Researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Copenhagen have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can potentially identify individuals at the highest risk for pancreatic cancer up to three years before an actual diagnosis. This tool utilizes patients’ medical records to determine the elevated risk for the disease and is based on data from 6 million patients in Denmark. The tool was further evaluated in collaboration with VA Boston Healthcare System, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A study published in Nature Medicine indicates that AI-based population screening could be instrumental in…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has expanded its virtual-first health plan, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize health services for its members. Initially introduced earlier this year, this plan will be available in Connecticut and Virginia starting January 1. The Anthem Link Virtual First plans utilize the insurer’s Sydney app, offering members 24/7 access to benefits details, cost transparency information, and more. The app also features an AI-driven symptom checker that evaluates specific symptoms before a doctor’s consultation. These plans provide various cost-sharing options, including zero coinsurance for virtual care. They also enable members to access Anthem’s network…
Watchmaker Genomics, a provider of innovative products for molecular analysis, has entered into a multi-year, co-exclusive agreement with Exact Sciences Corporation, a leading cancer screening and diagnostic test provider. The collaboration aims to develop and commercialize the TET-assisted pyridine borane sequencing (TAPS) technology, a breakthrough in DNA methylation analysis. Watchmaker plans to enhance the TAPS chemistry, enabling advanced applications like cancer screening and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. DNA methylation patterns, which can be indicators of both healthy and diseased tissue states, are seen as promising biomarkers for liquid biopsies. The TAPS technology can improve DNA methylation analysis accuracy. Additionally,…
While AI’s potential in healthcare is often hyped, there are existing AI tools that can offer immediate return on investment (ROI) for healthcare providers. The article highlights five ways in which Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI are currently benefiting health systems, clinicians, and patients: The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on AI tools that offer immediate value, especially those that alleviate clinician workload and ensure timely access to critical information.
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom among patients with both active and inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it is strongly linked to depression, as reported in BMC Gastroenterology. Victoria Uhlir and her team from Jena University Hospital conducted a study involving 189 patients with IBD, revealing that 51.3% of patients were fatigued, and 12.2% were extremely fatigued. The symptom was more common among women and those with moderate to severe disease activity. The study also found a strong correlation between fatigue and depression, with 43.5% of the extremely fatigued group having severe or very severe depression. The researchers emphasized the…
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) typically offer a less expensive option for an upper GI endoscopy compared to Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs). This information is based on data from Sidecar Health’s care calculator. The article provides a state-by-state breakdown of the estimated costs for an upper GI endoscopy at both ASCs and HOPDs. It’s important to note that these prices are estimated benefit amounts, and the exact coverage or reimbursement will depend on the services listed on the itemized bill. Thought-Provoking Questions & Insights:
A recent meta-analysis of six prevalent cancer screenings has raised questions about their efficacy in saving lives. The study, set to be published in JAMA Internal Medicine, was conducted by Michael Bretthauer and his team from the University of Oslo. Their findings suggest that, apart from colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy, which showed a statistically significant gain of 110 days, other screenings did not substantially extend life. For instance, prostate cancer screening and colonoscopy resulted in a 37-day gain, while lung cancer screening showed a 107-day gain. Mammography and fecal occult blood testing did not show any life extension. The…
DoMore Diagnostics and Proscia have entered into a collaboration focused on colorectal cancer histopathology testing. The partnership aims to combine the technologies of both digital pathology firms to assist pathologists in predicting patient outcomes and integrating AI-supported decision-making processes. Thought-Provoking Questions & Insights:
Joanne Silberner discusses the increasing influence of private equity in the U.S. healthcare system. In his 2022 state of the union address, President Joe Biden highlighted the surge of private financing into nursing homes, which has led to compromised care quality and rising costs. Private equity refers to funds collected from high-level investors to purchase companies, enhance their profitability, and eventually sell them for a substantial profit. As of 2021, private equity firms owned 11% of nursing homes. Their influence isn’t limited to nursing homes; they have also acquired physicians’ practices, hospitals, clinics, and even veterinary clinics. Between 2010 and…
The trend of vertical integration, where physicians are directly employed by hospitals instead of operating in independent practices, has been increasingly adopted across U.S. healthcare systems. While the intention behind this move is to enhance patient outcomes, a new study set to be published in Management Science reveals that vertical integration is resulting in increased costs and deteriorating health outcomes due to misaligned financial incentives. The research, which focused on Medicare patients treated by gastroenterologists, found that post-procedure complications rose significantly after vertical integration. The primary reason for this change in physician behavior is the financial incentive structure of integrated…