In mid-January an error in the Walgreens app led to the leak of customers’ secure messages. Specifically, the error allowed customers to see each other’s information, including personal data such as names and prescription drug information.
Category Archives: Healthcare IT
Healthcare Information Technology
Google’s acquisition of Fitbit could pose ‘high level of risk to privacy and data protection’
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has ordered Google to conduct “a full assessment of the data protection requirements and privacy implications” of its acquisition of wearables giant Fitbit.
In a plenary session on February 20, concerns were raised about the privacy implications of a merger of obligations under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPB).
AWS launches Amazon Transcribe Medical
Amazon Web Services is tapping into its voice technology once again with the launch of the Amazon Transcribe Medical, an automated speech recognition service that will let developers add medical diction and documentation to their apps.
Deep Lens collects another $13.7M for digital pathology
Deep Lens, a digital pathology startup particularly focused on cancer trials, has brought in a $13.65 million Series A round, according to an SEC filing. The fundraise was headed by Northpond Ventures with additional support from prior investors Rev1 Ventures, Sierra Ventures and Tamarind-Hill Partners, according to a release.
Microsoft is closing its HealthVault patient-records service on November 20
Microsoft is dropping its HealthVault patient records-management service, the company notified customers via email on April 5. The service will be shut down on November 20 and any data residing in the service will be deleted after that date.
UPS uses drones to deliver medical samples
Working with WakeMed in North Carolina, the delivery service will deploy a quadcopter along a pre-determined flight path to deliver blood and other diagnostic specimens.
VisuWell and Nevada Health Centers Launch Virtual Strategy
VisuWell has been awarded the contract for Nevada Health Centers’ comprehensive telemedicine initiative. Established in 1977, Nevada Health Centers is the largest provider of primary care for uninsured, underinsured, and geographically isolated patients in Nevada. The organization conducts over 150,000 patient encounters annually through 17 locations and utilizes the VisuWell platform to expand access and improve convenience for patients.
Apple Heart Study Identifies AFib in Small Group of Apple Watch Wearers
Offering a glimpse at how wearable technology may help flag potential health problems, the Apple Watch was able to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) in a small group of people who had received an alert of an irregular heartbeat, said researchers presenting results from the Apple Heart Study at ACC.19 in New Orleans.
Omron gets long-awaited FDA nod for combined EKG-blood pressure monitor
Omron has apparently finally received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG device, which was originally announced in January 2018 at CES. The device was created in partnership with AliveCor. This is a separate product from , which also incorporates AliveCor ECG technology and was announced at the same time.
Apple, Aetna collaborating on new Watch-driven wellness rewards program
This morning Aetna and Apple announced a new wellness program that will leverage health data, a custom app and the Apple Watch. Called Attain by Aetna, the voluntary program will deliver personalized health goals, recommendations and rewards based on members’ daily activity.