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MMRGlobal, Inc. has announced that it will debut its MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record and Emergency View portals as custom mobile and tablet apps for Android devices at the upcoming HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas, February 20-24, in booth 2062 www.himssconference.org. The announcement comes just after the Company introduced its telemedicine portal this month with Alcatel-Lucent’s ng Connect at the Consumer Electronics Show.

MMRGlobal’s launch of the Android Personal Health Record applications marks a major step forward in the Company’s planned launch of its Web-based products and services on Verizon devices connected through Verizon’s Visual Voice Mail System, or an MMR Lifeline telephone number. The Company has already moved a significant portion of its Lifeline telecommunications network to Verizon where it currently is hosting more than 48,000 Lifelines.

The mobile app will feature the patented MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record in an intuitive, mobile-ready configuration along with icons to access MMR’s patented Emergency View. Using Verizon’s Visual Voice Mail, a user can use their cell phone number interchangeably with their MyMedicalRecords Lifeline number, making the Android app a comprehensive emergency health information network for the entire family.

In addition to receiving health information and other important documents by upload, fax or voice, the mobile app will enable the user to utilize their camera-equipped smartphone to take snapshots of images for seamless upload directly into the their MyMedicalRecords PHR account. The app will also enable the recording of video messages for communication of the patient’s health information, prescriptions, contraindications and more in the event of an emergency where the user cannot communicate with emergency personnel. Each MyMedicalRecords account also includes four password-protected “MyEsafeDepositBox” folders so that users can securely store uploaded receipts, insurance documents, wills, advance directives, financial records, tax returns and copies of other important documents such as a driver’s license or passport directly into the application at no additional charge. The new mobile app will be followed by apps for the iPhone and iPad.

The app will also have a voice signature login capability in addition to traditional touch screen interface. Also included in the app will be calendar and Rx reminder capability similar to those already in a MyMedicalRecords account. A “My Insurance” folder is being designed to speed up the admitting process in an emergency. All the features of the MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record will be designed into the app, including direct faxing with its own dedicated fax number, or in the case of Verizon, linked to Verizon Visual Voice Mail. Also in development, along with the new Android app, is global search of an entire user’s account, including the contents of encrypted PDF files. An “Emergency Contacts” section features a list of phone numbers for emergency contacts. The App will also be designed to easily link to Internet research sites such as WebMD, iTriage, and the like. The Company believes that the combination of features and benefits combined with the telemedicine portal will make the MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record the most advanced, fully-functional PHR in the market today.

MMRGlobal, Inc.a provider of Personal Health Records, MyEsafeDepositBox storage solutions and electronic document management and imaging systems for healthcare professionals, today announced that it is unveiling a prepaid Personal Health Record card in the Alcatel-Lucent Booth #2931 at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The card will be offered at retail stores such as supermarkets and drug stores throughout the United States and will be redeemable for a Personal Health Record account on the MyMedicalRecords.com platform. The product, which normally sells online for $99.95 per year, will be offered at $79.95 purchased on a prepaid card and will include an extra month of free service for a family of up to 10 members, including pets. More information can be seen at www.mmrvideos.com .

“We are very excited to be introducing the MyMedicalRecords prepaid card to healthcare industry leaders, retail buyers and wholesale distributors attending the Consumer Electronics Show,” said Robert H. Lorsch, MMRGlobal Chairman and CEO. “In 1995, I co-founded SmarTalk, one of the largest providers of prepaid calling cards in the world. I also invented and patented swipe activation at retail. I led a sales team that sold hundreds of millions of prepaid calling cards through retailers worldwide. MMRGlobal will draw on that experience to offer our MyMedicalRecords Prepaid Personal Health Record card. In fact, one of my primary objectives at the show is to meet with many of the manufacturers’ representatives that I worked with in the past and bring them on board to sell the prepaid Personal Health Record card. This program’s success will rely on the right sales organization and their relationships with retailers. And the team I will build for MMR is the best of the best. At a time when government mandates are requiring that Americans have access to an online PHR in less than two years, I cannot think of a better time to launch a prepaid Personal Health Record card at retail.”

Built on proprietary, patented technologies, every MyMedicalRecords.com account includes a personal “Lifeline” telephone number that at the option of the user provides FREE unlimited voice and fax mail services bundled in a user’s account. The Lifeline is designed to be used by all of one’s doctors and healthcare providers to fax in medical records, which are then automatically viewable in the user’s password-protected online account with a copy automatically sent to the subscriber’s personal e-mail account at their option. The Lifeline number can also be used for outbound faxing at no additional charge and for recording and storing confidential voice messages. Users can also upload and download documents and medical images directly from their computer.

MyMedicalRecords.com makes it easy for consumers to import medical records from all their healthcare providers regardless of the medical records system being deployed. In addition to securely storing medical records, a MyMedicalRecords account includes a “MyEsafeDepositBox” inside at no additional cost. That feature allows consumers to conveniently manage copies of all their other important documents, such as insurance policies and claims, birth certificate and powers-of-attorney, in one safe place ( www.myesafedepositbox.com ). MyMedicalRecords.com also features a patented Emergency Login to enable emergency medical personnel to access potentially lifesaving information in an emergency or disaster when every second counts, while all other information in a user’s account is protected from view. Each MyMedicalRecords account covers a family of up to 10 members and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

During CES, the MyMedicalRecords.com Personal Health Record will also be demonstrated in the Alcatel-Lucent Booth #3141 in the South Upper Hall with its strategic partners, Alcatel-Lucent and ng Connect. MyMedicalRecords joins more than 80 members of ng Connect in the multi-industry open innovation program founded by Alcatel-Lucent.

Kaiser Permanente recently received one of the first eHealthcare Organizational Commitment awards for its use of the Internet and technology to support its  commitment to total health. The health care organization provides easy and convenient online tools and information to help members choose a health plan that meets their individual needs and then manage their health through My Health Manager on kp.org.

The eHealthcare Leadership Awards received more than 1,200 entries in 2011 and websites were rated on Internet excellence and how they compare to similar websites in their group classification. The awards are sponsored by Strategic Health Care Communications, an organization that supplies marketing, communications and business development information to health care organizations through its two publications, Strategic Health Care Marketing and eHealthcare Strategy & Trends.

The Organizational Commitment award was one of four top eHealthcare Leadership Awards Kaiser Permanente received. The awards distinguish health care websites that best support business objectives.

Kaiser Permanente also received these significant awards:

–  Platinum award for Best Site Design – recognizes Kaiser Permanente’s award-winning federal employees’ enrollment website. Developed in collaboration with Propane Studio, the website is an example of how interactive design can guide users through the complicated process of choosing and enrolling in a health plan that is right for their family,health and budget needs.
–  Gold award for Best Health Content – recognizes the Kaiser Permanente physician-approved health content featured on kp.org, including the Health Encyclopedia, Drug Encyclopedia and articles covering a broad range of health conditions and healthy lifestyle topics.
–  Gold award for Best Intranet – recognizes Kaiser Permanente’s internal social network, IdeaBook, and how it successfully increases workforce productivity and satisfaction and reduces administrative costs.

“Kaiser Permanente’s Web presence is part of the integrated care experience. We focus on making it easier and more convenient for members to manage their health and the health of their families online,” said Anna-Lisa Silvestre, vice president of online services. “This focus gives us a clear direction on how to best develop our websites and innovate in ways that will support members in reaching their health goals.”

More than 3.7 million members currently use Kaiser Permanente’s personal health record, My Health Manager on kp.org, to engage their care teams and become more actively involved in their health care. In 2010 alone, Kaiser Permanente members viewed more than 25.8 million test results and sent nearly 11 million emails to their physicians through My Health Manager.

“We know that enabling fast and easy communication between members and their physicians strengthens relationships. IdeaBook was meant to do something similar within the organization itself,” said Miles Appel, executive director of Kaiser Permanente Internal Web Capabilities. “Through IdeaBook, Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians are able to collaborate, exchange ideas and knowledge, and simply get to know each other. It’s created a great sense of community and enhanced collaboration.”

With more than 28,000 Kaiser Permanente employees registered, IdeaBook users can create blogs, discussion groups, communities of interest, and share documents and videos. Since its launch in 2009, users have:

–  created more than 3,000 groups
–  posted more than 28,000 documents
–  started more than 19,000 discussions
–  created more than 7,000 blog posts

The most active IdeaBook groups focus on Kaiser Permanente mobile initiatives, technology innovations, brand news, neonatal intensive care units and employee wellness.

HealthFusion, Inc.®, the creators of MediTouch EHR®, has announced the release of their enhanced patient portal — YourHealthFile. The YourHealthFile Patient Portal significantly expands the kinds of interactions, information, alerts, and recommendations available directly to the patient from their healthcare provider, via a Web-based, cloud computing solution. The company refers to the YourHealthFile Patient Portal as, “The physician’s assistant, in the patient’s home.”

According to HealthFusion Founder and CEO, Dr. Seth Flam, “Healthcare providers need an organized way to empower their patients — they need an online patient portal that promotes self-service and easy interaction between the medical practice and the patient. With the YourHealthFile Patient Portal, we have found the happy medium of patient self-service and empowerment, with the proper amount of physician supervision and expert advice. The balance streamlines front office workflow, and actually incorporates patient-created chief complaint and medical history data directly into the electronic health record (EHR). Physicians deal with fewer mundane tasks and are able treat more patients, while patients feel more connected to their healthcare providers; YourHealthFile is more than just a patient portal, it is a gateway to a better lifestyle for healthcare providers and patients alike.”

The YourHealthFile Patient Portal utilizes the concept of patient self-service and online communication in ways that have been proven to save providers thousands of dollars per year and most importantly, streamline both administrative and clinical workflows. YourHealthFile is not a third party product; it is completely integrated with the MediTouch EHR, and this level of integration enables entries made by patients to automatically update the EHR (changes to the insurance and medical histories are pended for approval by the practice). Now, with YourHealthFile Patient Portal, common tasks can be performed online — including patient registration and scheduling, appointment confirmation, prescription refills, health maintenance, and billing. Most importantly, patients can begin the Chief Complaint, History of Present Illness, and Review of Systems at home, prior to their visit, assisting healthcare providers and their staff in creating the patient encounter when they arrive for their appointment; a real time-saver for everyone.

HealthFusion’s patient portal helps promote the medical practices’ of MediTouch EHR users by enabling their practice website and the YourHealthFile Portal to operate together seamlessly. When YourHealthFile is incorporated into a practice website, it increases traffic to that practice’s website, adding value to the practice’s online presence. With YourHealthFile Patient Portal, many of the tasks performed by the medical team, including the physician, can now be performed at the patient’s home or at an office kiosk by the patient. Patients love to participate in their healthcare; they want to understand and interact with their personal health record (PHR), and find new ways to communicate with their medical provider — YourHealthFile makes that possible. The YourHealthFile Portal is highly customizable; it allows the provider to control how much online interaction is best for their practice, and which person(s) in their practice triage messages or prescription refill requests from patients.

When practices adopt MediTouch EHR, the YourHealthFile Patient Portal is just one of many features that enhance the lifestyle of every member of a practice’s team, including the physician. At HealthFusion, our primary mission is to, “get you home on time,” and help healthcare providers grow their practices with our affordable, Meaningful Use Certified EHR. Visit HealthFusion.com to learn more, and contact one of our MediTouch(R) representatives to schedule a personal demonstration of the YourHealthFile Patient Portal. YourHealthFile is a lifestyle changer, start changing yours today!

Personal health records are going electronic, and patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers are learning to navigate the new digital world of health information. Now three institutions are teaming up to discover how a large population–people with disabilities–can best access this information.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Inglis Foundation, also based in Philadelphia, are partnering with Boston public broadcaster WGBH’s Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) on a joint project to explore how adaptive technology can make personal health records accessible to people with disabilities. NCAM is the project leader and principal recipient of the three-year, $600,000 grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant, titled “Accessible Designs for Personal Health Records,” is funded by the Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The project began operations last month.

“Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population has some type of disability, and three percent has a severe disability, but there has been little research on how people with disabilities access their own electronic health records,” said Dean Karavite, lead human-computer interaction specialist at the Center for Biomedical Informatics (CBMi) at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “As with any patient, accessing such information gives someone more control over their own health care.”

Project staff members will systematically observe consumers served by Inglis Foundation as they perform tasks and seek information in their own electronic health records (EHRs). Inglis serves over 900 adults with physical disabilities in the Philadelphia area through its skilled nursing facility, Inglis House, and for those living independently in the community, through its accessible apartments, care management, and employment and adult day services.

“As electronic medical records become commonplace, it is essential that persons with disabilities have full access to their medical records,” said Gavin Kerr, President and CEO of the Inglis Foundation. “Today’s systems have not been designed with accessibility in mind. As a result people living with disabilities cannot be fully engaged in their care, and employees with disabilities who work with electronic medical records can no longer be fully effective in their jobs.”

For all patients, using computers and other electronic devices to manage their health care includes scheduling appointments, exchanging messages with their physicians or therapists, refilling prescriptions, and viewing lab results. For people with disabilities, more specific needs come into play–for people with visual impairments, getting non-visual information; for people with limited hand mobility, having adaptive technology to access computer keyboard, screens and mice; for those with cognitive impairments, having minimal distractions and perhaps simplified terminology.

In addition, other issues will be identified as project staff members evaluate how people with disabilities use the current systems and define what needs to improve.

After the project’s initial assessment of the current EHR situation, the staff will develop guidelines and recommendations for better accessibility. Karavite said that making information systems more useable and accessible for people with disabilities will also benefit broader populations of users. “We can make analogies to curb cuts in sidewalks or ramps in buildings,” he said. “These were originally designed for people in wheelchairs, but parents pushing strollers also benefit.”

Karavite gave other examples of how improving accessibility has had broader impacts: “Captioning, which WGBH developed in the 1970s for people who are deaf, is used by everyone in noisy airports or waiting rooms. Word prediction, designed in the late 1980s to help people with physical disabilities type with fewer keystrokes, now is a standard feature for anyone using a smart phone. Universal design can benefit everyone.”

For more details, see the project website at http://ncam.wgbh.org/invent_build/web_multimedia/healthitaccess

Iowa Health System (IHS) has announced their selection of Jardogs’ FollowMyHealth™ Universal Health Record to provide online access to its patients. FollowMyHealth combines the global connectivity and patient management aspects of a personal health record with the integration of a patient portal to create what they refer to as a Universal Health Record.

“Jardogs’ FollowMyHealth was selected by IHS because of its superior capability to integrate with our multiple EHR systems,” said John Hendricks, IT Executive Director of Interoperability & Business Solutions for IHS. “We are confident that the online patient access solution launched by IHS and Jardogs will enhance our patient experience and complement the work of our employees and physicians.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with IHS,” said Jim Hewitt, CEO of Jardogs. “FollowMyHealth’s unique technology platform, including translation services, an enterprise master patient index, and the use of true cloud-based architecture, answers IHS’s need to provide a single patient access solution across multiple EHR systems.”

MMR Global, Inc has announced today that it will begin offering its MyMedicalRecords Personal Health Record to UST Global’s clients and strategic partners.  As a part of the partnership the two companies will create a pre-paid Personal Health Record card to be offered for sale at pharmacy retailers and other locations in the United States.

“The relationship with UST Global gives MMR the opportunity to offer a complete suite of integrated Electronic and Personal Health Records solutions available today,” said Robert H. Lorsch, Chairman and CEO of MMRGlobal. “MMR’s patented Personal Health Record platform and document management and imaging technologies, when combined with UST’s 8,000-person development resources and infrastructure, can bring MMR products and services to physicians, hospitals and payers globally. At the same time, MMR can sell UST’s sophisticated electronic health management systems into its professional products and services channel.”

Lorsch continued, “When prepaid phone cards were introduced to retail, it revolutionized telecommunications through sales to major mass merchandisers including office superstores, supermarkets, pharmacies and even the United States Postal Service. Now we will begin the same process selling Personal Health Record services at retail. Working with UST and building a manufacturers rep organization in advance of the Consumer Electronics Show can give MMR the ability to be the first to bring Personal Health Records to brand retailers.”

Sajan Pillai, CEO of UST Global, said, “Addressing the growing IT security concerns of the healthcare industry is at the core of our services development strategy. We are pleased to link our services with MMRGlobal, the leading purveyor of PHRs that works seamlessly with our technology and every other operating system.”

Lorsch is credited with creating one of the early swipe activation patents used to activate prepaid cards at retail. Offering a pre-paid Personal Health Record card at retail will enable consumers to safely and securely set up a PHR with complete anonymity

Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group, Inc. manufacturer and distributor of the MedFlash®, a Personal Health and Wellness Management System designed for maintaining personal health records, announced today that the company has been approved by the Veterans administration to utilize the VA’s enhanced Blue Button® initiative for downloading personal medical records.

The MedFlash utility in conjunction with this rapidly expanding “Blue Button” utility will enable MedFlash subscribers who access their personal medical records through MedFlash to have more options which will make it possible for them to download, print, and share their information as part of their MedFlash membership. The downloadable data can be in a text file or as an enhanced PDF, which then can be shared as part of their MedFlash Personal Health Profile with first responders or health care professionals through the MedFlash “Blue Button” link. Self-entered data elements currently available for download include:

• Allergies and Adverse Reactions (pharmaceutical allergies and physical allergies)
• Demographic Information
• Emergency Contact Information
• Family Health History (Self and Relatives)
• Health Care Providers
• Health Data (i.e. blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, etc.)
• Health Insurance
• Immunizations
• Lab and Test Results
• Medical Conditions and Personal Medical History
• Medications, Herbals, and Supplements
• Treatment Facilities
• Vitals and Readings

In August 2010, the President of the United States announced the Blue Button initiative which would offer patients one-click access to all of their personal healthcare data. The Department of Veterans Affairs developed the program with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Defense and the Markle Foundation’s Consumer Engagement Workgroup. Recently, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology conducted a conference announcing to health information technology vendors that they should “set data free,” enabling patients to have secure and easy access to their personal health information through Blue Button.

Ronn Schuman, CEO of Connectyx Technologies, said, “By enabling MedFlash subscribers to update, maintain and share their personal medical records through a user-friendly interface like the Blue Button, patients can become empowered to become more proactive and engaged in their own healthcare. This easier access enables consumers to accumulate personal electronic health information from multiple providers. The easier it is to understand how to maintain and access their own healthcare data, the more likely consumers will adopt the use of MedFlash.”