Google's latest project is in tackling the growing issue of storing patient health information as computerized records.
Codenamed "Weaver," the upcoming project will be a health information storage program. With initiatives to encourage communication between different medical organizations across locations, as well as the organizational ease that comes with accessing your own health care information online, Google's health information storage program will address these needs and make patient information easier to find. It's been noted that the Bush Administration has been pushing for the health care industry to convert records in a digital format.
While individual doctors' offices, insurance companies and hospitals still retain much of this information, there's little communication amongst even these aspects of the health care industry. With only about 20% of patients having electronic records, there's already a need that's waiting to be filled. Other initiatives towards this front include online networks like WebMD and RevolutionHealth.
[via Google Blogscoped]