Collaboration Between Aetna and Microsoft

Aetna and Microsoft Corp. announced a collaboration to provide Aetna members with portability of their personal health information. Aetna members will soon be able to transfer the information in their Aetna CareEngine-powered Personal Health Record (PHR) directly to Microsoft HealthVault, a security-enhanced, Web-based consumer health platform. Information stored in HealthVault will be available to members – even if they change jobs or health plans – creating a truly portable record of their health.

"We’ve made significant investments in health information technology capabilities because we believe these tools can help advance quality in the health care system, reduce waste and improve the overall health of our members," said Aetna President Mark Bertolini. "Through our PHR, we have been able to offer our members a tool to help them take control of their health, based on the belief that members own their information and should have access to that information in a secure, easy to use online record. By teaming up with Microsoft, we can now offer them continuous access to their health information."

Beginning in November, Aetna members will be able to log in to their Aetna PHR and transfer the information to a HealthVault account, where it can be stored, accessed and shared, as directed by the member, with health care providers, health plans or a variety of Web applications to help improve health and wellness. In 2009, members will be able to import personal health data from their HealthVault account to their Aetna PHR.

"Our relationship with Aetna represents an important first step in reaching our shared goal of providing consumers with resources to become more informed and engaged in making health and wellness decisions for themselves and their families," said Peter Neupert, corporate vice president of the Health Solutions Group at Microsoft. "Today, Microsoft and Aetna are collaborating to make it easy for members to use their health information regardless of their employer or health plan. We will continue to work together to explore new ways to bring consumers innovative and practical tools for improving their health."

Aetna’s PHR, available to approximately six million Aetna members, is pre-populated with a wide variety of health information gathered from across the health care spectrum – such as physician offices, labs, diagnostic treatments and pharmacies. That information is combined with user-entered information such as family health history or allergies, and housed in a secure, online location. In addition, it uses the patented CareEngine technology to identify and alert members to potential gaps in care, helping them achieve their optimal health. Aetna’s PHR is also integrated with other wellness resources offered by Aetna, including Aetna’s online wellness program, Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and Aetna Health ConnectionsSM disease management programs. Click here to learn more about the Aetna PHR.