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.

Who benefits—and who doesn’t—when 2 disparate health systems come together as 1?

It’s easy to see the appeal of cross-market hospital mergers to the marrying partners. How these long-distance entwinements help patients is a separate question.

hospital price transparency comparison shopping

Hospital pricing puzzlers—whether inadvertent or intentional—uncovered in study co-authored by Mark Cuban

Patients browsing shoppable hospital services often get one price online and another over the phone, new research shows.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

artificial intelligence regulation legislation

Federal regulation of AI: What the likely framers and innovators are saying now

Last week brought the latest in an occasional series of conversations on AI between governmental leaders and Big Tech honchos.

Updated branding gives J&J 2 segments sharing 1 name

A healthcare logo familiar to Americans since the 1800s has gotten a makeover.

Meet 23 of the ‘world’s best companies’ working in U.S. healthcare or health insurance

After assessing measures of revenue growth, employee satisfaction and attention paid to “ESG” issues, Time magazine and Statista are hailing 750 companies as the best in the world.

Healthcare systems vs. private equity: If you can’t beat them, join them?

Physician groups mulling buyout offers from private equity firms often simultaneously entertain alignment opportunities with healthcare systems, including not-for-profits. For this reason, hospitals do well to stay competitive for finite clinical talent.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

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