Health

Wearables deliver real health value to patients: One-third of consumers around the world own a smart health wearable, and the majority feel healthier because of it. It’s all part of the shift toward clinical data.

Telemental health access varies by state: Consumers are comfortable with getting treated for a behavioral health condition via telehealth. But in some areas of the US, there’s limited availability.

Nutrition companies see GLP-1s as a market opportunity: We explore how health and wellness product manufacturers are using the hype around weight loss medications to their advantage.

Digital health startups to watch this week: Social determinants of health provider Accompany Health and prior authorization platform Cohere Health.

CVS reports rising medical costs among senior members: Here’s how CVS can manage care utilization for its Medicare Advantage members.

Amazon reduces its healthcare workforce: The One Medical and Pharmacy job cuts aren’t all that surprising given the company’s recent layoffs. But now the pressure is on to deliver a superior patient experience.

Providence will pay nearly $160M in medical bill refunds, debt relief: We explore why not-for-profit health systems may soon need to curtail their aggressive debt collection tactics.

Exploring healthcare use cases for Apple’s Vision Pro: Patients will balk at the high cost. But health systems can afford the $3,500 price tag to experiment with the device.

At-home medical devices are health hazards: More care delivery is moving into the home. Are health tech device makers and healthcare providers up to the task of keeping patients safe?

The No Surprises Act for medical bills is working—for the most part: Far fewer patients are getting hit with huge bills for out-of-network care, but providers and insurers are quarreling over payments.

Publicis Health pays for its role in fueling the opioid crisis: Ad agencies, you’ve been warned. It’s not just drugmakers that will be penalized for misleading physicians and patients about medications.

Digital health startups to watch: We spotlight pharma disruptor SmithRx and price transparency platform Turquoise Health on the back of fresh funding.

Fewer breaches, more compromised patient records: Cyber criminals are training their attacks on healthcare’s connected systems, often finding troves of patient data through third-party vendors.

More companies discontinue GLP-1 coverage: Drugmakers reaching sky-high valuations from selling GLP-1s may soon have to decide if it’s worth lowering the price of the meds.

Docs should be kept in the loop on genAI investments: Getting input from physicians on which AI models to deploy and for which clinical purposes will help secure buy-in.

Consumers use CTV for health-related searches: Connected TV watchers looked for fitness and mental health content in early January, per Roku data. That’s a trend healthcare and pharma marketers should jump on.

Buckle up for a gov’t probe, MA marketers: The Senate Finance Committee is ramping up an investigation into Medicare Advantage (MA) marketing practices among some third-party organizations. We don’t see this going away any time soon.

Digital health at CES 2024: AI in healthcare was showcased at CES 2024. We explore how marketers can capitalize on the trend.

Concerning cancer trends for 2024: Cancer rates are down overall, but don’t be misled. Cancer patients are getting younger and there are still overlooked populations getting sicker.

Physicians seek temp positions for better work-life balance: Healthcare employers still face staff shortages and rising labor costs. Physicians want better compensation and flexible work schedules. It’s time for both sides to talk.