Welcome to the weekly edition of Healthcare IT Today Bonus Features. This article will be a weekly roundup of interesting stories, product announcements, new hires, partnerships, research studies, awards, sales, and more. Because there’s so much happening out there in healthcare IT we aren’t able to cover in our full articles, we still want to make sure you’re informed of all the latest news, announcements, and stories happening to help you better do your job.
News and Studies
The 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule from CMS would continue many of the public health emergency telehealth flexibilities, such as an expanded definition of telehealth practitioners, continued payments to rural health centers and FQHCs, and the expansion of originating sites. A fact sheet also noted some new proposals, including coverage of well-being coaching on a temporary basis and coverage of SDoH assessments on a permanent basis.
ONC has released the United States Core Data for Interoperability Version 4 Standard, better known as USCDI v4. As detailed in a Standards Bulletin, notable additions include a new Facility Information data class (to note where services took place), several data elements in the Laboratory data class aimed at improved public health reporting, and more details on allergies, health assessments, and medication use.
While two-thirds of Americans have stopped answering phone calls from unknown numbers, 84% would answer an incoming call from a healthcare provider if the organization’s name and logo were displayed, according to the latest research from Transaction Network Services. Slightly fewer, or 79%, said they would answer if they for a check-up or prescription refill.
The number of individuals impacted by healthcare data breaches is up 56% from last year, according to a Fortified Health Security analysis of HHS data. In all, nearly 250 breaches were reported to the agency in the first of half this year, with more than 24 millions American impacted.
Though 43% of Americans said they have never heard of the Inflation Reduction Act, 40% strongly agree that the government should be taking action to reduce drug costs, compared to 25% who strongly oppose such action, according to a survey from Sago.
The American Telemedicine Association will host its third annual Telemedicine Awareness Week from Sept. 17 to 23. The timing coincides with the 30th anniversary of the organization’s formation.
Partnerships
- AVIA formed a Generative AI Strategic Collaborative, with members including the American Hospital Association and more than 20 health systems.
- The Florida Association of ACOs announced Spatially Health as its newest business partner; the company’s technology helps identify barriers to health equity.
- Care personalization company Verto Health joined Digital Health Canada’s CHIEF Executive Forum.
Product News
- LifeOmic released LifeOmic AI Consult, which summarizes patient medical history using large language models.
- Hyfe launched a remote monitoring program for tracking and treating patients with chronic cough and pulmonary diseases.
- Reveleer updated its Member Management suite to let payers reconcile retrospective adjustments to CMS payments.
- Linus Health published research validating its approach to detecting detecting mild cognitive impairment and dementia using digital health tools.
- A study from Force Therapeutics confirmed improved engagement and outcomes for musculoskeletal patients using its platform.
Sales
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America chose Unite Us to provide access to mental health and wellness resources.
- Texas-based UMC Health System deployed ZeroEyes AI-based gun detection video analytics platform.
- Pennsylvania-based Universal Health Services is expanding its Oracle Health EHR deployment to more than 200 behavioral health facilities.
- Missouri-based Rural Parish Clinic transitioned to the eClinicalWorks EHR.
- Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University Hospital chose AliveCor to monitor patients in its Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Program.
Recognitions
- KLAS updated its Patient Engagement Ecosystem report; not surprisingly, Epic tops the list among vendors focused on health systems while athenehealth is the leader in the ambulatory market.
- In addition, Black Book Research released its rankings for telehealth and virtual care. Amwell was the top telemedicine platform, while Microsoft Teams was the top video conferencing platform and Spok was the top tool for secure communications.
People
- Operations software maker symplr hired Hugo Doetsch as Chief Financial Officer.
- In-home physical therapy provider Luna appointed RaeAnn Grossman as Chief Growth Officer.
- Operations data analytics company CenTrak announced several executive transitions. Steven Smith joined as CFO, Wendy Little joined CenTrak as Vice President of Business Transformation, and three current executives took on expanded roles.
- RCM services company Savista announced two sales hires: Robert Barrett as Vice President of sales for the Mid-Atlantic states and Brent Webster as VP of sales for Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
If you have news that you’d like us to consider for a future edition of Healthcare IT Today Bonus Features, please submit them on this page. Please include any relevant links and let us know if news is under embargo. Note that submissions received after the close of business on Thursday may not be included in Bonus Features until the following week.
