You know what will radically improve patient lives? Universal healthcare, access to housing, paid childcare, better public transport. Improve a…
Morning Headlines 10/31/17
Hearing Amazon’s Footsteps, the Health Care Industry Shudders
The New York Times explores the industry’s reaction to news that Amazon is quietly building a healthcare business unit. The article points out that Amazon has already secured wholesale pharmacy licenses in 12 states, and argues that the recent effort by CVS to acquire Aetna is, in part, a response to new pressure in the pharmacy market from Amazon.
Technology for a Healthier Future: Modernization, Machine Learning, and Moonshots
Alphabet’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt will deliver the opening keynote speech of HIMSS18. He presides over various healthcare-focused business units within Alphabet, and serves on the boards of the Mayo Clinic and the Broad Institute.
CMS proposed rule opens door to skimpier health plans, higher patient costs
CMS publishes a proposed rule aimed at stabilizing ACA marketplaces that will give states the authority to define the minimum essential health benefits a plan must cover. Advocates hope the change will lure insurers back to the marketplaces and result more affordable plans for consumers.
IBM Watson Health Teams Up With The CDC To Research Blockchain
The CDC will partner with IBM Watson to research blockchain-powered tools to improve secure health data sharing.
“IBM Watson Health Teams Up With The CDC To Research Blockchain” – throw in “machine learning,” “cloud,” and “interoperability,” and I think we would’ve hit on every major buzzword in the health IT (and general IT) industry.