Healthcare

Health IT Challenges and the Future of Healthcare

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Introduction The rapid advancement of health information technology (Health IT) has fundamentally transformed the landscape of healthcare delivery worldwide. From electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, innovative digital solutions promise to enhance patient outcomes, improve efficiency, and foster personalized medicine. However, the journey toward a fully integrated, patient-centric digital … Read more

What Makes TEFCA Different: New Standard Operating Procedure Strengthens Trust

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Introduction In the evolving landscape of health information exchange (HIE), establishing trust among stakeholders—patients, providers, health IT developers, and regulators—is paramount. The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), initiated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to create a unified, nationwide framework for health data sharing. A key element in … Read more

Unveiling the Redesigned SITE: A Unified Testing Hub for Health IT Developers

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Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of health information technology (Health IT), innovation, interoperability, and security are paramount. Developers, healthcare providers, regulators, and patients all stand to benefit from a robust, reliable, and accessible testing environment that fosters innovation while ensuring compliance and safety. Recognizing these needs, the Site for Testing and Integration Environment (SITE) … Read more

Three Quick Points about the 2024 HHS AI Use Case Inventory

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Introduction The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has historically played a pivotal role in advancing health innovation, policy, and technology integration. In 2024, the HHS AI Use Case Inventory emerges as a significant strategic initiative aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to transform health services, improve outcomes, and ensure ethical, equitable, and effective … Read more

How Using Opioids for Acute Pain is Like Burning Coal for Energy

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Introduction Throughout history, humanity has sought efficient and accessible sources of energy to power societies, fuel industry, and improve living standards. Coal, for centuries, has been a primary energy source—abundant, reliable, and inexpensive—yet its environmental and health costs have grown increasingly apparent. Similarly, in medicine, opioids have long been the mainstay for managing acute pain—widely … Read more

PCMH Fails Natural Experiment

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Introduction The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model has been heralded as a transformative approach to primary care, emphasizing comprehensive, coordinated, accessible, and patient-centered services. Launched to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance patient experience, the PCMH concept has garnered significant policy and financial support. However, empirical evaluations reveal mixed or disappointing results, raising questions about … Read more

Men, Women and Health Care Pricing Theory: Speaking Different Languages

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Introduction Health care systems and policies often operate under assumptions rooted in generalized economic and social theories. However, gender differences between men and women—biological, psychological, social, and economic—can lead to divergent experiences and perceptions of health care costs and value. This divergence can create a “language gap,” where men and women interpret, respond to, and … Read more

The Business of Health Care

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Introduction Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of society, encompassing the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of illness and disease. Over the decades, the business of healthcare has evolved dramatically from traditional fee-for-service models to complex, multi-layered systems driven by technological innovation, policy changes, and shifting consumer expectations. Understanding the business side of healthcare involves examining … Read more

UDHPs Enable New Ecosystems & Strategic Partnerships

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Introduction In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance their competitiveness, expand their market reach, and foster collaborative growth. One of the transformative developments in recent years has been the advent of User-Driven Hybrid Platforms (UDHPs). These platforms are reshaping business ecosystems by enabling new forms of collaboration, fostering … Read more

Mayo Clinic Platform: Healthcare platforms and AI

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Introduction The landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, digital transformation, and an increasing emphasis on personalized medicine. Among the pioneers leading this transformation is the Mayo Clinic, renowned for its patient-centered approach and innovative research. The Mayo Clinic Platform (MCP) represents a strategic initiative to harness the power of digital health … Read more