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.

Amazon Pharmacy is now delivering medications by done

Amazon expands pharmacy subscription service to Medicare beneficiaries

The online retailer boasts that its $5 RxPass service would save Medicare an estimated $70 a year, per patient.

Lawsuit over theft of UnitedHealth’s trade secrets settled out of court

UnitedHealth alleged its proprietary technology was used to create Lore Health, a generative AI chatbot. The case was dismissed after arbitration.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

How to attain and sustain transparency in medical devices outfitted with AI

AI transparency in medical devices is achievable and imperative, according to new guidance jointly promoted by the FDA, Health Canada and the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Credentialing is burdening small hospitals—and underserved communities pay the price

There is no way to automate the credential check when a hospital hires a new provider, and the process can sometimes take months to do manually.

Senators introduce bill to criminalize private equity ‘looting’ in healthcare

Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren are co-sponsoring legislation that would put executives in jail if their business practices result in the death of a patient.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

CVS Health announces $10.6B acquisition of Oak Street Health

CVS generic drugs twice as likely to be recalled over safety concerns, investigation finds

CVS generics have been linked to more than 15 manufacturers cited for producing allegedly contaminated drugs.

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