The healthcare IT field is rapidly developing and changing. Emerging technology and updated regulations put pressure on healthcare providers and health plans to stay ahead of the curve. Perficient creates a monthly list that explores some of the current topics and issues in health IT. This list examines the most talked about issues and technologies that are currently affecting the industry.
Obamacare Defunding
Under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, over 48 million uninsured Americans will be eligible for enrollment in subsidized plans through state-run health insurance exchanges, with annually increasing fines for those who go uncovered. Currently, the US government is reviewing calls to defund Obamacare while Health Insurance Exchanges are set to open on October 1st.
- Guide to the Capitol Hill stand-off over defunding ObamaCare
- Most oppose Obamacare defund if it means government shuts down: Poll
- Most Americans against defunding Obamacare: CNBC survey
- A Friendly Reminder That Defunding Obamacare Won’t Stop the Law
- Efforts To Defund Health Care as Georgia Exchanges Set to Open
Google Calico
Last week, Google announced it would be reentering the e-health game with its new product, Calico. The goal of Calico is to positively impact aging and associated diseases, while focusing on health and well-being. Initially, Calico will fun aging and preventable disease research projects.
- Google Calico: Has Digital Health Just Become Redefined Around Immortality?
- Google, Apple Chairman Team Up to Extend Your Life
- Google Decides to Take on Oil of Olay
- Calico: How Google’s stab at the fountain of youth could transform health care
- How Google’s Calico Can Win Us Over, One Genome at a Time
FDA Final Rule on Mobile Apps
This week, the FDA released its final guidance for developers of mobile medical applications. The FDA will focus on regulating potentially harmful apps instead of policing applications that pose minimal risk to consumers. These more harmful apps include those which are using mobile technology to make a specific diagnosis and those which transform mobile devices into a regulated medical device.
- Making Mobile Medical Apps Just Got Easier
- FDA issues final guidance on mobile medical apps
- F.D.A. to Regulate Some Health Apps
- FDA gets thumbs up on mobile apps regs
- U.S. FDA issues final rules on mobile medical apps
Personalization of Medicine through Big Data
Personalized analytics have the power to improve care outcomes for patients by drawing data from a complete view into their care coordination. Healthcare analytics and big data hold the key to being able to provide personalized care and prevention. By integrating personal health records with EMR data, providers have a 360 view into the history of the patient and the care they require.
- The Coming “Big Data” Storm
- How Big Data Can Personalize Healthcare
- Exponential Health Technology Bringing Personal ‘Check Engine Lights’
- Solving America’s Big Health Care Challenges With Big Data
- 4 ways groups are harnessing big data to improve cancer treatment
Wearable Devices and the Quantified Self
With the progression of patient engagement, consumers are looking to become involved in their own care and health. The quantified-self movement helps patients track their health, physical activity, food consumption, heart rate, and more. From mobile apps to worn digital sensors like the FitBit to implanted devices, patients keep track of their own health data – which eventually may be used to create a more personalized experience.
- Quantitative Self Movement: Not Just for Healthcare Professionals
- Wearable Technology and Wellness Apps: The Future?
- A Pill That Tracks Your Health? The Reality Of The ‘Quantified Self’ Movement
- Technology Puts You in Charge of Your Health
- The future of biometric data tracking isn’t about devices, it’s about experiences
