Business Intelligence

Providers utilize business intelligence to monitor referral patterns and collaborate with clinicians who order their services. Such analytics tools have also been deployed in the specialty to improve productivity, track patient satisfaction and bolster quality.

Abbott acquires cancer diagnostic company Exact Sciences for $21B
The deal will not be finalized until approved by Exact Sciences’ shareholders. With it, Abbott gains control of new diagnostic tools, including a popular at-home test for colorectal cancer.
Trump’s former FDA commissioner joins board of UnitedHealth
Scott Gottlieb, MD, will take on the new position “effective immediately.” UnitedHealth Group did not say what, if any, steering committee the former FDA lead will sit on.
Cigna announces new copay-centric insurance model, backed by AI care coordination
Dubbed “Clearity,” the new health plans will have four tiers to choose from, allowing patients to select the provider and services that are right for them. The insurance is similar to a concierge care model, but backed by a potentially larger network.
Former COO of UnitedHealthcare subsidiary Optum Health promoted to CEO
Krista Nelson made the official announcement on LinkedIn. She replaces Patrick Conway, MD, CEO of the broader Optum, who had held dual roles. Nelson has been with UnitedHealthcare since 2017.
U.S. International Federal Trade Commission reviews ban on new Apple Watch pulse oximeter
Masimo’s complaint over the new version of the Apple Watch could lead to an import ban if it is found that the technology infringes on its patents.

Medicaid and SNAP cuts may eliminate over 1M jobs

According to a report published by the Commonwealth Fund, proposed federal budget cuts will devastate state economies, causing a ripple effect that leaves no industry unscathed.

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has shared new one-year data on the safety and effectiveness of its Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system among patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR)

CMS approves Medicare coverage for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement

CMS will cover TTVR for the treatment of symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation on a national level. The agency first proposed such a policy in December, taking time to consider public comments before finalizing its decision.

Clinical support tool for pediatric autism earns $27M from private equity

Motivity is receiving an injection of cash from Five Elms Capital, a software investment firm. The companies said the funds will be used to hire staff and improve products.

Job staffing interview waiting resume hiring workforce

Private equity buyouts increase physician turnover by 265%, study finds

A study by researchers at Brown University and Duke University analyzed the employment records of 200 practices acquired by private equity firms and compared them with unacquired practices to develop some observations.

Healthcare AI newswatch: Ambient AI costs, healthcare AI holdouts, an 86-year-old AI innovator, more

Meet an 86-year-old IT entrepreneur who recently beefed up his AI skills in a challenging postgraduate program.

Vintage neon drug sign at the Walgreens pharmacy on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans.

Walgreens $10B private equity buyout financed by 83% debt

A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reveals details on how Sycamore Partners intends to pay for the struggling pharmacy chain.

Walgreens confirms $10B sale to PE, as part of $24B transaction

Sycamore Partners will be purchasing the struggling pharmacy chain for $11.45 a share and putting its VillageMD clinics up for sale.

Healthcare AI newswatch: Does healthcare AI need DEI? | Insider AI risk | 2025 Turing Prize | more

If U.S. healthcare is to help advance responsible and ethical AI for all communities, it very much needs to continue prioritizing DEI initiatives.

Business Intelligence

Abbott acquires cancer diagnostic company Exact Sciences for $21B

Trump’s former FDA commissioner joins board of UnitedHealth

Cigna announces new copay-centric insurance model, backed by AI care coordination

Former COO of UnitedHealthcare subsidiary Optum Health promoted to CEO

U.S. International Federal Trade Commission reviews ban on new Apple Watch pulse oximeter