GE Healthymagination and MedHelp create iPhone app for mothers to be: GE and MedHelp, an online health community site, teamed up to create the Apple (NSDQ:AAPL) iPhone application "I’m Expecting" for expectant mothers. The app helps the moms-to-be track their pregnancy and become acquainted with what’s coming up. Users can track pregnancy symptoms for sharing information with a doctor and utilize other features, such as tracking their baby bump with photos and get tips on how to alleviate pregnancy-related discomfort. MedHelp doesn’t say whether an Android or other smartphone versions of the app are forthcoming. 
iBleep, a beeper on steroids: E-Health Insider reported that Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust will be rolling out the iBleep messaging system that’s like a beeper on steroids. Instead of just getting a message to call back to the clinic, physicians will receive information about the patient and even what’s going on in the clinic. Features include: specialty-Based Reason Codes and EWS scoring, configurable Observation Inputs, by Specialty, forced Call Filtering and Auto Re-Assigning and many more.
Merck launches Type II diabetes iPhone app: Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) released its own diabetes manager application for the iPhone and iPod touch called Vree for Diabetes. The app features glucose, activity, nutrition and medication trackers, and progress charts to help keep a healthy regimen. To make it easier for patients to measure specific food preferences, Merck said Vree allows users of the app to build and personalize beverages and meals for future use on the system.
Mayo Clinic’s Health manager could provide round-the-clock remote care: In May 2009, Mayo Clinic launched its Health Manager, a free Internet application powered by Microsoft HealthVault that allowed patients to store medical information online and receive updated clinical advice from Mayo doctors, based on that data. However, there was no business model to sustain the consumer application.
Dr. Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, medical director of Mayo Clinic Global Products and Services, hopes to change that soon. Speaking at the Mayo Clinic’s Transformation 2010 Conference, Dr. Tulledge-Schietel unveiled a beefed-up version of Health Manager that creates a continuous, real-time relationship between caregivers and patients, especially those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes. Using advanced sensors that upload real-time information to a central data repository, healthcare professionals can use the system to provide a circle of care around the patient that extends beyond a physician’s office. 
A weekly roundup of new developments in wireless medical technology and mHealth, by MedGadget.com.
