Apple has updated its Human Interface Guidelines for HealthKit with new resources like a Works With Apple Health badge.
Health
UK Government Memo Discussed De-Anonymizing Contact Tracing App Users
On today’s episode of Daily Observations, we explained what contact tracing is. Now that I understand the technology, I’m okay with it at this early stage. But of course there are still privacy implications, this being one of them. The UK is planning to build an app that works with contact tracing, but a leaked memo shows a discussion about de-anonymizing users.
However, the memo stated that “more controversially” the app could use device IDs, which are unique to all smartphones, “to enable de-anonymisation if ministers judge that to be proportionate at some stage”. It did not say why ministers might want to identify app users, or under what circumstances doing so would be proportionate.
Apple Partners With Stanford to Create Another COVID-19 App
Apple helped Stanford Medicine build an app to connect first responders to test sites for COVID-19 if they start to show symptoms.
Senators Question Tim Cook About Apple’s COVID-19 App
Several Democratic senators asked Tim Cook questions about the privacy of Apple’s newly released COVID-19 screening website and app.
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Apple Watch AFib Detection
The Apple Watch is a Class II medical device which puts it in the same category as condoms. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry about its AFib detection.
Apple, Johnson & Johnson Launch ‘Heartline’ Study
Apple and Johnson & Johnson partner on the Heartline study to determine if the accompanying app as well as Apple Watch can reduce the risk of a stroke.
Healthcare Systems Oppose Medical Data Sharing Rules
Epic Systems and about 60 hospitals have signed a letter to oppose rules that would make it easier for patients to obtain and share their medical data.
Apple Partners With Microsoft on Patient Access to Health Data
Apple and Microsoft are sending representatives to a meeting hosted by the Carin Alliance to support its effort to make access to health data easier for patients.
There’s a New Apple Health Website Dedicated to Research and Care
Apple has a new health website dedicated to ResearchKit and CareKit. It’s not a sub domain of Apple.com, but a separate website.
Apple Offers Free Color DNA Tests to Employees
Apple is partnering with Color Genomics to offer free DNA testing to its employees. These will be genetic screenings for diseases.
Apple Partners With Orangetheory on Apple Watch Fitness
Apple has partnered with Orangetheory Fitness, which created a device called OTbeat Link that clips on an Apple Watch band.
After CDC Report Apple Removes 181 Vaping Apps
A recent report from the CDC showed that 42 people have died from vaping-related lung illnesses. Now, Apple has removed all 181 vaping apps.
Apple Health Records Now Available for Veterans
Apple Health Records makes it easier for patients to view and manage their health records. It’s now available for all veterans today.
Now That Google Bought Fitbit, Here's How to Delete Your Account
Google recently bought Fitbit, and if you don’t want an ad company using your personal health data, here’s how to delete your account.
EyeQue Launches Vision Monitoring Kit
Today EyeQue has launched a vision monitoring kit that includes the EyeQue VisionCheck, PDCheck, and the new EyeQue Insight Plus.
The EyeQue Vision Monitoring Kit is available now on Indiegogo, with pledge levels starting at $119 (retail value: $205). The product is slated to ship to backers by the end of November 2019, in time for the holidays (limited quantities). Learn more about EyeQue at eyeque.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for more updates.
Devoted Health is First Private Medicare Plan to Cover Apple Watch
Devoted Health is a startup health insurer for seniors with private Medicare plans. And it recently started offering the Apple Watch.
Latest Jeff Williams Interview Centers on Heart Health
Apple’s COO Jeff Williams, Kevin Lynch, VP of Technology and Sumbul Desai, VP Health all sat down for an interview about heart health.
Planned Parenthood's App Comes to All 50 States This Year
Planned Parenthood Direct is an app that lets you order birth control and get UTI treatment from your phone. It will roll out to all 50 states by the end of 2019.
For either birth control prescriptions or UTI treatment, you’ll need to fill out some personal and medical information, then wait up to one business day for a clinician to decide whether your case is straightforward enough that they can write your prescription. In some states, you’ll need to do a video chat. And depending on the provider’s decision, your request may be turned down and you’ll need to see somebody in person.
Apple Furthers its Research Studies With SensorKit
In addition to ResearchKit and CareKit, Apple is said to be building a new framework for research studies called SensorKit.
Apple Adds Allscripts to Health Records
Apple has added digital health records company Allscripts to its Health Records. This lets patients and medical professionals share and access medical records on Apple devices.
Apple's Health Team Have Different Visions for the Future
Some employees have left Apple’s health team over the past year, and it seems they all have different visions of the future.
Apple, Eli Lilly Introduce Dementia Study With Apple Watch
Apple is working with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and health startup Evidation on a dementia study using data captured from devices.
The 5G 'Health Hazard' Was a Misinterpretation
In 2000 a physicist was asked to study the health risks of wireless networks. He found [PDF] that there “was likely to be a serious health hazard.” Except he was wrong.
In his research, Dr. Curry looked at studies on how radio waves affect tissues isolated in the lab, and misinterpreted the results as applying to cells deep inside the human body. His analysis failed to recognize the protective effect of human skin. At higher radio frequencies, the skin acts as a barrier, shielding the internal organs, including the brain, from exposure. Human skin blocks the even higher frequencies of sunlight.
Despite all the studies showing a link between smartphones and cancer being debunked, I don’t think this idea will ever go away.
Health Insurer Anthem Poaches Apple Health Employees
Health insurance company Anthem has poached employees from Apple’s health division, as well as a couple of machine learning experts.