Microsoft and Google Unveil "Community Health Mapping" Applications

Coinciding with Wednesday's launch of the Community Health Data Initiative (aimed at leveraging community health information to spur the development of new applications that could improve health care), both Google and Microsoft announced new health mapping applications.

Microsoft is releasing Bing Health Maps, using community health data from the Health & Human Services (HHS) department to help consumers compare Medicare costs by region. It provides access to national or county-specific information on topics like births, deaths, and health risk factors.

Google is rolling out Google Fusion Tables, which is a database service intended to help patients compare and share data on communities, hospitals, and nursing homes. Consumers can use the application to create custom maps highlighting data of interest.