Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant has a new trick: transmitting secure patient information between patients and caregivers. Developers can now use the Alexa Skills Kit to build HIPAA-compliant apps, opening the door for hospitals, insurers, digital health startups and others to manage patient data through voice.
Amazon announced the news in a blog post. New healthcare skills are now available from the following healthcare companies:
Providence St. Joseph Health: West Coast patients can schedule same-day appointments at urgent care clinics through the Swedish and Providence Health Connect skills on Alexa.
Livongo: Users can get access blood sugar readings and receive personalized insights.
Express Scripts: Users can ask Alexa about their prescription status and request notifications.
Cigna: Cigna Health today allows eligible employees to manage health improvement goals and earn wellness incentives.
Boston Children’s Hospital: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery skill gives parents of young patients the ability to update caregivers on a patient’s progress following surgery and access appointment information.
Atrium Health: Users in North and South Carolina can locate urgent care clinics and schedule appointments.