Digital Transformation

This evolution of healthcare involves using technology to improve diagnosis, treatments, monitor patients, enhance hospital operations and culture, and bolster consumer-focused care. This includes virtual reality tools, wearable devices, workflow software, health apps and other digital health tools.

ChatGPT chatbot

Liver specialists among first to be ably aided by ChatGPT

ChatGPT isn’t capable of unilaterally guiding care for patients with cirrhosis or the liver cancer it tends to spawn, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the large-language AI tool can competently assist clinicians.  

Telehealth use plummets after pandemic highs

Use of the telehealth soared in 2020, but utilization has since fallen off a cliff after changing conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Microsoft Johns Hopkins AI partnership

7 lessons learned during joint big business/healthcare AI projects

Big Tech players have been investing in partnerships with large healthcare providers on AI endeavors for several years now. According to both sides in one such collaboration, the resulting synergy offers “immense potential” to improve patient access, care and outcomes.

files paperwork work load

UnitedHealthcare to cut back on prior authorization paperwork

UnitedHealthcare announced it would remove 20% of its current prior authorizations starting with the third quarter of this year. 

 

insurance payer payment insurer

Oscar Health taps former Aetna leader as CEO

Technology-forward health insurance company Oscar Health has named Mark Bertolini as CEO, effective April 3.

Nearly all health leaders are investing in software this year

A whopping 94% of health leaders in the survey said they plan to invest in software this year, partly to fend off clinician burnout and a looming recession.

Philips launches new virtual care management services

Philips Virtual Care Management’s protocols connect to devices and engagement tools on a secure, cloud-based network with real-time data.

Emergency physician in COVID mask

Study supports feasibility of full-time AI-based workflow in the ED

When used to flag anomalies in combined chest and musculoskeletal X-rays, imaging AI can relieve overstretched emergency radiology teams.

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.