The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will not extend several key telehealth waivers that were implemented during the pandemic, which may restrict virtual care accessibility, particularly for older Americans in various regions. While most waivers will expire, CMS has extended the waiver allowing providers to bill Medicare for telehealth services conducted from home, a change advocated for by over 100 organizations seeking its permanence to enhance patient access. Additionally, CMS plans to include new services in the Medicare Telehealth Services List, such as caregiver training and PrEP counseling, and permit telehealth via two-way, real-time audio.

CMS Ends Key Telehealth Waivers, Impacting Virtual Care Access Nationwide HealthLeaders

Generative AI is generating optimism in the healthcare sector for its potential to alleviate burnout, enhance operational efficiency, and improve patient care. Jason Hill, Chief Innovation Officer at Ochsner Health, highlights the need for standard governance and frameworks to ensure safe and effective AI use. He foresees a future of inevitable AI regulation, focusing on technological accuracy and operational readiness. Hill emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation process for AI tools in clinical settings, advocating for systematic reviews to assess their effectiveness before adoption.

AI in Healthcare: Balancing Innovation with Governance for Safe Adoption MedCity News

MedStar Health has expanded its acute care at home program to Baltimore, targeting patients from its Franklin Square Medical Center and other local hospitals. This partnership with Dispatch Health allows for daily home visits within 72 hours post-discharge, facilitating a smoother transition for patients. The service, which has already proven effective in Washington, D.C., covers a range of acute conditions and includes treatments like IV administration and lab services. This expansion is part of a larger trend in healthcare following the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the increasing role of telemedicine and at-home care.

MedStar Health Expands At-Home Acute Care Program in Baltimore Healthcare IT News

CrowdStrike has announced plans to acquire Adaptive Shield for approximately $300 million, aiming to enhance its cybersecurity offerings focused on cloud application security. Adaptive Shield specializes in securing SaaS applications, and its integration into CrowdStrike's platform is expected to improve visibility and control over cloud security configurations. This acquisition responds to the increasing demand for comprehensive security solutions as organizations adopt cloud technologies and face growing cyber threats. By incorporating Adaptive Shield’s capabilities, CrowdStrike intends to strengthen its position in the evolving cybersecurity landscape and better protect sensitive data and applications for its clients.

CrowdStrike to Acquire Adaptive Shield for $300 Million, Boosting Cloud Security SecurityWeek