Microsoft has announced the final cumulative update for Windows 10, designated as KB5066791, coinciding with the operating system's end of support lifecycle. This critical update addresses six zero-day vulnerabilities and 172 additional flaws, highlighting the urgency for users to implement it to maintain security. Healthcare organizations relying on Windows 10 must be aware that after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease free updates and support for the OS, although extended security options are available for a fee. This shift emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to evaluate their technology strategies to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive patient data.

Microsoft Releases Final Windows 10 Update, Ends Support Cycle BleepingComputer

The U.S. healthcare system is grappling with high costs and inefficiency, driven largely by the price of services rather than their usage, according to Trilliant Health's 2025 Trends Shaping the Health Economy Report. This report underscores a need for significant reform in how healthcare value is purchased and delivered, as the U.S. achieves poorer health outcomes despite leading the world in healthcare spending. A key contributor to this crisis is the extreme variation in service prices, illuminated by the Transparency in Coverage rule, which reveals inconsistencies like the vast cost range for procedures across the country and even within single states. For healthcare professionals, these findings highlight the urgent need to address pricing discrepancies and enhance system cohesiveness to improve patient outcomes.

U.S. Healthcare Faces Crisis: High Costs and Vast Price Disparities Revealed HIT Consultant

Epic Systems, a prominent electronic health record (EHR) provider, maintains a strict no-negotiation policy on pricing, an approach that aims to level the playing field for healthcare organizations with varying negotiation skills. This strategy, rooted in founder Judy Faulkner's recognition of unfair advantages held by aggressive negotiators, underscores Epic's commitment to transparency and fairness in its pricing structure. While the company is inflexible in rejecting price negotiations, it is willing to adjust prices if deemed unreasonable, highlighting a nuanced balance between rigid principles and client needs. This distinct pricing model has significant implications for healthcare technology procurement practices, emphasizing the importance of fair pricing in enhancing accessibility to essential health technologies.

Epic Systems Stands Firm with Unique No-Negotiation Pricing Policy Becker's Hospital Review

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials have criticized the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) for potentially acting as a regulatory cartel that could hinder innovation in healthcare AI. While CHAI defends its initiatives aimed at establishing safety and transparency standards, it faces backlash from both current officials and former Trump Administration members, who argue that such regulations could stifle progress. CHAI has released a framework for responsible AI use and is working to engage with HHS leaders to address concerns, underscoring the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and technological advancement in the healthcare sector. This scenario highlights the critical need for balancing innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare technology.

U.S. Health Leaders Challenge Coalitions AI Standards for Healthcare Healthcare IT News

Microsoft has announced the final cumulative update for Windows 10, designated as KB5066791, coinciding with the operating system's end of support lifecycle. This critical update addresses six zero-day vulnerabilities and 172 additional flaws, highlighting the urgency for users to implement it to maintain security. Healthcare organizations relying on Windows 10 must be aware that after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease free updates and support for the OS, although extended security options are available for a fee. This shift emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to evaluate their technology strategies to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive patient data.

Microsoft Releases Final Windows 10 Update, Ends Support Cycle BleepingComputer

The U.S. healthcare system is grappling with high costs and inefficiency, driven largely by the price of services rather than their usage, according to Trilliant Health's 2025 Trends Shaping the Health Economy Report. This report underscores a need for significant reform in how healthcare value is purchased and delivered, as the U.S. achieves poorer health outcomes despite leading the world in healthcare spending. A key contributor to this crisis is the extreme variation in service prices, illuminated by the Transparency in Coverage rule, which reveals inconsistencies like the vast cost range for procedures across the country and even within single states. For healthcare professionals, these findings highlight the urgent need to address pricing discrepancies and enhance system cohesiveness to improve patient outcomes.

U.S. Healthcare Faces Crisis: High Costs and Vast Price Disparities Revealed HIT Consultant

Epic Systems, a prominent electronic health record (EHR) provider, maintains a strict no-negotiation policy on pricing, an approach that aims to level the playing field for healthcare organizations with varying negotiation skills. This strategy, rooted in founder Judy Faulkner's recognition of unfair advantages held by aggressive negotiators, underscores Epic's commitment to transparency and fairness in its pricing structure. While the company is inflexible in rejecting price negotiations, it is willing to adjust prices if deemed unreasonable, highlighting a nuanced balance between rigid principles and client needs. This distinct pricing model has significant implications for healthcare technology procurement practices, emphasizing the importance of fair pricing in enhancing accessibility to essential health technologies.

Epic Systems Stands Firm with Unique No-Negotiation Pricing Policy Becker's Hospital Review

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials have criticized the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) for potentially acting as a regulatory cartel that could hinder innovation in healthcare AI. While CHAI defends its initiatives aimed at establishing safety and transparency standards, it faces backlash from both current officials and former Trump Administration members, who argue that such regulations could stifle progress. CHAI has released a framework for responsible AI use and is working to engage with HHS leaders to address concerns, underscoring the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and technological advancement in the healthcare sector. This scenario highlights the critical need for balancing innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare technology.

U.S. Health Leaders Challenge Coalitions AI Standards for Healthcare Healthcare IT News