Data + Technology

The conference highlighted exciting opportunities for technology to dramatically improve healthcare, along with some formidable obstacles. Here are nine key takeaways from a memorable week.

Organizations that have embraced digital transformation through the cloud, automation, and AI will see additional performance and cost efficiencies.

Evelyn Terrell, director of telehealth at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, outlines ways to ensure telehealth programs aren’t leaving patients behind.

Many breaches aren’t discovered until months after the fact, and ‘double extortion’ is a growing threat, experts said at the HIMSS Conference.

Baligh Yehia, an Ascension executive, explains how the system surveyed patients about their unmet needs, and then worked to help them.

In an overview of the state of healthcare, leading experts talked about what needs to happen from the perspectives of providers, doctors, patients and payers.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, stressed the importance of sharing data. They also talked about taking action against those who are blocking information.

Elsevier Health partnered with Ipsos for its first ‘Clinician of the Future’ report. Healthcare professionals say they’re worried about increasing technology demands and a shortage of doctors and nurses.

Healthcare systems must see guarding against breeches as an essential part of keeping patients safe, a doctor and top cybersecurity expert explained at the HIMSS conference.

The president and CEO of the organization said it's going to be a growing focus over the next several years. He talked about working to close inequities in America and worldwide.

ECRI, a nonprofit group focused on improving safety in healthcare, has released its annual analysis. The group’s president offers suggestions for hospital leaders to protect patients.

In other executive news, an Ohio system names a chief digital health officer, CareFirst hires a chief diversity officer, and others are tapped for new posts.

The Senate passed the omnibus bill and President Biden plans to sign it. The package includes key provisions on telehealth, research programs and other areas of note for hospitals.

Reducing patient leakage is a top concern for healthcare leaders. Angie Franks, CEO of ABOUT Healthcare, talks about what hospitals should be doing.

More than 200 patient records at a veterans hospital in Washington were corrupted. The problem prompted calls to delay a wider rollout of the new health record system.

Dozens of healthcare organizations asked the Biden administration to permanently waive the requirement of an in-person evaluation.

Most said authorization requirements have increased over the past year. Healthcare practices and doctors say the process is hurting patient care.

Federal officials and industry leaders have warned healthcare organizations they could see more cyberattacks.

A survey of 400 healthcare financial leaders identified several other challenges, but the tough job market topped the list.

More people are using telehealth and say they will continue to do so beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Doximity. But there are differences in some groups worth noting.

Most healthcare executives say they’re worried inaccurate patient data is hurting outcomes and costing them money. The CEO of Verato says it’s something leaders must address.

A host of health studies are using data from watches and other devices, but there’s a great deal of inconsistency in the reporting. A new study suggests some core standards.

About 7 in 10 will go elsewhere if there are better options, according to the new survey. Most said they want more convenience, including the ability to schedule appointments online.

Telehealth use has surged in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Biden administration is aiming to ensure more access in underserved communities.

The New York technology company’s software allows people to fill out paperwork and pay before appointments. Yosi Health offers convenience for providers and patients, CEO Hari Prasad says.