The prior authorization process, integral for confirming the necessity and insurance coverage of medical treatments, has historically been an obstacle in healthcare. In its current state, it has the potential to cause considerable delays and financial burdens for patients and healthcare providers - and the inefficiencies of this process are evident, as approximately 90% of providers report care delays due to this process (AMA), with a significant percentage indicating that some delays even lead
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Penalizing Hospitals Won’t Stop Ransomware: Why Collaboration, Not Fines, is Key to Healthcare Cybersecurity
The recent $50 million initiative announced by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) can’t hurt in the ongoing battle against ransomware in the healthcare sector.
This investment is aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity defenses of hospitals nationwide, protecting sensitive patient data, and enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems against cyber threats. However, I must emphasize that while $50 million is a step in the right direction, it is merely a drop in
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The CMS Final Rule’s Impact on Healthcare Communication
As healthcare continues its digital transformation, ensuring clear, accessible communication with patients remains crucial. This is especially important for a diverse population with varying language needs and accessibility requirements. The recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule reflects this commitment to inclusivity by establishing stricter guidelines for Medicare Advantage and Part D payers regarding patient communication accessibility and language
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The Importance of Between-Visits Appointments and Mental Health
The causes and effects of America’s mental health crisis are well-documented. Easing access to necessary clinical help has not grown in tandem.
A study by the National Council for Mental Well-Being reveals that mental health services in the U.S. are insufficient despite more than half of Americans (56 percent) seeking help, with limited options and long waits becoming the norm. In some ways, meeting patients where they are is optimized, thanks to telehealth tools such as Zoom
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Upgrade Hospital Cybersecurity with Passwordless, Phishing-Resistant MFA
In February 2024, the Change Healthcare ransomware attack shut down healthcare billing and authorization systems for providers across the nation, substantially impacting business systems, finances and patient care. United HealthGroup, the parent company of Change Healthcare, estimates that losses so far have topped $872 million, including a $22 million ransom payment and other direct and indirect costs related to the event. The attack also exposed some 124 million patient records, spurring a
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Silver Tsunami: Rise of Tech-Enabled Senior Home Care
With the advancements in medical care and the resilience of the human spirit, most people now live longer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports this, publishing data about the rise in life expectancy in the U.S., with the average American man now reaching 74 and women pushing 80.
As a trusted partner in the healthcare community, my team and I are always working to help our clients provide the best care to the "Silver Tsunami" — the rapidly growing elderly population
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Heart Health in the GLP-1 Era: The Role of Remote Patient Monitoring
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Recent studies have suggested that effectively treating obesity with GLP-1 agonists may be key to improving overall heart health. These findings are promising — but additional study is necessary, further highlighting the need for accurate GLP-1 patient data and consistent at-home health monitoring.
Healthcare providers can benefit from high-precision remote monitoring tools like
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Health Plans Have an Engagement Problem. Providers of Care Can Help
A health plan’s success rests on many factors: improving health outcomes, controlling costs, optimizing risk adjustment, and encouraging member adherence to a specific care plan. Member engagement is foundational to all of these goals.
Health plans have struggled to close the loop on engagement for various reasons. This is especially true among Medicaid enrollees, who report more problems with prior authorization and provider availability compared to people with other
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Interoperability: The Missing Link to Combat Nurse Burnout
The American Organization for Nursing Leadership recently published a report that reinforces the troublesome trend in healthcare: Nearly one-fifth of nurses are projected to leave the healthcare workforce by 2027. Nurses are central to the success of patient outcomes, so how can technology empower and support this dedicated group of professionals within the patient care space to feel satisfied in their role?
Problem
Inadequate staff and increasing complexity of patient conditions
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Combat Health Misinformation with Conversational Intelligence
The digital era presents healthcare leaders with a formidable challenge: a tidal wave of online health misinformation shaping patient behaviors and decisions. A single viral social media post can ignite widespread confusion, driving patients to pursue treatments, medications, or services that may—or may not—relate to their condition or patient journey. Healthcare organizations then scramble to manage surging call volumes, strained resources, frustrated patients, and a compromised healthcare
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