Health services company Humana is teaming up with Microsoft in a seven-year deal to develop predictive solutions and intelligent automation through the cloud.
Specifically, Humana will leverage Microsoft’s Azure––Microsoft’s cloud platform––and Azure AI to create on-demand and virtual medical services. The partnership will also help Humana personalize patient care with and integrate the healthcare experience across touch points.
Humana, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is the latest company to partner with Microsoft, which has been increasingly moving into the healthcare space through its cloud technology and offerings. Microsoft recently announced it was launching a regional hub for AI, IoT and data science in Louisville, which is home to several other large healthcare companies.
Under the deal, Microsoft will be Humana’s preferred cloud provider, while the healthcare insurer will update its technology platforms and aggregate data on Microsoft Azure. This will enable a longitudinal view of health histories and facilitate Humana members and care teams to view and complete health records “at their fingertips,” according to the announcement.
The company will also improve efficiencies to standardize productivity and collaboration tools for its more than 41,000 employees and Microsoft 365, according to the announcement.
"Achieving our goal to provide better care experiences and improve our members' health requires strong partnerships that allow us to be smarter, safer and faster in delivering care," said Heather Cox, chief of Digital Health & Analytics at Humana. "The technologies to empower our members to get ahead of their health issues and equip doctors with information exist today. Our partnership with Microsoft gives us a secure space and modern platforms to put these technologies to work for patients and their trusted providers."
Humana will use Microsoft Teams for some internal and external communications, including to manage and securely share patient interaction history and files, assist members and communicate with care team members and health plan administrators.
Microsoft’s Azure will also enable Humana to translate different languages in electronic health records and decipher and store non-medical items, such as socio-economic determinants of health. Humana also plans to develop more voice technology capabilities.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."