Highmark strikes six-year contract with Google Cloud
The insurer, which also owns Allegheny Health Network, struck a six-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud, which includes building out a new platform to help […]
Health Tech
Streaming, Baby Yoda, and Healthcare
By KIM BELLARD I’ve never seen The Mandalorian. I don’t have Disney+. But I know who Baby Yoda is, and I’m pretty sure Disney is […]
Kaiser Permanente tests referring patients to 6 digital mental health tools
The managed care company picked six mental health apps that it made available to its members over the past two years. It recently published a […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 174 | Cityblock, Elation, Modern Health, LeanTaaS & Well
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess has me weigh in on Cityblock Health’s big raise of $160 million bringing their total up to […]
The Pathway to Health Leads Through Clean Energy Technology
By MIKE MAGEE Health reporting this week is rightly dominated by the challenging worldwide distribution of the Pfizer vaccine for Covid-19. Bringing the virus to […]
How CMS grants new technology add-on payments and determines substantial similarity
As New Technology Add-On Payments are approved by CMS, startups lay claim to code. The question is, does this code apply to everyone who wants […]
The Evernorth Digital Health Formulary & the Disruption of the Digital Health Payment Model
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Last December, Express Scripts — now a part of Evernorth — became the first PBM to go to market with […]
Fixing the cracks: Why it’s time to modernize marketplace enrollment strategies
By implementing a standardized, automated, and modernized set of processes to manage critical enrollment information across multiple lines of business, plans have greater potential to […]
Investors share five digital health predictions for 2020
After a banner year for digital health, characterized by record adoption and investment, what will come next? Partners with Boston Consulting Group’s Digital Ventures shared […]
Covid-19 is bringing digital therapeutics to the forefront of medicine
In medicine, we’re getting real-time experience with what many believed was an inevitable but potentially […]
Docs are ROCs: a simple fix for a “methodologically indefensible” practice in medical AI studies
By LUKE OAKDEN-RAYNER Anyone who has read my blog or tweets before has probably seen that I have issues with some of the common methods […]
Xealth, Cerner build out digital health prescribing platform
Xealth and Cerner had been working together after the health IT vendor invested in Xealth earlier this year. The companies brought on Banner Health as […]
CityBlock, a primary care startup focused on underserved communities, passes $1 billion valuation
CityBlock Health, a startup focusing on providing care to Medicaid and dual-eligible patients, raised $160 million in funding. The Alphabet-spinout plans to use the funds […]
Bayer G4A Agents of Change: Watch the Panels, Meet the Co’s that Got Deals
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Bayer G4A, the global life science company’s digital health innovation arm, held their splashy “Agents of Change” event last month […]
Google rolls out health research app
Google rolled out a Health Studies app, a rival to Apple’s research app. To start, it will offer a study on respiratory illness in conjunction […]
Pear Therapeutics raises $80M in push for reimbursement
SoftBank’s second Vision Fund led the recent funding round. Pear plans to use it to accelerate reimbursement coverage for its three FDA-cleared products.
Reimagining Population Health Management: Can Genomics Evolve our Sick Care System into a True Healthcare System [Sponsored]
Learn how health systems, payors, retail, and digital health companies can work together to support population health management. Register for MDisrupt’s webinar here.
Michelin Star Medicine: Food Start-Up Epicured Delivers Meals for GI & Chronic Condition Care
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Food-as-Medicine startup, Epicured, looks and acts a lot like the consumer meal delivery startups booming during this pandemic (think Freshly, […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 172 | MedArrive, PointClickCare, Consejo Sano & FOLX Health
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we’ve got quite a diverse set of companies to cover. MedArrive, which is Dan Trigub’s company – the […]
Verily co-founder launches virtual specialty care startup
Tom Stanis, Verily’s co-founder and former head of software, left the Alphabet subsidiary in February to found a new healthcare startup. Called Story Health, his […]
PointClickCare buys Collective Medical
By MATTHEW HOLT I was a little surprised to find out that PointClickCare, a Canadian-based EMR that has a big market share in SNFs and […]
This is Your Brain on Microwaves
By KIM BELLARD Those of us of a certain age well remember the 1987 ad campaign from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. It equated […]
Newly-minted VC and ex-journalist Chrissy Farr makes some health tech predictions
Last week, CNBC health tech journalist Christina Farr, who has a steady and engaged following […]
Level Ex pitches gaming as a tool for reaching doctors
Interactive, cloud-based video games are designed to tackle pharma’s current challenge: engaging doctors virtually during a pandemic. But the tools are likely to outlive the […]
MedCity News Spotlight: How CancerIQ is advancing precision medicine
As part of our conferences and to augment panel discussions and presentations, we are launching MedCity News: Spotlight to use video to tell the story […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 171 | Massive deals & a massive IPO
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we have a huge IPO coming up – JD Health, a Chinese company which has a valuation of […]
Covid-19 Is derailing cancer clinical trials. Is new technology required to get them back on track?
It is time to make it our collective mission to bring data automation to patient recruiting for clinical trials and not wait for a resolution […]
What it will take to make health data easier to share
New interoperability rules hold promise in making it easier for patients to access and share their health data. But there’s still a long way to […]
#Healthin2Point00 Episode 170 | Olive, WithMe, Andor & more
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess & I are together in Marin County before Jess sets off! On Episode 170, Jess asks me […]
RWJF Emergency Response Challenges Video
On November 19, 2020 Catalyst @ Health 2.0 hosted the finals of the RWJF Emergency Response Challenges, one for tools for the General Public and […]
Healthcare on the Edge
By KIM BELLARD Perhaps you read about, or were directly impacted by, the massive, multi-hour Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage last week. Ironically, AWS’s effort […]
Healthware Group announces acquisition of Make Helsinki
Healthcare agency, consultancy and digital health group, Healthware, has announced the acquisition of Finland-based digital service development and creative agency Make Helsinki. Healthware strengthens its […]
How digital healthcare tools are changing medicine in Europe since COVID-19
In Europe, three major categories of care currently being aided by digital tools: distance diagnoses, internal communications, and external collaborations.
Investors pour $91M into growing clinical-trial software firm
The Covid-19 pandemic is altering behavior and fueling demand for remote technologies in clinical trials with Medable, a company in the clinical trial software space, […]
Digital health deals expected to drop from last quarter’s record heights
Investments are expected to decline at the end of 2020 after digital health saw record highs last quarter, according to early data from CBInsights.
#Healthin2Point 00, Episode 169 | They’re real and they’re SPACtacular!
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, It’s a whacky SPACy world, as a new SPAC rolls “UpHealth” and has me singing Bob Marley, meanwhile […]
#Healthin2Point 00, Episode 169 | They’re real and they’re SPACtacular!
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, It’s a whacky SPACy world, as a new SPAC rolls “UpHealth” and has me singing Bob Marley, meanwhile […]
Mental health benefits startup Spring Health raises $76 million
Spring Health, a startup that offers mental health services as an employee benefit, raised $75 million in funding. The New York-based startup matches employees with […]
Comcast, Independence BlueCross’s Quil: Fast-Forward Past Video Content to Home Sensors for Seniors
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH It’s not just eyeballs that Comcast NBCUniversal and Independence BlueCross’s joint venture, Quil, is after these days. Carina Edwards, Quil’s […]
4 ways to improve patient experience with advanced analytics
Patients have signaled that they are ready for the digital revolution in healthcare, yet providers are still grappling with technology and disparate data.
RWJF Emergency Response Challenge Results!
by MATTHEW HOLT Yesterday Catalyst @ Health 2.0 hosted the finals of the RWJF Emergency Response Challenges, one for tools for the General Public and […]
Telehealth alone not enough to offset crushing demand for mental health services
Lightened telehealth regulations have expanded access to virtual visits for therapy and other mental health surges. But many patients still aren’t having their needs met.
HealthPartners adds same-day prescription delivery to telehealth platform
The nonprofit health system, which operates a telehealth platform in 13 states, struck a partnership with Capsule to offer same-day prescription delivery.
New research shows major changes coming for patient access
COVID-19 forced hospitals to rethink the digital patient experience. Lumeon surveyed 68 patient access leaders to uncover the challenges they face and how health systems […]
Helping nurses bounce back from the devastating effects of Covid-19
Closing the gap between documentation and communication and ensuring software enhances rather than distracts from workflow are two ways that the burden on nurses can […]
#Healthin2Point 00, Episode 168 | Is Amazon taking over the world of healthcare?
Goodbye health insurance, hello Amazon Prime membership! Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we talk about all the Amazon news now that they’re moving […]
Pear rolls out digital therapeutic for insomnia
After receiving FDA clearance in March, Pear began marketing its prescription digital therapeutic for insomnia. It’s available by prescription only.
With pharmacy debut, Amazon unlikely to ‘blow up’ prescription pricing
Two years after acquiring PillPack, Amazon is launching its much-anticipated pharmacy business. It will ship prescriptions to patients’ homes, and offers a cash-pay discount for […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 167 | Bridge Connector, Togetherall, Solv Health & more
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, the big news is about another COVID vaccine… or is it the collapse of the telehealth and digital […]
GenesisCare, GE ink $130M partnership to enhance cancer, cardiac care
The cancer and cardiovascular care provider has teamed up with GE Healthcare, granting its 440 centers in the U.S., U.K., Spain and Australia access to […]
Cigna, Humana lead $37.5M investment in Buoy Health
The Boston-based startup developed a symptom checker that can also help navigate users to care in their insurance network. Optum Ventures is also one of […]
Bayer G4A Agents of Change: Digital Health & the Future of Pharma
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Lots of changes at Bayer G4A: a new investment thesis, new additions to their portfolio, a new Global Head of […]
The Catalyst @ Health 2.0/Wipfli Survey on the State of Digital Health
By MATTHEW HOLT Catalyst @ Health 2.0, supported by professional services firm Wipfli, is launching a survey about the state of Digital Health. We hope […]
Black women founders more likely to bootstrap digital health companies
A recent report by Rock Health found that Black and female founders of digital health companies received less funding and were more likely to bootstrap […]
Talkspace acquires relationship counseling app
Talkspace, which lets users message a therapist, acquired relationship counseling app Lasting. It hinted at plans for additional acquisitions in the future.
Intermountain expands diabetes prevention partnership with Omada
The nonprofit health system started offering Omada’s digital diabetes prevention program as a covered benefit to some at-risk patients.
Covid-19, the “Quarantine 15” & Healthcare’s Focus on Weight Management in 2021
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Potential digital health trend for 2021? Weight loss and weight management. Not only has obesity been an “epidemic” of its […]
Zoom reaches settlement over encryption claims
Video conferencing company Zoom reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over claims that the company used end-to-end encryption in its video calls, when […]
Which healthcare startups will present at Pitch Perfect for INVEST Pop Health Virtual?
The healthcare startups targeting chronic conditions and population health presenting at INVEST Pop Health November 16-18 span prescription drug delivery to addressing social isolation.
Accolade’s CEO Raj Singh: IPO Backstory & Pop Health Predictions for 2021
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH When Accolade went public in July at a $1.2B valuation, the BIG question facing the health tech unicorn pre-dated the […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 166 | $100 million, scandal, & more
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we have scandal, drama, intrigue, $100 million and murder! Wait, no; not murder. On Episode 166, we catch […]
RWJF Emergency Response Innovation Challenges: Virtual Pitch Event on 11/19!
By ELIZABETH BROWN As COVID-19 brought to light the lack of emergency response preparedness in the health care system, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) […]
Telehealth, Digital Health Market Update from Europe & Frontiers Health Preview
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Looking for more proof that telehealth has truly become a global trend in healthcare delivery? Our “man-on-the-street” in Italy, Roberto […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 165 | Centene, Koa Health, Eko and Medically Home
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, there is so much to talk about between the election, the Affordable Care Act, and Pfizer’s COVID vaccine […]
Zimmer Biomet shares early data on Apple Watch app for recovery after knee surgery
Early data showed that Zimmer Biomet’s MyMobility app yielded similar results to patients who received physical therapy after knee surgery. Zimmer Biomet shared its findings […]
Healthcare execs going all-in on AI, survey shows
The survey, conducted by Optum, shows that healthcare executives’ confidence in AI is high, and most expect to soon see cost savings from implementing the […]
In claims analysis, Pear finds digital therapeutic for opioid use disorder decreased medical costs
In a review of real-world claims data, Pear Therapeutics found that its digital therapeutic for opioid use disorder resulted in a reduction in spending $2,150 […]
Researchers turn an ear to voice-based biomarkers
Startups are turning to voice data as they try to develop tools to detect a wide range of diseases. One startup, Vocalis Health, is working […]
Ontrak acquires health coaching platform LifeDojo
Ontrak, a company that uses analytics to identify employees with untreated behavioral health conditions, acquired coaching startup LifeDojo for $10 million.
HHS’ plans for health IT through 2025: 4 key goals
A recently released 50-page plan details the federal agency’s health IT-related objectives over the next five years and outlines the strategies it plans to use […]
Google’s sister company didn’t succeed in search for depression biomarker
Alphabet’s “moonshot” subsidiary X shared that it failed to find a single biomarker for depression and anxiety. But the company still plans to make its […]
It’s (Cyber)Criminal
By KIM BELLARD One of the redeeming aspects of crises is that, amidst all the confusion, suffering, and loss, there are usually moments of grace, […]
Under Armour to sell MyFitnessPal for $345M
The company reached an agreement to sell the health app to Francisco Partners after acquiring it for $475 million in 2015.
Omada shares promising results in trial of diabetes prevention program
The digital health startup released the results of a 599-person randomized clinical trial on Tuesday. It found a statistically significant reduction in participants’ weight and […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 164 | Election Day Edition
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess is wondering which European countries let Americans in without a quarantine. On Episode 164, we’ve got more […]
Report: NHS Covid-19 app failed to alert users of potential exposure
In a Thursday blog post, officials shared that the app’s “risk threshold” had been lowered to account for exposure to people when they are most […]
Scripps study suggests wearables could predict Covid-19 infection
The virtual study, which included wearable data form more than 30,500 participants, found that changes in sleep, activity and heart rate levels, along with self-reported […]
Teladoc, Livongo finalize $18.5B merger
The two companies finalized their merger on Friday, with Livongo becoming a subsidiary of Teladoc. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the deal on Thursday.
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 162 | Whoop, Honor, Sidekick Health & more
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess is dismayed at her rising premiums. On Episode 162, Jess and I have more deals to cover. […]
Fitbit, Northwell Health test wearables’ ability to detect Covid-19 early
After sharing early data from a study of its wearables’ ability to detect Covid-19 early, Fitbit plans to launch a prospective study with Northwell Health […]
Can You Say “Chemputer”?
By KIM BELLARD I learned a new word this week: “chemputer.” It’s not a new word – it’s been around since at least 2012 — […]
Skin-checking app sees future in clinicians, not automation
Instead of suggesting a diagnosis for moles and skin lesions, digital health startup Miiskin is leaving that up to dermatologists. The company is rolling out […]
Human API raises $20 million to bring health records into one place
Human API, a startup making it easier for consumers to share their health data, raised $20 million in funding. The company plans to use the […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 161 | Partnerships galore & a new SPAC
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we have some hot gossip re: Glen Tullman starting his own SPAC. On Episode 161, Jess and I […]
Livongo’s top leaders to depart after Teladoc merger
After Teladoc and Livongo merge, several of the company’s top executives, including CEO Zane Burke and President Dr. Jennifer Schneider, will leave the combined company, […]
Healthcare CIO survey reveals how Covid-19 is impacting startup collaboration
A new survey finds that health system leaders are actively seeking new commercial relationships with startups regardless of when “normal” returns but startup success hinges […]
Staying sane on the mission to Mars
Recently, the Translational Research Institute for Space Health selected three innovative biotech companies using VR, conversation-bots, and probiotic therapeutics to combat mental health risks.
Nonprofit tests app for travelers to meet cross-border Covid-19 requirements
The app, developed by the Commons Project Foundation and the World Economic Forum, lets travelers share vaccination records, Covid-19 test results and health declarations.
AppliedVR gets breakthrough device designation for VR to treat pain
The Los Angeles-based startup received a breakthrough device designation from the FDA for using VR to manage chronic pain. It recently published the results of […]
Remote Patient Monitoring Sets Up Big Tech to Revolutionize Telemedicine and Healthcare
By JAMES MOELLER Remote patient monitoring has emerged as the next significant challenge for virtual healthcare and that challenge is creating significant opportunities for many […]
Technology can ease pandemic challenges faced by hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers
To keep critical revenue flowing, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers need to resume elective surgeries and procedures as quickly as possible and mobile apps can […]
Augmedix goes public through reverse merger
The company, which offers a remote scribe services, secured $25 million in private placement financing and began trading publicly on the OTC markets after a […]
Best practices for physicians in adopting compliant and efficient data sharing
By making responsible and strategic technology investments, practitioners will have access to robust data, be in a position to analyze and interpret trends and outcomes […]
Not Just Faxes
By KIM BELLARD I missed it when it was first announced in Japan, but fortunately the U.S. mainstream media has finally picked up on the […]
THCB Gang Episode 29 10/22 1PM PT/4 PM ET
Episode 29 of “The THCB Gang” will be live-streamed on Thursday, October 22th! Watch it below! Matthew Holt (@boltyboy) will be by some of our […]
Using digital engagement to solve pain points along the patient journey: How to deliver better outcomes for patients and brands [Sponsored]
Join us November 10th to learn how digital engagement can solve challenges for both patients and the brand and learn other benefits that will improve […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 160 | Lawsuits galore, and a faux IPO
The thing to do in health tech this week? Trademark infringement. Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we try to make sense of all […]
THCB Spotlights: Jon Bloom, Podimetrics
By MATTHEW HOLT This is a fun conversation with Jon Bloom, the CEO of Podimetrics. It’s one of a number of competitors trying to help […]
Healthcare investing sets a new record in Q3
Global healthcare funding set a new record in the third quarter, according to data from CBInsights. Healthcare companies raised a total of $21.8 billion across […]
Deloitte exec: Tech has role in combating racial disparities in health
Critics have faulted some technologies for potentially reinforcing racial inequality. But a Deloitte exec painted a more optimistic picture at the HLTH conference.
Tying Health Care Investment to Performance
By BRIAN KLEPPER and JEFFREY HOGAN GoodRx’s planned initial public offering recently made the news, notable because the company, launched in 2011, has been profitable […]
Text-based primary care startup 98point6 raises $118M
The startup, which has seen its user base more than triple in the last year, plans to use the funds to further build out its […]
Lessons learned from Verily’s Covid-19 testing efforts
Google’s sister company launched a program in California and other states to help route patients to nearby coronavirus testing. Dr. Vivian Lee, president of health […]
THCB Gang Episode 28 10/15
Episode 28 of “The THCB Gang” was live-streamed on Thursday, October 15th! Watch it below! Matthew Holt (@boltyboy) was joined by some of our regulars: […]
THCB Gang Episode 28 10/15
Episode 28 of “The THCB Gang” was live-streamed on Thursday, October 15th! Watch it below! Matthew Holt (@boltyboy) was joined by some of our regulars: […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 159 | A quiet period?
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we might be seeing a quiet period in health tech investing with the election coming up. On Episode […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 159 | A quiet period?
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, we might be seeing a quiet period in health tech investing with the election coming up. On Episode […]
Teladoc, Livongo land first joint contract
The companies made their first cross-sale to Guidewell Health, the parent company of Florida Blue. Livongo’s diabetes platform will become available to 50,000 of the […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 158 | Datavant, Mira, Avail & more
On Episode 158 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I talk about Datavant raising $40 million in a Series B for their open […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 158 | Datavant, Mira, Avail & more
On Episode 158 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I talk about Datavant raising $40 million in a Series B for their open […]
Startups to improve home health: Video from MedCity INVEST Digital Health
This Pitch Perfect contest track includes home health startups with technologies spanning respiratory care, virtual nursing, and more.
Limbix digital therapeutic for adolescent mental health finds niche amid Covid-19 pandemic
The Silicon Valley startup plans to start its registration-directed study of Limbix Spark in the earlier part of next year and – if successful – […]
CareTribe finds caregivers need support, too
The Palo Alto-based startup provides tools to support family caregivers, and uses predictive analytics to help them develop personalized action plans.
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 157 | The phrase is “Takeout Speculation”!
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I gossip about the wild rumor that UnitedHealthcare is acquiring Amwell. On Episode 157, we discuss […]
Startups with tech to improve payer and provider efficiency: Video from MedCity INVEST Digital Health
This Pitch Perfect contest track reflected technology to remove financial barriers for their patients, automating workflows, reducing inefficiency and waste associated with the Prior Authorization […]
Is the digital health industry prepared for an unprecedented flu season?
It’s important to leverage patient engagement tools to get in front of patients early in the season, reminding them to get their flu shot and […]
Asynchronous virtual health: 3 reasons it’s critical for now and foundational for the future
Health systems should embrace an omni-channel strategy that includes asynchronous virtual visit capabilities to better meet consumer needs, improve provider capacity, and enable more robust […]
Algorithm that predicts Covid-19 complications gets EUA
The FDA granted an emergency use authorization to an algorithm developed by Dascena to predict which Covid-19 patients might face unstable blood pressure or respiratory […]
Will AI-Based Automation Replace Basic Primary Care? Should It?
By KEN TERRY In a recent podcast about the future of telehealth, Lyle Berkowitz, MD, a technology consultant, entrepreneur, and professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg […]
How the value of innovation will be redefined in 2021
While payers and policymakers took a more narrow-minded perspective on innovation value in 2020, the year 2021 will bring an increased focus on a treatment’s […]
Attention, Walmart Patients
By KIM BELLARD When Walmart announced earlier this summer that it was opening an insurance agency to sell Medicare-related products and services plans, I thought, […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 156 | Garage Sale Edition
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess can’t figure out what’s going on with health tech investors. Episode 156 feels like rummaging through a […]
Healthcare industry’s struggle to expand software teams is limiting growth
Remote IT teams are now a viable solution for startups and established firms to tap into the global pool of software engineers to meet their […]
Advocating for underserved populations: Is remote patient monitoring the answer?
It’s crucial that today’s providers, innovators, and regulators alike continue to push for such tech adoption, driving virtual, continuous care in populations disproportionately affected by […]
Amwell builds on partnership with remote medical exam startup TytoCare
Amwell expanded its partnership with Tyto Care, a startup that makes connected exam kits for telehealth visits. The companies will design new integrations of their […]
Hims & Hers to go public through blank-check company
The direct-to-consumer telehealth startup will go public through a merger with special purpose acquisition company Oaktree Acquisition Corp. The combined entity is expected to be […]
KidsX to Unite Children’s Hospitals & Boost Innovation Investment in Pediatric Digital Health
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Even though kids make up 20% of the total national patient population, investments in startups that use tech to improve […]
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 155 | Is UnitedHealth Group taking over the world?
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I discuss UnitedHealth Group acquiring DivvyDose for $300 million, which is a knock off of PillPack. […]
Anthem to pay nearly $40M settlement after 2015 cyberattack
Anthem will pay $39.5 million in a settlement related to a cyberattack in 2015. The settlement, reached with a group of state attorneys general, is […]
Telehealth Reality Check: Who’s Really Going to “Win” the Race to Virtual Care Market Leadership?
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH It’s the telehealth market reality check you’ve been waiting for! “Rogue” digital health consultant Dr. Lyle Berkowitz unpacks the numbers […]
How the intelligence-based health system will become critical to meet patient needs today and post-Covid-19
To enable greater health access, the healthcare industry must modernize. We need systems rooted in intelligence for a healthier tomorrow.
Trying to Make AI Less Squirrelly
By KIM BELLARD You may have missed it, but the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) just announced its first annual Squirrel AI […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 147 | The Most Confusing Episode So Far
With 3 consecutive days of $100M in funding, here is the most confusing (or rather the most confused we have been) Episode 147 of Health […]
COVID-19 is Bringing Data Privacy into the Spotlight – This is How Healthcare Companies Should Respond
By DAN LINTON Privacy concerns across the country continue to increase, and consumers expect their healthcare information to be private. Headline-making data sales, skepticism of Silicon […]
Amazon tries its hand at wearables
The e-commerce giant made its debut in the wearables market with Halo, a fitness tracker with some unique features. Amazon said the device and its […]
The new “virtual” normal: Is face-to-face care delivery a thing of the past?
There will always be a place for face-to-face care, but the shift to virtual care will drive a more intentional and cost-effective use of such […]
THCB Gang Episode 23 LIVE 8/27 1PM/4PM ET!
Episode 23 of “The THCB Gang” will be live-streamed on Thursday, August 27th! Tune in below! Joining Matthew Holt (@boltyboy) today are some of our […]
Fitbit takes on Apple with new smartwatch
Fitbit’s new, $330 smartwatch has a slew of new features, including a wrist-based temperature sensor and a sensor to monitor stress.
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 146 | Can We Call it Digital Health Anymore?
Can we call this digital health anymore? What do we call it? On Episode 146 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jessica DaMassa asks me […]
The Bayer Deal: One Drop’s CEO on New $98M & How Data Science Will Fix Chronic Condition Care
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH One Drop just landed a $98.7M deal with Bayer — and we got the details from CEO Jeff Dachis. The […]
Telemedicine’s evolutionary leap: Who says you can’t teach an old Darwin new tricks?
Dynamic personnel shifts, technology embrace, and significant behavior change will allow for rapid evolution of the healthcare industry and create the opportunity for alliances across […]
Verily launches stop-loss health insurance subsidiary
Alphabet’s healthcare subsidiary, Verily, will partner with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions to create a new stop-loss insurance company. The new entity, called Coefficient, will use […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 145 | Amwell, OneDrop, Outset Medical & Podimetrics
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess asks me about the big news that Google Cloud has entered into a partnership with Amwell and […]
Amwell files for IPO, strikes partnership with Google
Amwell filed preliminary paperwork for an IPO. The telehealth company also struck a partnership with Google, which will buy $100 million of its class C […]
Portable dialysis company Outset Medical files for IPO
Outset Medical, a San Jose-based company making portable dialysis machines, filed the initial paperwork for an IPO. The company has not yet set a price […]
Change Healthcare’s CEO on Payers, Providers & The New Healthcare Economy
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH From his vantage point at the helm of one of healthcare’s biggest IT infrastructure companies, Change Healthcare’s President & CEO, […]
How digital solutions are transforming healthcare and life sciences business processes
Once people recognized that the situation would be more than just a transient window, a growing number of healthcare and life sciences organizations took steps […]
What does hospital innovation look like in a pandemic? Find out at INVEST Digital Health
The conference, in partnership with healthcare industry association Medical Alley, will include conversations spanning behavioral health, the future of health insurance and how hospitals are […]
Court approves Otsuka’s bid to buy Proteus for $15M
A bankruptcy court in Delaware approved a stalking-horse bid from Otsuka to acquire Proteus Digital Health for $15 million. The company, which makes sensor that […]
Teladoc-Livongo point the way to a consumer-first health ecosystem but also further fragmentation
The rise of digital in the health care ecosystem is also making the consumer experience increasingly fragmented and overly complex.
Catalyst @ Health 2.0 Launches Rapid Response Open Call with Grapevine Health
SPONSORED POST By CATALYST @ HEALTH 2.0 Attention digital health innovators! Do you have innovative text message-based health tech solutions that can disseminate health-focused video […]
THCB Gang Episode 22 LIVE 8/20 From 1PM PT/4PM ET
Episode 22 of “The THCB Gang” will be live-streamed on Thursday, August 20th! Watch it below. Joining Matthew Holt (@boltyboy) today are some of our […]
THCB’s Bookclub, August 2020 – UnHealthcare: A Manifesto for Health Assurance
By JESSICA DAMASSA & MATTHEW HOLT The THCB Book Club is a discussion with leading health care authors, which will be released on the third Wednesday […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 144 | Magical Forests, PsychCentral’s History, & More Funding Rounds
On Episode 144 of Health in 2 Point 00, Matthew has gingerly emerged from his office and gone into a Magical Forest! Jess asks me […]
An Epic Fight for the Metaverse
By KIM BELLARD You might have missed it amongst all the headlines about the U.S.P.S., the 2020 elections, and, of course, that little thing we […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 143 | Lumeon, Nurx, Thirty Madison, & More
On Episode 143 of Health in 2 Point 00, we have all the alphabets in the raising series represented ;)! Jess asks me about Lumeon […]
Crossover Health: The Amazon Deal, Primary Care & The Rise of the ‘Health Activist’ Employer
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH “Next-gen” healthcare might just be getting its start in primary care. So says Crossover Health’s CEO, Scott Shreeve, who laughingly […]
The evolution of healthcare and technology in the ‘hospital of tomorrow’
If you just need blood drawn, do you really need to go to a hospital or your local lab? Wouldn’t it be easier on you […]
Teladoc & Livongo — The Health Techerati Weigh-In
Six competitor CEOs and one ex-CMO discuss the biggest-ever digital health merger by JESS DAMASSA & MATTHEW HOLT It was the news that stunned the […]
THCB Gang Episode 21 LIVE 8/13 From 1PM PT/4PM ET
Episode 21 of “The THCB Gang” will be live-streamed on Thursday, August 13th! Tune in below. Joining Matthew Holt (@boltyboy) today are some of our […]
Apply now to enter the Pitch Perfect startup competition at INVEST Digital Health Virtual
The MedCity INVEST Digital Health Virtual event, Sep 21-25 will spotlight healthcare startups in four categories. The application deadline is coming up quick: Friday, August […]
Lumeon raises $30M to bring patients the right message at the right time
Lumeon, a startup building a platform to make virtual care delivery more reliable, raised $30 million. Optum Ventures and Endeavour Vision led the funding round.
Don’t Underestimate Doctor On Demand – CEO Hill Ferguson on the Era of ‘Tele-Everything’ Healthcare
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH JUST before the Teladoc-Livongo merger was announced, I had a chance to catch up with Doctor on Demand’s CEO, Hill […]
Bodyport raises $11.2M, strikes partnership with Brigham and Women’s
Bodyport, a startup developing a scale intended to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease, raised $11.2 million in series A funding. The San Francisco-based company […]
How wearables can help the healthcare industry address Covid-19
The potential that wearables have for helping detect early signs of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, as well as monitoring patients, will make this technology […]
4 reasons to register now for INVEST Digital Health Virtual
The conference coming up September 21-25 will highlight innovation in digital health at hospitals, in the face of Covid-19, and across digital health startups. Register […]
INVEST Pitch Perfect winner spotlight: Atentiv’s digital therapeutic for ADHD isn’t just fun and games
Judges picked Atentiv as the winner of the __ for MedCity Invest’s virtual conference. The Boston-based startup is building a game to improve attention in […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 142 | Ginger, Infermedica, Xealth & SOC Telemed
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I cover all the deals that got overshadowed by the big news of Teladoc and Livongo’s […]
Blackstone’s $4.7B acquisition of Ancestry raises privacy questions
Ancestry, which grew from a genealogy tracking tool to offering DNA tests for a number of healthconditions, reached a deal to be acquired by Blackstone […]
The deal was “inevitable” and other takeaways from the massive $18.5B Livongo-Teladoc merger
The two fast-growing digital health companies struck a merger agreement on Wednesday. Teladoc will acquire Livongo in a deal that would value the startup at […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 141 | Teladoc Livongo Merger Special
Today, a special Health in 2 Point 00. Jessica DaMassa asks me about the biggest news in public digital health companies ever: this morning’s merger […]
Livongo, Teladoc strike $18.5B merger, creating a digital health behemoth
Teladoc will acquire digital health company Livongo for $18.5 billion. The deal would combine one of the largest telehealth companies with a platform for managing […]
Attention digital health startups: MedCity’s next pitch competition is looking for applicants
The MedCity INVEST Digital Health Virtual event, Sep 21-25 will spotlight healthcare startups in four categories. The application deadline is August 14 at 5pm ET.
EU regulators to launch in-depth investigation of Google-Fitbit merger
Regulators with the European Commission said they would launch a full investigation of Google’s proposed acquisition of Fitbit. The deal has drawn close scrutiny from […]
Vida Health’s CEO on Scaling Up in the Highly Competitive Chronic Condition Virtual Care Space
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH Even before Covid19, virtual care for chronic conditions was a hot and competitive area, with the heat turned up by […]
Covid-19 pandemic spurs health plans to re-evaluate how they communicate with members [Sponsored]
A webinar from HealthSparq offers analysis on a consumer sentiment study on health plans. It offers some useful insights on how the public health crisis […]
Quality Virtual Care Is Within Reach – But Only If We Act Now
By JULIA HU Though it will be impossible to overstate the devastation that the COVID-19 pandemic is leaving in its wake, we can also acknowledge […]
5 ways to prepare your patient for their first telemedicine visit
The first visit can seem daunting for patients, but by offering this advice and treating the virtual visit as an extension of in-person care, it […]
THCB Spotlights: Paul Johnson, CEO of Lemonaid
Today on THCB Spotlights, Matthew sits down with Paul Johnson, the CEO of Lemonaid. Lemonaid just closed a $33 million Series B led by Olive […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 139 | More Funding Deals & Livongo’s Diabetes Prevention Program
Health tech deals are just back to back this week! On Episode 139 of Health In 2 Point 00, Jess asks me about Withings getting […]
Mount Sinai spinoff launches virtual trial network with the American Gastroenterological Association
Rx.Health, a Mount Sinai spinoff that stitches together digital healthcare tools, struck a partnership with the American Gastroenterological Association to create a virtual trial network. […]
Apply now to the 4 pitch contest tracks at INVEST Digital Health Virtual
We are seeking digital health startups in four categories to take part in our INVEST Digital Health Virtual event in September.
PBM Startup Capital Rx Starts Prescription Drug Pricing Shake-Up with Walmart Partnership
By JESSICA DaMASSA, WTF HEALTH A startup PBM? Partnered up with Walmart to bring “everyday low prices” to prescription drug pricing? Is this too good […]
LIVE: THCB GANG, Episode 20, July 30, 2020 From 1PM PT/4PM ET
Episode 20 of “The THCB Gang” will be live-streamed on Thursday, July 30th! Tune in below. Joining Matthew Holt are some of our regulars: writer […]
CVS builds out digital health program with five more companies
CVS Caremark added five new companies to its Point Solution Management Service, which it launched last year to make it easier for businesses to implement […]
Shattering the fourth wall: The shared behavioral health experiences
With the line between provider and patient now blurred, behavioral health professionals need to be in tune with their own psychological and physical state and […]
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Innovation Challenges Blog Post Announcing Semi-Finalists
SPONSORED POST By CATALYST @ HEALTH 2.0 The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has underscored the need for efficient and innovative emergency response. Major health organizations, such […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 138 | Health Tech Funding in Late July?
There is still health tech funding going on in late July? Wow! On Episode 138 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jess asks me about […]
Too Many Small Steps, Not Enough Leaps
By KIM BELLARD I was driving home the other day, noticed all the above-ground telephone/power lines, and thought to myself: this is not the 21st […]
Two years after reset, Withings turns focus to remote patient monitoring with $60M raise
After Withings co-founder Eric Carreel bought the connected device company back from Nokia two years ago, the company has charted a more clinical course. With […]
Can Community Be a Medicine?
By ARAS TOKER Analysis on peer accountability focused community building efforts in making lifestyle changes through digital therapeutic programs Before we jump ahead to the medicine piece, […]
Will Google win over regulators with pledge to not use Fitbit health data?
Google has reportedly pledged not to use Fitbit’s user data for its advertising business. With the deadline quickly approaching, is it enough that European regulators […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 137| $10M in Seed Rounds, AI & Chatbots, and a New Meditation App?
Today on Episode 137 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jess questions if “Jack in the Bean Stalk” is actually abut how VCs are growing […]
Chugai, Biofourmis partner on DTx for pain monitoring
The companies will test Biofourmis’ sensor and artificial intelligence system in a clinical trial of more than 120 women with endometriosis.
Amwell’s Roy Schoenberg: Telehealth Post-Pandemic is “Entrenched Inside” Traditional Health Care
By JESSICA DaMASSA There are few better positioned to speculate on what’s next for telehealth than Roy Schoenberg, co-CEO & President, of Amwell. After 15 […]
How four healthcare executives are planning for the future of digital health
Executives with Kaiser Permanente, Houston Methodist, Providence St. Joseph Health and Highmark Health shared their thoughts on the future of digital health and how they […]
Digital health startup Kaia hopes to win over insurers with results of back pain study
Kaia Health, a startup making an app to help users manage back pain, touted the results of a large, randomized controlled trial using its app. […]
Are we experiencing a natural selection moment in health tech?
Health tech companies in the wellness industry might face a more difficult market than those in the clinical-grade domain. Benefits offered by wellness companies are […]
How Mass General Brigham planned its digital response to Covid-19
At MedCity INVEST, Mass General Brigham Chief Information Officer Chris Coburn shared how the health system prepared itself for Covid-19 by scaling up its digital […]
“Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech Conference” Matthew Holt & Jessica DaMassa’s Keynote 6/17/20
Matthew Holt and Jessica DaMassa gave a talk at the “Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech Conference” on June 17, 2020. They spoke about how technology […]
Five VCs share how the pandemic has changed investing
Months into the Covid-19 pandemic, the pace of new investments for startups has picked back up. Five VCs shared what’s changed and how they’re working […]
A special presentation from J.P. Morgan for MedCity’s INVEST conference [Sponsored]
Pamela Aldsworth, head of VC coverage and managing director at J.P. Morgan, discusses deals and dealmaking during the pandemic and how startups can survive, in […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 136 | Telepharmacy, a Mega-Merger, & DoorDash’s Deal with Walgreens
On Episode 136 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jess has 15 new deals to talk about (and its only been a day since the […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 135 | Amazon’s primary care entry, UnitedHealth’s digital DPP & more
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, it’s the 4th shoe! On Episode 135, we’ve got Amazon’s entry into primary care through its pilot program […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 134 | Health Tech’s “PPP Blacklist”, Walgreens and VillageMD, & more
Today on Episode 134 of Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I cover Livongo’s stock price swinging, Brian Dolan’s PPP “Black List” for Health […]
Virtually Better
By KIM BELLARD The COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t have come at a better time for virtual reality. It has caused many workers to work remotely, introducing […]
UnitedHealth creates its own digital health program for type 2 diabetes
The company is rolling out Level2, a digital health program for patients with type 2 diabetes. It uses wearable devices and coaches to help users […]
How a group of CA safety-net clinics mobilized tech to respond to Covid-19
A network of community health centers in northern California quickly built out telehealth tools, mapping services and other technologies to respond to Covid-19. Leaders with […]
Medical device cybersecurity startup strikes partnership with Blackberry
San Diego-based medical device startup MedCrypt struck a partnership with Blackberry QNX, an operating system developed by Blackberry for embedded systems.
Doctor On Demand raises $75M, plans to build out virtual primary care
Telehealth startup Doctor on Demand raised $75 million in a series D round led by General Atlantic. The company plans to use the funds to […]
MedCity Pivot Podcast: An interview with Bari Kowal, vice president of global clinical operations, Regeneron
Bari Kowal, vice president of global clinical operations at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, gives an update on the clinical trials ongoing to develop drugs to fight Covid-19 […]
Propeller gets green light to bundle its digital health tools with inhalers
Propeller Health and Novartis received the green light from European regulators to package their products together. The move is one step of many to make […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 133 | PBMs galore, Genome Medical, & the FCC’s Rural Health Program
Episode 133 of Health in 2 Point 00 is brought to you by the letter P — that’s P for PBMs, of course. In this […]
Goodbye Glasses, Hello Smartglasses
By KIM BELLARD It’s been a few months since I last wrote about augmented reality (AR), and, if anything, AR activity has only picked up since then […]
Anthem’s PBM buys pharmacy startup Zipdrug
Anthem’s newly formed PBM, IngenioRx, acquired pharmacy startup Zipdrug. The company facilitates in-home drug delivery and helps health plans track medication adherence.
Digital health funding hits another high mark for 2020
Digital health companies once again set a record for funding in 2020, according to a report by Rock Health. They raised a total of $5.4 […]
Health in 2 Point 00, Episode 132 | Accolade IPO, Somatus, NexHealth, Tatch & more
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, Jess and I cover some big news! Accolade has filed its IPO, so on Episode 132 I give […]
The return of housecalls: How Covid-19 will change healthcare forever
Housecalls may not arrive in the form of a horse and buggy, but after experiencing the convenience and value of receiving care on the channel […]
THCB Gang Episode 16
Episode 16 of “The THCB Gang” was on Thursday, July 2nd! You can see the video below! Joining Matthew Holt were some of our regulars: […]
