Sharing Health Information with Third Party Apps

Educational Resources for MVP Members

As an MVP member, you can choose to share your health information with Third Party Apps like Google Fit, Apple Health, and others. Sharing your health information puts valuable digital health tools right in the palm of your hand.

Health Information Sharing Risks

Sharing your health information can make managing your health easier. But it does have risks.

When you share your health information with Third Party applications, you don’t have as much protection under laws like HIPAA. This means that if your health information were to be compromised by an application, your legal options may be limited.

There’s also a risk that your health information could be stolen. Once stolen, health information can be very difficult to recover. Furthermore, stolen health information could be damaging. It could be used to steal your identity or that of your dependents.

Protecting Your Health Information

The best way to protect your health information is not to share it with any applications.

If you do share your information, the best way to keep it safe is to review the privacy policy for every app you share it with. If an app doesn’t have a privacy policy, you should not share your health information. If any of the language in the privacy policy makes you uncomfortable, you should not share your health information.

For detailed guidance and frequently asked questions, please read MVP’s Website Consumer Guidance content — Third Party App FAQs.

How MVP Protects Your Health Information

MVP does everything we can to protect your health information. For instance, MVP has fully committed to industry-leading standards like FHIR 7 that set out secure exchange protocols for health information.

MVP also requests that Third Party developers:

Register with MVP
Adhere to the CARIN Alliance Code of Conduct
Share links to their apps on all relevant app stores

However, MVP does not have control over how Third Party apps use or share your health information. MVP is unable able to review or evaluate Third Party apps or their privacy or security practices. If you are concerned about keeping your health information safe, the best practice is not to share it with any applications.

To learn more, review our privacy policy and terms of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is MVP allowing member-approved health information sharing?
As a member, your health information belongs to you. It’s personal, and you are entitled to have access to that information where and when you need it. This is why MVP not only complies with changes like the CMS/ONC Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule, we ensure all members have the ability to access their health information.
What is a “Third Party” application?
Third Party applications are applications (either on mobile phones, tablets or the web) built and owned by organizations other than MVP Health Care (e.g. Google, Apple).
How is MVP facilitating health information sharing?
Third-party apps can access member-authorized health information through Patient Access APIs. These APIs allow apps to read and import member health information, but they don’t allow apps to change any of the health information in your MVP account.
Can apps access my health information without my permission?
No. Only apps authorized by you, the member, can view your health information.
What should I do if I believe my health information has been compromised?
If you believe your health information has been compromised, review the privacy policy of the application(s) that may have been compromised, and follow their instructions for revoking access to your information. Then, see How can I file a privacy complaint in MVP’s Website Consumer Guidance content — Third Party App FAQs.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Members should contact MVP Customer Care at the number on the back of their MVP Member ID card, or at 1-888-656-5695.