Apple Watch

This week's top stories include UnitedHealthcare re-examining a policy that allows it to deny ER claims, Apple unveiling walking stability assessments for the iPhone, and Mount Sinai catering to patients with limited English proficiency.

The tech giant got both tools included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as Class IIa medical devices.

Published yesterday in PLoS ONE, the data suggests an alternative to the six-minute walk test often conducted in clinics to measure functional capacity.

A new app allows seniors enrolled in the Lively Health & Safety offering to access in-home support services through Apple's wearable.

The University Health Network study is being conducted in collaboration with the tech giant, and will enroll roughly 200 patients for three months of active monitoring with a two-year follow-up.

New research suggests that the wearable could help identify COVID-19 cases up to seven days before a positive diagnostic test.

Also: Blood glucose monitoring could be coming to next-gen consumer smartwatches; new incubator looking for disruptive health tech startups.

The feature launches with four 25- to 40-minute episodes headlined by Dolly Parton, Draymond Green and others.

Also: Papa expands its services to all 50 states. Guided audio walks may be coming to Apple Watch.

The tech company elaborated on its established digital health and wellness vision while improvising with the demands of an unexpected pandemic.