New AKF, PicnicHealth Partnership Focused on IgAN

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) and PicnicHealth are partnering on a new project to increase awareness about the power of real-world data research and medical record access for patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

PicnicHealth’s patient application uses artificial intelligence and human curation to compile patients’ medical records from anywhere they have received care to provide a unified view of their health in one place. Users also have access to PicnicHealth’s virtual care providers.

IgAN patients who use the application may also contribute their deidentified medical records to inform research conducted on the PicnicHealth platform to advance knowledge of and treatments for diseases. Patient information is anonymous, and privacy is a top priority for AKF and PicnicHealth.

LaVarne A. Burton, AKF president and chief executive officer, noted that it can be challenging for patients with chronic illnesses such as IgAN to keep track of health information and keep all their providers informed. “This can contribute to less comprehensive care or delayed diagnosis or treatment. We are excited to partner with PicnicHealth to provide IgAN patients this valuable resource to help them advocate for themselves and receive the best care possible,” Burton said.