Alexa now has HIPAA compliant medical skills



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Amazon announced this week a key move in the health sector. The company revealed that it had launched an invitation program allowing selected developers to create Health care skills for Alexa.

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Alexa Skills Kit

"We are pleased to announce that the Alexa Skills Kit now allows certain covered entities and their associates, under the US HIPAA Act (1996), to develop Alexa skills for transmitting and receiving protected health information. Six new Alexa health-related skills from leading healthcare providers, payers, drug benefits executives and digital health coaching companies now operate in our HIPAA-eligible environment " said Amazon.

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The new skills are diverse. The Providence St. Joseph Health Skill Book, Cigna tracks welfare-related incentives, Express Script handles prescriptions and Livongo provides blood glucose measurements.

In addition, Atrium Health, the postoperative program of the Boston Hospital and Swedish Health Connect. The health sector is an industry that Amazon has been working on for some time.

Last year, CNBC announced that Amazon was working with Alexa to form a health care team, which included compliance with HIPAA regulations. The same year, Amazon acquired the PillPack online pharmacy.

Meanwhile, for developers, the opportunity is a great way to further expand their services.

"Livongo's goal is to leverage innovative technologies to create a world-class member experience, and we believe voice technology will be instrumental in helping our members better manage their chronic disease and improve their health." General Speaking and listening are natural communication channels, Voice capabilities also allow us to reach people who prefer other modes of communication, "said Livongo President, Dr. Jennifer Schneider, MD, MS.

"Our members now have the opportunity to hear their latest blood glucose test by simply asking Alexa a question, providing consistent health information while our members are preparing their meals or about to make a meal. exercise, Livongo can more effectively lead to a positive behavioral change. "

Will it work?

The next question is how well people will be comfortable if Alexa knows all their medical data. Asking Alexa to open or close lights is very different from giving the device your most personal information.

And there are also fears of Alexa being hacked. Amazon claims to apply multiple layers of security to all skills data. HIPAA also comes with its own set of security requirements.

Only time will tell how good the new Amazon company will be. In the meantime, the company has launched a website for its new skills.

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