🖥️Tech meets heathcare

What’s in for today:

• Can the digital health revolution be the answer?

• First-of-its-kind AI regulation in healthcare

• EMTALA, and Chevron ruling in healthcare

LET’S TALK!

Can the digital health revolution be the answer?

Sadly, no - at least not yet. Before I explain why, let’s first go back to where it all started.

Paper charts.

In the past, hospitals and healthcare organizations used paper charts to record patient information. But in the 1990s, personal computers became more affordable, which made it easier to access medical information. In 2004, the Office of the National Coordinator of Health IT was created with the goal of ensuring that most Americans would have electronic health records (EHR) within 10 years.

In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act was passed, promoting the exchange of data and facilitating access to medical records.

Throughout history, the widespread use of EHRs has been driven by two main factors: advances in technology, and changes in government regulations. Digital transformation in healthcare follows a similar pattern.

Digital health investments are expected to reach $981.5 billion by 2032, a significant increase from $233.5 billion in 2022. This funding increase is due to several reasons, one of which is the urgent need for remote healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government regulations have also played a role, particularly in reimbursing telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits during this time.

The promise of digital health

Digital health includes things like wearable devices, remote monitoring, telemedicine, and machine learning. These new technologies have the potential to increase access to care, streamline administrative operations, increase patient engagement, and transform medical research.

Roadblocks:

The digital health sector is expected to revolutionize the healthcare system by prioritizing technology, propelling the industry into a more tech-driven model suited for the 21st century. However, while digital health has great potential, several challenges prevent it from being the ultimate solution.

There are roadblocks when it comes to digitizing healthcare, like data privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and regulatory issues. However, there are two reasons why the digital revolution cannot solve all healthcare problems, at least not at this time:

• Lack of robust standards: An analysis of 224 digital health companies showed that 44% lack strong and reliable clinical evidence. Despite the increasing number of digital health startups, there is a widespread lack of clear communication and robust clinical evidence in this sector. The study also found that many digital health startups don’t have the necessary regulatory filings (Read the study here). People often gripe about regulations, but the reality is that closely enforced standards result in better business practices and more positive outcomes for customers.

• Digital dive: Not everyone has access to digital health technologies. People in rural areas, low-income populations, and elderly patients often face barriers to using these tools. Barriers include poor digital/health literacy, internet access issues, and wariness of new technologies. Failing to address these disparities can worsen existing health inequities.

Why should you care?

While digital health isn’t a complete solution yet, it is an important part of improving healthcare. As we explore digital healthcare further, we need to make the most of these technologies and make sure they are used ethically and fairly. We should imagine a future where healthcare is not just focused on hospitals but is a part of our daily lives. As we quickly develop new technology and methods, we need to consider patient and customer safety and understand the limitations of these advancements.

TRACKING: AI IN HEALTHCARE

• First of its kind, AI healthcare regulation: ONC has released the final Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-1) rule. This rule establishes federal requirements for AI and Machine Learning-based predictive software in healthcare. It applies to predictive decision support interventions (predictive DSIs), mandating that certified health IT systems provide clear technical and performance information. The goal is to ensure fair, appropriate, valid, effective, and safe use of AI in healthcare. Compliance is required by January 1, 2025 (Read the final rule).

POLICY & INDUSTRY NEWS

🩺EMTALA: After the Supreme Court ruling in Moyle v. United States, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure reminded hospitals of their legal duty to provide necessary stabilizing treatment or appropriate transfers for patients with emergency medical conditions. CMS also announced that EMTALA complaint investigations would continue in Idaho while litigation proceeds in the lower courts.

🏥Chevron Ruling: The recent Supreme Court decision limits the power of federal agencies, which will have a major impact on the healthcare system. This could lead to legal challenges against regulations on consumer protections, drug safety, and nursing home care. The ruling overturns a 1984 precedent that favored agency deference, which may result in different healthcare regulations in various regions, more lawsuits, and greater caution from agencies like the FDA when creating rules. This could create more instability and uncertainty in the healthcare industry.

🥼HHS has given the go-ahead for Medicaid and CHIP demonstrations in several states. This allows the states to offer health coverage for individuals who are leaving incarceration, ensuring a smooth transition and continued care. The goal of this effort is to enhance public health and safety by meeting the healthcare needs of these individuals, including treatment for substance use disorders and long-term health conditions.