Data Analytics

Hospitals and health systems use current and past data from its informatics systems to find trends, draw conclusions and identify the potential for improvement outcomes in patients and populations, and to support business decision-making. In patient care, data analytics can show areas that need improvement, and bottlenecks to faster and more accurate diagnoses. On the business side, health system data can be leveraged to lower costs, maximize revenue, streamline and improve operations. Data is increasingly being used to look at the larger picture of population health to identify traits that can flag patients that may need additional resources to prevent readmissions. It can also help identify patients at high risk for some diseases that can be contacted about additional screenings for improved preventative care.

Samsung buys Xealth to integrate consumer wearables and clinical data
Xealth’s data sharing platform will be used to make use of health information gathered from everyday devices like the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch, the companies said.
Private equity firm buys health data analytics company Arcadia
With the buyout, global private equity investor Nordic Capital makes a big bet on healthcare AI. Arcadia said the influx of cash will be used to improve its technology and find new sources for data it can use for quality care initiatives.
Walmart launches AI tool to steer Medicare Advantage members toward ‘healthy’ foods
Walmart is highlighting food and products eligible for purchase using Medicare Advantage supplemental funds through its app, while also using AI to algorithmically help enrollees build diet-appropriate shopping lists.
Q&A: Universities, tech collaborate to predict opioid overdose with wearables
The Digital Medicine Society has partnered with organizations such as Duke University and Google Fitbit to leverage wearable technology and smartphone data in reducing opioid relapse and overdose deaths. As the pilot study gets underway, HealthExec speaks with Candice Taguibao, associate program director at the Digital Medicine Society, to learn more about the initiative.
Epic sued over alleged 'scheme to destroy' managed care company
CureIS, a company that supports healthcare providers who take Medicaid and Medicare, is accusing the EHR leader of data blocking and other anti-competitive practices that violate state and federal laws.

Quantum healthcare computing coiled for liftoff on US soil

The first quantum computer set up to support healthcare research in the United States has been delivered.

FTC fines BetterHelp $7.8M, says the company 'betrayed' users for profit

BetterHelp is in hot water after the Federal Trade Commission slapped the online counseling service company with a $7.8 million fine and a proposed ban from sharing consumers’ health data.

Interoperability among hospitals is improving

Overall, hospital engagement in three domains of interoperability––receiving data, finding data and integrating data––have significantly increased since 2017.

GoodRx slapped with $1.5M fine by FTC over patient privacy

According to the FTC, the company failed to notify consumers it had disclosed personal health information to Facebook, Google and other companies.

Millions will lose Medicaid coverage when COVID-19 PHE ends

The PHE has been in effect since the early days of the pandemic, and it has been reaffirmed every 90 days since. CMS has indicated it will give healthcare stakeholders at least 60 days’ notice before winding down the PHE.

Digital health startup receives FDA clearance for Parkinson’s Disease applications on Apple Watch

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 501(k) marketing clearance for the prescription mobile app Parky for monitoring Parkinson’s Disease.

COVID-19 vaccines prevented 300K deaths in 2021

COVID-19 vaccines were very effective at preventing serious illness and excess deaths in 2021, according to new data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The vaccines were also linked to considerable cost savings.

UnitedHealth Group’s Optum completes $8B merger with Change Healthcare

Optum has completed its nearly $8 billion merger with Change Healthcare, bringing an end to an embattled and controversial transaction.

Data Analytics

Samsung buys Xealth to integrate consumer wearables and clinical data

Private equity firm buys health data analytics company Arcadia

Walmart launches AI tool to steer Medicare Advantage members toward ‘healthy’ foods

Q&A: Universities, tech collaborate to predict opioid overdose with wearables

Epic sued over alleged 'scheme to destroy' managed care company