Privacy Digest

PC World - New Microsoft Service Stores Health Records Online: Microsoft's new e-health platform will probably be the largest not affiliated with an insurance provider or specific employer, said Lynne Dunbrack, program director at Health Industry Insights, a market research and advisory services firm.

But the effort faces several challenges, Dunbrack said. Microsoft is banking on its relationships with outside software developers to create programs that work with HealthVault, she said.

In addition, less than 30 percent of doctor's offices and hospitals now use electronic health records, so it will be a challenge for many users to find data to populate the HealthVault records, she said. Only about 1 percent to 3 percent of U.S. consumers have adopted personal e-health records, she said, despite a major push from U.S. President George Bush's administration and several private groups.

One of the issues is privacy concerns. "Consumers are quite wary of having their personal health information available and accessible over the Internet," Dunbrack said.

Microsoft said more than 40 applications and devices will work with HealthVault now or in the near future. Partners offering applications or devices that will work with HealthVault include: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; American Lung Association; Diet.com; Eclipsys Corp.; Healthphone Solutions Ltd.; LifeScan Inc.; Medifast Inc.; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; NoMoreClipboard.com; Texas Instruments Inc.; US Wellness Inc.; and Vital Data Technology.

(Read Original Article - Via PC World .)