Through a partnership with prepaid cell carrier TracFone Wireless, Microsoft is launching a mobile health solution aimed at improving diabetes self-management among underserved populations.
The solution will be piloted in conjunction with Health Choice Network, an operator of health centers in 17 states. Participants will be given Windows smartphones equipped with HIPAA-enabled email and messaging, appointment reminders and remote monitoring capabilities including medical device integration. The phones will also come with diabetes-related apps and will employ Cortana, Microsoft's Siri-like digital personal assistant, to help remind patients to pick up medication when they're near a pharmacy or to ask about certain concerns when on the phone with a physician.
"This solution brings together the strength of Microsoft's comprehensive platform and productivity tools in an evolving mobile-first, cloud-first world," said Michael Robinson, vice president of U.S. health and life sciences at Microsoft. "We have a unique opportunity to provide our joint insurer, provider and Medicaid agency customers with the platform and tools to enhance patient engagement and meet the requirements necessary to succeed in today's healthcare marketplace."
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