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.

From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy
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.
Healthcare AI regulation needs nuance, balance: Research review
When regulating AI-equipped medical devices, the FDA might take a page from the Department of Transportation’s playbook for overseeing AI-equipped vehicles. These run the gamut from assisting human drivers to fully taking the wheel.
ICU diary-keeping: There’s an AI for that
Intensive care units around the world use daily diaries to track patients’ emotional as well as physical ups and downs. Many find that keeping these helpful resources can add to nurses’ already-heavy workloads. How might generative AI help?
Stanford HAI lookback: Best-read blog posts of 2024
The year 2023 saw a shift toward open-source AI models, surging investments in generative AI and increasing AI regulation.
Providers, payers share actionable experiences involving healthcare AI
A large venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage healthtech companies has a tip for AI startups targeting the healthcare sector.

VA spent $3B on EHR between 2015-2017

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is about to undergo a massive, $16 billion revamp of its electronic health record (EHR) system. A month after a $10 million deal with Cerner was finalized, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) released a report that found the VA spent $3 billion on EHR support between 2015 and 2017.

July 2, 2018

8 key findings from an AI-focused survey of C-suite execs

It’s long past asking “if” artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies will revolutionize healthcare. According to a recent survey, 80 percent of executives expect AI will be integrated into the patient experience within two years. At the same time, 81 percent of respondents agree their organizations are not ready for the societal and liability issues that will result from this change.

June 15, 2018

Amazon has a secretive lab working on cancer research, medical records

The group is being led by Babak Parviz, the creator of Google Glass. Medical applications are one of its major areas of focus, according to CNBC.

June 5, 2018

Teladoc acquires virtual provider Advance Medical for $352M

The price tag includes $292 million in cash and another $60 million in Teladoc stock. As part of the deal, Advance Medical co-founders Marc Subirats and Carlos Nueno will become executives within Teladoc and continue “to lead the Advance Medical business outside the U.S.”

June 5, 2018

Cerner president blames ‘fake news’ for reports of troubled DOD rollout

The implementation of a Cerner electronic health record (EHR) system at the Department of Defense (DOD) has been suspended over problems with the platform’s usability and interoperability. Cerner president Zane Burke said those reports amounted to “fake news” potentially being spread by one of the health IT giant’s competitors.

May 21, 2018

TransUnion acquires Healthcare Payment Solutions

TransUnion Healthcare has announced the acquisition of reimbursement technology company Healthcare Payment Solutions (HPS). Adding HPS solutions to its portfolio will boost TransUnion’s position in the post-discharge revenue recovery technology market, the company said.

May 18, 2018

After long delay, Cerner reaches agreement with VA on EHR contract

Nearly a year after the deal was first announced, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and health IT giant Cerner have finalized a $10 billion contract for Cerner to replace the VA’s in-house electronic health record (EHR) system.

May 18, 2018

Global EHR market expected to hit nearly $40B by 2022

Cerner owns 17.3 percent of the $29.7 billion global electronic health record (EHR) market, according to the annual Kalorama Information market share report, though No. 2 Epic leads the market for smaller hospitals and physician practices.

May 14, 2018

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

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.

AI in Healthcare

From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

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.

Cardiovascular Business

Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

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.