Pfizer and IBM are teaming up on a first-of-its-kind research Internet of Things (IoT) collaboration to develop remote monitoring solutions aimed at transforming how clinicians deliver care to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The experimental IoT approach will rely on a system of sensors, mobile devices, and machine learning to provide real-time, around-the-clock disease symptom information to clinicians and researchers. The research collaboration goal is to obtain a better
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OpenVista EHR developer Medsphere Makes Interoperability Pledge
OpenVista EHR developer Medsphere, today announced it is joining other fellow healthcare IT providers in embracing the Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC) Interoperability Pledge for consumer access, transparency and standards. In policy and practice, Medsphere adheres to the principles of open, connected and secure data sharing among all providers. To further these goals and advance interoperability among health information systems enabling free movement of data, we embrace the following
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New Scripps Study Combines DNA Testing, Sensors to Improve Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Researchers at the Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI) have launched a new study that aims to improve screening accuracy for Parkinson’s disease by combining the power of genetic sequencing and wireless sensors. Researchers hope to validate a testing method that can accurately differentiate between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, the most common movement disorder, which is often mistaken for Parkinson’s. Earlier and better diagnosis could improve the use of treatment options
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Mobile Engagement Provider mPulse Mobile Raises $13M in Oversubscribed Round
mPulse Mobile, a mobile engagement solution provider that spun out of the healthcare division of mobileStorm has raised $13 million in Series A funding. Less than a year since the company’s founding, the latest financial investment in mPulse Mobile, from partners Cambia Health Solutions (Cambia) and Rincon Venture Partners, brings the total amount raised to more than $13M, oversubscribing and closing the Series A round. In January, the company announced it secured $10M in its first close of
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Report: Top 5 Areas of Concerns for Health System Executives
47% of health system executives indicated that they were extremely interested in addressing the challenge of rising consumer expectations for service, according to The Advisory Board Company's Annual Health Care CEO Survey. Additionally, 45% of hospital and health system executives said they were extremely interested in identifying patient engagement strategies – a four-percentage-point increase over the previous year.For its Annual Health Care CEO Survey, The Advisory Board Company surveyed 209
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Aetna, St. John Health ACO Partner to Improve Patient Experience
Aetna and St. John Health System, a part of Ascension, the nation's largest Catholic and nonprofit health system, today announced a collaboration to launch Aetna Whole Health St. John OKHI in Tulsa County. This new health care product enables doctors to deliver highly coordinated care, track outcomes through shared data, and measure clinical standards to improve quality and efficiency.As part of Aetna Whole Health St. John OKHI, Aetna members will receive coordinated care through Tulsa-area St.
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Bright Health Nabs $80M for Tech-Enabled Consumer Insurance Plans
Bright Health, a new health insurance startup co-founded by industry veterans, including former CEO of UnitedHealthcare has raised $80 million in Series A funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners and New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with participation by Flare Capital Partners and others. The startup will utilize the funding to expand its nationwide rollout to the individual health insurance marketplace. The startup is led by Bob Sheehy, former CEO of UnitedHealthcare; Kyle Rolfing, co-founder
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CrossChx Nabs $15M to Streamline the Patient Registration Process
CrossChx, a provider of identity resolution for smarter healthcare, today announced it has raised $15 million in Series C funding from Silicon Valley Bank, Khosla Ventures, Drive Capital, NCT Ventures and Moonshots Capital. The most recent round brings the Columbus, OH-based health tech startup total funding to date to $35 million. CrossChx plans to use this round of funding to expand the sales and distribution of its flagship patient modern patient sign-in system called Queue that reduces
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FTC Releases New Guidance For Developers of Mobile Health Apps
The Federal Trade Commission has created a new web-based tool for developers of health-related mobile apps, which is designed to help the developers understand what federal laws and regulations might apply to their apps. The FTC developed the tool in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The guidance tool asks developers a
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Survey: Most Americans Don’t Associate Price with Quality Healthcare
With growing efforts to provide people with information about health care prices, some health care experts have expressed concern that patients may avoid low-price care if they associate price with low quality. However, most Americans do not associate the price of care with the quality healthcare, according to an analysis of survey data published in the April issue of Health Affairs.While health care prices vary widely throughout the country, there is no evidence that higher prices are
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