Smart Watches to Change Healthcare

Though the Apple watch will debut in April without some of its anticipated health functions, the company still expects to sell as many as 30 million units within weeks of its release, estimates Brian Eastwood, writing for Fierce Health Payer.

American are eager to use mobile tools to manage and improve their health and 90% are willing to disclose personal health data if it will benefit them, says Michael Ellison, president of the financial services firm Corporate Insight. Devices like the Apple watch will record heart rate, steps taken, calories burned and sync with smart devices that measure weight and body mass index. Insurers can then use this data to reward members for healthy behavior and motivate them to continue to live healthy lives.

Ellison says that insurers will soon be able to reward wearers of the devices for getting a good night’s sleep or submitting a blood pressure reading. He believes that wearable devices are poised for global growth and other manufacturers, besides Apple, are involved. Samsung and Cigna have signed a multi-year agreement to develop wellness features for Samsung devices. Samsung has also partnered with Aetna and Humana as well as healthcare providers such as the Cleveland Clinic, according to Ellison.