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.

Healthcare systems set up at the ACC.24 career fair in hopes of filling open positions, including a large and growing number of general cardiologist positions. Photo by Dave Fornell #ACC24 #ACC2024

Healthcare, AI top list of fastest growing jobs

While artificial intelligence engineers and consultants took the top two spots, physical therapists and advanced practice providers also landed among the 25 fastest growing jobs in the U.S.

$49B in medical debt to be erased from credit reports

A new final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau bans reporting agencies from including medical debts on credit reports or factoring them into credit scores.

$3.3B merger of UnitedHealth and Amedisys delayed by DOJ lawsuit

The new deadline for the deal to be finalized is Dec. 31, 2025. However, the ultimate fate of UnitedHealth's acquisition of Amedisys will be decided in a federal court.

artificial intelligence AI infrastructure

Industry Watcher’s Digest

New Year’s Day brought the go-live for California’s new law forbidding the use of AI to deny health insurance claims.

FDA AI enabled medical devices approval clearance

FDA to hopeful marketers of AI-equipped medical devices: Think beyond your initial approval

Some FDA-approved medical devices age more safely than others. That’s no less true of AI-enabled technologies than of any others. The agency spells out the ramifications in draft guidance issued this week.

Mayo Clinic sues insurer over $740K in medical bills for patient

The nonprofit health system accused Sanford Health Plan of failing to pay for a patient’s 52 days of treatment, despite approval and authorization.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Hospital boards of trustees should be grilling their CEOs about AI.

artificial intelligence ai in healthcare

5 healthcare AI predictions for 2025 from Wolters Kluwer Health

Watch for healthcare AI to increase its footprint in the patient-safety domain over the coming year.

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