Maria Perez
Maria is an experienced writer, providing content for Healthcare Industry News since 2021. Working as a senior writer, Maria focuses on news reporting, making the complex healthcare topic comprehensible for readers. Maria’s expertise and dedication to delivering accurate stories make him a trusted source on our site.
by Maria Perez | Apr 1, 2024 | Healthcare Industry News
This week, Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) introduced the Health Care Cybersecurity Improvements Act of 2024, a legislative initiative aimed at providing advance and accelerated payments to healthcare providers grappling with the aftermath of cyberattacks. The legislation comes in response to the recent ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, which resulted in a prolonged outage lasting over four weeks. During this time, physicians and hospitals nationwide encountered major operational disruptions, including the inability to process claims, bill patients, and verify insurance coverage. The proposed legislation seeks to address the financial strains imposed on healthcare providers by cyber incidents, such as the Change Healthcare ransomware attack. Senator Warner, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and co-chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, has long been an advocate for prioritizing cybersecurity in healthcare. Drawing on his previous efforts, including a 2022 white paper framing cybersecurity as a crucial patient safety issue, Senator Warner emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity measures across the healthcare sector.
Under the Health Care Cybersecurity Improvements Act of 2024, healthcare providers would not only be eligible but encouraged to apply for advance and accelerated payments in the event of a cyber incident that disrupts their operations. These payments are designed to alleviate the financial strain caused by such incidents. However, to qualify for these payments, providers and their associated vendors must meet stringent minimum cybersecurity standards. While the specific details outlining these standards were not initially provided, the responsibility of defining and implementing them rests squarely on the shoulders of the HHS Secretary. This mandate emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity practices within the healthcare industry and incentivizes providers to prioritize the protection of sensitive patient data and key infrastructure. The legislation also seeks to directly address the cash flow challenges often experienced by Medicare Part A and Part B participants during cyber incidents. To achieve this goal, the proposed legislation introduces modifications to the existing Medicare Hospital Accelerated Payment Program and the Medicare Part B Advance Payment Program. These modifications aim to streamline the process for healthcare providers affected by cyber incidents to access expedited payments. However, access to these payments is contingent upon meeting the prescribed cybersecurity standards established by the HHS Secretary. By linking financial assistance to cybersecurity compliance, the legislation not only safeguards the integrity of healthcare data but also incentivizes proactive cybersecurity measures across the industry.
The Health Care Cybersecurity Improvements Act of 2024 includes robust provisions to ensure accountability and promote compliance. In the event of enactment, the legislation would grant the HHS Secretary the authority to determine the eligibility of payment requests stemming from cyber incidents. Healthcare providers seeking accelerated payments must undergo rigorous scrutiny to demonstrate their adherence to the minimum cybersecurity standards established by the Secretary. The proposed legislation also incorporates a two-year transition period from enactment to implementation. This grace period allows healthcare organizations enough time to align with the mandated cybersecurity requirements, implement necessary adjustments to their systems and protocols, and adequately prepare for the potential occurrence of future cyber incidents.
The Health Care Cybersecurity Improvements Act of 2024 represents a proactive step towards strengthening the financial resilience of healthcare providers in the face of increasing cyber threats. The legislation aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of cyber incidents on patient care and financial stability within the healthcare sector by providing a framework for advance and accelerated payments contingent on cybersecurity compliance.
by Maria Perez | Mar 28, 2024 | Telehealth News
Forge Health has experienced growth in recent years within the behavioral health and substance abuse care sector. This growth has been evident through various avenues, including the expansion of its clinics, the addition of thousands of new patients, and a notable doubling of revenue in 2023. Operating primarily in the Northeast region, Forge Health has established a presence across five states—Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Through its 19 clinics, the company offers a hybrid model of care, incorporating both in-person and virtual treatment options to cater to diverse patient needs and preferences.
Since its inception in 2016, Forge Health has been driven by the mission to serve as a solution for outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, particularly focusing on individuals with moderate to severe conditions. CEO and co-founder Eric Frieman emphasized the company’s commitment to refining its value proposition and expanding its clinical care capabilities. Forge Health has opened ten new locations within the past year alone, reflecting its dedication to broader accessibility and enhanced service offerings. The company has built successful partnerships across various segments of the healthcare system, serving as the preferred behavioral healthcare provider for employers, health systems, accountable care organizations, and payers.
A key aspect that sets Forge Health apart is its targeted approach to addressing the needs of individuals with more severe behavioral health conditions—a population often underserved within the healthcare system. By offering a multidisciplinary care team and adopting an integrated care model, Forge Health aims to provide in-depth treatment that considers both mental and physical health needs. This approach aligns with the evolving understanding of the interconnectedness between mental health, substance use disorders, and overall well-being, reflecting Forge Health’s commitment to patient care.
In its pursuit of growth and innovation, Forge Health has enhanced its leadership team with individuals boasting extensive experience in payer relations and healthcare management. The addition of industry veterans such as Alisa Bahl, Ph.D., and Alan Muney, M.D., outlines the company’s focus on navigating the complex dynamics of the healthcare landscape. These seasoned executives bring valuable insights and guidance to Forge Health, supporting its efforts to create meaningful partnerships and drive transformative change within the behavioral health sector.
Forge Health has demonstrated its commitment to advancing research and evidence-based practices through initiatives such as national payer-led clinical outcomes research studies. These studies have yielded compelling findings, showcasing Forge Health’s ability to deliver tangible improvements in medical utilization and overall health outcomes for its patients. The company’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement show its dedication to delivering high-quality care and driving positive outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs.
Forge Health’s trajectory of growth and success represents its important role in the evolving area of behavioral health and substance abuse care. By prioritizing in-depth, integrated care models and building partnerships with stakeholders across the healthcare system, Forge Health is poised to continue driving innovation, improving care delivery, and ultimately shaping the future of behavioral healthcare in the United States.
by Maria Perez | Mar 26, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence
Amazon Pharmacy is making progress in prescription medication delivery, with its recent expansion of same-day delivery services to major U.S. cities like New York City and Los Angeles. This move represents an effort by the company to provide swift and convenient access to medications for individuals managing various health conditions. Leveraging environmentally friendly delivery methods such as e-bikes and electronic vans, Amazon Pharmacy is prioritizing speed and sustainability in its operations. With plans to add a dozen more cities to its same-day delivery network by the end of the year, the company is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that customers receive their medications promptly, thereby improving overall healthcare accessibility and convenience.
The integration of cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are at the center of Amazon Pharmacy’s efforts to streamline prescription fulfillment processes. By using AI, the company can reduce the time it takes to prepare prescriptions, from hours to minutes or even seconds. This technological advancement expedites the delivery of medications and minimizes the likelihood of administrative errors, ensuring that customers receive accurate prescriptions every time. AI also enables Amazon Pharmacy to provide real-time delivery updates to customers, enhancing transparency and allowing for better management of expectations regarding the arrival of medications.
Dr. Vin Gupta, the chief medical officer for Amazon Pharmacy, outlines the importance of rapid access to medications in improving patient outcomes. He emphasizes that traditional pharmacy experiences, characterized by long lines and unpredictable wait times, are inherently flawed and in need of disruption. By leveraging its world-class logistics network and advanced technologies, Amazon Pharmacy aims to address these shortcomings and provide a more efficient and user-friendly alternative. Patients can now rely on Amazon Pharmacy for prompt medication delivery, without having to endure the inconveniences associated with traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Amazon Pharmacy’s commitment to affordability and clinical excellence sets it apart in the pharmacy landscape. The company offers price transparency and competitive pricing for both branded and generic drugs, making medications more accessible to a broader range of customers. Services such as RxPass for Prime members and integrated manufacturer discounts further enhance affordability and ensure that customers can access necessary medications without financial barriers. Partnerships with major health plans and pharmaceutical companies, including Blue Shield of California and Eli Lilly, expand Amazon Pharmacy’s reach and enable it to offer a range of medications and services to customers nationwide.
The use of generative AI and machine learning in prescription fulfillment processes enhances speed and improves efficiency. These technologies automate repetitive tasks and error-prone processes, allowing pharmacists to focus on providing personalized care to patients. Amazon Pharmacy’s small-format facilities, stocked with common prescription medications for acute conditions, bring medications closer to customers’ homes, enabling faster processing and delivery. By taking advantage of AI, robotics, and advanced logistics, Amazon Pharmacy is redefining the pharmacy experience and setting new standards for prescription medication delivery.
As Amazon Pharmacy continues to innovate and expand its services, customers can expect even greater convenience and efficiency in managing their healthcare needs. With same-day delivery now available in major cities across the U.S., individuals can access medications promptly, without the hassle of traditional pharmacy visits. By combining technological advancements with a commitment to affordability and clinical excellence, Amazon Pharmacy is reshaping the pharmacy landscape and making healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone.
by Maria Perez | Mar 26, 2024 | Digital Health
Johnson & Johnson has taken a step forward in cardiac arrhythmia treatment with the submission of its premarket approval application for the Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) platform to the FDA. The submission is supported by data from the admIRE study, a prospective, multi-center trial aimed at assessing the safety and efficacy of Varipulse among U.S. patients with symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal AFib. This study, conducted in collaboration with leading medical institutions, revealed compelling outcomes, with 100% of patients achieving acute success from ablation procedures, demonstrating the platform’s efficacy in addressing the underlying electrical disturbances that characterize AFib. 80% of patients remained free from atrial arrhythmia recurrence at the one-year mark, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of Varipulse in improving patient outcomes.
The Varipulse platform comprises several integrated components, including the Varipulse catheter, a variable-loop multielectrode catheter designed for pulmonary vein isolation, the TruPulse generator, and the Carto 3 System Varipulse Software. One of the platform’s distinguishing features is its seamless integration with the Carto 3 System, a leading 3D cardiac mapping system. This integration allows electrophysiologists to visualize the heart’s anatomy in real-time, providing guidance during ablation procedures. The Carto 3 System also offers advanced features such as contact indicators and PF tagging mechanisms, further enhancing procedural efficiency and ensuring accurate lesion formation.
While competitors like Boston Scientific and Medtronic have already obtained FDA approval for their PFA devices, J&J’s focus on Carto integration outlines its commitment to advancing the standard of care in AFib treatment. The admIRE study, which formed the basis of the PMA submission, demonstrated not only the efficacy but also the safety of Varipulse. No procedure or device-related primary adverse events were reported in the study, emphasizing Varipulse’s favorable safety profile. The median procedure and fluoroscopy times were reduced, attributed to the integration with the Carto 3 System, thereby minimizing patient exposure to radiation and optimizing procedural outcomes.
J&J’s pursuit of FDA approval for Varipulse reflects its broader strategy to meet the evolving needs of electrophysiologists and their patients. With over 5,000 Carto systems deployed globally, J&J is well-positioned to leverage its expertise in cardiac ablation and mapping technology to drive Varipulse’s market adoption. The company is developing a range of catheters tailored to individual patient characteristics, enabling personalized treatment approaches. Despite the momentum behind PFA, J&J remains committed to radiofrequency ablation, recognizing its continued relevance in the management of cardiac arrhythmias.
J&J’s submission of Varipulse for FDA approval represents a milestone in the advancement of PFA technology. Backed by clinical evidence and enhanced by integration with the Carto 3 System, Varipulse holds promise as a valuable addition to the range of treatments for AFib. As the regulatory process unfolds, healthcare professionals can anticipate a new era of innovation in cardiac electrophysiology, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.
by Maria Perez | Mar 26, 2024 | Digital Health, Telehealth News
Brightside Health, a virtual mental health company, recently announced the acquisition of $33 million in fresh funding aimed at propelling its expansion into Medicare and Medicaid populations. This move outlines the company’s commitment to addressing the mental health needs of a broader segment of the population. With expanded partnerships with CareOregon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Centene, and other payers, Brightside Health is prepared to serve approximately 50 million people in Medicare and Medicaid, providing necessary mental health support to those in need.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, Brightside Health specializes in serving individuals with mild to severe clinical depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, including those with elevated suicide risk. Through its innovative approach, known as “precision psychiatry,” the company offers an in-depth suite of services, including clinically proven therapy and crisis care. The recent funding round, led by S32 and supported by Kennedy Lewis, Time BioVentures, and Anne Wojcicki, alongside existing investors, represents a validation of Brightside Health’s vision and capabilities, bringing its total funding to over $100 million.
The company’s growth trajectory has been marked by strategic developments, including the expansion into new underserved markets and the development of programs tailored for individuals with severe mental health conditions. Brightside Health has demonstrated its commitment to advancing the field through research, publishing close to a dozen peer-reviewed papers. The company has welcomed industry veterans such as Chris Murray, Julia Bernstein, and Matt Mohebbi. The addition of Trip Hofer, former Optum Behavioral Health Solutions CEO, to the company’s board of directors enhances its capabilities and industry insights.
Brightside Health’s unique approach sets it apart in the market, particularly its focus on serving high severity and acuity patients, including through its crisis care program. By leveraging proprietary AI and technology, the company aims to deliver personalized care efficiently, driving measurable outcomes at scale. Its precision prescribing algorithm, PrecisionRx, utilizes over 200 data points to tailor treatment plans, resulting in a remarkable 70% response rate to the first treatment cycle, which is double the industry standard.
The recent funding infusion not only supports Brightside Health’s expansion efforts but also puts the company on a comfortable path to profitability. With plans to continue expanding partnerships and coverage, including with Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, Brightside Health remains committed to making mental healthcare more accessible and effective. As the company continues to invest in technology and AI, it aims to further enhance its care delivery model, ensuring that individuals receive timely and high-quality mental health support when they need it most. At a time where mental health services are increasingly important, Brightside Health’s dedication to addressing the growing mental health crisis is commendable. By using innovative technologies and building partnerships, the company is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of individuals, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.
