In a move that would allow voluntary data exchange from Kaiser Permanente’s personal health records and Microsoft (News - Alert) HealthVault, Kaiser Permanente and Microsoft Corp. today announced that they’re piloting health data transfers between Kaiser’s My Health Manager and the vault’s consumer health platform.

 

The pilot program is expected to introduce new strategies to improve consumer access to online health information and management tools, according to the companies.

 

Complying with federal standards, HealthVault supports Kaiser Permanente’s transfer of My Health Manager data and protect members’ personal information with its advanced safeguards, company officials say. HealthVault says it believes that people have control over the system and have the ability to privately share information with whomever they choose in a secure environment.

 

The functionality of the Kaiser Permanente personal health record, My Health Manager, will now be extended by the pilot program, according to the company. There are more than two million users for My Health Manager and they have convenient and easy online access to clinical information and health management tools, company officials say, including e-mailing your doctor, online prescription refills and appointment scheduling.

 

Users can now combine personal health information from Kaiser Permanente and a wide range of health and wellness management applications and devices such as blood pressure monitors by connecting My Health Manager to the HealthVault platform, according to the companies.

 

One of the major differences between Kaiser Permanente’s online health tool and others offered by insurers is the range and relevance of the information itself, company officials say. Another difference is the benefits and eligibility information, they say. Also, My Health Manager goes much deeper than the standard claims-based PHRs on the market and is powered by both clinical data entered by physicians.

 

“We’re very pleased to work with Kaiser to deliver innovative online health services focused on improving the quality of care and the health and wellness of individuals and families,” said Peter Neupert, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Health Solutions Group. “As the universe of online health applications continues to grow, people will learn how technology can empower them and their trusted providers to make the most informed decisions about their health and care.”