Apple Watch will use Cerner health monitoring software

Cerner’s health-tracking technology will be an application available in the Apple Watch, Cerner Corp. said Thursday.

The software, iOS 8 HealtheLife, can be used to send reminders, track health data and display health-related statistics on the watch.

“This is just the first step in the evolution of sharing personal health data — to provide physicians with access to actionable data anytime, anywhere, not just what’s collected at the doctor’s office,” said Brian Carter, Cerner’s senior director for personal health.

The software technology company increasingly has turned to providing “population health” solutions designed to help people be more aware of health issues and take steps to minimize the risks and expenses of more serious medical care.

Cerner is beginning this month to collect biometric information, such as weight, blood pressure and blood sugar values, from the new Apple Watch app. With users’ consent, the data will be sent into Cerner’s Millennium health records.

Emory Healthcare in Georgia and Agnesian HealthCare in Wisconsin have agreed to use the technology with their patients. For individuals, the app will be available beginning April 24 from the Apple Watch App Store. It is available now as a free download from the iPhone App Store.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 9:40 AM with the headline "Apple Watch will use Cerner health monitoring software."