Apple released its new iOS 8 operating platform on Wednesday, sans one highly-anticipated piece: HealthKit. Rumors have been circulating that technical glitches would delay the launch of the health data gathering and sharing platform; on Wednesday, Apple told Reuters that it is "working quickly to have the bug fixed in a software update and have HealthKit apps available by the end of the month."
But Apple hasn't just delayed the release of HealthKit. It has also yanked some HealthKit-compatible apps, like MyFitnessPal and Carrot Fit. Although the tweet has since been removed, Carrot Fit developer Brian Mueller tweeted on Wednesday: "Well that's a relief. Just got a call from Apple, there's nothing wrong with CARROT Fit. HealthKit is just broken and isn't ready to launch." Then, shortly after, he added: "Sounds like HealthKit won't be working at all this week. And there's no ETA for when a bug fix will go live."
There's been a few aspersions cast on Apple's ability to successfully protect the private health information of its users in the wake of the recent system hack that exposed a few private photos of Jennifer Lawrence. So perhaps they are still ironing out some kinks.
Still, EMR giant Epic doesn't seem to be backing off. Spokesman Brian Spranger offered a few more details as to how the company's MyChart application would integrate with HealthKit:
"If the patient has given permission for the MyChart app on their phone to know about that data, HealthKit 'wakes up' the MyChart app and tells it there's new data," Spranger said. "The MyChart app on the phone then transmits that weight back to the EpicCare EHR system where it can be used appropriately as part of the patient's medical care."
HealthKit is also set to be part of trials focusing on childhood diabetes with Stanford University Hospital and cancer and heart disease at Duke University. Other medical device makers are reportedly in talks with Apple and the providers to participate in the trials. According a company spokesperson, DexCom Inc.'s blood sugar monitoring equipment is talking with Apple, Stanford and the Food and Drug Administration about integrating with HealthKit. At the trial at Stanford, young Type 1-diabetes patients will be sent home with an iPod touch to monitor blood sugar levels between visits. DexCom would send information to HealthKit which could then be uploaded into Epic's MyChart, where physicians can access the data and track patients' blood sugar levels over time.
Here are the biggest stories in the healthcare industry this week:
Employers use of telemedicine expected to increase dramatically
Hospitals can work with employers on providing telemedicine services, which studies show can greatly benefit patients.
Anthem Blue Cross forms groundbreaking HMO
Can the new ACO/HMO hybrid—that involves seven rival hospitals including Cedars-Sinai—compete with giant Kaiser?
4 countries where hospital administration costs are lower than the US
U.S. hospitals rank highest in administrative costs, but dramatic reductions are possible.
Apple's HealthKit soon to be tested in major hospital pilots
Both Stanford and Duke University are planning to integrate the app into clinical trials for chronic disease management.
CMS releases ACO performance report, results a mixed bag
CMS says that providers in its Medicare accountable care organizations demonstrated higher quality than published benchmarks. But there's some warning signs.
Epic hires lobbyists to improve its interoperability image
The software provider is trying to improve its image to vie for a Pentagon contract. But can it change it in time?
And here's what we were reading:
- Sam Baker in the National Journal explains the hidden risks of auto-enrollment.
- Charles Ornstein tells a tale of prescription pricing woe in ProPublica.
- Johns Hopkins hires its first chief patient experience officer. Becker's Hospital Review reports.