Tenet sees widespread volume recovery, again raises forecast for 2021
The for-profit hospital operator reported that visits to its emergency rooms were up a whopping 25% compared with the prior-year period, reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels.
FDA authorizes additional Moderna, J&J shots, broadening booster rollout
The agency also cleared booster shots of all three currently available vaccines to be used interchangeably, a so-called mix-and-match approach that recent study results showed could boost immune responses.
In last ditch plea to save MCIT, medtech groups suggest fixes to CMS
AdvaMed and MDMA responded to a call for feedback on the planned repeal of the Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology pathway by proposing tweaks and new ideas to salvage it.
Biden administration rolls out plan for vaccinating children as FDA weighs clearance
The plan is dependent on FDA authorization and CDC recommendation of Pfizer’s vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 by early next month.
Anthem again hikes outlook for 2021 after Q3 medical costs beat expectations
Medical costs came in below projections despite the wave of COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases that were fueled by the delta variant during the quarter.
Amazon teases 5 more cities to get virtual Amazon Care offering this year
Amazon Care is currently live in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area, and will be rolled out in additional cities in 2021, including Dallas, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Los Angeles, the unit’s director told the HLTH conference on Tuesday.
Over-the-counter hearing aids proposed by FDA
A Cowen analyst said the policy change would allow consumer electronics manufacturers to get into the lucrative hearing aid market that has been dominated by a few companies. Apple is reportedly examining ways to turn its AirPods into a tool to enhance hearing.
Microsoft integrates health-specific cloud offering with Cerner EHR
Microsoft is looking to capitalize on healthcare organizations that want to invest in virtual care for the long-term.
UnitedHealthcare to launch virtual-first primary care offering by end of year, COO says
The goal is to create a simpler experience for members in select markets. UnitedHealth is seeking to capitalize on members’ preference for home-based and telehealth care, which took off during the pandemic.
Hospitals still struggling to get operations, financials back on track, Kaufman Hall reports
COVID-19 continues to strain providers a year and a half into the pandemic, the poll of hospital leaders finds. Labor and supply expenses are a key concern now.