24.06 Marco's Newsletter
Announcements
Geisinger names new president, next CEO article
Cybersecurity
Network disruptions persist after Change Healthcare cyberattack article
Cyberattack on Change Healthcare Disrupts U.S. Medical Systems
Change Healthcare, vital for processing a third of U.S. patient records, faced a significant cyberattack by BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware group, disrupting services across hospitals, pharmacies, and patients. This attack underscores the healthcare sector's vulnerability, with efforts underway to mitigate impacts and restore services amid ongoing investigations. Read more here.
Neue IT-Infrastruktur nach Cyberattacke
Following a severe ransomware attack, the Bezirkskliniken Mittelfranken decided to completely overhaul their IT infrastructure. This extensive project involves reconfiguring all server systems and digital devices to ensure greater stability and security, thereby rebuilding trust in their information processing systems. This approach highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare. Read more here.
Wachsende Bedrohung: Warnsystem der EU soll Kliniken vor Cyberangriffen schützen
The EU is setting new cybersecurity rules to better prepare hospitals, power plants, airports, and other critical infrastructures against digital threats like hacking. Negotiators agreed to establish a cybersecurity warning system for detecting, responding to, and sharing information about cyber threats, aiming to enhance response to significant incidents. This initiative includes examining critical facilities for vulnerabilities and a European certification system for cybersecurity services. Read more here.
Johns Hopkins Ramps Up Cybersecurity Amid Change Healthcare Attack
Johns Hopkins University has enhanced its security measures in response to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, which affected parts of Johns Hopkins Health Plans' operations. The university is taking proactive steps to safeguard against potential risks to its providers and members following the incident that began on February 21. Read more here.
M&A
Healthcare Real Estate Companies Close $21B Merger
Denver's Healthpeak Properties and Milwaukee's Physicians Realty Trust have finalized their $21 billion all-stock merger, now operating as Healthpeak Properties. This strategic move combines their assets to feature a 52 million square feet portfolio across key markets, aiming to achieve significant merger-related synergies. Read more here.
WebMD Acquires Healthwise to Boost Its Footprint"
WebMD has acquired Healthwise's assets to expand its patient and member engagement tools under the WebMD Ignite brand. This move enhances WebMD's offerings to healthcare organizations, leveraging Healthwise's long-standing expertise in patient engagement and evidence-based health education. Read more here.
AI in Drug Development
FDA Embraces AI in Drug Development: A Leap Towards the Future with ISTAND - The FDA's ISTAND Pilot Program marks a significant step towards integrating AI in drug development, highlighted by the acceptance of an AI-based tool from Deliberate.ai for assessing mental health symptoms. This advancement promises a more efficient and personalized approach to drug development, setting a new precedent for the use of digital health technologies. Read more here.
AI Regulation
The EU AI Act: How Will It Impact Medical Device Manufacturers?
The EU AI Act introduces a comprehensive legal framework for AI, affecting medical device manufacturers by imposing new requirements that augment existing regulations under the EU's MDR and IVDR. This act aims to harmonize AI development standards with the current regulatory landscape, emphasizing data governance, technical documentation, and system design for high-risk AI systems. Read more here.
Health Systems News
How Amazon's One Medical Deal Changed Hospitals
Amazon's acquisition of One Medical for $3.9 billion has redefined the healthcare landscape by influencing hospital operations and advancing virtual care. This strategic move integrates healthcare services with Amazon Prime and Pharmacy, highlighting Amazon's role in evolving healthcare delivery and improving access, especially in underserved areas. This deal signifies a potential shift towards a more integrated healthcare system, emphasizing efficiency and broader access to care. Read more here.
Die Stimme als Frühwarnsystem
A study by the German Heart Center at Charité and Mayo Clinic is exploring the use of AI for remote monitoring of patients with advanced heart failure by analyzing their voices. This innovative approach aims to detect changes in health status through subtle alterations in the voice, potentially serving as an early warning system for fluid accumulation in the body. Read more here.
Mayo Posts $1.1B Operating Income, 6% Margin
Mayo Clinic reported a net operating income of $1.1 billion with a 6% operating margin for 2023, showcasing financial and operational growth. This rebound contrasts with the previous cycle of losses and gains, emphasizing improvements in patient care, staff expansion, and significant reduction in temporary labor costs. Read more here.
2024 World's Best Hospitals
According to Newsweek's 2024 "World's Best Hospitals" list, seven of the top 10 cardiology hospitals globally are in the U.S. The ranking was done in partnership with Statista, covering 30 countries and 12 specialties. Hospitals were evaluated based on expert surveys, accreditation data, and patient outcome measures. The top 10 list includes Mayo Clinic-Rochester, Cleveland Clinic, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Mount Sinai Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital, among others, demonstrating the U.S.'s leadership in cardiology care. Read more here.
How Kaiser's National Expansion Plan May Take Shape
Kaiser's collaboration with Geisinger through the nonprofit Risant Health aims for strategic growth by acquiring integrated health systems. This initiative plans to expand Kaiser's value-based care model nationally, investing up to $5 billion in Risant, starting with the addition of up to six health systems over five years. Read more here.
Stanford Medicine Uses Apple's Vision Pro in the OR
Stanford Medicine integrates Apple's Vision Pro headset in surgeries to streamline efficiency and data management. Dr. Alexander Perino demonstrates its potential in improving procedural workflow and patient care, marking a significant step towards advanced spatial computing in healthcare operations. Read more here.
12 Health Systems with Strong Finances
A recent report outlines twelve health systems with robust operational metrics and solid financial standings, according to 2024 assessments by Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investors Service. These systems, including notable names like Cedars-Sinai Health System and Mass General Brigham, have been recognized for their strong liquidity, historical profitability, and leading market positions. Read more here.
12 Hospitals with Shortest ED Visit Times, per CMS highlights hospitals in the U.S. with the shortest median emergency department visit times based on CMS data from April 2022 to March 2023. Despite a slight increase in the national median time to 162 minutes, these facilities, often smaller community or critical access hospitals, demonstrate efficient patient care with significantly lower wait times. This reflects their capacity to provide timely emergency services, crucial for patient outcomes and satisfaction. Read more here.
Hospital Readmissions
Frailty, Dementia Linked to Surgery Readmissions
A study highlights that elderly patients, particularly those considered frail or with probable dementia, face significantly higher risks of hospital readmission within 180 days post-surgery. This research, led by Yale School of Medicine and published in JAMA, underscores the need for heightened awareness and potentially different care strategies for these high-risk groups. Read more here.
Consumerization of Healthcare
Walgreens to Begin Strategic Review of Entire Company
Walgreens is set to undergo a comprehensive strategic review this spring, aiming to optimize its ownership structure and growth potential across its diverse assets, including VillageMD, CareCentrix, and Shields Health Solutions. This initiative, spearheaded by CEO Tim Wentworth, seeks to map out the company's future focus areas, following a series of cost-cutting measures and structural changes within the organization. Read more here.
Telehealth & Hospital at Home
How Virtual Care is Evolving Beyond Traditional Applications – With a Hand from AI
Virtual care, powered by telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI), is extending beyond its initial applications to encompass broader use cases, particularly in aiding patients with serious health issues and relieving overburdened providers. By incorporating AI-driven remote patient monitoring and virtual nursing, the healthcare industry is advancing towards more efficient, patient-centered care models that not only improve health outcomes but also aim to bring joy back to the practice of medicine for clinicians. Read more here.
3 Predictions for the Future of Post-Acute Care explores shifts in healthcare delivery over the next 50 years, emphasizing home-based care, technology, and skilled nursing accessibility. Leaders predict an increase in in-home care supported by technological advancements, stressing the importance of workforce development, robust hospice benefits, and enhanced communication among care facilities. These changes aim to offer patient-centered care that reflects community needs and ensures comprehensive support for patients and families outside hospital settings. Read more here.
Best Buy Supplies At-Home Tech to 8 of Largest Health Systems
Best Buy is now providing care-at-home technology to eight of the largest health systems in the U.S., including notable names like Mass General Brigham, Advocate Health, and Geisinger. This move is part of Best Buy Health's strategy to expand its healthcare arm, which is expected to grow faster than its core business in fiscal 2025, highlighting the increasing integration of technology in healthcare delivery. Read more here.
Shifting Telehealth and Telemedicine from a 'System-Centric' to a 'Patient-Centric' Journey
It explores the transition towards prioritizing patient needs in telehealth services, which enhances healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. Emphasizing user-centric system design, the article highlights the role of technology in making healthcare more accessible and personalized, akin to other services in daily life. The narrative is supported by the substantial growth of telehealth visits and market value, advocating for open-source software to achieve scalable, patient-focused solutions. Read more here.
Digital Health Insights
Galen Growth: Digital Health 2023 Year End Report
The digital health sector in 2023 experienced significant consolidation, heightened investor scrutiny, and a noticeable drop in funding. This report by Galen Growth and FINN Partners navigates the intricate digital health landscape, highlighting market trends, growth areas, and innovation while anticipating shifts in the ecosystem with a focus on operational efficiency and AI advancements. Read more here.
Regulation
FDA Clears 1st OTC Glucose Monitor
The FDA has approved the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring device for adults 18+ not using insulin, including those with Type 2 diabetes on oral medications. The device offers real-time glucose tracking via a smartphone app, enhancing accessibility for around 25 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes. Expected to be available without a prescription this summer, Stelo's pricing details are yet to be announced. Read more here.
Startup Funding
Aktiia Secures USD 30M in Funding
Aktiia, a HealthTech company from Neuchâtel, Switzerland, specializing in optical blood pressure monitoring, has secured $30M in funding led by Redalpine and other investors. The funds will support Aktiia's mission to reduce hypertension globally using AI-driven insights, benefiting its 60,000+ user base across healthcare. This investment marks a significant step in expanding its innovative blood pressure management solutions. Read more here.
OpenAI-backed Healthcare AI Startup Ambience Raises $70 Million in Funding
Ambience Healthcare, an AI startup backed by OpenAI, raised $70 million in a Series B funding round led by Kleiner Perkins and the OpenAI Startup Fund, with contributions from Andreesen Horowitz and Optum Ventures. The San Francisco-based company focuses on enhancing healthcare services with AI tools like AutoScribe, a real-time medical scribe, aiming to empower healthcare workers with AI-driven capabilities. Read more here.