Healthcare Strategies

Reflecting on the Change Healthcare cyberattack, one year later

The Change Healthcare cyberattack had widespread, unprecedented impacts across the healthcare sector in February 2024 and beyond. What has the sector learned since, and are providers better equipped to handle a similar incident today?
Featuring: Errol Weiss, chief security officer at the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Health-ISAC)
In this episode, we'll cover
Systemic security challenges that the Change Healthcare cyberattack exposed
Lessons learned in the year since the Change Healthcare cyberattack, and how the sector has improved its cybersecurity efforts
Ongoing cybersecurity risks to the healthcare supply chain
and more!
References
Health-ISAC's 2025 Health Sector Cyber Threat Landscape Report https://health-isac.org/health-isac-2025-health-sector-cyber-threat-landscape/
American Hospital Association and Health-ISAC Joint Threat Bulletin: Russian Ransomware Gangs Disrupt Patient Care https://health-isac.org/american-hospital-association-and-health-isac-joint-threat-bulletin/
Understanding the impact of the Change Healthcare cyberattack on providers https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechsecurity/feature/Understanding-the-Impact-of-the-Change-Healthcare-Cyberattack-on-Providers
10 largest healthcare data breaches of 2024 https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechsecurity/feature/Largest-healthcare-data-breaches
HPH Cybersecurity Performance Goals https://hhscyber.hhs.gov/performance-goals.html
To learn more about healthcare cybersecurity, check out our Healthtech Security site.
To watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 

Unpacking claim denials in light of public backlash against payers

The public outcry against health insurers intensified after the shooting of a UnitedHealthcare CEO. What trends are driving Americans' dissatisfaction with payers and can payers recover the public's trust?
Featuring: Jacqueline LaPointe, executive editor at Xtelligent Healthcare
In today’s episode, we’ll cover…
Trends in claim denials
The driving factors behind payers' denials
The role of artificial intelligence in claims management, for better and for worse...
and more!
 
To learn more about claims management, check out our Rev Cycle Management and Healthcare Payers sites!
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 
References
Breaking down claim denial rates by healthcare payer https://www.techtarget.com/revcyclemanagement/feature/Breaking-down-claim-denial-rates-by-healthcare-payer
KFF: Consumer Survey Highlights Problems with Denied Health Insurance Claims https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/issue-brief/consumer-survey-highlights-problems-with-denied-health-insurance-claims/
Trend Alert: Private Payers Retain Profits by Refusing or Delaying Legitimate Medical Claims https://premierinc.com/newsroom/blog/trend-alert-private-payers-retain-profits-by-refusing-or-delaying-legitimate-medical-claims

Sharing early lessons on SDOH data integration across health plans

Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a critical role in health outcomes, but standardized SDOH data collection is lacking. How is NCQA driving standardization through national SDOH quality measures?
 
Featuring: Rachel Harrington, PhD, AVP of health equity sciences, NCQA
Adrianna Nava, PhD, MPA, applied research scientist, NCQA
 
In today’s episode, we’ll cover…
Updates to NCQA’s SDOH quality measures
Current SDOH data collection challenges
The role policy plays in driving SDOH data standardization...
and more!
 
To learn more about SDOH data collection, check out our Health IT and EHR site and our Patient Engagement site.
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 
References
Charting new territory: the early lessons in integrating social determinant of health (SDOH) measures into practice  https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/article/2/11/qxae138/7900537 
How Regenstrief and HL7 are driving SDOH data standards https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/feature/How-Regenstrief-and-HL7-are-driving-SDOH-data-standards https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/feature/How-Regenstrief-and-HL7-are-driving-SDOH-data-standards  
Advocating for SDOH data standards to support health equity https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/podcast/Advocating-for-SDOH-data-standards-to-support-health-equity 
 

Why healthcare needs a patient-centered approach to AI use

AI has officially transcended buzzword status, with healthcare continuously diving deeper into its uses and applications. But as technology continues to proliferate healthcare, experts eye questions about the effects on patient experience and the industry's overall push for more patient-centered care. In this episode, we explore those questions and discuss how healthcare can embrace AI as a leading clinical decision support tool without losing site of its patient-centered goals.
 
Featuring: Prashila Dullabh, vice president and senior fellow in Health Sciences at NORC at the University of Chicago
 
In today's episode, we'll cover…
The risks of omitting patient-centricity from healthcare's AI conversations
The research going into deploying AI with a patient-centered lens
How patients might feel about use of AI in healthcare
…and more!
To learn more about patient-centered care and healthcare's embrace of AI, check out our Xtelligent sites: Patient Engagement, Healthtech Analytics and Health IT.
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 
References:
Enhancing Patient Engagement through Shared Decision-Making https://www.techtarget.com/patientengagement/feature/Enhancing-Patient-Engagement-through-Shared-Decision-Making 
What Are the Top Challenges of Clinical Decision Support Tools?https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechanalytics/feature/What-Are-the-Top-Challenges-of-Clinical-Decision-Support-Tools 
 

Prioritizing SOGI data collection to improve health equity

Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data is key for improving health outcomes among sexualand gender minority (SGM) patients. How can healthcare organizations effectively navigate challenges --like bias and discrimination -- to improve SOGI data collection?
Featuring: Carey Candrian, PhD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School ofMedicine and a 2024 Health and Aging Policy Fellow
In today's episode, we'll cover:
The implications of missing SOGI data on care delivery and quality
The challenges health systems face that prevent them from routinely collecting SOGI data
Strategies to improve SOGI data collection and health equity for LGBTQIA+ patients
And more!
To learn more about AI in healthcare, check out our site, Healthtech Analytics.
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @Healthcare Strategies.
References
https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/news/366578124/SOGI-Data-Missing-in-Over-60-of-Adult-EHR-Records-Study-Finds
https://news.cuanschutz.edu/medicine/cu-researcher-issues-a-call-for-more-data-to-improve-care-for-lgbtq-patients

2025 predictions: GLP-1s, telehealth, AI, employer health plans, and more

2025 promises to be an interesting year in healthcare with many possibilities, challenges and unknowns. A few of our editorial staff members got together to discuss the trends we will be watching in the new year, from telehealth flexibilities to artificial intelligence guardrails, and from employers' cost-cutting efforts to the future of reproductive health.
Featuring: Shania Kennedy, assistant editor of Healthtech Analytics at Xtelligent
Veronica Salib, associate editor of Pharma Life Sciences at Xtelligent Healthcare
Anuja Vaidya, senior editor of Virtual Healthcare and special events lead at Xtelligent Healthcare
Kelsey Waddill, multimedia manager and managing editor of Healthcare Payers at Xtelligent Healthcare
In today’s episode, we’ll cover…
The focal points of GLP-1 research in the coming year
GLP-1 coverage expectations
AI trends in 2025
Telehealth market shifts
Reproductive healthcare evolution since the overturn of Roe v. Wade
...and more!
To learn more about 2025 healthcare industry predictions, check out our Xtelligent sites: Healthtech Analytics, Healthcare Payers, Pharma Life Sciences, and Virtual Healthcare.To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 
Thank you to Dr. Sanjula Jain, Melissa Knuth, and Dr. Stephanie Page who spoke with us earlier in the season and whose insights we included in this episode.
References
GLP-1 general impact overview https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Anticipating-the-healthcare-reach-of-GLP-1-receptor-agonists
 
CDC unintended pregnancy data https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/hcp/unintended-pregnancy/index.html#:~:text=Overview,2010%20to%2041.6%25%20in%202019
 
Vasectomy data from the University of Florida Health https://ufhealth.org/stories/2022/what-to-know-before-getting-a-vasectomy
 
Planned Parenthood data on vasectomy reversals https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/are-vasectomies-reversible#
 
HR managers see value in GLP-1 coverage https://ir.accolade.com/news-releases/news-release-details/glp-1-coverage-employer-plans-could-nearly-double-2024
 
Employer coverage rates of GLP-1s for weight loss https://www.ifebp.org/resources---news/survey-reports/glp-1-drugs--2024-pulse-survey-report-(u.s.-corporate-data)
 
Exploring generative AI in healthcare https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechanalytics/feature/Exploring-generative-artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare
 
Introducing the role of Chief Analytics Officer https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechanalytics/answer/Exploring-the-Role-of-Cleveland-Clinics-First-Chief-Analytics-Officer
 
Telehealth volumes data from Trilliant Health https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/answer/Examining-the-limitations-of-the-current-telehealth-market
 
Leveraging RPM at home for cancer care https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/feature/Leveraging-RPM-to-Enable-At-Home-Care-for-High-Risk-Cancer-Patients
 
Vendor uses wearables to assess impact of GLP-1s on Parkinson's disease https://www.statnews.com/2024/12/10/glp-1-parkinsons-health-tech-startup-koneksa-digital-measures/ 
 
 

Understanding pharmacists’ role in contraceptive access

As the reproductive health landscape continues to evolve, access to contraception and prescriptions for contraception are increasingly critical tools for preventing unplanned pregnancies. In some states, pharmacists at retail pharmacies can play a critical role in contraceptive access by providing counseling and prescriptions for some birth control methods.
Featuring: Dr. Mollie Scott, a pharmacist, the regional associate dean of the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Chair of the Department of Pharmacotherapy at Mountain Area Health Education Center.
In today’s episode, we’ll cover
The role pharmacists play in prescribing and medication management
Policies and regulations for pharmacists’ prescribing
The benefits and drawbacks of pharmacists prescribing contraception
Advocacy tips for pharmacists hoping to change contraception prescribing laws in their state
And more!
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 
Note: The Healthcare Strategies team will be on break for 12/30/24, but make sure to tune in for our first episode of the new year (publishing 1/6/25) where we cover major trends for 2025!
 
Resources:
Clinical Pharmacists Are a Major Contributor to Quality Patient Care https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Clinical-Pharmacists-Are-a-Major-Contributor-to-Quality-Patient-Care
 
Understanding the widespread impacts of pharmacy deserts https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/answer/Understanding-the-widespread-impacts-of-pharmacy-deserts
 
Limited Access to Female Contraceptives: A Public Health Crisis https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Limited-Access-to-Female-Contraceptives-A-Public-Health-Crisis
 
Assessing the Expected Impacts of OTC Hormonal Birth Control Pills https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Assessing-the-Expected-Impacts-of-OTC-Hormonal-Birth-Control-Pills 

Exploring key telehealth policy considerations for 2025

The future of telehealth policy remains uncertain, with pandemic-era regulatory flexibilities set to expire by the end of the year, barring Congressional action. What is holding Congress back from extending or solidifying these flexibilities, and will those concerns influence telehealth legislation in 2025?
Featuring: Darryl Roberts, Vice President of Health Informatics at RELI Group
In today's episode, we'll cover…
The impact of telehealth flexibilities on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes  
Possible reasons why Congress has yet to act despite bipartisan support for telehealth access
Key pieces of legislation to watch for in 2025
References:
Spending Bill to Extend Telehealth, Hospital-at-Home Waivers for 2 Years (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366596488/Spending-Bill-to-Extend-Telehealth-Hospital-at-Home-Waivers-for-2-Years)
 
HHS: How the End of the PHE Will Impact Telehealth Flexibilities (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366596867/HHS-How-the-End-of-the-PHE-Will-Impact-Telehealth-Flexibilities)
 
What the NJ Lawsuit Adds to Out-of-State Telehealth, Licensure Debates (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/answer/What-the-NJ-Lawsuit-Adds-to-Out-of-State-Telehealth-Licensure-Debates)
 
What the House subcommittee hearing tells us about telehealth’s future (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/feature/What-the-House-subcommittee-hearing-tells-us-about-telehealths-future)
To learn more about telehealth policy, check out our site, Xtelligent Virtual Healthcare.
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.

Regulating and monitoring the online GLP-1 market

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) medications are revolutionizing weight loss and diabetes care, but behind the hype lies a growing web of regulatory gaps, telehealth expansion and online pharmacy risks. This episode unpacks the opportunities -- and dangers -- shaping the future of these life-changing drugs.
 
Featuring: Scott Roth, Chief Executive Officer, LegitScript
Gerard Olsen, Director of Research, LegitScript
 
In today’s episode, we'll cover…
The skyrocketing demand for GLP-1 medications and their influence on weight loss trends, including a 26% drop in bariatric surgeries
How telehealth and online pharmacies are reshaping access to GLP-1 drugs -- and the risks posed by rogue sellers and counterfeit products
The critical need for stronger regulatory enforcement and LegitScript's role in ensuring safety and transparency in the online healthcare market
 
To learn more about GLP-1 medications from all angles, check out our Pharma Life Sciences, Patient Engagement and Healthcare Payers sites.
 
To watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
 
References:
Metabolic bariatric surgery in the GLP-1 era (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825349)
 
Risks of online semaglutide without prescription (https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/news/366609735/Study-uncovers-risks-of-buying-semaglutide-online)
 
FDA updates on GLP-1 compounding policies (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-policies-compounders-national-glp-1-supply-begins-stabilize)
 

Improving community health center sustainability with health IT

Staffing shortages and rising operational costs are daunting challenges for community health centers, which are vital for serving underserved populations. How can the right technology investments help community health centers overcome these obstacles?
Featuring: Abby Sears, president and CEO of OCHIN
Jeff Lowrance, CEO of OSIS
In today’s episode, we’ll cover…
The top operational challenges community health centers face
How health IT innovation can transform healthcare delivery in underserved communities
The value of collaboration for tackling workforce shortages
and more!
To learn more about health IT, check out Health IT and EHR site.
To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.
References:
Finances stymie patient data sharing, interoperability at FQHCs (https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/news/366578868/Finances-Stymie-Patient-Data-Sharing-Interoperability-at-FQHCs)
 
Community health center access up by 1 million patients (https://www.techtarget.com/patientengagement/news/366599934/Community-health-center-access-up-by-1-million-patients)
 
Community Health Centers’ Progress and Challenges in Meeting Patients’ Essential Primary Care Needs (https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2024/aug/community-health-centers-meeting-primary-care-needs-2024-FQHC-survey)