Summary
Microsoft is the latest Internet firm to jump on the consumer healthcare train. Offering a medical health record (MHR) to consumers is not unique. Also standards for electronic health records (EHR) are still evolving with many current and potential players.
Analysis
Firms such as Revolution Health and health insurance companies are all offering electronic versions for your medical health record. Regional hospital systems have offered homegrown systems and healthcare IT providers are selling EHRs. Microsoft's foray into this space will certainly bring awareness to consumers but it is unclear how this offering will integrate into the complicated healthcare system.
If adopted only by consumers the solution will become an island. Google has mentioned a desire to offer a EHR via their web sites too. Expect to hear more in this consumer area from other large consumer facing Internet portals.
