Microsoft and TracFone Wireless are working together to bring the “benefits of smartphone technology and services” to underserved and high-risk populations through a new mobile health management solution offered through providers and insurers.
The solution will combine enterprise-grade security and privacy features to allow HIPAA-enabled email and messaging communications to patients regarding their health and regimens.The two companies will work with Miami-based Health Choice Network (HCN) to conduct a pilot project where HCN will provide smartphones to diabetes patients to help them better manage their care.
The solution will be offered on a Windows Phone, featuring Microsoft’s popular apps and service such as Office 365, HealthVault, Dynamics CRM and more. It will combine enterprise-grade security and privacy features to allow HIPAA-enabled email and messaging communications to patients regarding their health and regimens. In addition, users will also benefit from appointment reminders with calendar, and remote device management.
“With over 500,000 subscribers through SafeLink Health Solutions, we have seen firsthand the benefits of technology and the association between great health and a better quality of life,” said F.J. Pollak, president and CEO, TracFone. “We are excited to begin this program with Microsoft and HCN by bringing this innovative solution to market and helping our customers achieve their healthcare goals.”
Patients participating in the HCN pilot will receive a Windows Phone with TracFone’s prepaid services that will help them manage their disease better.Patients participating in the HCN pilot will receive a Windows Phone with TracFone’s prepaid services that will help them manage their disease better. The pilot’s goal is to demonstrate how access to mobile technology can help improve patient compliance, education and ultimately disease-related outcomes.
HCN will develop a customer application to help participants provide consent, deliver and receive reminders, ensure treatment plan understanding, and aid in disease self-tracking for blood sugar levels and other vital health information. Patients will also have access to a variety of apps, including several that are specific to diabetes care, and other mobile devices connected to HealthVault to ensure the personal health records are pulling information from any devices they regularly use to help monitor important health information.
“For several years, our patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes have benefited from access to their personal health record in HealthVault,” said Kevin Kearns, president and CEO of HCN.