Uber is the latest to join big tech’s race into healthcare

Healthcare is big business, and tech companies don't want to miss out just because they're busy building smartphones, apps, and self-driving cars.

Uber announced its new Uber Health platform Thursday. It's a way for healthcare organizations to order rides for patients who are receiving care at their facilities. Uber also launched an API so the ride-hailing service can be built into existing healthcare tools.

This isn't an exact replica of the existing Uber app. Instead, health facilities can schedule rides for patients and caregivers (up to a month ahead of time, so patients can get to appointments and make sure they get their follow-up care). The facilities also pay for the rides. Uber Health hopes to replace the transportation options facilities usually book to pick up patients. Read more...