Precision Medicine

Also called personalized medicine, this evolving field makes use of an individual’s genes, lifestyle, environment and other factors to identify unique disease risks and guide treatment decision-making.
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Q&A with next HIMSS CEO Hal Wolf: 'Absolute gap' between IT vendors, providers

It’s been quite a long time since anyone except Stephen Lieber was been president and CEO of The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), but he’ll soon be handing over the reins after 17 years to Harold “Hal” Wolf III, an alum of Kaiser Permanente and the Chartis Group as well as a HIMSS board member.

mHealth app for rural women lowers risk of low birth weight, improves prenatal outcomes

In a study published in Telemedicine and e-Health, researchers tested the effectiveness of mobile health applications to improve early and ongoing prenatal care through engagement.

Brain implant delivers ultrasonic waves to brain treating cancer, Alzheimer’s

A recent study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials outlines a new ceramic skull implant capable of delivering ultrasound treatments.

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What declaring a national emergency on opioids could mean for healthcare

The White House commission set up by President Donald Trump to address the nation’s opioid addiction “epidemic” has recommended declaring a national public health emergency, which would impact healthcare providers.

'Smart' clothing reduces back stress, pain

Engineers at Vanderbilt University have developed smart clothing, a wearable that utilizes biomechanics and technology to create a smart mechanical undergarment.

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Counties at risk of having no ACA insurers shrinking

On July 26, CMS said 40 counties in the U.S. were projected to have no insurers offering coverage on Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges. By July 31, that number had shrunk to 19 after five insurance companies announced plans to participate in parts of Ohio.

Quiet down: Medical schools try eliminating lectures

Beginning in the summer of 2019, the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine will institute a dramatic change in its curriculum: no more lectures.

Wearable biofeedback system improves balance in Parkinson’s patients

Researchers at the University of Houston in the Department of Health and Human Performance are hoping to improve quality of life for Parkinson’s patients with a wearable belt connected to a smartphone application to help users regain balance.

Around the web

HHS has thought through the ways AI can and should become an integral part of healthcare, human services and public health. Last Friday—possibly just days ahead of seating a new secretary—the agency released a detailed plan for getting there from here.

Philips is recalling the software associated with its Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry devices after certain high-risk ECG events were never routed to trained cardiology technicians as intended. The issue, which lasted for two years, has been linked to more than 100 injuries. 

Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, detailed a new advocacy group focused on improving EP reimbursements, patient care and access. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu," he said.