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.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Deep fakes are more dangerous to healthcare than we may have thought.

4 ways to help nurses make friends with algorithms

Nurses tend to feel optimistic if not exactly excited about AI’s advances into their profession. Those who hold back tend to share a common concern—sacrificing care quality for the sake of tech-enabled efficiency.

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Orlando Health buys 5 Alabama hospitals for $910M

The nonprofit health system purchased the Brookwood Baptist Health network from for-profit Tenet Healthcare, which held a 70% controlling stake.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

BD settles majority of 38,000 lawsuits over dangerous surgical mesh

Becton Dickinson & Co does not admit to wrongdoing and said the undisclosed settlement will not significantly impact its bottom line.

Medicare Advantage Part C clipboard payment

92% of rural Nebraska hospitals report financial hardship caused by Medicare Advantage plans

Members of the Nebraska Rural Health Association overwhelmingly expressed concerns that Medicare Advantage plans could jeopardize patient health. Some are considering dropping their contracts with the plans altogether.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

AI didn’t displace the nearly 3,000 people who just lost their jobs at CVS.

In pharma, AI will probably make the big even bigger

Generative AI is fixing to transform the pharmaceutical industry. However, not all adopters will reap rewards in comparable degrees.

UPMC expensed $50M private jet, despite laying off 1,000 workers

Pittsburgh Medical Center CEO Leslie Davis used the jet to travel around the world, flight logs show.

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