How soon will the now-HIPAA compliant Alexa be fully integrated into the EMS industry? Read EMS1 columnist Kelly Grayson’s analysis of the news and find out how it can benefit EMS providers.
By EMS1 Staff
SEATTLE — Amazon’s Alexa is now HIPAA-compliant, according to an announcement written in a blog post by the company.
STAT News reported that patient information can now be shared securely using the device, which leads the way for companies to develop programs specifically for the healthcare setting.
Six new healthcare skills for Alexa were launched with the announcement, including:
- Express Scripts: Allows members to check home delivery prescription status and request Alexa notifications for delivery.
- Cigna Health Today: Employees can manage health improvement goals and earn personalized wellness incentives.
- My Children’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): Created by Boston Children’s Hospital, this service will provide updates to parents and caregivers on recovery progress and deliver information about upcoming appointments.
- Swedish Health Connect: A 51-hospital network by Providence St. Joseph Health allows customers to find an urgent care center near them and schedule an appointment.
- Atrium Health: A system of over 900 urgent care centers and 40 hospitals located in North and South Carolina will allow customers to find the one closest to them and schedule a same-day appointment.
- Livongo: A new service that allows members to ask for their most recent blood sugar reading, blood sugar measurement trends and receive insights on their health.
“Every day developers are inventing with voice to build helpful and convenient experiences for their customers,” Amazon wrote in their blog post announcement. “These new Alexa skills are designed to help customers manage a variety of healthcare needs at home simply using voice.”