Three healthcare startups are in the inaugural class of Microsoft’s Kinect Accelerator. GestSure Technologies brings the motion- and sound-sensing technology into the operating room by allowing surgeons to interact with electronic images of patient’s body. Jintronix turns rehab for stroke patients into a game using Kinect technology and a pair of gloves. Zebcare is working on technology that will prevent severe injuries before they happen. Read about all the companies here.
Express Scripts will handle almost one in every three prescriptions written in the U.S., now that the Federal Trade Commission has approved its acquisition of Medco. The FTC said that its review of the deal showed, “a competitive market for pharmacy benefit management services characterized by numerous, vigorous competitors.”
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Two days before the new law was to go into effect, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire suspended a plan to limit Medicaid payments for emergency-room visits that did not meet specific criteria. The new rule was designed to help the state reduce the $21 million lost to overuse and abuse of the ER, according to the chief medical officer for the state Medicaid program. The legislature is working on a new proposal that emphasizes case management of frequent ER users, controls on narcotic prescribing, and patient education instead.
Hospital administrators must plan for setbacks and add round-the-clock support and extra staff during new technology rollouts, according to research published in the March issue of the American Journal of Managed Care. After reviewing interviews at seven Veterans Affairs hospitals, researchers identified five themes that strongly influenced a hospital’s health information technology projects, including quality leadership, workflow changes and solid timelines.
By partnering with community physicians, hospitals can gain access to patient data which can predict who will need care and when they will need it. John R. Thomas, CEO of physician alignment firm MedSynergies, offered more advice on how to use data to grow market share in an interview with Beckers Hospital Review.
[Photo from flickr user LuminanceAV]
