With a lot of ambiguity surrounding how SMS can be properly implemented in healthcare messaging, the folks at mHIMSS have produced an excellent quick-reference guide that covers five frequently asked questions regarding the use of SMS in healthcare.

Covering everything from the technology needed to deploy SMS, to the many regulatory standards associated with SMS and the use of Short Codes, and even including “Personal Health Information (PHI)” within text messages, the doc provides an excellent reference point to those seeking more information on SMS in healthcare.

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The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has issued a call for public comments surrounding the security, privacy and best practices of using mobile devices in healthcare.

More specifically, the ONC is seeking comments on three categories, including real-world uses of mobile devices by providers and other healthcare delivery professionals; real-world privacy and security practices, strategies and technology; and other general comments on the use of mobile devices by providers and other healthcare delivery professionals.

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As healthcare organizations enter the mobile space there’s been debate over whether native mobile applications or mobile Web development is the better choice.  While each have their pros and cons, most organizations have chosen the former.  It was announced today, however, that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is launching a mobile-optimized version of its Member Services site.

Supported on both Android and iOS platforms, BCBSNC wanted to give its more than 3.7M customers access to its award-winning site without the need for downloading a native mobile application.  Developed with the help of Kony Solutions, users can securely login to bcbsnc.com on their mobile devices to access features such as claim viewing, current health plan benefit information, physician finder, treatment cost estimator, prescription drug information and much more.

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Health plan provider UnitedHealthcare has debuted a new mobile app for iOS devices called “Health4Me,” which provides 24/7 access to a registered nurse, a physician/hospital locator, and access to personal health benefits information among other features.

In addition, the new app features “Easy Connect” functionality that allows members to request a callback from a UnitedHealthcare service representative with a touch of  a screen.  Launched now for iOS devices, the new app will be out soon for Android as well.

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The following is a guest post from Elyse Rossler, National Director, Health at mobileStorm.

With close to 9 million members, treated by 180,000 employees and 16,000 physicians — and as the fifth largest hospital system in the U.S. generating $45 billion a year in revenue — Kaiser Permanente shines.

George Halvorson, CEO and Chairman of Kaiser, gave an inspirational talk to a select audience during the mHIMSS conference in Las Vegas last week.  He outlined KP’s strategy and success very succinctly with simple principles; treat each Kaiser member in totality, with a comprehensive wellness plan, using a toolkit for addressing their health and well being.  KP shies away from treating their members in “silos.”

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New research out yesterday from ABI suggests the market for wearable wireless devices in healthcare will grow to nearly 170M by 2017.

This figure represents a CAGR of  more than 41% based on the market showing just 20.77M such devices at the end of 2011.  ABI’s research also includes wearable sports and fitness devices as well, showing the increased usage of devices that collect and automatically share data online from the likes of Nike, Adidas, Motorola and others.  In addition, mobile handset accessory vendors, consumer electronic companies, fitness management and online service providers are quickly joining a market that’s long been the “preserve of specialist, high-end vendors such as Polar and Garmin.”

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Short term hospital readmissions are often a serious concern after severe ailments like heart attacks, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure. If Medicare patients return to the hospital for the same condition within 30 days, it can trigger a denial of reimbursement for the provider under the new provisions of the Affordable Care Act. In addition to the potential reimbursement issues, these potentially preventable readmissions also cost money, time, and possibly loss of life.

With intervention, education, and improved communication, the number and costs of these visits can decrease significantly. mHealth and mobile devices will play a large part of those patient-doctor interactions and produce results in the changing healthcare landscape.

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