Driven by regulation, cost, quality goals, Microsoft, partners to pilot new mobile health management solution featuring Dynamics CRM

Last week, Microsoft and TracFone announced their plan to develop a mobile health management product aimed at helping patients better manage medical conditions. The solution will offer patients apps they can use on a Windows Phone and will utilize Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft HealthVault, Microsoft Dynamics CRM in the back-end to manage processes and interactions that are key to the relationship between providers and their patients.

Microsoft believes that what sets the solution apart from others is that it merges mobility and productivity capabilities with a patient's personal health record. They also envision the solution as a way to not only manage care between a patient and a doctor, but to also give visibility at some level for insurers for the purposes of "controlling costs and improving health outcomes".

The initial trial will focus on 100 diabetes patients associated with Miami-based Health Choice Network, a firm that  manages and connects a network of community health centers with more than 760,000 patients in 17 US states.

We spoke with Steve Aylward, General Manager, Solutions & Strategy in U.S. Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft to learn more about the program and how it will utilize Dynamics CRM.

MSDW: What led to the development of this solution?

Steve Aylward: Under the Affordable Care Act, the number of newly-insured and Medicaid enrollees is rising quickly. Providers and insurers are being pressured to meet strict ACA requirements around patient engagement and meaningful use. On top of these challenges are requirements around ensuring quality patient experiences, managing costs, and delivering positive health outcomes. The industry needs trusted approaches that help doctors and insurers stay in touch with patients ...