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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Health IT & Digital Health-Opinion | Op-Eds | Guest Columns | Analysis, Insights - HIT Consultant
Gen Z Falling Behind on Cancer Screenings: Phone Anxiety and Lack of Awareness Cited
What You Should Know:
- A recent survey by the Prevent Cancer Foundation reveals a concerning trend among Gen Z (ages 21-27) – they are significantly lagging behind older generations in getting routine cancer screenings.
- This lag can potentially have serious health consequences, as early detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment.
Phone Anxiety and Knowledge Gaps Hinder Screenings
The survey highlights two key factors impacting Gen Z's screening rates: phone
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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 Accurate Patient Matching for AI Projects
Famous artificial intelligence (AI) errors such as a Google search recommendation to put glue on a pizza to keep the cheese from falling off may cause a smile. However, when AI is mentioned in conjunction with healthcare, the stakes become serious — quickly since ‘hallucinations’ are not an option in healthcare!
But make no mistake: AI is infiltrating healthcare, from both clinical and operational angles. Estimates show the global AI healthcare market growing by 1,600% during the decade, from
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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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