U.S. report finds mobile phones, smartphone apps promising options for improving medical record matching

RAND Corporation reviewed a range of approaches to patient-empowered record matching, concluding mobile devices and smartphone apps offer a promising approach to ensure individuals’ medical records are matched correctly when shared between different providers. Mobile phones and apps may also be used as part of a check-in process before a medical appointment to send updated identity information. The report says moving a mobile and smartphone-based solution forward will likely include developing technical specifications, developing prototypes to use in pilot programs and establishing an organization to oversee progress.