Apple Preparing HealthKit Roullout Ahead of iOS 8 Launch

According to a report by Reuters, Apple is in talks with healthcare providers across the US to discuss the rollout of its HealthKit service ahead of iOS 8 launch, which is expected to reshape mobile healthcare and fitness-tracking. Apple is said to be discussing how its HealthKit will work with health providers at Mount Sinai, the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins, among others.

HealthKit

While thousands of third-party health care software applications and medical devices collect health data, such as blood pressure, pulse and weight etc., currently no central storage solution for this data exists. With HealthKit, Apple is intent on making health data available for consumers and health providers to view in one place. The company also hopes that physicians will use this data to better monitor patients between visits and make better diagnostic and treatment decisions.

“The iPhone maker has previously disclosed partnerships with Nike Inc, Epic, and the prestigious Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic, which boasts a suite of mobile apps. Dozens of major health systems that use Epic’s software will soon be able to integrate health and fitness data from HealthKit into Epic’s personal health record, called MyChart, according to a person briefed by Apple. Kaiser Permanente is currently piloting a number of mobile apps that leverage HealthKit, two people have said, and is expected to reach out to Apple to discuss a more formal partnership.”

Apple has so far declined to disclose any contractual or prospective agreements for HealthKit with healthcare providers. 

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