A Healthy Way to Google

Jessica Mathewson-Library Media Technical Asst.-jessica.mathewson@law.csuohio.edu | May 20, 2008 - 14:00

Google Health was launched today with some assistance from the Cleveland Clinic. Google Health provides users with one area to keep track of their medical information, including medications, allergies and more. Some eCleveland Clinic MyChart patients helped Google in testing the product. The data collected from these patients was anonymous.

Obviously, there are some privacy concerns. Google and other nonmedical providers are not subject to HIPAA. Plus, there is concern over consumers inadvertently sharing their information by not clicking disclosure boxes. However, advocates for Google Health believe that the site will provide overall better care for patients by giving them access to information wherever they may be in the world, tracking chronic conditions, scheduling doctor appointments online and allowing doctors to view patient records prior to their appointment.

Source: Cleveland.com Blog