Dr. Anil Jain
Every week, we compile the most trafficked and thoughtful stories on MedCity News. Most influential: IBM Watson Health’s Anil Jain on issues like alert fatigue, its partnerships, and the benefits of being cloud-based.
1. IBM Watson Health CMO Jain looks to ‘cognitive computing’ (listen)
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.
Here at MedCity News, we celebrated the first birthday of IBM Watson Health a little early, during our HIMSS16 preview in late February. In reality, the anniversary is coming up in just a few days, since IBM introduced Watson Health just about a year ago, on April 13, 2015, at the start of HIMSS15.
IBM has put about $4 billion into Watson Health in the last year. The biggest chunk of that sum was the $2.6 billion allocated in February to acquire Truven Health Analytics.
With that in mind, Dr. Anil Jain, vice president and CMO of Watson Health, spoke at length to MedCity News last week, and we have it here as a 25-minute podcast.
2. Report: As Q1 digital health investment rises to $1.8B, new names appear in top 6 investor ranks
In the first three months of 2016, StartUp Health’s digital health report notes that two venture investors surged to the top six for the first time: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center with four investments and JAZZ Venture Partners with three. It comes as deal volume slows but investment rounds climb, with a total of $1.8 billion invested over 100 deals.
3. Study: Telemedicine sucks as much as in-person care
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.
Telemedicine proponents have argued for years that virtual care is at least as effective as in-person care delivered in a traditional clinical setting. Based on new research, they may be more right than they had thought.
A study published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine found “significant variation” in adherence to medical guidelines for urgent care provided by commercial telemedicine companies. In other words, remote physicians vary from guidelines just like other doctors do.
4. UnitedHealthcare’s bid to make primary care more attractive with new health plan
UnitedHealthcare is betting $65 million that it can profit by making primary care more attractive.
With little fanfare, the nation’s largest health insurer launched an independent subsidiary in January that offers unlimited free doctor visits and 24/7 access by phone. Every member gets a personal health coach to nudge them toward their goals, such as losing weight or exercising more. Mental health counseling is also provided, as are yoga, cooking and acupuncture classes. Services are delivered in stylish clinics with hardwood floors and faux fireplaces in their lobbies.
5. Proteus Digital Health smart pill study shows significant reduction in BP levels
Proteus Digital Health shared interim results from a four and 12-week study of its ingestible sensor program, Proteus Discover, for patients with uncontrolled hypertension and type 2 diabetes at the American College of Cardiology’s annual conference this week. The study indicated a majority of participants were able to achieve their blood pressure target using a combination of its sensors, wearables and apps to address the challenges of medication adherence, according to a company statement.
