December 2021

Israel will begin offering a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine
FDA authorizes Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill
Biden administration announces new actions to help hospitals keep up with omicron
Most healthcare executives have an AI strategy but only half have implemented it
Oracle makes healthcare splash with $28.3 billion purchase of Cerner
Oracle may be closing in on $30B purchase of EMR giant Cerner
Five hospital groups join AHA, AMA legal challenge against surprise billing provision
National healthcare spending jumped 9.7% last year, topping $4.1 trillion
JPMorgan moves annual healthcare conference online following omicron concerns
Pfizer says its pill remains 89% effective against COVID-19 in final study results
Healthcare deals were up 56% in 2021, with a few topping $5 billion
Medical companies among top franchises in 2021
HealthCare.com raises $180M
Assessing blood samples with new device pinpoints early warning signs for COVID-19 patients
Baxter acquires global medical technology firm for estimated $12.5 billion
FDA requests feedback on 3D printing of medical devices at the point of care
FDA expands Pfizer booster shots to 16- and 17-year-olds
Trio of hospice employees sentenced to federal prison in $40M Medicare scheme
New AI startup launches with $50M investment—former FDA commissioner named CEO
Healthcare heavyweights file fresh lawsuit over controversial provision in surprise billing rule
Surgeon General issues warning over youth mental health crisis
UnitedHealth must pay doctors $60M after losing lawsuit against TeamHealth
‘Stalking horse bidder’ submits preliminary offer to rescue bankrupt community hospital
Female doctors earn $2M less than men over the course of their medical careers
‘Potentially big impact’: New ingredient praised as possible solution for better COVID-19 vaccines
New hope for ‘mechanically dynamic’ tissue that’s been damaged
Printed ‘skin’ hastens healing, lessens scarring
Judge halts Biden administration's worker vaccine mandate
Top states with the most affordable healthcare