Tech Giants Will Continue Moving into Healthcare

Health systems have been facing more and more competition from major retail companies and tech giants.

From Google purchasing Fossil’s smartwatch technology to Apple’s newest digital health initiative to Amazon’s purchase of PillPack, it’s no secret that companies that once had nothing to do with healthcare, have been a powerful force in the industry.

And there’s no signs of these companies slowing down any time soon.

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Inside Digital Health™ had the opportunity to speak with representatives from AT&T, Samsung and Philips at HIMSS this year to learn about outside companies disrupting healthcare. To put it simply, none of these experts were surprised with the outside forces pushing their way into the space.

Take Philips, for instance.

Over a decade ago, this company was known for lighting and electronics. But it decided to use its technology to enhance the patient experience and dedicate itself fully to healthcare to improve patient outcomes, Niki Buchanan, general manager of population health management at Philips Healthcare, told us.

And Maria Lensing, vice president of global business healthcare at AT&T, believes that because consumers can see the initiatives and digital innovations being cranked out by tech companies, they want the same type of capabilities and experiences with healthcare.

Tech giants are at an advantage because they can help health systems roll out technology and practices that patients want to use, Lensing said.

That’s what Samsung has done.

The tech company has released phones, tablets, wearable devices and fit trackers to enhance the patient experience, Jerry Berger, senior manager for healthcare solutions at Samsung, said.

Samsung makes it easier for patients to manage their health by offering a plethora of easily accessible health solutions on its devices.

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