2023-07-30 11:30:39
The world of health is constantly changing, especially with the rise of digital technology.
Credit: GoodRx
GoodRx, an American company specializing in online health, has once once more demonstrated its inventiveness by launching a kind of virtual pharmacy not only to manage its users’ medications, but also to reward them when they respect their medical prescriptions. .
GoodRx: when taking medication becomes fun
GoodRx is much more than just online pharmacy. Indeed, its ambition goes beyond the simple distribution of medicines. “We want to reward people for staying healthy”said Mark Hull, product manager at GoodRx.
The digital medicine cabinet that the company has put in place will allow users to effectively manage their treatments, to receive reminders for taking and renewing their medications. What it is regarding is being able to earn reward points when the patient respects his daily intake. It sounds ridiculous, but yes, we are facing an app that pays you to take your medicine.
Credit: GoodRx
GoodRx stands out for its unique approach to strengthening treatment compliance. The app offers an action center that outlines what to do so you don’t forget your day-to-day treatment.
In addition, each prescription refill or use of a eligible GoodRx coupon allows users to earn points. These can then be redeemed for discounts or gift cards at select retailers if the patient has good insurance. You will even find a dashboard of all your prescriptions, whether old, new or registered outside the services the GoodRx.
A valuable tool in the face of public health issues
It is clear that the GoodRx method meets a real need. According to a study in the US journal Pharmacistnearly 50% of patients suffering from chronic diseases find it difficult to properly follow their treatment.
L’application GoodRx obviously will solve this problem. According to Mark Hull, early beta testing showed users who signed up for it requested prescriptions four times more often than those who didn’t. However, it remains to be determined whether these purchase incentives are effective in establishing and maintaining good long-term health habits.
Also, despite its promise to improve medication adherence, GoodRx has yet to answer one of today’s biggest health riddles:drug shortages — this phenomenon which experienced a worrying outbreak in 2022.
The tension between technology, health and data privacy
Modern technology offers immense possibilities for improving patient care, but it also raises important questions regarding the protection of patients’ private information, and GoodRx is no exception. Despite the innovative and attractive aspect of the company, some concerns remain, particularly with regard to the confidentiality of health data.
Credit: GoodRx
Gone are the days when medical information was locked away in a doctor’s office. Today, this data circulates through networks and systems digitalcreating tension between the need to share data to improve health care and patients’ right to privacy.
Good that HIPAA law is supposed to protect this private health information, its implementation remains insufficient and has not been updated enough to overcome this problem while we are witnessing a serious evolution of theE-Health.
Last February, GoodRx faced a $1.5 million fine from the Federal Trade Commission for allegedly sharing health data with third parties without customer consent, in violation of its own privacy policy. GoodRx disputed those claims, saying it used technology from vendors to advertise in a manner that complied with all applicable regulations.
The challenge therefore remains to find a balance between the use of this data and respect for the privacy of patients without hindering or preventing research that is beneficial to all.
Source : Theverge
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