Microsoft is collaborating with RelayHealth, a McKesson company, to accelerate and improve patient connectivity with doctors´ offices and hospitals so patients can have secure, online access to medical care, information and records.

The Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft said that its HealthVault will provide physicians using RelayHealth´s software as a service platform with the technology to facilitate online patient service and communications. Physicians can employ the RelayHealth service, which includes e-prescribing, through a web browser as the initial step toward clinical automation of their practice.

The service is also designed to integrate with EHR systems already in use, according to the company. For patients, the combined solution allows access to their personal health information and an online interaction with their personal physician.

RelayHealth’s services allow patients to schedule healthcare appointments online, request prescription refills, pay bills, obtain results and visit their doctor online, using secure webVisit consultations for non-urgent care, Microsoft said. HealthVault is a consumer health platform that allows people to collect, store and share health information with family members and participating healthcare providers.