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.

Vacant Walmart Health clinics attracting interest from insurers

Citing people familiar with the matter, a report said the retailer has spoken with Humana about potentially buying Walmart’s empty clinics.

Cano Health emerges from bankruptcy, achieves $270M in cost reductions

On June 28, a court approved the company’s restructuring plan. Cano Health initially filed for bankruptcy in February 2024.

Former Microsoft employee arrested for stealing 1.2M patient records

A former employee at Nuance Communications, a Microsoft subsidiary, stands accused of taking patient data from Geisinger Health system shortly after their termination.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

Steward Health Care deployed spy outfits to thwart critics

The failing health system allegedly hired intelligence firms that put a tracking device on a car, accessed a personal smartphone to find lurid information on an executive and attempted to frame a politician for bribery.

6 priorities for a national healthcare AI strategy from our friends in the UK

The U.S. is far from alone in the world in its wranglings across public and private sectors to adopt propitious healthcare AI innovations quickly yet safely.

ChatGPT large language AI radiology patient information

Image-interpretation market scoreboard: Radiologists 72%, others 28%

Radiologists interpret almost all imaging studies generated in hospital settings for indications other than cardiac concerns.

Walmart sells virtual care business to Fabric

MeMD offers on-demand telehealth services to more than 5 million patients. Fabric said the buyout will be a smooth transition with no impact on patient care.

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