Epic Systems plans to transition all its associated hospitals and health systems to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) by the end of 2025, with full sign-up expected by 2024. This move aims to improve nationwide interoperability beyond the current 70% plateau to 100% coverage, driven by Epic's historical success with its Care Everywhere interoperability platform. TEFCA, stemming from the 21st Century Cures Act, enables secure health information exchange across different EHR systems. Epic, a Qualified Health Information Network under TEFCA, is focused on minimizing the IT burden on healthcare providers while emphasizing the operational benefits such as reduced administrative tasks. Currently, 66 health systems, including prominent institutions like Emory Healthcare and Mayo Clinic, are already operational with TEFCA, reflecting growing interest in nationwide interoperability.

What Epic's interoperability push means for hospitals Becker's Hospital Review

Dr. Jaewon Ryu, CEO of Risant Health, emphasizes the need to shift U.S. healthcare from a predominantly hospital-centric system to a proactive, preventive model known as value-based care. Risant Health, a nonprofit organization initiated by Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, aims to expand value-based care through partnerships with community-based health systems. Geisinger Health System joined Risant in early 2024, and Cone Health is set to follow upon regulatory approval. These health systems will maintain their regional operations while benefiting from Risant Health’s resources to enhance patient-centered care practices, moving away from episodic treatment towards comprehensive health management.

Geisinger steps up on value-based care as part of Risant Health AMA

Healthcare systems and hospitals should adopt AI tools with cautious optimism, advises Doug King, CIO of Northwestern Medicine. Despite the hype, it's crucial to validate the effectiveness of AI tools in clinical settings, particularly for early disease detection and enhancing clinical efficiency for healthcare providers. Northwestern Medicine employs a thorough evaluation process involving both engineers and clinicians to ensure AI tools are beneficial. Clinical champions play a key role in successful adoption. Furthermore, patient-facing AI tools are emerging, offering personalized patient experiences and operational efficiencies such as efficient patient messaging and symptom-checking chatbots. Safety, experience, and clear ROI are paramount when working with external AI partners, stresses David Atashroo of Qventus.

AI Adoption in Healthcare: 'You Need to Trust But Verify' Says CIO HealthLeaders Media

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly negotiating a new funding round at a valuation exceeding $100 billion, significantly higher than its previous $86 billion valuation. Thrive Capital, an existing backer, is expected to contribute around $1 billion, with Microsoft anticipated to participate as well. The funding would represent OpenAI's largest capital infusion since Microsoft's nearly $10 billion investment in January 2023. Despite annualized revenues surpassing $3.4 billion, the company is on track to lose nearly $5 billion by year-end, having already spent $8.5 billion on AI training and staffing.

OpenAI reportedly in talks to close a new funding round at $100B+ valuation - TechCrunch TechCrunch