Some big tech companies and startups are using their business strengths to change the healthcare industry. They’re collaborating with some of the biggest medical labs and organizations in the world. They’re also working on developing new tools for healthcare providers, insurers, and patients that will have them dominating this industry.
Google
Google is changing the healthcare industry with structured data and AI. That makes sense since a third of the world’s data takes place in the healthcare industry. By taking from AI and machine learning to understand the massive amounts of data, Google can quickly become a healthcare innovator. Google is focused on changing the medical industry with the use of AI capabilities in data interoperability, disease detection, and health insurance.
By working with healthcare providers in the U.S. and around the world, Google has created an algorithm that can detect diabetic retinopathy similar to that of board-cerified opthalmologists. Google has been the most active in the healthcare industry among its tech rivals when it comes to investing in AI applications and talented professionals. As of 2009, Google Ventures has over 60 health-related enterprises in the fields of genetics to telemedicine.
Apple
Apple has become one of the top tech companies in the smartphone industry. Now it’s quickly becoming one of the most innovative tech companies in the healthcare industry with its focus on patient facing products. Apple collaborated with Stanford Medicine to conduct the Apple Heart Study to use the heart rate sensors on the Apple Watch to monitor people’s heart rate and heartbeat and notify them of life-threatening conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
Apple has also worked with medical researchers to track the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease through its sensors on the smartwatch. Based on the data received, researchers can adjust medication dosages via the movement disorder API. Apple has also used the iPhone X and AirPods for hearing and vision tests. They’re also testing a way to detect speech impediments associated with the signs of a stroke.
Amazon
Amazon wants to enter the medical industry through multiple channels. Recently in June 2018, Amazon announced that it would buy out PillPack, an online pharmacy startup that has licenses with all 50 states and accepts Medicare. This collaboration will allow the major online retailer to expand into the healthcare industry by interrupting the $560 billion pharmaceutical industry.
Amazon has made it clear that it wants to get into the medical field. They’ve been pitching various healthcare ventures in an effort to go up against tech competitors Google and Microsoft. Amazon even formed a new healthcare company with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgang Chase. This organization provides healthcare employees with equipment and technology solutions at affordable prices.
Microsoft
Microsoft has its own healthcare department at IBM Research – Cambridge which requires the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and machine learning. It also has diabetes research and patient monitoring solutions in order to improve the healthcare industry. Ever since 2017, Microsoft has hailed itself as a healthcare leader thanks to its Windows hospital operating system. Microsoft Azure had an 11% growth compared to Amazon Web Services’ 7% growth the previous year.
Microsoft Azure is a better choice since it integrates flawlessly with any healthcare IT infrastructure. Azure also has the ability to maintain data security and PCI HIPAA BBB compliance within the cloud. Cloud computer, cybersecurity, genomics, and precision medicine are other areas that Microsoft wants to focus on in the future. The tech giant believes that the healthcare industry will be AI-driven within the next few years.
Orthly
This tech giant isn’t like the others on the list since it’s based in Philadelphia. Orthly is a tech startup that wants to change the way that patients interact with the orthodontics industry. This tech startup is known for its innovative app that scans a patient’s mouth to reduce costs of invisible aligners and the number of visits to the orthodontist. This company also wants to provide more functionability and locations to the service map. This technology is just one of the many solutions Orthly wants to keep evolving and shake up the healthcare industry as a whole.
The healthcare industry has the potential to improve or destroy everyday lives. As tech giants and entrepreneurs enter this space and look for potential innovations, it’s important to pay attention to how these companies help improve medical processes. Tech companies that are able to with a high level success are more likely to experience growth.