September 26, 2023
Costco taps Sesame to offer members $29 virtual care visits
The Sesame marketplace is comprised of primary care doctors and nurse practitioners as well as more than 40 health specialties, labs and imaging centers and is inclusive of both virtual and in-person care. (Sesame)
Costco is joining retail competitors Walgreens, Walmart and CVS Health by expanding its healthcare footprint.
The big-box retailer teamed up with startup Sesame to offer special discount pricing to Costco members on a broad range of outpatient medical care services, including telehealth visits. Costco members nationally can book appointments directly through their Costco memberships for Sesame's "best pricing" including virtual primary care visits for $29 and online mental health therapy visits for $79.
New York City-based Sesame launched in 2019 to connect patients to in-person and virtual care using a direct-pay model. The company built a two-sided marketplace for patients and healthcare providers. As a cash-pay business, Sesame aims to address the healthcare needs of uninsured consumers and those with high-deductible plans.
The Sesame marketplace is comprised of primary care doctors and nurse practitioners as well as more than 40 health specialties, labs and imaging centers and is inclusive of both virtual and in-person care, according to the company. The company says its marketplace gives consumers direct access to more than 10,000 healthcare providers that charge a cash price and do not accept nor require insurance, and more than 100,000 patients have been treated by doctors found through Sesame.
"Quality, great value, and low price are what the Costco brand is known for," said David Goldhill, Sesame’s co-founder and CEO, in a press release. "When it comes to health care, Sesame also delivers high quality and great value—and a low price that will be appreciated by Costco Members when it comes to their own care."
Related
Sesame raises $24M to expand cash-pay marketplace for healthcare services
As part of the collaboration between Costco and Sesame, Costco members can also access health checkups for $72, which includes a standard lab panel plus a virtual follow-up consultation with a provider. Members also get 10% off of all other Sesame services, including in-person appointments.
Costco's move to push deeper into healthcare comes as other retailers also expand their healthcare offerings. Walmart has been building out its network of primary care clinics. The company has more than 30 locations in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. The retail giant plans to open four new health centers in the Oklahoma City area . This is in addition to already announced plans to move into Missouri and Arizona in 2024.
Amazon bought primary care company One Medical for $3.9 billion while CVS Health acquired Oak Street Health for $10.6 billion . Walgreens-backed VillageMD also bought medical practice Summit Health, the parent company of urgent care clinic chain CityMD, for nearly $9 billion.
But Costco executives point out that the big-box retailer has a different strategy. Other retailers are expanding their healthcare offerings by offering preventive and urgent care services in store as well as opening pharmacies.
Featured Event
The Future of the Payer Industry: Headwinds, Tailwinds and Wild Cards
November 2-3, 2023
Austin, TX
Register
"By partnering with Sesame, Costco is providing its members access to Sesame marketplace of low-price healthcare services, virtually or in-person with a provider, all at an exclusive discount. With the option to bring healthcare into their home, Costco members will have access to care in a setting that’s right for them and have the option to develop long-term doctor-patient relationships with a Sesame provider," Costco executives said.
A private-equity-backed company, Sesame has raised $75 million from investors including Google Ventures. The company has reported that patients using its cash-pay healthcare marketplace saved between 20% and 67% on the cost of healthcare services.
In February 2022, jumped into the employer market by rolling out a service that provides employee healthcare offerings for small and medium-sized businesses.
September 25, 2023
Retail healthcare is a growing area of interest for many companies, as healthcare moves into the home and both retailers and traditional companies eye a piece of the nearly $4 trillion health industry pie.
From retail health clinics to wearable medical devices, there are more ideas brewing to expand healthcare access points and get patients care where they are, in their homes.
Medical devices —which now include wearables like smart watches and remote monitoring devices like blood pressure cuffs or glucose monitors — are providing significant market opportunity.
While the basic concept is the same as retail —getting a product or service to a customer — it is also higher stakes. As Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan recently said, making a healthcare purchase is "not like buying a toaster. It really can be life or death."
And patients are a captive market in the largely opaque and insular health industry, where prices are often hidden and there's little transparency about the process available for patients.
Best Buy (BBY), for example, has a health segment that started making moves more than five years ago, with a focus on tech platforms and device providers that cater to the needs of patients in their homes. The company acquired Current Health, which provides at-home technology, patient monitoring, and healthcare services, in 2022 for $400 million.
Best Buy previously acquired GreatCall, an emergency response service for older patients, for $800 million in 2018. That deal gave BestBuy 900,000 subscribers to add to its customer base.
Since then, the retailer has announced partnerships with hospital systems that tie the at-home care with access to Geek Squad — the retailer's longtime technology support service, which will help patients use and troubleshoot their new medical devices.
The company also launched spaces in 40 stores nationwide last year that allow for customers to experience new devices — including non-healthcare devices. That includes testing out treadmills, smart refrigerators, hearing aids, and the like.
Best Buy has seen success linking Geek Squad with patients at Atrium Health and Geisinger Health, two large health systems in the country, and recently announced ramping up its relationship with Geisinger.
But the company maintains it is only interested in being a partner that provides the technology support, rather than moving into the health provider space as other retailers like Walmart (WMT), with its health centers, and Amazon (AMZN), with its primary care One Medical acquisition, have done.
"We are not looking to provide care; we want to make the process of receiving care at home easier by doing what we do best: bringing consumers the technology they need and to age, receive care and remain well in their homes," said Deborah Di Sanzo, president of Best Buy Health, in an emailed response to Yahoo Finance.
"Traditional retail does play a role, especially when our large store footprint allows us to reach so many people. Seventy percent of Americans live within 10 minutes of a Best Buy," Di Sanzo said.
And the company is leveraging that footprint to provide interactive displays that can help customers become familiar with newer technology for at-home care.
So could you see mobility scooters in a Best Buy near you?
"In these stores you would indeed see new categories .... next to traditional tech customers love to see from Best Buy like TVs, but in addition to that, you’d also see an interactive display of over-the-counter hearing aids, expanded health and wellness areas with tons of new and innovative products," Di Sanzo said.
All of this is taking place as retailers undergo a transformation period, as more shopping is done online putting less demand on larger-footprint stores. But it isn't just retailers giving rise to big box medicine — that is, healthcare in a consumer-friendly format.
GE Healthcare (GEHC), which spun off into an independent company this year, has been a longtime player in medical devices for hospital use. But it sees opportunity in the at-home space, with portable devices sold through retailers, as well as providing the hospital-grade devices a retail clinic might need.
Catherine Estrampes, US and Canada CEO for GE Healthcare, told Yahoo Finance at-home care is a big topic for the company.
"There will be more demand for in-the-home, or in retail spaces, access to technology — to simple, new technology. There is always going to be a lot of demand for inpatient and clinics. But I think, if you look at the market structure today, the Walmarts and CVSs (CVS), they are making big moves into the market," Estrampes said.
One of the ideas Estrampes shared could be adding mammograms to retail health sites at a CVS or a Walmart. For example, imagine being in a retail store, and before you do your shopping, you get a mammogram with a health provider at the on-site clinic.
The company has also launched a handheld ultrasound device, Vscan Air, which can be used both for the maternity care market, but also has benefits for rural markets in the US and globally. To compliment the handheld use, GE Healthcare acquired Caption Health earlier this year, which is an AI platform that could help guide a medical professional in using a handheld ultrasound device.
The company also invested in Pulsenmore, an at-home ultrasound system that expectant mothers can use.
That could reduce the burden of multiple doctor's visits that maternal care requires — making the process easier for both patient and provider, especially if data can be transmitted to the doctor or health system, Estrampes said.
Data is key in this scenario, so having healthcare partners linked through electronic medical records could become an important avenue to having better health outcomes for patients, Estrampes said.
But there's another benefit: It can also help GE Healthcare build better products.
"The data is totally linked to the development of insights, so that we can develop predictive analytics to detect early and treat earlier," Estrampes said.
Follow Anjalee on Twitter @AnjKhem.
Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
September 25, 2023
OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, is working with Hint Health on a new AI-powered clinical documentation platform they hope will improve the physician-patient relationship by streamlining note taking and transcription.
WHY IT MATTERS
Hint Health has added beta capabilities to its All-in-One clinical platform that enable doctors to record patient consultations or interactions within the app and transcribe them using OpenAI's Whisper API – which can auto generate clinical documentation using OpenAI large language models.
The aim is to help the thousands of direct primary care physicians using the Hint platform to have more time to focus on their patients – and to grow their business – and to spend less time taking notes.
Hint and OpenAI say the integration is meant to help DPC docs use technology to "amplify their care rather than replace it," and to support physicians by enabling more meaningful interactions at the point of care and reducing clinician burnout.
"In the hands of the DPC community, we believe AI has the potential to help restore trust and integrity in our healthcare systems," said Zak Holdsworth, CEO of Hint Health, in a statement.
THE LARGER TREND
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT hold big promise for clinical applications and patient engagement. That's why companies such as Epic and Oracle Health are integrating the capabilities into their EHR offerings.
While some experts say hospitals aren't ready yet for LLM-based patient portals, and others caution that providers should stay aware of the limitations of generative AI, it's clear that an array of compelling clinical, financial and operation use cases are showing its transformative potential.
As they integrate generative AI into clinical practice, here are some tips to help provider organizations use it responsibly.
ON THE RECORD
"Our vision is a future where technology empowers, rather than hinders, the doctor-patient relationship," said Holdsworth. "The technological arms race in insurance based care models has for decades led to systematically worse access and experience for patients and doctors, and Direct Primary Care is reversing this trend."
"AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, human relationships," added Aliisa Rosenthal, head of sales at OpenAI. "We are excited that Hint Health is using OpenAI's technology to bring advanced tools to doctors who share our vision."
Mike Miliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.
September 25, 2023
The world of healthcare IT is on the brink of a revolution. As health systems accelerate digital transformation, cloud technology has quickly ascended to the forefront, creating an urgent need for robust and efficient cloud security measures. This seismic shift comes with its share of challenges and opportunities, making it imperative for healthcare IT professionals to develop effective strategies for a smooth transition.
To help navigate this emerging landscape, we turn to seasoned industry professionals Robert Cantu, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, Inova Health System, and Todd Felker, Executive Healthcare Strategist at CrowdStrike. Their in-depth knowledge and practical experience offer a wealth of insights into the complexities and possibilities at the intersection of healthcare and cloud security. From understanding the evolving threat landscape to overcoming staffing and budgetary constraints, their perspectives shed light on the crucial steps health systems need to consider in their journey to cloud security.
Cloud-based solutions have begun to dominate healthcare IT. Critical systems, like Electronic Health Records (EHR), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), are transitioning to the cloud. This shift prompts the need for robust cloud security.
Cloud technology offers the healthcare sector agility, scalability, and cost efficiency. However, its adoption brings challenges, primarily the constant evolution of cybersecurity threats. As Todd says, "These adversaries are continuing to evolve." This statement underscores the growing necessity for IT professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
Data protection and patient privacy are significant concerns as health systems transition to the cloud. As Todd suggests, half the world's data could be in the cloud within a few years, underlining the need for scalable and adaptable cloud security solutions.
Transitioning to cloud-based systems brings obstacles, such as staffing, budgetary pressures, and problems with existing on-premise data centers. As Robert points out, many of these centers are in sub-optimal locations and risk physical damage. "Your data center is sitting in closets. It's getting in a non-conditioned space. You've got water pipes waiting to blow through 2 million worth of network equipment," he explains.
These challenges highlight the pressing need for a shift in strategy towards cloud security solutions. The journey is complex, but the rewards of security, scalability, and operational efficiency make it worthwhile.
As we tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities in the transition to cloud security solutions, it's vital to have a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy. Two fundamental elements underpin successful strategies: choosing a reliable partner and careful budget considerations.
Todd's perspective on partnership choice brings to light the necessity of adaptability in a landscape where adversaries constantly evolve. "What you're looking for is a partner that's going to help you adapt as the adversary evolves," he explained, underlining the need for a dynamic response to a fast-moving security landscape. "As the cloud usage grows, expanding to the other clouds and having your tools work in both...Azure, but also AWS and Google...is critical."
These insights underline the importance of versatility and flexibility in a cloud security partner. Given the pace at which technology and cybersecurity threats evolve, adapting quickly is essential to a successful cloud security solution.
The element of cost is equally significant in transitioning to cloud-based solutions. Robert provides a pragmatic approach to budget considerations, recommending an in-depth review of the costs associated with current data center operations. He suggests considering "what you're spending for power, what you're spending for cooling, what you're spending for that space. That is your data center."
Highlighting these often-overlooked expenses can be vital in making a persuasive case for the cost-effectiveness of cloud solutions. It also underscores the importance of a holistic view of the budgetary implications, considering the apparent costs of cloud services and the potential savings from moving away from on-premise data centers.
These insights provide a strategic blueprint for health systems transitioning to the cloud. It is clear that selecting the right partners and having a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with current and future states are integral to implementing effective cloud security solutions.
While moving to the cloud brings about a transformative change in how healthcare IT functions, it is essential that this transition is both secure and economical. Robert's insights offer a roadmap for achieving this delicate balance, emphasizing the significance of partner selection in the process.
Robert stresses the importance of choosing partners who protect the system and help improve its state. "What I'm doing, what I think anyone in my position would do, is going out and picking the right partners that are going to A, help you protect, B, help you bring your system along and get it to a more secure state," he explains.
This statement speaks to the dual role that a good cloud security partner plays. First, they help bolster the system's defenses against cybersecurity threats. Second, they assist in the overall development of the system, ensuring it is robust, secure, and primed for future growth.
Moreover, Robert emphasizes the value of a partner who can seamlessly integrate into the existing IT ecosystem. "Three, they get along in the ecosystem so that you can maximize your investment," he adds. Such harmonious integration ensures that the chosen cloud solutions align with existing systems and processes, thereby improving overall efficiency and maximizing return on investment.
A crucial point that Robert highlights is the potential for cloud security solutions to limit staffing requirements. By selecting the right cloud security partner, healthcare organizations can reduce the need for extensive in-house IT teams, which is particularly significant in an era of staffing challenges and budget constraints.
"Limit the amount of stuff you have to bring to your premises so that you can achieve this in an economical, secure way," Robert suggests. This strategy allows healthcare IT professionals to tap into the expertise of their cloud security partners, enabling them to maintain robust and secure systems without the need for extensive personnel recruitment.
In essence, achieving economical and secure cloud solutions involves meticulous partner selection, prioritizing those who can offer comprehensive protection, facilitate system improvements, integrate effectively into the existing ecosystem, and help streamline staffing requirements. This approach ensures an optimized, cost-effective, secure transition to the cloud.
Healthcare systems increasingly turn to the cloud, requiring robust cloud security solutions. The insights from Todd and Robert highlight the complex challenges that healthcare IT professionals face and provide a roadmap for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Strategic partner selection emerges as a critical theme. Todd believes the right partner will help health systems adapt to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Robert provides a comprehensive view of what to look for in a cloud security partner, who should protect the system, help its overall growth, and smoothly integrate into the existing ecosystem.
As healthcare organizations migrate more data and systems to the cloud, the cybersecurity landscape in healthcare IT will continue to evolve. The need for reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective cloud security solutions will grow. As we chart the future of cloud security in healthcare IT, success lies in our ability to adapt, choose the right partners, and protect sensitive data. This journey may be challenging, but healthcare IT professionals can securely navigate this new frontier with the right strategies and partnerships.
September 26, 2023
Costco taps Sesame to offer members $29 virtual care visits
The Sesame marketplace is comprised of primary care doctors and nurse practitioners as well as more than 40 health specialties, labs and imaging centers and is inclusive of both virtual and in-person care. (Sesame)
Costco is joining retail competitors Walgreens, Walmart and CVS Health by expanding its healthcare footprint.
The big-box retailer teamed up with startup Sesame to offer special discount pricing to Costco members on a broad range of outpatient medical care services, including telehealth visits. Costco members nationally can book appointments directly through their Costco memberships for Sesame's "best pricing" including virtual primary care visits for $29 and online mental health therapy visits for $79.
New York City-based Sesame launched in 2019 to connect patients to in-person and virtual care using a direct-pay model. The company built a two-sided marketplace for patients and healthcare providers. As a cash-pay business, Sesame aims to address the healthcare needs of uninsured consumers and those with high-deductible plans.
The Sesame marketplace is comprised of primary care doctors and nurse practitioners as well as more than 40 health specialties, labs and imaging centers and is inclusive of both virtual and in-person care, according to the company. The company says its marketplace gives consumers direct access to more than 10,000 healthcare providers that charge a cash price and do not accept nor require insurance, and more than 100,000 patients have been treated by doctors found through Sesame.
"Quality, great value, and low price are what the Costco brand is known for," said David Goldhill, Sesame’s co-founder and CEO, in a press release. "When it comes to health care, Sesame also delivers high quality and great value—and a low price that will be appreciated by Costco Members when it comes to their own care."
Related
Sesame raises $24M to expand cash-pay marketplace for healthcare services
As part of the collaboration between Costco and Sesame, Costco members can also access health checkups for $72, which includes a standard lab panel plus a virtual follow-up consultation with a provider. Members also get 10% off of all other Sesame services, including in-person appointments.
Costco's move to push deeper into healthcare comes as other retailers also expand their healthcare offerings. Walmart has been building out its network of primary care clinics. The company has more than 30 locations in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. The retail giant plans to open four new health centers in the Oklahoma City area . This is in addition to already announced plans to move into Missouri and Arizona in 2024.
Amazon bought primary care company One Medical for $3.9 billion while CVS Health acquired Oak Street Health for $10.6 billion . Walgreens-backed VillageMD also bought medical practice Summit Health, the parent company of urgent care clinic chain CityMD, for nearly $9 billion.
But Costco executives point out that the big-box retailer has a different strategy. Other retailers are expanding their healthcare offerings by offering preventive and urgent care services in store as well as opening pharmacies.
Featured Event
The Future of the Payer Industry: Headwinds, Tailwinds and Wild Cards
November 2-3, 2023
Austin, TX
Register
"By partnering with Sesame, Costco is providing its members access to Sesame marketplace of low-price healthcare services, virtually or in-person with a provider, all at an exclusive discount. With the option to bring healthcare into their home, Costco members will have access to care in a setting that’s right for them and have the option to develop long-term doctor-patient relationships with a Sesame provider," Costco executives said.
A private-equity-backed company, Sesame has raised $75 million from investors including Google Ventures. The company has reported that patients using its cash-pay healthcare marketplace saved between 20% and 67% on the cost of healthcare services.
In February 2022, jumped into the employer market by rolling out a service that provides employee healthcare offerings for small and medium-sized businesses.
September 25, 2023
Retail healthcare is a growing area of interest for many companies, as healthcare moves into the home and both retailers and traditional companies eye a piece of the nearly $4 trillion health industry pie.
From retail health clinics to wearable medical devices, there are more ideas brewing to expand healthcare access points and get patients care where they are, in their homes.
Medical devices —which now include wearables like smart watches and remote monitoring devices like blood pressure cuffs or glucose monitors — are providing significant market opportunity.
While the basic concept is the same as retail —getting a product or service to a customer — it is also higher stakes. As Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan recently said, making a healthcare purchase is "not like buying a toaster. It really can be life or death."
And patients are a captive market in the largely opaque and insular health industry, where prices are often hidden and there's little transparency about the process available for patients.
Best Buy (BBY), for example, has a health segment that started making moves more than five years ago, with a focus on tech platforms and device providers that cater to the needs of patients in their homes. The company acquired Current Health, which provides at-home technology, patient monitoring, and healthcare services, in 2022 for $400 million.
Best Buy previously acquired GreatCall, an emergency response service for older patients, for $800 million in 2018. That deal gave BestBuy 900,000 subscribers to add to its customer base.
Since then, the retailer has announced partnerships with hospital systems that tie the at-home care with access to Geek Squad — the retailer's longtime technology support service, which will help patients use and troubleshoot their new medical devices.
The company also launched spaces in 40 stores nationwide last year that allow for customers to experience new devices — including non-healthcare devices. That includes testing out treadmills, smart refrigerators, hearing aids, and the like.
Best Buy has seen success linking Geek Squad with patients at Atrium Health and Geisinger Health, two large health systems in the country, and recently announced ramping up its relationship with Geisinger.
But the company maintains it is only interested in being a partner that provides the technology support, rather than moving into the health provider space as other retailers like Walmart (WMT), with its health centers, and Amazon (AMZN), with its primary care One Medical acquisition, have done.
"We are not looking to provide care; we want to make the process of receiving care at home easier by doing what we do best: bringing consumers the technology they need and to age, receive care and remain well in their homes," said Deborah Di Sanzo, president of Best Buy Health, in an emailed response to Yahoo Finance.
"Traditional retail does play a role, especially when our large store footprint allows us to reach so many people. Seventy percent of Americans live within 10 minutes of a Best Buy," Di Sanzo said.
And the company is leveraging that footprint to provide interactive displays that can help customers become familiar with newer technology for at-home care.
So could you see mobility scooters in a Best Buy near you?
"In these stores you would indeed see new categories .... next to traditional tech customers love to see from Best Buy like TVs, but in addition to that, you’d also see an interactive display of over-the-counter hearing aids, expanded health and wellness areas with tons of new and innovative products," Di Sanzo said.
All of this is taking place as retailers undergo a transformation period, as more shopping is done online putting less demand on larger-footprint stores. But it isn't just retailers giving rise to big box medicine — that is, healthcare in a consumer-friendly format.
GE Healthcare (GEHC), which spun off into an independent company this year, has been a longtime player in medical devices for hospital use. But it sees opportunity in the at-home space, with portable devices sold through retailers, as well as providing the hospital-grade devices a retail clinic might need.
Catherine Estrampes, US and Canada CEO for GE Healthcare, told Yahoo Finance at-home care is a big topic for the company.
"There will be more demand for in-the-home, or in retail spaces, access to technology — to simple, new technology. There is always going to be a lot of demand for inpatient and clinics. But I think, if you look at the market structure today, the Walmarts and CVSs (CVS), they are making big moves into the market," Estrampes said.
One of the ideas Estrampes shared could be adding mammograms to retail health sites at a CVS or a Walmart. For example, imagine being in a retail store, and before you do your shopping, you get a mammogram with a health provider at the on-site clinic.
The company has also launched a handheld ultrasound device, Vscan Air, which can be used both for the maternity care market, but also has benefits for rural markets in the US and globally. To compliment the handheld use, GE Healthcare acquired Caption Health earlier this year, which is an AI platform that could help guide a medical professional in using a handheld ultrasound device.
The company also invested in Pulsenmore, an at-home ultrasound system that expectant mothers can use.
That could reduce the burden of multiple doctor's visits that maternal care requires — making the process easier for both patient and provider, especially if data can be transmitted to the doctor or health system, Estrampes said.
Data is key in this scenario, so having healthcare partners linked through electronic medical records could become an important avenue to having better health outcomes for patients, Estrampes said.
But there's another benefit: It can also help GE Healthcare build better products.
"The data is totally linked to the development of insights, so that we can develop predictive analytics to detect early and treat earlier," Estrampes said.
Follow Anjalee on Twitter @AnjKhem.
Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
September 25, 2023
OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, is working with Hint Health on a new AI-powered clinical documentation platform they hope will improve the physician-patient relationship by streamlining note taking and transcription.
WHY IT MATTERS
Hint Health has added beta capabilities to its All-in-One clinical platform that enable doctors to record patient consultations or interactions within the app and transcribe them using OpenAI's Whisper API – which can auto generate clinical documentation using OpenAI large language models.
The aim is to help the thousands of direct primary care physicians using the Hint platform to have more time to focus on their patients – and to grow their business – and to spend less time taking notes.
Hint and OpenAI say the integration is meant to help DPC docs use technology to "amplify their care rather than replace it," and to support physicians by enabling more meaningful interactions at the point of care and reducing clinician burnout.
"In the hands of the DPC community, we believe AI has the potential to help restore trust and integrity in our healthcare systems," said Zak Holdsworth, CEO of Hint Health, in a statement.
THE LARGER TREND
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT hold big promise for clinical applications and patient engagement. That's why companies such as Epic and Oracle Health are integrating the capabilities into their EHR offerings.
While some experts say hospitals aren't ready yet for LLM-based patient portals, and others caution that providers should stay aware of the limitations of generative AI, it's clear that an array of compelling clinical, financial and operation use cases are showing its transformative potential.
As they integrate generative AI into clinical practice, here are some tips to help provider organizations use it responsibly.
ON THE RECORD
"Our vision is a future where technology empowers, rather than hinders, the doctor-patient relationship," said Holdsworth. "The technological arms race in insurance based care models has for decades led to systematically worse access and experience for patients and doctors, and Direct Primary Care is reversing this trend."
"AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, human relationships," added Aliisa Rosenthal, head of sales at OpenAI. "We are excited that Hint Health is using OpenAI's technology to bring advanced tools to doctors who share our vision."
Mike Miliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.
September 25, 2023
The world of healthcare IT is on the brink of a revolution. As health systems accelerate digital transformation, cloud technology has quickly ascended to the forefront, creating an urgent need for robust and efficient cloud security measures. This seismic shift comes with its share of challenges and opportunities, making it imperative for healthcare IT professionals to develop effective strategies for a smooth transition.
To help navigate this emerging landscape, we turn to seasoned industry professionals Robert Cantu, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, Inova Health System, and Todd Felker, Executive Healthcare Strategist at CrowdStrike. Their in-depth knowledge and practical experience offer a wealth of insights into the complexities and possibilities at the intersection of healthcare and cloud security. From understanding the evolving threat landscape to overcoming staffing and budgetary constraints, their perspectives shed light on the crucial steps health systems need to consider in their journey to cloud security.
Cloud-based solutions have begun to dominate healthcare IT. Critical systems, like Electronic Health Records (EHR), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), are transitioning to the cloud. This shift prompts the need for robust cloud security.
Cloud technology offers the healthcare sector agility, scalability, and cost efficiency. However, its adoption brings challenges, primarily the constant evolution of cybersecurity threats. As Todd says, "These adversaries are continuing to evolve." This statement underscores the growing necessity for IT professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
Data protection and patient privacy are significant concerns as health systems transition to the cloud. As Todd suggests, half the world's data could be in the cloud within a few years, underlining the need for scalable and adaptable cloud security solutions.
Transitioning to cloud-based systems brings obstacles, such as staffing, budgetary pressures, and problems with existing on-premise data centers. As Robert points out, many of these centers are in sub-optimal locations and risk physical damage. "Your data center is sitting in closets. It's getting in a non-conditioned space. You've got water pipes waiting to blow through 2 million worth of network equipment," he explains.
These challenges highlight the pressing need for a shift in strategy towards cloud security solutions. The journey is complex, but the rewards of security, scalability, and operational efficiency make it worthwhile.
As we tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities in the transition to cloud security solutions, it's vital to have a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy. Two fundamental elements underpin successful strategies: choosing a reliable partner and careful budget considerations.
Todd's perspective on partnership choice brings to light the necessity of adaptability in a landscape where adversaries constantly evolve. "What you're looking for is a partner that's going to help you adapt as the adversary evolves," he explained, underlining the need for a dynamic response to a fast-moving security landscape. "As the cloud usage grows, expanding to the other clouds and having your tools work in both...Azure, but also AWS and Google...is critical."
These insights underline the importance of versatility and flexibility in a cloud security partner. Given the pace at which technology and cybersecurity threats evolve, adapting quickly is essential to a successful cloud security solution.
The element of cost is equally significant in transitioning to cloud-based solutions. Robert provides a pragmatic approach to budget considerations, recommending an in-depth review of the costs associated with current data center operations. He suggests considering "what you're spending for power, what you're spending for cooling, what you're spending for that space. That is your data center."
Highlighting these often-overlooked expenses can be vital in making a persuasive case for the cost-effectiveness of cloud solutions. It also underscores the importance of a holistic view of the budgetary implications, considering the apparent costs of cloud services and the potential savings from moving away from on-premise data centers.
These insights provide a strategic blueprint for health systems transitioning to the cloud. It is clear that selecting the right partners and having a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with current and future states are integral to implementing effective cloud security solutions.
While moving to the cloud brings about a transformative change in how healthcare IT functions, it is essential that this transition is both secure and economical. Robert's insights offer a roadmap for achieving this delicate balance, emphasizing the significance of partner selection in the process.
Robert stresses the importance of choosing partners who protect the system and help improve its state. "What I'm doing, what I think anyone in my position would do, is going out and picking the right partners that are going to A, help you protect, B, help you bring your system along and get it to a more secure state," he explains.
This statement speaks to the dual role that a good cloud security partner plays. First, they help bolster the system's defenses against cybersecurity threats. Second, they assist in the overall development of the system, ensuring it is robust, secure, and primed for future growth.
Moreover, Robert emphasizes the value of a partner who can seamlessly integrate into the existing IT ecosystem. "Three, they get along in the ecosystem so that you can maximize your investment," he adds. Such harmonious integration ensures that the chosen cloud solutions align with existing systems and processes, thereby improving overall efficiency and maximizing return on investment.
A crucial point that Robert highlights is the potential for cloud security solutions to limit staffing requirements. By selecting the right cloud security partner, healthcare organizations can reduce the need for extensive in-house IT teams, which is particularly significant in an era of staffing challenges and budget constraints.
"Limit the amount of stuff you have to bring to your premises so that you can achieve this in an economical, secure way," Robert suggests. This strategy allows healthcare IT professionals to tap into the expertise of their cloud security partners, enabling them to maintain robust and secure systems without the need for extensive personnel recruitment.
In essence, achieving economical and secure cloud solutions involves meticulous partner selection, prioritizing those who can offer comprehensive protection, facilitate system improvements, integrate effectively into the existing ecosystem, and help streamline staffing requirements. This approach ensures an optimized, cost-effective, secure transition to the cloud.
Healthcare systems increasingly turn to the cloud, requiring robust cloud security solutions. The insights from Todd and Robert highlight the complex challenges that healthcare IT professionals face and provide a roadmap for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Strategic partner selection emerges as a critical theme. Todd believes the right partner will help health systems adapt to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Robert provides a comprehensive view of what to look for in a cloud security partner, who should protect the system, help its overall growth, and smoothly integrate into the existing ecosystem.
As healthcare organizations migrate more data and systems to the cloud, the cybersecurity landscape in healthcare IT will continue to evolve. The need for reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective cloud security solutions will grow. As we chart the future of cloud security in healthcare IT, success lies in our ability to adapt, choose the right partners, and protect sensitive data. This journey may be challenging, but healthcare IT professionals can securely navigate this new frontier with the right strategies and partnerships.
© Copyright 2024 Health Lyrics All rights reserved
