New Mountain Capital is merging three HealthTech firms—The Rawlings Group, Apixio’s payment-integrity business, and Varis—in a deal valued at over $3 billion. This merger aims to use AI and data analytics to address payment inefficiencies in healthcare, targeting issues like improper payments, which amounted to $100 billion in government programs last year. The goal is to streamline payments between health plans and providers, reducing administrative costs and improving overall system efficiency.
Author: Rutali Thakur
In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Pooja Singhal discusses the complexities of treating obesity, addressing how the media’s portrayal of new medications can often perpetuate harmful misconceptions. She emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and highlights barriers patients face in accessing care. Dr. Singhal also explains the significance of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) and the broader health and economic implications of untreated obesity. The discussion sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive care and policy support.
Google is training AI to diagnose diseases by listening to the sounds produced by the human body. The project aims to use AI to analyze sounds like heartbeats, lung function, and other bodily noises to detect early signs of illness. This approach could revolutionize non-invasive diagnostics, making it possible to identify conditions like heart disease or respiratory issues more quickly and accurately. Google’s initiative represents a significant leap in integrating AI with healthcare to enhance early disease detection.
KARL STORZ United States has partnered with FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas to jointly market innovative OR integration solutions and flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and patient care in surgical ORs, GI suites, and ambulatory surgery centers by integrating comprehensive imaging and video routing technology with advanced GI endoscopes. The partnership seeks to redefine modern GI suites, optimizing visualization and procedural success during surgeries and GI procedures.
The article from Becker’s Healthcare highlights responses from various C-suite executives on the biggest disruptors they anticipate in healthcare over the next five years. The primary disruptors mentioned include advancements in AI and machine learning, the rise of consumerism in healthcare, the expansion of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, and changes in healthcare regulations. These trends are expected to significantly impact how healthcare organizations operate, with a strong emphasis on technology, patient experience, and financial sustainability.
The number of self-employed physicians has dropped to 42% between 2012 and 2022, reflecting a broader trend of physicians moving from independent practices to employment. Gastroenterologists, however, are more likely to be practice owners, with 42.7% being self-employed. Despite the financial challenges, including declining reimbursements, many still find private practice rewarding, particularly those with a higher tolerance for financial risk.
A study by researchers from institutions including UNC School of Medicine and Duke University found that around half of AI medical devices authorized by the FDA lack reported clinical validation data. Despite the growing use of AI in healthcare, particularly in diagnostics and treatment planning, the absence of thorough clinical validation raises concerns about the reliability of these tools. The study urges both the FDA and the industry to improve transparency and ensure that AI devices are rigorously evaluated using real patient data.
The article discusses a study comparing cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and cold endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for the removal of large colorectal polyps. Findings suggest that while both techniques are effective, cold EMR might offer advantages in terms of complete resection for certain polyp types. However, the study highlights the need for further research to determine the best approach based on polyp characteristics. The insights could influence future recommendations for polyp removal in clinical practice.
The annual U.S. cancer screening cost has reached $43.2 billion, with colonoscopies accounting for 55% of that figure. As non-invasive CRC screenings like Cologuard gain popularity, questions arise about the future of colonoscopies. Three physicians shared their views, emphasizing that colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting and preventing colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps. While non-invasive tests are becoming more common, they currently lack the sensitivity and specificity of colonoscopy and are not as effective in preventing cancer.
The article explores whether employing more endoscopy technicians could help alleviate the ongoing staffing shortages in gastroenterology. It discusses the potential benefits of this approach, including improved efficiency and allowing specialized staff to focus on more complex tasks, which could ultimately enhance patient care and workflow in GI practices.