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.

Texas physicians deliver result-based system to prevent UTIs in surgical patients

To decrease the number of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalized patients, a group of surgeons developed a program to address the problem and delivered evidence-based results that have in fact reduced the likelihood of infections.

Improved Alzheimer’s medication approved by FDA

A new combination Alzheimer’s drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week, a move that will simplify medication needs for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Aged stem cells could bring a cure to ALS patients

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have examined how aging stem cells could lead to finding a cure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Arizona insurance brokerages partner to better serve region

Two of Arizona’s largest life and health insurance brokerages are teaming up to increase product selection, service and convenience for insurance agents in the region.

Nasal mist vaccine shows promise fighting multiple flu strains

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) have found that intranasal flu vaccines may be able to protect people against the flu, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation/Insight.

GlaxoSmithKline launches first foray into mobile app-based study

The Apple mobile app ResearchKit will get its first drug company challenge with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). 

Mental health providers explore advances in telemedicine

As people become more and more attached to their mobile device, more patients are connecting with physicians through telemedicine channels. 

Hacker threatens to sell patient records unless ransom is paid

The hacker “TheDarkOverlord” is at large once again, this time having stolen 10 million patient records. He claims that the only way for the healthcare providers to retrieve this stolen patient data is by paying a ransom. If they refuse to pay, he claims he will continue to sell patient information, including social security numbers and addresses, on the black market.

Around the web

CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?

Stryker, a global medtech company based out of Michigan, has kicked off 2025 with a bit of excitement. The company says Inari’s peripheral vascular portfolio is highly complementary to its own neurovascular portfolio.

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.