Every week, we compile the most trafficked and thoughtful stories on MedCity News. This week’s all-stars include Aetna’s downsizing moves, the Republicans hating TrumpCare even more than ObamaCare, and more.
1. Aetna moves to combine iTriage and Wellmatch, confirms layoffs
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.
Aetna has acknowledged cutbacks at iTriage, an app that combined a symptom checker with a provider search and which has been part of the Healthagen business. The restructure combines iTriage with WellMatch to form one team. Wellmatch is an Aetna business that focuses on cost transparency. A spokeswoman confirmed the news, although she declined to specify the number of layoffs.
2. Why Republicans hate Donald Trump’s Obamacare plan
There may finally be one thing Republicans hate more than ObamaCare: TrumpCare.
The GOP front-runner, after weeks of talking in vague terms about his plans for the health care system, put out a seven-point proposal last week, just in time for the GOP debate in Detroit and four more primary contests over the weekend.
3. Is McKesson getting out of the ambulatory EHR market?
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
A report from our favorite rumor mill, HIStalk, has McKesson selling off its portfolio of physician practice-centric health IT to ambulatory electronic health records vendor e-MDs. “McKesson will apparently exit the physician practice business by selling Medisoft, Lytec, Practice Partner and Practice Choice to e-MDs,” according to a reader comment posted on HIStalk Tuesday evening.
4. Big data, mobile health empower home care
There is little in Ruby’s life that is easy. Nearly blind and unable to walk more than a step or two, the 39-year-old struggles to raise three sons while dealing with a daunting array of health conditions, from diabetes that recently landed her in the hospital to pain from bulging spinal disks.
Without support, odds are she’ll end up back in a hospital. But Ruby, who asked that her last name not be used to protect her family’s privacy, is part of a growing effort to reduce those odds by arming home care aides and other non-medical workers with the power of data.
5. How can we provide access to better healthcare data for consumers?
Rising health care costs are raising the stakes for consumers in selecting the right health plan and provider to meet their needs. As a result, consumerism in health care is rapidly evolving, supported by improved tools via data and information technology, new plan designs, and the growing role of online comparison shopping in our everyday lives.
