Health 2.0 Company Launch Review Part 1

The term "Health 2.0" describes the interface between web 2.0-inspired technology and health care. The sector is growing rapidly as patients search for ways to navigate the health care system and companies - both large and small - race to serve consumer needs. The annual Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco (Health 2.0 SF) brings many of the key players under one roof. This year I joined the gathering to learn more about the entrepreneurs, innovators, and consumers doing good work in the Health 2.0 sector.

Among the highlights of the conference were launches of new Health 2.0 products and companies. These varied in scope from broad efforts to resolve systemic health care issues funded by large corporations to Twitter-based enterprises targeting diet adherence. The audience reception to these new offerings was similarly varied. Some were cheered while others cleared the room. This Justmeans editorial series reports on some of the notable companies and products introduced at Health 2.0 SF.

Jeff Arnold, founder of WebMD and former CEO of howstuffworks gave one of the slickest presentations at Health 2.0 SF. As the first presenter following the keynotes on the conference's opening day, Arnold got full attention from a packed house to launch his new venture, Sharecare. He managed to satisfy the expectant crowd with a well-designed product and a little help from his friend Dr. Oz.

Continue reading about Sharecare after the jump.

Photo credit: Sharecare