The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $840 million in grants to public health and healthcare systems for emergency preparedness.

Brightree, a post-acute care vendor, and MacPractice, a practice management and clinical software company, are the latest companies to join the CommonWell Health Alliance, a not-for-profit trade association founded in 2013 that focuses on health data exchange.

Quality measures continue to edge up as a percentage of total physician compensation, according to a survey by the Medical Group Management Association.

The digital health space is seeing enormous growth. About $2.2 billion was invested in 143 digital health companies during the first six months of 2014, according to a report from Rock Health.

CAMPBELL, Calif. and LONGWOOD, Fla.--A landmark new study on the prevention of pressure ulcers found that using Smart Bed Technology® to drive compliance to patient repositioning protocols had a dramatic effect on reduction and prevention of pressure ulcers among residents of long-term care centers. Pressure ulcers are one of the largest and most persistent problems in healthcare worldwide, especially in light of aging populations. The US health system is hit with added costs of more than $11 billion annually because of pressure ulcers.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--The US Trade and Commerce Research Institute (USTCRI) has selected Scottsdale-based GlobalMed® – the worldwide leader in telemedicine delivery systems - as the recipient of its 2013 Arizona Excellence Award which recognizes the commitment and contribution of small businesses through community and customer service.

HORSHAM, Pa.--NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quality Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: QSII) and a leading provider of healthcare information systems and connectivity solutions, and its sister company, Mirth, LLC, a global leader in health information technology, announced today the launch of NextGen® Share, a national Health Information Service Provider (HISP) enabling clients to connect with external providers using industry standards widely adopted by ONC 2014 Edition certified EHR products. NextGen Share equips providers with Direct Secure Messaging capabilities for efficient coordination of care and meeting Meaningful Use Stage 2 Transitions of Care objectives.

A statewide telepsychiatry program launched five years ago in South Carolina has saved nearly $28 million and significantly improved access to psychiatrists within hospitals and otherwise enhanced quality of care.