Trump launches health data platform with tech firms

Millions of Americans could soon upload personal medical records to apps built by private tech companies under a new federal health data initiative.

The Trump administration’s programme involves more than 60 organisations, including Google, Amazon and major healthcare providers such as the Cleveland clinic.

It focuses on diabetes and weight management, conversational AI tools for patients, and digital functions like QR codes for check-ins and medication tracking.

The platform will be overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which holds data on more than 140 million Americans through the Medicare and Medicaid programmes.

Officials say patients must opt in to share their medical records and that the data will be kept secure.

Dr Mehmet Oz, CMS administrator, said: “We have the tools and information available now to empower patients to improve their outcomes and their healthcare experience.”

Weight loss and fitness service Noom, a partner in the initiative, will be able to pull medical records—including lab results and test data—to support AI-led weight management recommendations, said chief executive Geoff Cook.

Apps and healthcare providers will also be able to access user-permitted information from other platforms.

For example, Noom could pull data from Apple Health.

CMS also plans to recommend apps on Medicare.gov that can support patients in managing chronic diseases and selecting insurance plans or providers.

Health and human services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has supported the adoption of healthcare technology, including telehealth and wearable wellness devices.

He has also advocated for the use of health data to study autism and vaccine safety.

Privacy experts have raised concerns about how such sensitive health information might be used.

Lawrence Gostin, professor of public health law at Georgetown University, said: “There are enormous ethical and legal concerns.

“Patients across America should be very worried that their medical records are going to be used in ways that harm them and their families.”

Jeffrey Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy added: “This scheme is an open door for the further use and monetisation of sensitive and personal health information.”