Mackenzie Health offers patients a simple and secure way to access medical data
Mackenzie Health today became the first health care organization in York Region and among the first in Canada to offer patients the ability to download their health records right on their own iPhone through the Health Records feature. The feature brings together hospitals, clinics and the existing Apple Health app to make it easier for patients to see their available medical data whenever they choose. The Health Records feature is part of the Health app, which also shows activity, heart rate, nutrition and other health data consolidated from iPhone, Apple Watch and HealthKit-enabled third-party apps.
Mackenzie Health patients with an existing MyChart account can now conveniently access their health information in one place on their iPhone. MyChart is a free online portal that currently enables patients to access their Mackenzie Health patient information – including test results, past and future appointments and visit summaries – securely from their own device. Health Records on iPhone will complement Mackenzie Health’s MyChart portal by consolidating data from all linked health applications directly in the Health app on iPhone.
Previously, patients’ medical records were held in multiple locations, requiring patients to log into each care provider’s website to piece together the information manually. Health Records creates a direct connection between medical institutions and a patient’s iPhone, allowing them to see a central view of their allergies, conditions, immunizations, lab results, medications, procedures and vitals.
“Providing a more holistic view of a patient’s health will allow patients to track their health, identify potential health issues before they arise and enrich conversations with their care team,” said Dr. Aviv Gladman, Chief Information Officer at Mackenzie Health.
Patients can access Health Records from within the Health app on their iPhone and can download their health records by selecting Mackenzie Health and authenticating with their existing MyChart username and password.
Health Records on iPhone was designed to protect patients’ privacy through a direct, encrypted connection between the user’s iPhone and the health care organization. Downloaded health records data is stored on-device and encrypted with the user’s iPhone passcode, Touch ID or Face ID. Apple worked with the health care community to take a consumer-friendly approach, creating Health Records based on FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), a standard for transferring electronic medical records.
Mackenzie Health has been recognized for its investments in technology and the way it’s used to improve the way care is delivered. Mackenzie Health is the first Canadian acute care hospital to receive the highest certification for electronic medical record adoption and was named a CHIME Most Wired recipient in 2018 and 2020. It was also awarded the Davies Award of Excellence for its use of health information and technology to improve care for patients and families and, this past June, received the 3M Health Care Quality Team Award from the Canadian College of Health Leaders for its use of technology to care for stroke patients.
“We’re continuing to build on our record of using technology to improve patient outcomes while allowing patients to be more involved in their own care,” said Richard Tam, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Mackenzie Health. “Giving patients additional ways to access their health information is just one more way we’re delivering a more positive experience for patients at Mackenzie Health.”
For more information on Health Records, visit: https://www.apple.com/ca/healthcare/health-records/
For more information how Apple protects user privacy when they use Health Records: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209519
- 30 –
About Mackenzie Health
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services. In March 2017, the organization received its second consecutive award of Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for its commitment to safety and quality patient care. This is the highest rating a Canadian health care provider can receive. Guided by a vision to create the ultimate health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future. With more than 500,000 residents in southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit www.mackenziehealth.ca
Media contact:
Christina Cindric
Senior Communications Consultant, Mackenzie Health
905-883-1212 ext. 7490 | christina.cindric@mackenziehealth.ca