users and patients.

There was also a discussion on the various telehealth strategies and sustainable business models. Some argue that by adopting technology simply because it is available does not guarantee success.

The topic on federal regulation of the industry was also tackled on the heels of the newly released FDA regulations on a number of mobile medical apps. vRAD’s Rick Jennings thinks that the regulators are just starting to keep up with the rapid change brought by the explosion in the popularity of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and they are acting quickly in order to regulate the industry.

Survey shows iPad popular among pharma reps, but gets mixed reviews from doctors

2011-08-18T07:01:00.000-04:00

Despite the popularity of iPads with physicians and pharmaceutical sales representatives, the way some of the iPad apps are made – sometimes in a hurry – are making many question the ability of iPads in providing detailed sessions as compared to conventional printed material or laptop.

In a twelve-month survey conducted by Manhattan Research that ended in June, it found that almost 9 of 10 physicians in the U.S. have online interaction with pharmaceutical companies and 38 percent of them say that biotech or pharma sales representative paid them a visit with an iPad or other tablet-like device. It also added that only third of the physicians who had encounters with tablet-using sales representatives think that they have better experience with the iPad.

The survey blamed the rushing of some of the programs by developers that led to detailing programs that are sub-par or lack of technical innovation. Monique Levy, VP for Manhattan Research, explained that iPad apps have taken the pharma industry by storm given great the potential they can provide in supporting “intelligent, nimble sales conversations”. However, she stated that many doctors will not waste time on them especially if they can get the same from hardcopy or laptop.

The New York-based firm surveyed 1,755 “ePharma” physicicans from the U.S. Physicians classified under this category see a minimum of 20 patients weekly, give at least 20 prescriptions a week, and either involved in electronic detailing programs or get pharma information on the web, according to the Manhattan Research.

The survey also revealed that among the medical practictioners, OB/GYNs, anesthesiologists, infectious disease or HIV specialists, and general surgeons are the most receptive in the use tablets by sales reps in giving their presentations. On the other hand, rheumatologists and dermatologists see them less useful.

Among the leading pharma companies that make use of iPads in sales interaction are Abbott, Merck, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. The survey did not say whether the programs were effective or not.

Boston Scientific introduces Neuromodulation Learning Institute iPhone, iPad app

2011-08-17T07:11:00.000-04:00

Boston Scientific Corporation introduces the Neuromodulation Learning Institute iPhone and iPad app, a learning tool for healthcare providers using SCS or spinal cord stimulation in managing their patients who are suffering from chronic pain.

The app contains educational videos as well as access to the SCS textbook written by Paul Kries, M.D., and Scott Fishman, M.D., entitled “Spinal Cord Stimulation: Percutaneous Implantation Techniques.” The announcement was made at the International Spine Intervention Society (ISIS) annual meeting in Chicago, IL.

This release is in conjunction with the company’s launch of the Neuromodulation Learning Institute, an online resource centre and clinical education program aimed to enhance the healthcare providers’ knowledge and understanding of SCS technology, techniques, and procedures.

The NLI program provides a wide range of hands-on, internet-based learning tools in order to help healthcare professionals enhance patient outcomes with the use of Boston Scientific’s Precision Plu SCS system.

The NLI sponsors peer-to-peer, live classroom learning opportunities on standard and complex SCS techniques and procedures. Members can take advantage of interaction with various healthcare professionals as well as experienced spine surgeons and chronic pain specialists.

According to Thomas Simopoulos, M.D., the new iPhone and iPad app is a useful tool in training existing and prospective pain physicians on SCS. Boston Scientific’s Michael Onuscheck also stated that physicians and patients suffer from chronic pain can benefit from the training forum which offers healthcare providers a comprehensive source of information on SCS.

The NLI iPhone/iPad app can be downloaded for free by healthcare providers at www.NeuromodLearning.com/app. The app can be activated by a unique passcode that can be obtained from a Boston Scientific Neuromodulation representative in their area.

GE Healthcare unveils Centricity Advance - Mobile for iPad, iPhone

2011-08-16T07:01:00.000-04:00

The Centricity Advance - Mobile, the iPad and iPhone version of GE Healthcare’s EMR for medical practices of 10 physicians or less has been introduced to the public. It is an internet-based EMR and practice management system meant for primary care physicians who have small practices. Centricity Advance users can bring along their iPad wherever while they interact with their patients and patient’s record.

This recently released version lets doctors remain untethered from their computer since it brings the complete EMR to their iPad. Aside from its note-taking functionality, it can also fill out prescription refills and questions sent via e-mail can be answered quickly using the app.

Centricity Advance - Mobile makes the traditonal note-taking via paper a thing of the past especially if physicians do not have their computer on their side. It can also give them access to information quickly wherever they are. Physicians can benefit from the app’s mobility as it turns the iPad into a digital notepad where they can conveniently complete their summary notes.

Mike Friguletto, VP and General Manager for GE Healthcare IT’s Clinical Business Solutions, in a statement said that the Centricity Advance is a new medium for users to interact with their patient’s record and their patient.

The feedback from the medical community has been positive so far. Dr. Medhavi Jogi, a Houston-based endocrinologist praises the Centricity Advance - Mobile saying it can be used like an ordinary notepad and allows every point of communication with the patient to be documented. He added that patients are more comfortable with it because it appears like a “more natural form of interaction” eliminating the perceived barrier that patients sometimes feel when their doctors enter data into their computer.

Study shows WellDoc app helps manage diabetes

2011-08-10T07:04:00.000-04:00

A recent study shows that WellDoc’s new mobile app, DiabetesManager, can be effective in managing diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels. The company is expected to commercialize the new mobile app which provides automated, real-time decision support for doctors.

This mHealth solution, which has already obtained clearance from FDA, allows extended support by healthcare providers in management of type 2 diabetes although it intends not to replace conventional care by physicians like giving diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions.

A research in University of Maryland School of Medicine monitored and tested the blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetes patients. Patients were asked by the WellDoc Diabetes Manager System if they have taken their medication or if they have done their exercise that day. This allows physicians to make make adjustments to their care.

The outcome of the study reveals that the patients’ blood sugar levels went down. So far, initial findings have been favorable although the results of the study will not be officially released until the September issue of the Diabetes Care magazine goes into press.

Charlene C. Quinn of University of Maryland School of Medicine, who headed the study, said that trial results suggest that patients and doctors can engage more by combining mobile-based patient coaching and clinical support given by primary care providers. She added that compared to the standard management for diabetes, the use of mobile health such as the WellDoc system enhances patients’ care for diabetes as well as the tracking of their blood glucose.

In the U.S., around 26 million people have diabetes and 63 percent of those who live with type 2 diabetes have A1C levels of less than 7 percent. That figure is above the recommended level set by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Experts say that all it needs is a 1 percent drop in A1C to reduce risk of kidney and eye complications and nerve disease by 37 percent.

Researchers develop ways to measure blood sugar via iPhone

2011-08-09T07:01:00.000-04:00

Professor Heather Clark of the Northeastern University’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences is leading a team of researchers to develop new ways for iPhones to detect blood sugar levels without the need to draw blood.

Clark’s project focuses on developing technology that lets an improvised iPhone monitor the level of blood sugar through a nanosensor “tattoo.” With the use of a customized reading case attached to the iPhone, the phone’s camera scans the arm of the patient and then measures the blood glucose level. If the glucose level is high, the skin will show more fluorescent tattoo. Sensors on the tattoo are fluorescent making it visible under certain light.

Essentially, the patient is injected with tiny amounts of “nanoparticle solution” that glows upon contact with molecules like glucose. When the molecules are exposed to glucose, they release ions and produce a glow of the nanosensor tattoo depending on the amount of glucose. The special battery-powered iPhone reads the degree of fluorescence and transmits the findings to a computer for further analysis. Clark said that the team’s next step in the development is to make an iPhone app that lets the analysis be done on the phone.

Clark hopes that the technology that makes use of “non-invasively monitor biomarkers” rather than drawing blood, will be commercialized soon even as there are other iPhone apps that have similar features as the medical medical apps industry continues to expand. Clark expects the technology to improve to soon and be able to measure dissolved gases such as oxygen and nitrogen in the blood system. Furthermore, the nanosensors also have the potential to make people track the amount of drug in their blood for better dosing.

Braunwald’s Heart Disease Practice Guidelines now on iPhone and iPad

2011-08-08T07:01:00.000-04:00

Elsevier announced the launch of Braunwald’s Heart Disease practice guidelines app on the App Store. The app, which is now available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, brings content from 9th edition of Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. It has the latest cardiology guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Regarded as the “bible” of cardiology, Braunwald’s Heart Disease practice guides have been streamlined for the first time for mobile devices and now can be easily downloaded by cardiologists all over. Health care professionals can benefit from its fruitful, bulleted format making various clinically actionable information easily accessible via mobile.

In fact, the ACC and the AHA’s guidelines on joint cardiovascular practice is considered a vital source of information throughout the cardiology practice and have become the barometer for quality of care. Edited by Drs. Peter Libby, Douglas Zipes, Douglas Mann, and Robert Bonow, the reference covers information on just about all aspects of contemporary cardiology. In addition, the new edition includes dynamic cardiac imaging videos, podcasts, and heart sound recordings maximized for online media.

Some of the features for this is app include personalized results, keyword highlighitng, and bookmarking for quick reference. Users have the ability to make and save notes and it has easy navigation which helps users quickly browse by any topic or category. Some of the topics included in the reference are coronary arteriography, treatment of hypertension, electrocardiography, management of valvular heart disease, among others.

FDA sets guidelines on mobile medical apps

2011-08-08T06:43:00.000-04:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling for regulatory rules on several medical applications for smartphones and other mobile devices.

Presently, mobile medical apps could include various functions from calorie intake monitoring, weight control, and viewing of patients’ radiology images through their mobile device. In a study by Research2Guidance last year, there will be an estimated 500 million users of smartphone devices all over the world that will use health care applications in four years’ time.

The FDA has drafted a 30-page guidance last month setting the rules on how to regulate mobile medical apps. This should set the groundwork for some rules for physicians as well as developers on the use of apps as actual medical devices. It also outlines the FDA’s current position on the issue and it also states that the agency will focus its rules on a select number of mobile medical apps that can influence the performance or function of medical devices already under its regulation.

Some of the mobile medical apps being looked at are those that function as accessory to an existing medical device that falls under FDA regulation. One example is the app that allows a provider to do a diagnosis just by looking at the medical image from a smartphone or any other mobile device’s PACS or picture archiving and communication system.

Meanwhile, apps that will not be part of the oversight according to the FDA include electronic “copies” of the any type of medical textbooks or teaching materials that provide medical practitioners with training or enhancement of previously received training. The agency has already started getting input from the public on this matter and they will entertain feedback until October 19. The just released guidance will eventually be updated after the consultation period and all comments have been gathered.

Manufacturers now have to register every year all the mobile medical apps they have marketed and they will need to report to the FDA any serious adverse incidents in regards to product use.

Smartphones as doctors: The app will see you now

2011-08-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Smartphones as doctors: The app will see you now

Thank you Amy Jeter for mentioning us on the Virginian Pilot !

2011 Mobile Healthcare Industry Summit in Brussels

2011-08-03T07:01:00.000-04:00

The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Brussels will play host to the 3rd Mobile Healthcare Industry Summit, the first in Europe,to be held from the 20th through to the 21st of September this year. The conference this time, will accommodate discussions on mature markets and active case studies. Brussels being the venue is apt as this is where business and regulatory development will have a more international impact.

During the event, keynote deliveries from a wide array of sources such as clinical groups from the US and Europe, device manufacturers, healthcare providers and innovators and many more will be heard. Case studies on the implementation and benefits of projects by new entrants to the industry will also be covered. Attendees can expect panel discussions that can encourage exchange of ideas through debates that will further strengthen the already budding industry.

If participating in a conference that will focus on active case studies of mature markets in a venue that does not only lie in the heart of the EU but also houses the European mHealth Alliance meet and workshop will work for you, then this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss. The brochure can be downloaded, more information on the speakers and their topics and the summit’s contact information obtained from the official website http://www.mobilehealthcareindustrysummit.com/

Health app developer obtains $2.5-M venture funding

2011-08-02T07:01:00.000-04:00

Azumio, a company that develops biofeedback apps intended for smartphones, announced that it has received Series A funding worth $2.5 million from three venture companies. It named Felicis Ventures, Accel Partners, and Founders Fund as the source of the new investment that will be used by the company to expand its product line.

The startup company is the brainchild of Bojan Bernard Bostjancic and Peter Kuhar and is the creator of health apps such as Stress Doctor, Stress Check, and the highly popular Instant Heart Rate.

The Instant Heart Rate app is available for both iPhone and Android devices and is recognized as the most downloaded biofeedback smartphone app in the world with over 8 million downloads in just the first nine months since it was launched.

The app allows users to make observations and comparisons of their heart pulse by merely holding their finger over the camera of their phone for around 10 seconds, making their smartphone into a pocket heart rate monitoring device. It enjoys a huge following in the App Store and in the Android market and regularly breaks in the Top 20 health and fitness apps either paid or free.

Founders Fund’s Brian Singerman, in a statement, lauded Azumio’s vision to provide basic solutions for bigger health problems. He said that the venture capital firm recognized Azumio’s role in transforming the healthcare industry with the use of mobile technology and their investment is a show of support for that vision.

Azumio’s co-founder and chief executive officer Bojan Bernard Bostjancic believe that the new investment will accelerate the company’s product development and will allow them to introduce to the market new services aimed at solving today’s primary health problems. Bostjancic does not think smartphone apps will entirely replace dedicated devices although they could surely raise awareness on how people can take advantage of remote monitoring services especially when it comes to their health.

DrChrono partners with M*Modal for speech-to-text iPad app

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

M*Modal, which leads the industry in advanced Speech Understanding technology, revealed that DrChrono will use M*Modal’s unique technolgy for their latest iPad EHR app. The Pittsburgh, PA-based M*Modal’s partnership with the premier practice management care software developer marks the first time that a medical speech-to-text platform ever developed for the Apple iPad.

The software integration lets physicians easily dictate their clinical notes with the use of a Bluetooth headset, then the software will convert into it into text, using the new app.

Co-founder and chief executive officer of DrChrono.com Michael Nusimow acknowledged M*Modal’s success in the iPad segment. He added that the decision to choose M*Modal for its first-ever speech-to-text app for the iPad boiled down to the company’s recognition for doctors’ productivity requirements as well as preferences. Nusimow said that his company’s mission is to offer an EHR that physicians can actually use.

DrChrono is a Mountain View, CA-based company that streamlines workflows by allowing physicians to gain access to EHRs on demand using any browser, iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Physicians have been clamoring for an application that enables them to electronically access medical records using their iPad. With more EMR providers offering this feature, many believe that accessibility to the iPad could prove one of the most important elements for some practices in choosing an EMR provider.

The iPad has become increasingly popular among physicians evident by a recent survey conducted by Manhattan Research showing 30 percent of physicians in the U.S. physicians currently own an iPad and 28 percent more are planning to get one very soon.

Michael Finke, CEO of M*Modal, meanwhile praised DrChrono.com for its commitment to improve mobility in the area of clinical documentation. In a statement, he recognized the role of iPad as a real game-changer in the healthcare industry, and his company’s collaboration with DrChrono.com will lead to “significant and beneficial innovation.”

M*Modal’s Speech and Natural Language Understanding technology uses narrative medical documentation and converts it into encoded, structured information that creates valuable and meaningful clinical intelligence that can be used to inform collaborative care and is easily shared and analyzed.

In the U.S., over 800 healthcare organizations use M*Modal’s solutions for clinical narrative in order to improve and promote quality of care, EHR adoption, clinical efficiency, as well as financial performance.

PenMoto, Your Stylus' New Buddy

2011-07-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Do you always have to search for your favorite pen? Are you finding multitasking - typing, writing and flipping through sheets of paper at the same time, challenging? Or would you want to enjoy multi-touch gesture with your tablet and a stylus? If so, read up as the product covered below may be what you are looking for.

Kickstarter, a funding platform for creative projects is now featuring a new product for fund pledging. PenMoto, developed by brothers Tyson Triplett and Kelvin Geis, is made up of a ring worn on the user’s index finger and a coupler that will hold either a pen or stylus. The ring and the coupler are attracted and attached by two magnets. These magnets make it easy to attach and detach a pen or stylus for a more efficient transitioning from one task to another.

Now what does PenMoto do? PenMoto allows quick retrieval or storage of a pen or stylus at the back of the hand so it does not interfere with primary hand functions like typing, dialing a phone number or simply touching your tablet with your finger. The pen or stylus that’s attached to the ring by the coupler can either be stored or retrieved with a flick of the wrist.

PenMoto is at its optimum when the ring worn on the user’s dominant index finger fits comfortably. With both the full-round and split ring styles sized using standard American sizes, one can visit a jewelry store or go to a ring sizing website as this information is collected upon confirmation of a pledge.

PenMoto is worth a try especially for tablet users who might just find a buddy for their styli.

Sermo Now on Your iPhone

2011-07-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

By far the only platform for real-time medicine and the biggest network of physicians online, Sermo is now available on the iPhone. Downloadable via the iTunes for free, Sermo app can provide valuable help to physicians who may be stumped on a certain case or needing other physicians’ opinion on a challenging medical issue.

First created in 2006, Sermo is an online forum only accessible to physicians where doctors can get other doctors’ advice and opinions on difficult medical issues. As an example, one can get opinions on, say, an X-ray result by posting it on the forum and checking on what other specialists have to say. This, of course, is done with consideration of the patient’s anonymity.

Those having second thoughts in using the app thinking about privacy and security can rest assured that Sermo is indeed secure and private. It is only available and exclusive to physicians in the US.

Members can now get access to the following:

1. iConsult - used to take and instantly share images to get advice

2. Popular Posts – accessed to go through discussions on topics related to a certain practice or the American healthcare industry in general

3. Discussions – a go to if wanting to engage in conversations ralating to clinical cases, healthcare policy and perhaps, practice management

4. Followed Posts – used to locate followed conversations easily

The most popular of the four is iConsult, allowing many doctors to get assistance while in the exam room or even by the patient’s bedside. Signing up is pretty simple and can be done directly from an iPhone, iPad and even iPod Touch. It can also be done via the Sermo website. Why not join the 125,000 physicians now using Sermo and see what iConsult and the other three stated above have to offer.

Blood Pressure Monitoring Now Done via iPhones

2011-07-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

We first reported the Withings Blood Pressure cuff at the CES show in Las Vegas. And now, it’s finally here.

Yet another breakthrough in the mobile health arena is a BP monitor that uses the iOS platform. A French company called Withings has now obtained clearance from the FDA for its blood pressure monitor that can be operated in conjunction with the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

The company first showcased the BP monitor that is currently being sold at $129.99 during the Consumer Electronics Show earlier in the year. Having gotten the clearance, this is now available for shipping in the United States.

How does this device exactly work? This BP monitor is powered by 3 AAA batteries. With the corresponding iOS app that can be downloaded free of charge, this monitor can be attached to any of the 3 devices mentioned above. This is non-invasive as it uses a very similar cuff to what are usually utilized in standard BP monitors. This cuff when put on, can take an adult’s systolic and diastolic pressures along with his pulse rates. The results or figures then show on the screen of the attached iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad around after 30 seconds from testing.

What makes this even better is the fact that these figures can then be emailed or forwarded to physicians or caregivers. As these results are time-stamped as well, it will be easy to track changes in a patient’s blood pressures throughout the day or within a certain duration. This also makes it possible for one to get his own pressure even on the go.

Withings co-founder, Cédric Hutchings says, “Apple has revolutionized the smartphone and tablet market with both its design and functionality. We have strived to extend this revolution into the field of health and fitness by integrating our products to work seamlessly with Apple iOS devices.” Considering that this product may help address a major portion of the world’s population’s worries on hypertension, this product is indeed a breakthrough.

Meducation, Polyglot's SMARTest App Wins $5000

2011-07-07T07:01:00.000-04:00

Of the 15 applications that were submitted to the SMART or Substitutable Medical Applications, Reusable Technologies contest launched by Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston in March this year, Polyglot’s Meducation app proved to be the SMARTest.

With the aim to promote innovation in health technology, this contest had developers create an application that uses the SMART programming interface. The SMART project embodies the “iPhone-like approach to health IT” as many researchers call it in which electronic health and medical records are used as platforms where applications can introduced, modified and improved.

Meducation utilizes the SMART interface to access a patient’s list of medication and connects it to a database of drug information from which instructions in over many different languages are generated. Described by the Children’s Hospital Informatics program (CHIPS), Kenneth Mandl, MD MPH as “a production quality application that brings real value to the patient and has a clean presentation”, Polyglot’s Meducation SMART app bagged the winning prize of $5000.

The many applicants and submissions received for the contest show that programs like this can be successful in generating interest in this platform. To again quote Mandl, “Through this competition we showed the real power of lowering barriers to developer engagement with health IT and have shown that the desire and ability to spark creativity and innovate is there, just waiting to take off.”

Apart from Meducation, 6 other apps received honorable mentions from the 6 judges that made up the panel. More information on these entries can be found at Challenge.gov.

HealthSeeker Now on Mobile

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Beginning as a Facebook application where it now has over 8,000 users, HealthSeeker is now available, free, on mobiles via the iPhone and Android platforms.

HealthSeeker lets players work on action steps or tasks and go on missions that lead to healthier lifestyles through exercise and other activities that promote health. Like any other games accessed via Facebook, HealthSeeker allows its players to earn points as they complete such tasks and missions and at the same time earn support and feedback from their Facebook friends especially those who play the same game. This aims to make diabetes management more interactive and fun.

The Diabetes Hands Foundation or DHF created this game in conjunction with the Joslin Diabetes Center and the financial support from Lilly USA and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This is designed by Ayogo Games, Inc., an award-winning studio based in Vancouver known for their games accessible through social networking sites, the web and smartphones.

Michael Fergusson, Ayogo’s designer for GoodLife that was used to build Healthseeker was quoted saying, “Having the game always at hand will allow players to integrate the health missions seamlessly into their daily lives.” This sounds good knowing how many people worldwide need to manage diabetes and that this game will encourage actions that improve health in general such as increasing exercise and reducing stress. To add to this, being made available on mobile also means easier access and perhaps round-the-clock support from family and friends.

Those interested can access the game at www.healthseekergame.org where the sign-up process can be completed. The mobile app can then be downloaded from http://www.healthseekermobile.org www.healthseekergame.org where the sign-up process can be completed. The mobile app can then be downloaded from http://www.healthseekermobile.org.

Verizon and Medco Work Together to Offer Medication App

2011-06-30T07:01:00.000-04:00

Verizon Wireless and Medco Health Solutions signed a deal that will offer a mobile app that gives users information on prescriptions with the lowest cost and potential adverse reactions to drugs as indicated by the user’s prescription history. With this deal, Verizon Wireless Android and Blackberry users will now be able to get this app called Medco Pharmacy from the Verizon V CAST store.

This team up between these two companies will bring about the following:

My Rx Choices

This is a prescription savings program that uses the member’s pharmacy plan coverage as a basis in providing a list of lower-cost medication alternatives. These medicines can then be presented to the member’s physician for approval. Considering that for many, these medications are taken on a regular basis, this app serves as a potential savings tool especially after a generic or mail-order alternative gets approved.

My Medicine Cabinet

This allows users to view the list of medications they are using and set reminders for themselves and family members as to when such medications are to be taken or refilled. Users also have the option to add to the list over-the-counter drugs or vitamins and even check for contraindications with the prescription drugs currently being taken.

Prescription ID Card

This gives a member easy, convenient access to his prescription drug card using a smart phone.

Mike Ross, Verizon’s VP of sales, healthcare said that as wireless devices have formed a huge part in almost everyone’s lifestyle, the reliability of information they get through their smart phones and Blackberry is of paramount importance. This is recognized by the network and both companies’ combined technology will provide users with a great tool that can help manage medical care.

Manage Diabetes with the Help of SugarStats

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

When Marston Alfred, founder of SugarStats, was interviewed in 2006, he talked about the then startup company offering an innovative service to the diabetic community. He said that the goal is to make it simple and easy for diabetics to manage, monitor and share information like glucose levels online.

SugarStats.com started out simple with a core feature set including tracking of blood sugar, medication, physical activity and food intake. Easy to understand graphs were also made available for the purpose of keeping track of one’s progress and showing trends. Years after, SugarStats is still providing online diabetes management, avenues for collaborative sharing and community support.

Keeping up with the times, it is now more interactive, more technologically up-to-date and easier to access. Imagine being able to track your progress via your Twitter accounts and mobile phones. What more, SugarStats can give instructions on the use of one of its features that allow sugar reading and also med entry input via Twitter, email accounts and mobile phones.

Why use SugarStats, you may ask. Every diabetic is aware that better health is brought about by better control. Better health also means less medication and therefore, lower medication costs. More often than not though, control is the most challenging part and this is where SugarStats comes in. Through its easy to access interface, you get to visualize your progress, share your statistics with your family and physician and meet other diabetics. Since it is accessible at home, at work and even when travelling, you get to have more control over your health and manage diabetes better.

Phone Oximeter to Monitor Anesthesia in Developing Nations

2011-06-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

In countries like the United States, the mandatory use of pulse oximetry in monitoring anesthesia has helped save many lives. A pulse oximeter detects early signs of hypoxemia or low blood oxygen levels and mitigates severe effects of inadequate oxygen such as brain damage or worse, death through quicker repsonses to respiratory and airway problems.

Unlike the US and other developed nations though, many countries in the developing world experience anesthesia death rate that is 100-1,000 times higher due to the lack of training and resources.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine (ECEM) researchers at The University of British Columbia believe that the key to wider adoption of life-saving technology such as the pulse oximeter is its availability and affordability to non-specialist healthcare workers, hence the Phone Oximeter. With the primary purpose of demonstrating the positive impact of better delivery of information from a pulse oximeter in enhancing anesthesia care, the Phone Oximeter uses a pulse oximeter sensor approved by the FDA in conjunction with a mobile phone.

The developed prototype is inexpensive but of good quality. It is easy to use and the presentation of warning signals utilizes symbols which can go beyond any language barrier. This means that clinical events and warnings from the Phone Oximeter are interpreted the same way regardless of which part of the world it is used and the language of its users.

This shows promise considering the fact that lack of resources and training are usually the cause of anesthesia casualties in the developing world. Once released, this Phone Oximeter will potentially save lives in places where users are less capable of affording more high-end technology.

10 Diabetes Management Companies and their Apps

2011-06-27T07:01:00.000-04:00

With diabetes management being the biggest opportunity as far as mobile health is concerned, many companies have come up with innovations to bring this market to the next level.

The below is a list of 10 diabetes management companies and the products they offer or have in store.

1. Telcare

Telcare BGM - still waiting for clearance from the FDA and EU, this is a 3G-enabled blood glucose meter that transmits glucose values to an online clinical server wirelessly allowing caregivers to be easily alerted when patients have out of range glucose values.

2. Entra Health Systems

MyGlucoHealth - a wireless glucose meter that makes use of the Bluetooth technology to transmit data. The MyGlucoHealth app for Nokia phone is downloadable from The Ovi app store and then used to sync the wireless meter with the Nokia phone.

3. CellNovo

CellNovo - a software that allows for wireless-enabled insulin pump for patients with diabetes. It also tracks other health concerns like glucose levels, exercise, diet, weight and fitness goals.

4. WellDoc

WellDoc DiabetesManager - with approval from FDA, this is a mobile application for tracking diseases that facilitate “real-time clinical and behavioral coaching” between clinicians and patients using biometric information collected via a real-time transmission of glucose data.

6. MYLEstone Health

GlucoseBuddy - with both mobile and web app components, Glucose Buddy is a diabetes tracking app that can be used to track diet, exercise, medication and the day’s glucose levels with the facility to put data in a graph form.

5. Dexcom

SEVEN PLUS Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) - a wireless glucose meter making use of a lightweight sensor that is worn for 7 days. This sensor provides real-time updates on glucose levels and sends notices when outside certain levels.

7. Agamatrix

iBGStar Nugget - awaiting FDA approval, this is a glucose meter plug-in for the iPhone and iPod touch that will allow real-time viewing and analysis of diabetes-related data.

8. MedApps

HealthPAL - FDA approved, this is a portable device that collects data from blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters and glucose meters and sends it to a secure portal for physicians and patients alike to view.

9. LiveStrong

MyPlateD - an app that gives the user information on the nutritional components of what they eat and view both glucose levels and insulin usage.

10. MicroCHIPS

MicroCHIPS - an implantable device installed via a simple outpatient procedure that can monitor glucose information and wirelessly send reports to a handheld monitor for a year. Afterwhich, the chip can be replaced via the same procedure.