The new year is coming and healthcare technology providers are rolling out the latest innovations, market approvals, acquisitions, and staffing changes.
OptumRx launched Price Edge, a price comparison tool for traditional generic drugs to ensure members receive the lowest prescription drug prices. A new set of tools for both patients and providers targeting aspects of pharmaceutical logistics that have been known to delay or complicate care, such as getting benefit information real-time pharmaceuticals and prior authorization. In October, Optum, the pharmaceutical services arm of UnitedHealth Group, merged with data clearing company Change Healthcare. The US Department of Justice has tried to block the merger and is appealing the court’s approval
Selux diagnostics announced that their Next Generation Phenotype System – a rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing platform – has been licensed 510(k) from the US Food and Drug Administration. To address the need for personalized antibiotic therapy to combat infections caused by resistant bacteria, an in vitro antibiotic resistance test determines the susceptibility of bacteria to 14 antimicrobial agents per Selux Gram -Positive Panel. According to the announcement, the Selux NGP system provides targeted treatment results many days faster than the current standard of care. The FDA is currently reviewing the use of Selux’s Gram-Negative NGP panel.
Inspiring technology says it has received patent approval from the U.S. Patent Office for its convertible dual lumen catheter, a new disposable medical device that can be used to drain copper veins. time and re-transfusion in intensive care unit procedures. The use of the device can reduce the number of incisions, reducing risks and complications. The company says the newly patented device can be used in a variety of medical settings and is an essential component for the ART system for acute respiratory care currently under development.
Uberdoc partnered with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to provide access to affordable cash-paying drugs through Uberdoc’s nationwide network of 4,000 doctors. With over 50 specialties offering over 20.00 appointments per week, uninsured patients can book a flat-rate doctor appointment without a referral. By collaborating with Cost plus medicine — the company boasts a maximum increase of 15% on drug purchases, Uberdoc says it aims to reduce cost savings for patients beyond doctor visits.
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShieldThe largest non-profit health plan in the mid-Atlantic region, currently includes YesSet as a portfolio option for employer group accounts. The Digital Holistic Health Studio said in the announcement that it makes CareFirst, science-based health practices available to other businesses and individuals, and offers unlimited access to Live and on-demand classes. WellSet’s website says employers can improve health, reduce stress and burnout with a 3:1 return on investment, based on medical cost savings. The company also says 90% of users feel “calmer and less anxious” after engaging with its services.
ScionHealth announces it’s buying back Cornerstone Healthcare Group, adding 15 specialized hospitals, eight living places for the elderly and about 3,000 employees. ScionHealth provides community health care in 28 states, and in August 2022, the Louisville-based provider rolled out telemedicine patient monitoring for hospice care. counted in its 79 hospitals.
Collaborative team working with Work & Mom, a consultant and operator of turnkey commercial lactation suites for working parents, to provide remote healthcare access to a network of Consultants Breastfeeding counseling is nationally accredited by the International Council. Through the Work & Mother app, parents with insurance or Medicaid coverage can access same-day appointments with Nest’s IBCLC with no copays, out-of-pocket costs, or deductibles apart from.
More tech layoffs
Despite new funding from CVS Health Ventures and a new partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carbon Health There have been two rounds of layoffs in recent weeks.
But that pales in comparison to the layoffs coming up Truly life science, a unit of Alphabet Inc. The company is restructuring and eliminating many products, including Verily Value Suite, a health software program, according to BioSpace, and said it would cut staff by 15%. The earliest layoffs had them mocked for warning that employees would be notified by email and then presumed to have been locked out of the computer system once the email was received.
Andrea Fox is the senior editor of Healthcare IT News.
Email: [email protected]
Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS.
