Hey Chronically crew! I'm back from a healthcare conference buzzing with talk about AI and the future of health data.But amidst all the flashy promises, something important is missing from the conversation: patient ownership. And it's making me mad. 😠

The Wild West of Wellness Data:

The world of consumer health tech is exploding. We're buying fancy fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health apps left and right. We're shelling out hundreds for the privilege of tracking our own heartbeats, sleep patterns, and menstrual cycles. And then... we're paying again for subscriptions to analyze this data?

But here's the kicker: this data isn't just sitting on a server somewhere. It's being sold. Your most personal health information is becoming a commodity, traded behind the scenes while you're left footing the bill.

Time for a Revolution:

I'm here to say enough is enough. It's time to flip the script on health data ownership. Why should we be paying companies to access and analyze information that belongs to us?

Instead, companies should be paying us for the valuable insights our data provides. Just like pharma companies compensate patients for their experiences, tech companies should recognize the gold mine of information we generate.

A Call to Action:

Next time you're tempted by a shiny new health tracker, take a closer look at the terms and conditions. Do you really want to pay for the privilege of having your data monetized? Let's demand more transparency and fairer practices.

I'm not saying we should ditch wearables altogether (I'm a huge fan!). But let's push for a future where patients are empowered partners, not passive data sources.

Remember: Your health data is yours. It's time to claim what's rightfully yours.

Until next time, stay chronically awesome!

Read more in my Book “What Do Patients Want?