Verizon Advances Patient Care With Launch of Mobile Health Software Solution

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., October 24, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Addressing yet another critical issue faced by the U.S. healthcare system, Verizon Enterprise Solutions today announced the immediate availability of  Converged Health Management, a remote patient-monitoring medical platform designed to help clinicians and patients manage patients’ health in between doctor visits.

Verizon’s newest solution addresses the day-to-day communications gap that has historically existed between patients and clinicians. These gaps may contribute to patient health problems, decreased care compliance, increased emergency room visits and longer hospital stays.

The Converged Health Management solution enables patients to use biometric devices to take health information such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, glucose levels and weight from home or on the go. Patient data is then automatically transmitted through a wireless connection to a secure server that resides in Verizon’s HIPAA-ready cloud for analysis and intervention by the patient’s clinician, including a reward system that incents patients to make healthier lifestyle choices. Patients can access this information and find personalized health-enhancing suggestions via the Converged Health Management smartphone app or Web portal. (See video demo.)

(NOTE: Verizon Enterprise Solutions will hold an audio news conference today at 11 a.m. ET to announce the launch of the Converged Health Management solution. The dial-in number is 1-866-617-1526; 1-210-795-0624; 8217773 passcode.)

As part of their health program, patients can take advantage of related health information, including videos and webinars. In addition, patients can connect anonymously with other patients in a secure “social networking” environment, where they can ask questions, and share ideas and experiences.

Converged Health Management is available for purchase by U.S. health insurance companies, integrated delivery networks, hospitals, and large provider groups and self-funded employers that are looking for ways to monitor at-home care compliance, engage patients in healthier lifestyle choices and reduce hospital readmissions.

“Patient outcomes are often the result of what individuals do when they are away from their care providers,” said Dr. Peter Tippett, chief medical officer and vice president, Verizon Innovation Incubator. “With this solution, Verizon is helping to transform how healthcare is delivered in the U.S. by increasing patient engagement and empowering patients to better manage their own health.”

The launch of Converged Health Management marks another milestone in Verizon’s corporate strategy to deliver converged solutions that leverage the company’s extensive mobility, cloud and security assets to address big societal challenges.

John Stratton, president, Verizon Enterprise Solutions, said: “More than one-sixth of the U.S. economy is devoted to healthcare spending, and as the industry drives to deliver better care, managing costs is a key focus. Converged Health Management is a perfect example of how we are using our unique combination of assets like our 4G LTE wireless network and cloud infrastructure to deliver an innovative, cost-effective and game-changing solution to the marketplace.”

This announcement follows the company’s Aug. 8 U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance release.

Verizon Delivers Comprehensive Set of Health IT Solutions

Verizon provides an integrated fabric of health IT solutions that address the biggest challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system today, including the ability to securely and efficiently exchange sensitive patient data across hospital, payer and physician networks via voice, video and data. This includes interconnected cloud, mobility, machine-to-machine and security solution sets.

Verizon’s vision is to create a healthier world in which connected individuals and healthcare organizations are empowered with innovative technologies that improve health outcomes, transform access to care and lower the cost of healthcare.

Indications For Use

The CHM Device is a remote monitoring software solution intended to collect and store biometric data from physiological measurement devices intended for use in the home. The CHM Device also allows for the automated transmission of the biometric data to a remote secure server via existing mobile telecommunications and/or Internet infrastructure. The stored biometric data is accessible by clinicians for analysis and intervention. Patients can also review the stored biometric data and receive educational and motivational content from clinicians. The CHM Device can be used as a standalone device or in conjunction with supported patient monitoring devices, such as a glucometer, weight scale, pulse oximeter and blood pressure monitor.

The CHM Device is not intended for use in surgical rooms, intensive care units, intermediate or step-down units or emergency vehicles. It is not interpretive, nor is it intended for diagnosis or as a replacement for the oversight of healthcare professionals. It does not provide real-time or emergency monitoring. 

Warnings and Precautions

There is risk that data housed by the CHM Device may become lost or corrupt as a result of a failure of the CHM Device. The risk of loss or corruption of health data in the CHM Device is similar to the risks associated with data storage systems a hospital or clinic might use when storing electronic medical records. Such risks should be understood by users of CHM Device, including clinicians and patients.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 101 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 178,300.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

Verizon Enterprise Solutions Online News Center: News releases, blog posts, media contacts and other information are available in Verizon Enterprise Solutions’ online News Center at http://www.verizonenterprise.com/about/news.  News from Verizon Enterprise Solutions is also available through an RSS feed at http://www.verizonenterprise.com/rss-options/.