Epic and Microsoft have announced an extended collaboration aimed at integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools into Epic’s electronic health records (EHR) system. The partnership aims to swiftly introduce a variety of AI technologies, such as clinical note summarization, medical coding suggestions, and data exploration tools. These tools are designed to address gaps in clinical evidence using real-world data. The primary goal of this expanded collaboration is to expedite the development and deployment of AI tools in the healthcare sector. Eric Boyd, the corporate vice president of AI platform at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of introducing this technology as swiftly…
Author: Abhay Panchal
The American Foregut Society has issued new guidance on best practices for transoral incisionless fundoplication for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. TIF, which reestablishes and augments the gastroesophageal flap valve to restore its function, is a “great option to treat GERD, with an excellent safety profile and high level of patient satisfaction,” said Olaya Brewer Gutierrez, MBBS, the director of endoscopy at Sibley Memorial Hospital, in Washington, D.C., and a lead author of the white paper. TIF and concomitant TIF (cTIF), in which TIF is combined with laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair in patients with a hiatal hernia larger than…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed several coding changes in its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that are crucial for anesthesia leaders, as highlighted in a blog post by Rita Astani, the president of anesthesia for Coronis Health. Key changes include:
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over the past two decades, there has been a notable rise in early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) cases, defined as those diagnosed before the age of 50. This increase accounts for about 10% of CRC mortalities. The rise in EO-CRC is alarming and has led to global efforts to understand its trends, diagnostic challenges, and potential future interventions. Several factors, such as Western dietary patterns, smoking, and obesity, have been suggested as potential causes. Additionally, the gut microbiota’s role in influencing obesity, immunity, and inflammation is being explored as…
Proteins, often perceived as static 3D structures, can change their shapes based on biological needs, acting like biological transistors. While AI has previously been used to predict and even generate novel protein structures, a new study in Science has introduced flexibility to these AI-designed proteins. These proteins can stabilize into two distinct forms, similar to a hinge being open or closed, based on an external biological “lock.” Dr. Florian Praetorius from the University of Washington highlighted the potential applications of these dynamic proteins. The proteins were designed using a combination of AI tools, including AlphaFold and Rosetta. The ultimate goal…
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A concerning rise in early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC), defined as diagnosis before the age of 50, has been observed globally over the past two decades. This form of CRC now accounts for about 10% of all CRC deaths. The article delves into the increasing incidence of EO-CRC and its potential causes, including Western dietary patterns, smoking, obesity, and changes in gut microbiota. The delay in diagnosis due to lack of awareness among both patients and providers is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of early recognition. Genetic factors,…
The Core Quality Measures Collaborative (CQMC) has unveiled new core quality measures along with implementation guidelines for specific core sets. These measures, shaped by over 75 healthcare entities, span 10 specialties, with eight of them undergoing updates. The updates encompass patient outcomes measures, evaluating care coordination and transitions quality. Some measures were removed either because they were no longer evidence-based or didn’t significantly boost performance. These alterations will influence clinicians aiming to enhance care quality and might also impact CMS recommendations. Michelle Schreiber from CMS and Danielle A. Lloyd from AHIP emphasized the importance of alignment across federal, state, and…
Vial, a tech-driven CRO focused on next-generation clinical trial management, has announced a strategic partnership with Documenso, an open-source digital signing platform. This collaboration aims to revolutionize document signing practices in the life sciences sector, offering an alternative to traditional platforms like DocuSign. The partnership will focus on meeting the stringent requirements of CFR Part 11 compliance, a set of FDA guidelines for electronic recordkeeping and signatures in regulated sectors. Simon Burns, CEO of Vial, emphasized the partnership’s potential to innovate document management in the life sciences, aligning with the demands of 21 CFR Part 11. On the other hand,…
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) leaders are currently observing several significant trends in the industry. One of the primary shifts is the migration of procedures from inpatient to outpatient settings, driven by advancements in surgical techniques and technology. This change offers a more cost-effective and convenient option for patients but requires ASCs to continually upgrade their facilities and skills. Another trend is the adoption of value-based care, focusing on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness rather than the traditional fee-for-service model. ASCs are participating more in bundled payment programs and other value-based initiatives, emphasizing quality improvement and data collection to demonstrate value and…
InDex Pharmaceuticals Holding AB announced that the positive results from their pharmacokinetic (PK) study with cobitolimod, targeting patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, will be showcased at the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW). This abstract was distinguished as one of the best for poster presentation and will also be orally presented in a moderated session. Jenny Sundqvist, CEO of InDex Pharmaceuticals, expressed her satisfaction with the selection, emphasizing the medical community’s keen interest in their findings. The study’s results, presented by Professor Per Hellström, revealed limited systemic uptake of cobitolimod and a promising response rate among patients. InDex Pharmaceuticals…