In the News: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape in 2024
Diverse challenges and transformative trends are shaping the healthcare industry in 2024. A groundbreaking study explores the positive outcomes of hospital-at-home programs for medically complex older patients, revealing low mortality and readmission rates. Concurrently, the battleground of American healthcare witnesses three monumental conflicts, ranging from a pending Supreme Court decision to the impact of generative AI and a tug-of-war over healthcare pricing.
This month’s news roundup delves into the multifaceted healthcare landscape today, encompassing studies, battles, trends, and cybersecurity concerns that define the sector's trajectory in the current year.
Hospital-at-home patients nationwide have low mortality, readmission, Mass General Brigham study finds
A national review of Medicare fee-for-service Part A claims reveals that medically complex older patients receiving care through hospital-at-home programs experienced low rates of mortality and readmission.
The study, led by Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham (MGB) researchers, included 5,132 Medicare patients with acute hospital care at home. The patients, often medically complex, showed a 0.5% mortality rate during hospitalization, a 3.2% mortality rate within 30 days of discharge, and less than 16% readmission within 30 days. The positive outcomes support the case for Congress to extend coverage for hospital-at-home programs.
Telemedicine M&A trends moving into 2024
In discussion with healthcare IT News, Christophe Morvan and Lawrence Giesen from tech-focused investment bank Drake Star provide insights into the state of the U.S. telemedicine sector moving into 2024. They identify three main groups of players: GAMMA tech giants (e.g., Google Health, Apple), large incumbents (e.g., Amwell, Teladoc Health), and smaller specialist providers (e.g., Capsule, Ro). The M&A trends for telemedicine in 2024 reflect a slowdown, with global deals decreasing and the U.S. dominating fundraising activities.
Tracking healthcare data breaches
Healthcare data breaches are rising, outpacing other industries, as companies increasingly use digital services to store sensitive patient information. Over the past five years, hacking incidents in healthcare have significantly increased, exposing 385 million patient records from 2010 to 2022.
Cyberattacks can lead to ransoms and disruptions in hospital operations, impacting patient care. Major healthcare chains like HCA Healthcare and CommonSpirit Health have been affected, with some hospitals temporarily suspending services. Health insurers and providers must notify the HHS Office for Civil Rights of breaches affecting over 500 people.
3 Huge Healthcare Battles Set To Erupt In 2024
Step into the battleground of American healthcare in 2024, where three crucial conflicts are reshaping the landscape. From a Supreme Court decision on abortion rights to the transformative impact of generative AI and a tug-of-war over healthcare pricing, this article unveils the key battles that will define the future of medicine. Discover the uncertainties, challenges, and a glimmer of hope as we navigate a tumultuous year in healthcare.
