Mercy, a healthcare system based in Chesterfield, MO, represented the industry on Capitol Hill during the first CHAI on the Hill Day, organized by the Coalition for Health AI. As the sole healthcare organization at the event, Mercy engaged with policymakers to discuss the applications and regulatory needs of artificial intelligence in healthcare. President and CEO Steve Mackin underscored AI’s potential to improve patient care while advocating for responsible usage that prioritizes safety. Mercy is actively collaborating with companies like Microsoft and the Mayo Clinic to develop AI tools for patient communication and data analysis to enhance care delivery and operational efficiency.

Mercy Champions AI's Role in Revolutionizing Healthcare on Capitol Hill Becker's Hospital Review

The Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in northwest England has declared a "major incident" following a cyberattack that poses a significant risk to public health. The Trust has canceled all outpatient appointments and advised patients to seek emergency care only, as staff face major operational disruptions due to inaccessible electronic systems. This incident highlights an ongoing issue with cyberattacks on the NHS, following a similar ransomware attack earlier in 2024 that resulted in extensive cancellations across London hospitals. The Trust has expressed regret over the situation and plans to contact affected patients to reschedule their appointments.

Wirral Hospital Declares Major Incident Amid Cyberattack Crisis The Record

The backlog in Social Security disability eligibility determinations poses a significant challenge for vulnerable Americans, often leading to financial hardships and unpaid medical expenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) had over 1.1 million pending claims as of 2022, with many applicants potentially dying before their claims are processed. Effective solutions involve enhancing interoperability between electronic health records (EHRs) and the SSA, as many EHR systems currently encounter difficulties in directly transmitting medical documentation, delaying the evaluation process. While systems like Epic have demonstrated the potential to expedite these exchanges, allowing for faster processing times, less than 15 percent of necessary medical records are transmitted electronically, indicating a reliance on slower and more costly methods like mail or fax that could be addressed through initiatives like the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA).

Social Security Disability Delays Strain Vulnerable Americans Amid Backlog Crisis DC Journal

Siemens Healthineers and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have formed a $105 million partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery over the next decade. This collaboration will integrate advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Siemens will provide equipment and digital health solutions while supporting the center’s clinical and operational needs. Additionally, the initiative will foster research and educational collaboration, reflecting the growing trend of partnerships between technology providers and healthcare institutions to drive innovation in medical advancements.

Siemens Healthineers and Ohio State Forge $105 Million Healthcare Partnership Ohio State University