Meaningful Use and Mobile Apps

Several sources are discussing the possibilities that EMRs will eventually require a mobile app interface and smart applications for phones and tablet PCs. to qualify as an approved EMR. Another meaningful use criteria to qualify for incentives from Medicare/Medicaid.  At first glance another governmental intrusion into health care, but upon closer examination perhaps the first ‘real’ M.U. for providers and patients, who are the center of ‘Patient Centric” healthcare.

New mHealth App Certification – The Next CCHIT Mistake  In order to qualify for M.U. CMS/HHS will likely require certification of mHealth apps

Happtique,  a healthcare-focused appstore, announced plans to create a certification program that will help the medical community determine which of the tens of thousands of health-related mobile apps are clinically appropriate and technically sound. The company has tapped a multi-disciplinary team to develop the “bona fide mHealth app certification program” within the next six months. The program is open to all developers and will be funded by developer application fees.

It will certify apps intended to be used by both medical professionals and patients

Why your Practice needs a Mobile Website Interface 

EMR  FDA and HIPAA  (how many more do we need?)

There is a challenge to avoid being called a ‘medical device’ in developing and marketing smart phones, and mobile apps.  The term invokes a whole new series of hurdles for approval by the regulators of medical devices. The Food and Drug Administration has a protocol for several classes of medical devices. Approval by the FDA also adds considerable expense for the approval process.

Relatively small medical mobile app developers dominate this niche and rely upon word of mouth to market their products for distribution via the iPhone Store or the Android Store, via the internet or cell network.