Google Health is Here

Google in a HEALTHY position in USA - announcement 19th May 2008

The search king announced Monday that consumers can now upload their medical records to Google Health, its closely-watched health information site.

"We've been talking about Google Health for a year," Marissa Mayer, the Google vice president in charge of the site, said at a press conference at the Googleplex. "It's no more just talk."

Video:Google And Your Health

Mayer said the site also lets users manage medical records online (including pharmacy prescriptions), search for information on diseases and cures and read rudimentary medical advice, such as how to lower blood pressure.

Mayer said creating a system that lets users access and manage their medical records was "not an easy initiative." Google Health requires users to send their medical records into the Google cloud, a prospect that might make some uneasy. Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about Google Health, which will store the data on Google's servers. Mayer said users will have control over who has access to their medical information.

Unlike other Google sites, Google Health will not carry ads, Mayer said.

More than a dozen Google Health partners were announced Monday. They include Walgreen, the Cleveland Clinic, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Quest Diagnostics the American Heart Association, CVS and Longs Drugs Stores

Courtesy www.forbes.com – Author Wendy Tanaka, 19th May 2008,

The Google Health announcement was part of a "factory tour" of the Internet giant's search division. Mayer said Google began overhauling its search algorithms last year to incorporate video, maps, news, books, images, products and blogs in search results. Other Google executives and engineers described the many ways Google has improved its search technologies to yield more precise search results based on where users are in the world.

About Google Health

Google Health allows you to store and manage all of your health information in one central place. And it's completely free. All you need to get started is a Google username and password.

Google believes that you own your medical records and should have easy access to them. The way we see it, it's your information; why shouldn't you control it?

• Keep your doctors up-to-date
• Stop filling out the same paperwork every time you see a new doctor
• Avoid getting the same lab tests done over and over again because your doctor cannot get copies of your latest results
• Don't lose your medical records because of a move, change in jobs or health insurance

With Google Health, you manage your health information — not your health insurance plan or your employer. You can access your information anywhere, at any time.

It's safe and secure

We believe that your health information belongs to you, and you should decide how much you share and whom you share it with. We will never sell your data. We store your information securely and privately. Check out our privacy policy to learn more.
You are in control — you choose what you want to share and what you want to keep private.

Features : With Google Health, you can:

Build online health profiles

You can enter your health conditions, medications, allergies, and lab results into your Google Health profile and you can name the profile anything you want. You can even create multiple profiles for family members or others you care for.

Import medical records from hospitals and pharmacies

Choose from a list of Google Health partners to see if your hospital or pharmacy can send copies of your medical records or prescriptions to your Google Health profile. This way, you can save an accurate history of your medical conditions, medications, and test results all in one place.

Learn about health issues and find helpful resources

Review trusted information on diseases and conditions and learn about possible medication interactions and other topics to talk your doctors about.

Search for doctors and hospitals

You can search for a doctor's name or location, find a doctor's website, get directions to a doctor's office, and save a doctor's information to your medical contacts list.

Connect to online health services

Browse the online health services directory to find services that are integrated with Google Health that can help you better manage your health needs.

For advice on Google Health and how to develop a “healthy” internet strategy please contact CHITS UK on 0844 357 8002 or info@chitswebsite.co.uk

Specialists in Internet Marketing & Professional web design for Healthcare Professionals.

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