< + > Moderna Receives FDA Approval For Its Coronavirus Vaccine

Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine is the second to earn the FDA’s full approval, joining the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approved last August.

< + > Novel Vaccine Booster Strategy Prevents Covid-19 Infection

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong are exploring a novel vaccine strategy aimed at increasing antibody activity throughout the respiratory system and supporting long-term protection against infection. This approach consists of a two-step process— injection plus intranasal booster.

< + > How The Cleveland Inventors Behind Nottingham Spirk Went From Consumer Products To Medical Devices

Cleveland inventors John Nottingham and John Spirk made a name for themselves designing consumer products. Now they're cranking up their work on medical devices with 16 healthcare projects last year alone.

< + > Chicago firm partners with CommonWell to tackle health disparities via data exchange

The equity information exchange provides access to more than 150 million patient records, with a goal of connecting clinical and social service data.

< + > Medicare Advantage Gives Seniors An Advantage

Medicare Advantage brings healthcare costs down without sacrificing quality. That's something any senior advocate should support.

< + > Pulling The Plug In Seriously Ill Patients—It's Often A Matter Of Race

In the US, Black patients often receive significantly less medical care than similarly sick white patients. Yet when Black patients experience a significant traumatic brain injury, they often receive more aggressive care than white patients.

< + > "Incredible efforts": HIMSS announces first healthcare centre to be recognised for its digital transformation in India

Karuna Trust's Tavarekere Urban Primary Health Center has achieved Stage 6 of the HIMSS O-EMRAM.

< + > Kid Rock Refuses To Perform At Tour Venues Requiring Covid-19 Vaccination, Face Masks

Kid Rock said that if any location on his upcoming “Bad Reputation” tour has such requirements, "You'll be getting your money back because I won't be showing up either.”

< + > James Blunt ‘Threatens’ To Release New Music Onto Spotify, Joins Protest Vs. Joe Rogan Covid-19 Claims

Blunt tweeted, "If @spotify doesn’t immediately remove @joerogan, I will release new music onto the platform. #youwerebeautiful."

< + > Maui, Hawaii, Changes Definition of ‘Fully Vaccinated’ To Include Covid-19 Boosters

Maui's definition is different from the CDC's definition of being "fully vaccinated" but is the same as the CDC's definition of being "up to date."

< + > Evangeline Lilly Is The Latest Celebrity To Rail Against Covid Vaccines Or Mandates

Elon Musk, Sarah Palin and Bill Maher also made headlines this week.

< + > Why patient matching is so important to outcomes, cost – and pandemic response

Clay Richey, an expert in patient matching technology, explains how fine-tuned patient ID strategies boost outcomes, tame costs, help SDOH management – and improve COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.

< + > Holocaust Survivors Condemn Anti-Vaccine Protesters’ Use Of Nazi Imagery

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jewish advocacy groups urged anti-vaccine activists to stop using the yellow Star of David and other Holocaust imagery.

< + > Congressional watchdog calls HHS approach to public health emergencies 'high risk'

The U.S. Government Accountability Office drew particular attention to the "incomplete and inconsistent" public health data federal agencies have relied on during COVID-19.

< + > WHO Chief Thanks Neil Young For Pushing Spotify To Cut Joe Rogan Over Covid Misinformation

Tedros said everyone has a role to play in ending the “pandemic and infodemic.”

< + > Female clinicians spend more 'pajama time' documenting in the EHR

Research from athenahealth also found that geography and specialty were among the top contributing factors to time spent in the electronic health record.

< + > Everything you wanted to know about TEFCA (but were afraid to ask)

A data sharing expert offers readers a deep dive into the new Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement from the ONC.

< + > Fables And Misperceptions About Drug Makers And Drug Pricing Are Misleading Customers About The Value The Industry Provides

Once it is understood how new drugs are developed it becomes easier to understand why new drugs are priced the way they are.

< + > MHS Genesis deployed to additional 19K providers across Texas

The latest implementation was the new electronic health record system's largest delivery to date, now live in 100 more locations and a Level 1 Trauma Center.

< + > Obamacare Enrollment Hits Record 14.5 Million, Including 5.8 Million Newly Insured

A record 14.5 million Americans have purchased individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare for this year.

< + > Functions Of SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 Polymerase: Replication, Transcription, And Suppression Of Natural Immunity

In February 2021, a paper published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology confirmed that NSP12 suppresses the activity of a coding gene, IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3), key to the production of interferon.

< + > 2022 Predictions for Healthcare Cybersecurity

As we head into 2022, we asked the Healthcare IT Today community to share some predictions for the new year.  I always find it interesting to learn what people think is coming down the road.  Be sure to check out all our Health IT Predictions. There’s no topic in health IT that keeps healthcare CIOs […]

< + > Spotify Will Reportedly Remove Neil Young’s Music After Dispute Over Joe Rogan

Neil Young, who has recorded 21 gold and platinum albums and singles, demanded this week that Spotify choose between him and podcast host Joe Rogan.

< + > HIE-trained AI models can forecast individual COVID-19 hospitalization

A study from researchers at the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University found that machine learning models can be used to help support public health decision making amid the pandemic.

< + > Community Based Healthcare System Leverages AI-Powered Document Processing to Close Care Gaps

The following is a guest article by Isaac Ellis, Director of Business Development at Healthcare Triangle. To deliver the highest quality care and close care gaps for their patient community, providers need the right data at their fingertips and at the point of care. However, healthcare systems today face numerous challenges in delivering on that […]

< + > Behavioral health and telemedicine: What's in store for 2022

Eric Meier, a mental health technology expert, discusses where behavioral health is headed this year, and describes how telehealth can help offer wider access to care.

< + > Maker Of $295 Prescription Video Game For Kids With ADHD To Go Public In Palihapitiya-Led SPAC Deal

The deal, expected to close in mid-2022, values Akili Interactive around $1 billion.

< + > EyeMed on the hook for $600K after 2.1M record breach

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced this week that vision coverage benefits provider EyeMed had agreed to pay the state $600,000 in the wake of a massive data breach in 2020.  

< + > Uber Health taps Dr. Michael Cantor as first chief medical officer

He'll be tasked with leading development of new technologies and partnerships focused on access to care, population health management and cost efficiencies for providers, payers and others.

< + > RFK Jr. Apologizes For 'Anne Frank' Comparison At Anti-Vax Rally—As Wife Cheryl Hines Calls Comment 'Reprehensible'

Robert F. Kennedy’s wife, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Cheryl Hines, called his comments referencing Anne Frank “reprehensible and insensitive.”

< + > Is Telehealth On Its Way Out? I Say, Just The Opposite

If you read standard business publications like Fast Company, this month you’ll probably be treated to a takeout on how the telehealth bubble has burst. In the Fast Company story, the author argues that the whole online healthcare thing is already proving to be overplayed. “While telehealth remains an important tool for doctors, it no […]

< + > Feds: Health sector bad actors 'actively leveraging' Log4J vulnerabilities

Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency says "every organization in the United States" is at risk from cyber threats.

< + > NYU Langone brings goals of care data into EHR workflow

In a preview of his HIMSS22 session, the health system's associate CMIO describes how it worked with the state HIE to bring patient end-of-life preferences into Epic.

< + > More Than 40% Of U.S. Adults Have Ordered Biden’s Free Covid Tests, Poll Finds

A strong majority of respondents support the Biden administration distributing free Covid-19 tests and masks.

< + > AI-powered RPM can help address the rural neonatal care crisis

Alana McGolrick, chief nursing officer at PeriGen and a former labor-and-delivery nurse, discusses the new role of telehealth and remote patient monitoring.

< + > IBM Agrees To Sell Watson Health

After many years of working fruitlessly to establish it as the leading healthcare AI platform, IBM has agreed to sell Watson Health. The deal, which was reportedly in the $1 billion range, turns over a bundle of assets including Health Insights, MarketScan, Clinical Development, Social Program Management, Micromedex and some imaging software products to tech-focused […]

< + > I Tried At-Home Ketamine For Depression And Anxiety With Mindbloom. Here’s My Experience.

Life can be hard. Depression & anxiety can happen to anyone at any time & can stop even the most grounded person in their tracks. If you are suffering and looking for an alternative treatment to address these feelings and rewire your brain, at-home ketamine could be just what the doctor ordered.

< + > PayrHealth Announces SilverCreek RCM Acquisition

PayrHealth today announced that it has acquired SilverCreek RCM, a Pittsburg, Kansas based full-service revenue cycle management (RCM) company serving healthcare providers across the country and continuum – supporting clients’ revenue growth and minimizing their administrative burdens so they can focus on patients. https://ift.tt/3rMAXDn. SilverCreek founder and CEO Rebecca Light said, “This is a partnership of two highly compatible companies. […]

< + > How Healthy Is A 7-Minute Workout?

Let’s face it, most of us don’t really like working out. Here are 3 very short workouts that provide all the benefits of an hour-long bike ride.

< + > Don’t Treat Covid Like Flu, WHO Says, As Nations Ditch Restrictions And Live With Virus

"It's a new virus, and we must go on treating it as though it is full of surprises, very nasty and rather cunning," said the WHO’s Dr. David Nabarro.

< + > Sensyne Health “unlikely to be able to continue to trade” without financing

The Oxford-based firm has started a formal sales process.

< + > India dismisses CoWIN vaccination data leak

The hack allegedly involves the personal data of over 20,000 people.

< + > ‘Defeat The Mandates’ Rally Against Covid-19 Precautions Held During Omicron Surge

The rally included speakers like Robert Malone, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and others who have had histories of making anti-vaccination and other questionable statements.

< + > Pharmaron Beijing Says Profit Rose Amid U.S., UK Expansion

Chinese-American billionaire Lou Boliang guides the way

< + > Is Your N95 Respirator A Counterfeit? How To Spot Fake Face Masks

Here are 10 ways to tell that a face mask has not actually been approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a N95 respirator.

< + > How São Paulo Became ‘The World’s Vaccine Capital’

Many non-Brazilians, even epidemiologists, were astonished by the announcement in November 2021 that Sao Paulo had achieved universal full vaccination of adults against Covid-19.

< + > Bill Maher Uses ‘Masked Paranoid World’ To Describe Covid-19 Situation, Here’s What He’s Got Wrong Again

In the season’s premier of his HBO show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Maher continued to talk a lot about Covid-19, even though he claimed that “no one cares anymore.”

< + > CDC: Avoid Travel To These 22 New Destinations Due To Covid-19

Argentina, Australia, Egypt, and Israel are among the destinations that are now a Level 4, the highest CDC level for Covid-19 risk.

< + > 'Convincing evidence' of efficacy still lacking for mobile mental health interventions

But scientists say that some tools may hold promise for modestly reducing common psychological symptoms – and that more research is warranted.

< + > HigherDOSE Cofounders Launch ‘BioHack-Hers’ YouTube Series, A Female-Led Exploration Of Biohacking

Six years after launching infrared sauna and holistic wellness brand HigherDOSE, Lauren Berlingeri and Katie Kaps were struck by the continued lack of information around biohacking. So, to remedy this, they created 'BioHack-Hers,' a new YouTube series that explores the space through a female lens.

< + > Can Oracle make Cerner's EHR sing? CIOs and analysts chime in

Big Tech has a proven track record of building consumer-friendly technologies. But will this deal extend that expertise to electronic health records, and improve the provider experience for physicians and nurses?

< + > What You Need To Know About How Well Vaccines Protect You Against Omicron

“Vaccines are not magic forcefields,” Johns Hopkins’ Dr. Amesh Adalja told Forbes. “You are getting vaccinated to prevent yourself from getting severe illness from Covid-19,” not to stop getting infected at all.

< + > Cyber attack on Red Cross endangers confidential info of 515K people

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, some of the data belonged to "highly vulnerable" individuals, including missing persons and their families.

< + > IBM to sell Watson Health assets to Francisco Partners

The deal with the private equity firm is a "clear next step as IBM becomes even more focused on our platform-based hybrid cloud and AI strategy," said a Big Blue exec.

< + > 2022 Predictions for Healthcare Interoperability

As we head into 2022, we asked the Healthcare IT Today community to share some predictions for the new year.  I always find it interesting to learn what people think is coming down the road.  Be sure to check out all our Health IT Predictions. If it seems like we’ve been talking about interoperability forever, […]

< + > UCSF Aims To Re-Think Neuroscience Research With Its New Building

The University of California San Francisco is attempting to re-think how basic and clinical neuroscience research and care are done with its newly opened Joan and Sanford Weill Neurosciences Building.

< + > Austria Just Mandated Covid Vaccines For Almost All Adults — Fines Could Follow

Austria is the first country in Europe to mandate Covid-19 vaccines for virtually all adults, with unvaccinated residents facing potential fines of more than $650 this spring.

< + > Amid Rampant Provider Burnout, Marketplace Platform Companies Focus On Clinician Experience

Not only are patients noticing their doctors’ and nurses’ stress levels, but one in four Wheel survey respondents said they personally know a clinician that would switch careers immediately if they could.

< + > Billionaire Mark Cuban Opens Online Pharmacy To Provide Affordable Generic Drugs

The company was launched out of stealth last year.

< + > Novel Antiviral Approach To Covid-19 Treatment

New antiviral drug, developed by Novartis and Molecular Partners, built to resist viral mutations and variants.

< + > Like banks, healthcare will become digital-first in 2022, Zoom healthcare lead says

Ron Emerson, RN, also predicts video soon will be a part of every healthcare experience.

< + > Top health tech hazards for 2022: cyberattacks, supply chain shortfalls and more

The ECRI Institute's annual report from its Device Evaluation Program reflects enduring ramifications of the pandemic and cautions healthcare leaders about maintaining connectivity.

< + > 2022 Predictions for Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)

As we head into 2022, we asked the Healthcare IT Today community to share some predictions for the new year.  I always find it interesting to learn what people think is coming down the road.  Be sure to check out all our Health IT Predictions. One of the hottest topics thanks to COVID is associated […]

< + > Use of Voice Assistants In Healthcare Shot Up in 2021, But Does That Matter?

Over the past several years, healthcare organizations have been adopting voice assistants and other conversational AI technologies. In fact, over the past few years, the pace of adoption has gone from gradual to frenzied, according to new research from Voicebot.ai. In 2019, Voicebot found that 7.5% of US adults had used a voice assistant for […]

< + > The Supreme Court’s Ruling On Vaccine Mandates Threatens The Federal Government’s Ability To Protect Public Health

Public health law expert Lawrence Gostin explains how the Supreme Court’s ruling against OSHA’s ability to implement a vaccine-or-test mandate could potentially undermine the federal government’s ability to effectively respond to public health emergencies.

< + > New Data Suggests That 50% Of Omicron Infections In Healthy Young Men Remain Transmissible After Five Days

The study gathered PCR tests from basketball players in the National Basketball Association, aiming to elucidate the viral dynamics of Omicron, namely when viral load peaks and how long the general infection lasts.

< + > Black surgical patients used telehealth more often in late 2020

A new study taking a closer look at surgical consultations early in the pandemic highlighted patterns among individuals who relied on video and audio-only visits.

< + > The Covid-19 Pandemic Is Breaking The U.S. Healthcare System – But That’s Only A Symptom Of The Underlying Disease

Dr. Stephen Thomas, a practicing infectious diseases physician at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, explains how the pandemic has made visible many of the underlying problems in America’s healthcare system.

< + > Maimonides Medical Center completes massive digital health initiative in two years

A big part of the effort by the Brooklyn academic medical center is telemedicine, which was boosted by a $1 million grant from the FCC.

< + > There's no 'magic bullet' to enhance cybersecurity, say experts

In a preview of their HIMSS22 session, panelists from the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and affiliated federal agencies offer their perspectives on threat landscapes.

< + > 4 Random Questions – Healthcare IT Today Podcast Episode 79

For the 79th episode of the Healthcare IT Podcast, we’re asking each other 4 random, surprise questions.  That’s right.  Colin created 4 surprise health IT questions for John and John created 4 random health IT questions for Colin.  Neither knew what the other was going to ask before they asked it.  Enjoy this totally unscripted […]

< + > Maximize Value, Minimize Risk During Upcoming Industry Events

The following is a guest article by Joel Diamond, MD/FAAFP, Primary Care Physician and Chief Medical Officer for 2bPrecise and Bryon Cipriani, Executive Vice President for AccessDx Laboratory. For the first time in two years, Health IT executives and clinical leaders are polishing their comfortable conference shoes while vendors check their SWAG inventories. With two […]

< + > Hong Kong Will Cull 2,000 Small Animals After Several Hamsters Test Positive For Covid-19

People who recently purchased hamsters from a pet store where nearly a dozen tested positive will have to hand over their new pets to authorities for euthanization.

< + > 50 Over 50: EMEA 2022

Women around the world are proving that 50 and beyond is the new golden age. Here are the founders, business and political leaders, scientists and vanguards leading the way throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

< + > Dogs Can Sniff Out Long Covid-19, French Study Suggests

Three school districts in Massachusetts are using trained dogs to detect the coronavirus in classrooms.

< + > First Local Omicron Covid-19 Infection Reported In Beijing As Olympics Near

Beijing’s first lab-confirmed instance of the omicron variant shared by Chinese state officials comes three weeks before the city is slated to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

< + > HHS, DOD and vendors partner for critical care via telehealth

Across the country, the organizations are relieving stressed-out critical care teams and filling in where necessary to fight COVID-19. The telehealth system is ready for other disasters, as well.

< + > BioNTech and InstaDeep join forces to predict high-risk COVID variants

The firms’ early warning system aims to increase pandemic preparedness.

< + > VA delaying go-live of EHR in Ohio facility

The agency says the lag is due to an increase in COVID-19 cases among employees, which has complicated training schedules.

< + > How AI and machine learning can help predict SDOH needs

In his upcoming HIMSS22 session, Dr. Jim Walton, president and CEO of Genesis Physicians Group, will give an in-depth look at his work with predictive machine learning and social determinants of health.

< + > Australia makes temporary changes to Telehealth amid Omicron outbreak

Some subsidised specialist phone and video consultation items are being offered until 30 June.

< + > #AustraliaHasFallen Used To Spread Covid-19 Conspiracy Theories After Novak Djokovic Deportation

But here's how some Australians have hijacked the hashtag in response.

< + > 4th Vaccine Shot Likely ‘Not Good Enough’ To Protect Against Omicron, Israeli Researcher Says

A growing number of countries are rolling out extra booster shots despite a lack of evidence about their effectiveness.

< + > Tennis Star Chris Evert Teaches Us That Genetic Testing Is A Lifetime Match

Chris Evert's sister died of ovarian cancer in 2020. Her genetic test results did not reveal a mutation — but that changed, saving Chris' life.

< + > The Drug Industry Might Have Dodged A Build Back Better Bullet But Remains In Congressional Crosshairs

Industry critics have managed to get a foothold with reforms that will have devastating, long-term effects for patients and drug companies alike. And worse, they were included in a bill that could actually pass via the special reconciliation process that governs federal budgeting.

< + > Martin Luther King Day

In the US, we’re celebrating Martin Luther King Day and so we’re largely out of school and off work.  My kids’ school district actually did a 5 day COVID pause and so we have a 5 day weekend to enjoy.  We’re taking a bit of time off at Healthcare IT Today as well, but we’ll […]

< + > Aledade Acquires Advance Care Planning Company Iris Healthcare as Part of New Health Services Arm

Acquisition Enables Company to Provide More High-Value, Patient-Centered Services Through Its Network of More Than 1,000 Independent Primary Care Practices and Health Centers Aledade, the leading primary care enablement company, announced today that it has acquired Iris Healthcare, the best-in-class provider of Advance Care Planning (ACP) solutions for tens of thousands of patients across the country. […]

< + > Waymark Closes $45M Series A to Improve Healthcare Access and Outcomes Among Medicaid Beneficiaries

Waymark, the Medicaid provider-enablement company devoted to scaling value-based care in Medicaid, today announced the closing of a $45M Series A financing co-led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Lux Capital and leading angel investors also participated in the round. Today, the wealthiest Americans outlive the poorest Americans by 10-15 years. The one in […]

< + > Europe Kicks Off Some Of The World’s Most Sweeping Vaccine Mandates And Fines

Italy has made vaccination compulsory for over 50s and Austria will require vaccination against Covid-19 for all adults starting from February.

< + > PerfectServe Acquires AnesthesiaGo, a First-of-Its-Kind Solution for Auto-Generating Daily Case Assignments for Anesthesia Staff

With AnesthesiaGo and Provider Scheduling powered by Lightning Bolt, PerfectServe enhances position at the forefront of advanced scheduling technology PerfectServe®, a leading provider of cloud-based clinical collaboration and provider scheduling solutions, today announced the acquisition of AnesthesiaGo, purveyor of the healthcare industry’s only intelligent case scheduling platform for anesthesiology staff. “At PerfectServe, we are intent […]

< + > Hospital Mergers Just Keep Getting Bigger

The size of hospital deals has hit the “mega-merger” variety in which even the seller has $1 billion in annual revenues.

< + > French Open In Doubt For Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic As France Passes Strict Covid-Fighting Law

The men’s tennis number one was deported from Australia this weekend and will miss the Australian Open after losing a court case to have his visa—which was canceled due to him not being vaccinated against Covid-19—reinstated.

< + > Ivermectin For Covid-19 Cost Medicare, U.S. Insurers Nearly $2.5 Million A Week

That would project to an estimated $129. 6 million over the course of a year. Guess who'll end up paying for this.

< + > Australia Deports Novak Djokovic: Why Covid-19 Positive Tests Do Not Equal Vaccination

On Sunday, Australia’s federal court upheld the cancellation of Djokovic’s visa.

< + > NyQuil, Sleepy Chicken Challenge Trends On TikTok, Here Are The Dangers

Videos on TikTok and other social media show people cooking chicken in over-the-counter cough and cold medications such as NyQuil.

< + > Bird Flu: 2 People Dead In China From H5N6 Avian Influenza

Three other people are still hospitalized with two in critical condition and one in serious condition.

< + > Need A Covid-19 Test Right Away? No Problem, But It’ll Cost You

Just as those with financial means found easier access to Covid-19 vaccines, we are seeing many paying a high price to get a Covid-19 test when they need it.

< + > Study Of NBA Omicron Cases Finds Many Still Infectious After CDC-Recommended Self-Isolation Period Ends

A Harvard University study of a small number of omicron cases from the NBA’s Covid-19 testing program finds slightly more than half were still infectious five days after their first positive test.

< + > Delayed Skin Reaction To Covid-19 Coronavirus Vaccine May Occur Over A Week Later

Here's how this reaction may be different from an immediate skin reaction.

< + > For Millions Of Uninsured Americans, The End Of 2022 Open Enrollment Is Here

Today is the last day of open enrollment on Healthcare.gov. Millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans may be able to find more and better options—if they act fast.

< + > ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Hit With $64.6 Million Fine And Lifetime Ban From Pharmaceutical Industry

Shkreli is serving a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of securities fraud in 2017.

< + > Feds sound alert on Russian cyber threats amid potential Ukraine escalation

The agencies noted that state-sponsored bad actors have targeted a variety of critical infrastructure organizations, including those in the healthcare industry. 

< + > Blockchain built Avaneer Health network gets $50M boost from Aetna, Cleveland Clinic, others

The network uses FHIR and distributed ledger technology for payer-to-payer interoperability, prior authorization and more.

< + > At-Home Covid Test Deliveries Delayed By L.A. Train Robberies

Thefts reminiscent of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid worsen supply-chain woes.

< + > Better Vaccines, New Treatments And More Tests: Healthcare Companies Reveal Covid Plans

Pfizer, Moderna, Regeneron and many other healthcare companies presented at the 40th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and outlined their plans to continue fighting Covid this year.

< + > Moderna Starts Human Trials Of mRNA Vaccine For Virus That Likely Causes Multiple Sclerosis

Almost all adults have been infected by the Epstein-Barr virus, which scientists believe is the likely cause of multiple sclerosis, a potentially disabling neurological condition.

< + > Kaiser joins Intermountain, SSM, Presbyterian in digital health nonprofit

Graphite Health aims to establish an app marketplace, geared toward offering health systems a more seamless tool implementation process.

< + > 2022 Predictions for Health Equity

Health equity has long been a challenge, but in 2022 it promises to be a top-of-mind issue. The COVID pandemic has made it clear that health inequity has a broad impact not only on public health, but on the financial well-being of entire communities. It’s time we listen to health equity advocates and turn words […]

< + > Hiding In Plain Sight: Autism, Hope & Resilience

What is autism? Autism is a disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and often non-verbal communication. Autism occurs on a spectrum thus it has a variety of presentations.

< + > All Nations boosts revenue 150% with new EHR and revenue cycle tech

The Urban Indian Health Program increased monthly billing by 88% and collections by 75%.

< + > DexCare Closes $50M Series B Funding Led by Transformation Capital to Advance Its Digital Care Operating System

DexCare, Inc., a data-driven intelligence company focused on healthcare access, today announced a $50M Series B funding led by Transformation Capital, with participation from all existing investors, Kaiser Permanente, Providence Ventures, Mass General Brigham, Define Ventures, Frist Cressey Ventures, and SpringRock Ventures. In less than one year, DexCare has closed two oversubscribed funding rounds totaling […]

< + > A new chief digital officer at Memorial Sloan Kettering

Rémy Evard has also been named head of technology at the cancer center.

< + > 2022 Predictions for Healthcare Employment and the Great Resignation

As we head into 2022, we asked the Healthcare IT Today community to share some predictions for the new year.  I always find it interesting to learn what people think is coming down the road.  Be sure to check out all our Health IT Predictions. One of the surprise topics for me heading into 2022 […]

< + > How to address inequity in healthcare AI? Hire a diverse data team

In a preview of her HIMSS22 session, Dr. Tania M. Martin-Mercado stresses the importance of acknowledging widespread bias without defensiveness.

< + > Bill Gates Believes Covid-19 May Eventually Be Treated Like The Seasonal Flu; Here’s What That Means

When will the world be free of this devastating virus?

< + > We Can’t Stop Reporting Covid Cases

Understanding infection rates in our communities is critical knowledge that keeps us safe by allowing us to modify our behavior based on risk.

< + > Denmark First In Europe To Offer 4th Covid Vaccine Dose

Denmark joins Israel and Chile as the only countries to approve a fourth Covid-19 vaccine dose.

< + > White House ‘Strongly Considering’ Giving Out N95 Masks — But CDC Still Not Changing Guidelines To Recommend Them

The highly transmissible omicron variant has prompted calls for people to wear better quality masks like N95s and K95s to protect themselves.

< + > Time to Expand Vaccination to Infants and Toddlers and Boosters for Children

Innate immune protection against the COVID-19 virus largely spared young children from contracting previous variants. Omicron, however, has unique adaptations that penetrate natural immunity, leading to record rates of infection and hospitalization among children as young as infants.

< + > Medicare Proposes Restricting Coverage Of Aduhelm To Alzheimer’s Patients Who Enroll In Clinical Trials

On January 11, Medicare issued a draft memorandum that it will only pay for Aduhelm under the so-called coverage with evidence development (CED) pathway. On one hand, proponents say Medicare can learn whether the drug works in the context of a CED study. On the other, critics say CED impedes access.

< + > ONC updates ISA Reference Edition for 2022

Among the new changes for the Interoperability Standards Advisory: HL7-enabled help for CDC COVID-19 reporting, and new standards and implementation specs for labs, e-prescribing and public health.

< + > Three Ways The U.S. Government Can Fight The Omicron Wave

Dr. Anand Parekh, chief medical advisor for the Bipartisan Policy Center, discusses how the U.S. can bolster its response to the spread of the omicron variant.

< + > Transcarent Raises $200 Million in Series C Funding Highlighting Growing Demand for a Different Health and Care Experience Aligned with the Needs of Self-Insured Employers

Led by Kinnevik and Human Capital and joined by Ally Bridge Group, General Catalyst, 7wireVentures and existing Transcarent investors Leading health systems Northwell Health, Intermountain Healthcare, and Rush University Medical Center invest to accelerate Transcarent’s newly designed care delivery and payment models Transcarent, a new and different health and care experience company for employees of […]

< + > An Unbelievable Study Proves—College Students Make Rational Sex Decisions?

Rational decision making does not only require consistency. It depends on making good judgements about the relative benefits and harms of the choices one makes.

< + > U.K. Covid-19: How Long Are Patients Waiting In Emergency Rooms?

Leaked data suggests hundreds of patients are waiting more than 12 hours for treatment every day in England's emergency rooms, as Covid-19 continues to drain hospital workforces.

< + > Achieving Health Equity Requires Supporting Unseen Black Entrepreneurs

Supporting overlooked Black and Brown founders may be the key to achieving health equity.

< + > Medicare Seeks To Limit Coverage For Controversial Alzheimer’s Drug Aduhelm

Doctors demanded the FDA revoke its approval for the Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, which can cause side effects like brain bleeding.

< + > Medicare Won’t Pay For Controversial Alzheimer’s Drug Aduhelm Without A New Trial

In a key decision, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said today that Medicare will not pay for the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Adulhelm until it sees positive results from a government-approved trial.

< + > More Americans Are Social Distancing Than At Any Point Since Spring 2021, Poll Finds

As the omicron variant surges, a growing number of people report wearing a mask all the time, social distancing and avoiding public places and gatherings.

< + > Fauci Clashes With Rand Paul At Senate Hearing: ‘You Keep Distorting The Truth’

The exchange between the NIAID director and Kentucky senator became heated quickly.

< + > FDA Commissioner: ‘Most People’ Will Get Covid-19 Amid Record Surge

FDA Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock suggested Tuesday that further spread of the omicron coronavirus variant is unavoidable, and that the federal government should focus on how to keep hospitals, transportation and critical businesses running.

< + > Covid 90% Less Infectious Five Minutes After Being Airborne, Study Suggests

Researchers said the findings suggest masking and social distancing are more effective in preventing virus transmission.

< + > United Cuts Flights After About 3,000 Workers Test Positive For Covid-19

None of its vaccinated employees are hospitalized for Covid, CEO Scott Kirby says.

< + > Health IT Turnover Survey Offers Grim Picture

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of HISTalk, a fellow HIT website that has strong ties to health tech leaders across the provider spectrum. For that reason, I’m inclined to take the results of the site’s recently-released health IT turnover survey pretty seriously — and unfortunately, these results aren’t pretty. In […]

< + > Caregility Secures $25 Million in Additional Funding

Star Mountain expands its investment in Caregility to fuel growth and development initiatives Caregility, a company dedicated to connecting care wherever patients are with its Caregility virtual care platform, announced that it has secured an additional$25 million in funding to help accelerate its market growth and innovation. Since receiving an initial investment from Star Mountain […]

< + > Healthcare VR…In VR – #HITsm Chat Topic

We’re excited to share the topic and questions for this week’s #HITsm chat happening Friday, 1/14 at Noon ET (9 AM PT). This week’s chat will be hosted by Chuck Webster (@wareflo) and Joe Desiderio (@JoeDesiderio) on the topic “Healthcare VR…In VR“. Note: This chat will not be held on Twitter, but will be held in […]

< + > Man Gets New Heart From Genetically Modified Pig—A First For Medicine

It's so far, so good three days after the surgery, but the chances of long-term success remain unknown.

< + > Biden Requires Insurance Companies To Cover Free At-Home Covid Tests Starting This Weekend

Private insurance companies will be required to pay for up to eight at-home tests per person every month.

< + > Withings Acquires Impeto Medical to Strengthen and Grow Its Research and Development of Medical Technologies

Leader in the tracking of peripheral neuropathies, acquired by pioneers of connected health Withings, the pioneer of the connected health movement, has announced the acquisition of Impeto Medical, a specialist in R&D, manufacturing and distribution of innovative medical devices for physicians. This announcement incorporates the ownership of Impeto’s SUDOSCAN® technology which is seen as a […]

< + > CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada Amid Covid-19 Surge

The province of Quebec saw its highest single-day Covid-related hospitalization figure on Monday.

< + > Digital Health Startup Transcarent Just Raised $200 Million To Grow Its Concierge Medical Business

The company, helmed by former Livongo CEO Glen Tullman, just raised a series C round at a $1.6 billion valuation.

< + > Moral Progress Denied By FDA Leadership: New “OOC” Technology Could Have Allowed The FDA To Abandon Its Cruel Animal Testing Requirements.

Despite decades of limited gains from animal testing of drugs meant for humans, FDA leaders continue to block sophisticated alternatives that could very well end outdated and cruel animal testing andspeed up investigational drug development.

< + > ‘Vaccine Police’ Founder Claims Drinking Your Own Urine Is Covid-19 Antidote

Some have tried drinking cow urine in attempts to prevent or treat Covid-19. Now, Christopher Key is claiming that urine therapy, drinking your own urine, works.

< + > In a boost for patient matching, ONC releases technical specs for Project US@

The new Final Version 1.0 provides unified specifications for patient addresses. A new companion guide developed with AHIMA offers healthcare organizations help with implementation.

< + > 4 Reasons Why The New Alzheimer’s Treatment Is A Cruel Scam

More than a year ago, I wrote about the failure of two trials of a new Alzheimer’s treatment, called aducamumab.

< + > Australian Court Rules In Favor Of Djokovic, Overturns Visa Cancelation

The Serbian tennis star was detained by border authorities last week for failing to provide enough proof for a medical exemption from receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

< + > India's National Health Mission launches digital health project in Assam

The project is based on Piramal Swasthya's integrated health technology platform.

< + > The Five Biggest Healthcare Tech Trends In 2022

The healthcare sector is under enormous pressure at the moment, and technology adoption has been accelerating to help deliver better, cheaper, and more personalized healthcare to people. Here we look at the top healthcare tech trends in 2022.

< + > Baxter, Cardinal Health Join Mayo, Kaiser With $110 Million Stake In ‘Hospital Care At Home’ Venture

Baxter International, Cardinal Health and Global Medical Response are leading a $110 million investment into the technology company Medically Home Group to advance a new healthcare delivery model that delivers “advanced care” typically available inside a hospital into patient homes.

< + > Drones May Become “The Next Big Thing” In Healthcare Delivery

Drones may potentially resolve some of medicine's most challenging issues.

< + > How The CDC Can Replace ‘Muddled Messages’ With Clear Action Plans

The CDC's new isolation guideline runs 2,800 words and contains 45 bullet points.

< + > 90 Day Fiancé Star Sells Farts In Jars Then Suffers Health Scare

Stephanie Matto became a self-described “fartrepreneur” but here's what happened when she tried to increase the supply and make things more stinky.

< + > Nurse Says Viagra Saved Her From Severe Covid-19 Coronavirus Infection

is there any hard evidence that Viagra, otherwise known as sildenafil, can help treat severe Covid-19?

< + > The Rate Of Covid-19 Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) In Children is Skyrocketing

As pediatric hospitalizations rise, experts are concerned about a surge in MIS-C cases.

< + > How a Texas health system spun up a virtual ICU – just in time for COVID-19

Houston Methodist had been planning to implement a VICU for several years, chief innovation officer Roberta Schwartz explains in a preview of her upcoming HIMSS22 session – but the pandemic led them to speed up the process.

< + > California Lawmaker Introduces Plan To Pay For State Universal Healthcare System

The bill would not increase income taxes for those making less than $150,000.

< + > ThedaCare health system sees huge patient adoption of new digital front door

Moreover, 83% of users who are designated as high-risk due to their condition are interacting with the "Ripple" app and platform in a meaningful way.

< + > Stryker to acquire Vocera Communications for $3B

"Vocera will help Stryker significantly accelerate our digital aspirations to improve the lives of caregivers and patients," says Kevin Lobo, CEO of medical and surgical manufacturer Stryker.

< + > Antibiotic Resistant Bacterium MRSA Evolved In Hedgehogs 200 Years Ago, Study Finds

One type of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – MRSA, the antibiotic-resistant bacterial scourge of modern clinical medicine – may have evolved 200 years ago in wild European hedgehogs, according to a recent study.

< + > Fractal Announces US $360 Million Investment from TPG

TPG, a leading global alternative asset firm, and Fractal (fractal.ai), a global provider of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics solutions to Fortune 500® companies, today announced that they have signed a definitive investment agreement. TPG is investing US$ 360 million in Fractal through TPG Capital Asia, the firm’s Asia-focused private equity platform, in a transaction that […]

< + > Walgreens Will Open 160 Village Medical Clinics By Year’s End

Walgreens will have more than 160 doctor-staffed Village Medical clinics open by the end of this year.

< + > Fighting Vaccine Hesitancy

In 2019, tens of thousands of Americans took an unproven COVID treatment—hydroxychloroquine—because a persuasive politician convinced them of its merits. So often, the message is more important than the verity of the message.

< + > See where your state ranks on telemedicine

A new report digs into policies around the country through the lens of patient access and ease of providing care, assessing different approaches to telehealth in all 50 states.

< + > Will 2022 Be the Year Healthcare Delivers on the Promise of Modern, Consumer-Grade Patient Technology? The Grinch has returned to his cave, but his pessimism persists.

The following is a guest article by Greg Kefer, CMO at Lifelink Systems. If you follow enough of the healthcare industry “influencers” on social media, it’s hard to escape the annual drumbeat of predictions as the new year approaches. Optimism and opportunity is the prevailing theme, and for good reason. Who wants to go on […]

< + > AI and Automation in RCM is All About Balance

The team at CorroHealth is emphasizing a balanced approach to improving Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) – one that blends AI, automation, and people. The company’s leaders believe that healthcare organizations should set themselves a goal of streamlining and augmenting the current processes, especially in light of the hiring challenges. Road to AI and Automation in […]

< + > JAMA Publishes The Most Important Covid-19 Plan To Date - The New Normal

Today, a group of eminent physicians and scientists with global standing have acted decisively and in unison presenting the world with what it badly needs, whether it knows it or not: a comprehensive, cohesive plan which lays out the steps to reverse the course of Covid-19.

< + > Covid Vaccines And Testing Boost Walgreens Profits

Walgreens Boots Alliance reported more than $3.5 billion in quarterly profits thanks to a rush of customers being vaccinated against Covid-19 or tested for the virus.

< + > Europe Reports Record 1 Million Coronavirus Cases As Omicron Tears Across Bloc

After the U.S., France reported the highest number of new cases in the world Wednesday.

< + > An Interview With The Team Leader For The Scientific Discovery Of Pfizer’s COVID-19 Drug, Paxlovid

In non-hospitalized high-risk adults with COVID-19, Paxlovid was found to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% compared to placebo.

< + > Babylon Acquires Higi to Extend its Digital-First Healthcare Platform to Millions of People in the U.S.

Babylon (NYSE: BBLN) today announced the closing on December 31, 2021 of its acquisition of Higi SH Holdings Inc. (“Higi”)  — a consumer health engagement company. Combining Babylon’s highly-scalable technology platform with Higi’s remote monitoring capabilities — via its Smart Health Stations conveniently located within 5 miles of 73% of the U.S. population, at-home connected […]

< + > U.K. Covid-19: English Hospitals Declare ‘Critical Incidents’— What Does This Mean?

A slew of English hospitals have declared "critical incidents" as Covid-19 drives up patient numbers and keeps staff at home.

< + > This Startup Raised Over $500 Million To Find Better Drugs With Nobel Prize-Winning Microscopes

Eikon Therapeutics uses high-resolution microscopes that view cell activity in real time, with an eye to using that data to accelerate drug discovery.

< + > Biden's Covid Policy And Vaccine Mandates: The Growing Backlash You Need To Know About

Will we finally get commonsense policies regarding Covid-19?

< + > Little Otter Announces $22 Million Series A Investment In Child And Family Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed children's mental health to crisis levels. Yet parents often struggle to find providers and face long wait times when seeking help. Founded by a mother-daughter duo, Little Otter harnesses tech to connect families with mental health professionals and track progress.

< + > Gnullingoo Mia Aged Care taps Core Schedule for staff scheduling

The Central Adelaide Local Health Network has also recently rolled out the same rostering solution in South Australia.