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.

Johnson & Johnson scraps RSV vaccine after trial

The move comes as RSV has been on the rise in the United States.

UnitedHealthcare to cut back on prior authorization paperwork

UnitedHealthcare announced it would remove 20% of its current prior authorizations starting with the third quarter of this year.

CDC warns of new deadly super fungus

The emerging fungus, Candida auris (C. auris), has been spreading across healthcare facilities at an “alarming rate,” according to the CDC.

IR proves strong on practicality, profitability—but some cost-inclusive metrics remain to be shown

Recent evidence confirms that interventional radiology produces solid clinical outcomes while beating surgery on the cost-effectiveness of numerous procedures.

ACC Vice President Cathie Biga discusses OBLs and ASCs during the ACC23 meeting. #ACC #OBLs #ASCs #ACC23

What the rise of outpatient cardiac OBLs and ASCs means for cardiology

To reduce the healthcare costs associated with straightforward, minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures, more and more ambulatory surgical centers and office based labs are opening all over the United States.

Feds may soon take action against Amazon’s monopoly status

Federal investigations that began in 2019 into Amazon’s potential abuse of power and consumer privacy violations may soon come to fruition with lawsuits to block the company's monopoly status, Politico reported.

Explainable stroke AI cleared for US sales

The FDA has OK’d a new artificial intelligence platform for quickly diagnosing stroke on unenhanced CT scans.

Big bank rolls out AI claims predictor for healthcare clients

One of the 10 largest banks in the country is marketing a new AI-based system aimed at flagging upcoming medical claims that are likely to court rejection by payers.

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