Author: Abhay Panchal

Epic is going all in on generative AI—and it’s not just about shiny tools. With its new Launchpad initiative, the EHR giant wants to eliminate the biggest blocker to AI adoption in healthcare: stalled implementations. Instead of waiting for overwhelmed IT teams to figure it out, Launchpad offers a fast-track starter kit of 10 high-impact gen AI tools—think automated patient messaging, charting support, and even back-end efficiency boosts. Epic’s AI experts act as “shepherds,” helping health systems bypass governance gridlock, align stakeholders, and turn ideas into operational tools in days. The result? Over 377 Epic customers are already using at…

Read More

At DDW 2025, researchers unveiled a blood-based risk score that can predict the onset of Crohn’s disease (CD) up to two years in advance—offering a glimpse into a future where IBD is prevented, not just treated. Developed using data from U.S. military serum banks, the predictive model uses a combination of 10 biomarkers, achieving a high accuracy with an AUC of 0.87, 99% specificity, and 84% positive predictive value. Those in the highest risk quartile were 10 times more likely to develop CD within two years than others. The potential? A shift from reactive treatment to proactive intervention—including close monitoring,…

Read More

At DDW 2025, researchers from Thailand unveiled an AI-driven chatbot that helps patients follow a low FODMAP diet—and the results were surprising. In a randomized trial, those using the chatbot reported significantly less bloating and abdominal pain, better FODMAP knowledge, and a sharp drop in high-FODMAP food intake—all without a single session with a dietitian. Patients with moderate to severe bloating saw the greatest benefit, with nearly 70% experiencing symptom relief, compared to just 36% in the control group. The bot helped users navigate over 300 foods in Thai and Western diets, delivering personalized, real-time advice.

Read More

Hong Kong-based Probioverse is betting that the future of gut health lies in your hand—literally. The startup is raising US$10 million to develop AI-powered wearables, including a smart ring that monitors real-time metrics like blood oxygen and sugar to help doctors modulate your gut microbiome. The goal? To give physicians a continuous stream of health data and use AI to craft personalized gut treatments that go far beyond diet tweaks.

Read More

A pivotal Supreme Court case could determine whether millions of Americans will lose no-cost access to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening—a move the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) warns could erase decades of progress in cancer prevention. In Kennedy v. Braidwood, the court is weighing the constitutionality of the USPSTF’s authority, which currently underpins ACA-mandated coverage for preventive services like CRC screening. If overturned, patients may face out-of-pocket costs—adding yet another barrier to early detection. The ACG responded by filing a forceful amicus brief, warning that reversing these protections could drastically reduce screening rates and lead to preventable deaths.

Read More

California-based startup Exo is redefining medical imaging—replacing bulky machines with a handheld ultrasound device that plugs into a smartphone. Now, the company is reportedly raising a $100 million round, with Samsung eyeing a stake and potential partnership via its medical arm, Samsung Medison. Exo’s device blends AI, silicon tech, and app-based workflows, allowing clinicians to scan organs like the lungs or heart and instantly share results. It’s already backed by giants like Intel, BlackRock, Sony, and RA Capital—and has raised over $320 million to date. With a future where every smartphone could double as a diagnostic tool, Exo may not…

Read More

In an eye-opening conversation on The Recharge Biomedical Podcast, inventor and aerospace engineer Torrey Smith unveils the future of GI diagnostics: PillBot—a self-powered, camera-equipped capsule that swims through your stomach, controlled in real time. No wires. No sedation. No hospital bed. Inspired by science fiction and engineered through cutting-edge material science, PillBot promises to replace traditional endoscopy with a painless, non-invasive experience. Already being tested for upper GI uses, the tech could one day treat diseases from within, opening the door to a new era of “Pill Surgeons.”

Read More

In this episode of “Counsel That Cares,” Arjan Peters from Capstone moderates a conversation with his colleague Grace Totman, Holland & Knight healthcare attorney John Saran and Association for Responsible Healthcare Investment CEO Regan Parker about the evolving landscape of private equity investments in healthcare. They explore recent federal and state regulatory developments, including transaction reporting laws, antitrust scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and notable battleground states pushing new legislation. The episode also highlights the impact of public perception shaped by high-profile healthcare closures, importance of transparent investment narratives and strategic approaches for investors to proactively engage with…

Read More

In 2012, six in ten physicians owned or worked in private practices. Fast-forward to 2024, and that number has dropped to just 42.2%, according to the latest AMA survey. Behind this steep slide: low payment rates, rising resource costs, and relentless administrative burdens. Specialties like ophthalmology and orthopedic surgery still show stronger private practice presence—but even here, the tide is turning. Most independent doctors now work in very small practices, while hospital- and private equity-owned groups grow larger and more dominant. Doctors cite a common reason for selling: the power to negotiate higher payer rates and offload regulatory headaches. But…

Read More