This week MIM Software launched an app for patients that enables them to view and share diagnostic images from their physicians with other caregivers or specialists. The app, called VueMe, is available for iPad, iPhone, and iPhone touch and follows MIM Software's official launch of Mobile MIM. The FDA gave Mobile MIM a 510(k) clearance earlier this year and dubbed it the first diagnostic radiology app with FDA clearance.

“When we first introduced Mobile MIM, we knew it would be a hit with the medical community,” said Mark Cain, MIM Software’s Chief Technology Officer. “But we also recognized that empowered patients would want to view and control their own medical data – that is why we created the VueMe App. The iOS platform has continued to thrive with amazing market penetration, and with VueMe, we continue to benefit from the outstanding quality and innovative technology offered on devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch."

Mobile MIM actually first launched with the launch of Apple's AppStore in 2008, but MIM pulled the app from the store after receiving feedback from the FDA that it may require 510(k) clearance. It wasn't until the beginning of 2011 that the FDA finally announced the app had been cleared -- read a full interview we did with Cain early in 2010.

The way that patients receive their images for the VueMe app seems to be a bit roundabout and cumbersome: "Patients have the right to request copies of their x-rays and other scans on a CD. The DICOM files can then be easily uploaded and transmitted to an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch [from the patients' computer]" the MIM press release reads. "The first three imaging study uploads are free," but patients will be charged $1 for each additional upload. Patients can also transfer the files to other Apple iOS devices once the images are uploaded to their VueMe app via a feature called Breeze.

For more on MIM's VueMe app, read the press release below:

MIM's Medical Imaging App for Patients, VueMe, Now Available on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch

Cleveland, Ohio – May 31, 2011 – MIM Software Inc., a leading global provider of medical imaging software, is proud to announce that the VueMe App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is now available on the App Store. This new app, designed specifically for patient use, allows patients to view diagnostic images sent to them from their doctors, and to share these images, if needed, with specialists.

The launch of VueMe comes on the heels of Mobile MIM, MIM Software's original remote diagnostic imaging app for physicians.

“When we first introduced Mobile MIM, we knew it would be a hit with the medical community,” said Mark Cain, MIM Software’s Chief Technology Officer. “But we also recognized that empowered patients would want to view and control their own medical data – that is why we created the VueMe App. The iOS platform has continued to thrive with amazing market penetration, and with VueMe, we continue to benefit from the outstanding quality and innovative technology offered on devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch."

Along with VueMe, MIM Software has also just released MIMcloud 2.0. MIMcloud is an Internet-based service that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of both VueMe and Mobile MIM users. When using MIMcloud, all data is transferred and stored using secure encryption to ensure complete patient privacy.

The combination of the VueMe App and MIMcloud provides a simple and inexpensive way for patients to control their medical images. Patients have the right to request copies of their x-rays and other scans on a CD. The DICOM files can then be easily uploaded and transmitted to an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch using the free MIMcloud software. The first three imaging study uploads are free, after which a MIMcloud account will be charged $1 for each additional study.

Data transfers are also possible without MIMcloud, thanks to VueMe’s Breeze feature. Patients can initiate secure and instant transfers of their image data directly to another iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, whether it’s to a physician with the Mobile MIM App, or to a family member also using the VueMe App.

The VueMe App is available for free from the App Store on the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, or at iTunes.