The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized regulations to deter healthcare organizations from information blocking, which refers to unreasonably interfering with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information. Effective 30 days after publication, the rule establishes disincentives for hospitals, clinicians, and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that are found to participate in information blocking. These disincentives may include being deemed non-meaningful users of Electronic Health Records (EHR), resulting in reduced Medicare payments or ineligibility for performance incentives. The rule aims to ensure both patients and providers have timely and efficient access to health information while maintaining patient privacy.

HHS Finalizes Information Blocking Disincentives hcinnovationgroup.com

### Summary of LinkedIn Posts by Allie K. Miller

Allie K. Miller shares several insightful updates on LinkedIn regarding AI advancements and their applications. She offers a guide to help companies benchmark their AI adoption progress, addressing both enthusiasm and skepticism about AI’s practical value. Miller highlights several new AI tools and models, such as Luma AI’s “Dream Machine” and Meta’s recently released AI models. She underscores the practical utility of tools like Google Gemini and Claude Sonnet 3.5 in transforming education, marketing, and other fields. Moreover, she announces a free AI session offer for non-profit groups and emphasizes the necessity for companies to integrate AI systems thoughtfully rather than relying solely on chatbots. Her posts generate active discussions and diverse viewpoints from industry professionals, reflecting a broad interest in the real-world impact and implementation of AI technologies.

Not sure if you’re behind or ahead in AI adoption? LinkedIn

**Investing in Digital Health: Post-COVID VC Trends and Top Startups**

In a post-COVID landscape, venture capitalists show lukewarm enthusiasm for digital health investments, with Q1 2024 deal activity in healthcare IT remaining stable at 74 deals worth $1 billion, up just 3% from the previous year. Despite this modest growth, select startups are capturing investor interest, particularly those leveraging AI to address administrative challenges in the U.S. healthcare system. TechCrunch identified ten standout companies frequently mentioned by VCs, including Abridge, which automates medical record note-taking, CodaMetrix for medical coding automation, and Cohere Health for expediting insurance approvals. Other notable startups like Grow Therapy, Equip, Maven, Memora Health, SmarterDx, Summer Health, and Transcarent cover diverse needs from mental health services to pediatric care and employer health cost management. These companies demonstrate promise through innovation, market needs, and significant funding rounds that underline their potential to transform healthcare delivery.

10 of the most exciting digital health startups of 2024, according to VCs TechCrunch

The first half of 2024 has seen health system CIOs grappling with frequent cyberattacks and the rising importance of artificial intelligence (AI). As cyber threats persist, CIOs are significantly increasing their cybersecurity investments. AI, despite economic uncertainties and workforce concerns, continues to be a key focus for improving patient care and streamlining operations. Digital transformation remains a priority, albeit hindered by budget constraints and legacy systems. IT budget pressures are leading CIOs to either maintain a foundational approach or explore advanced technologies like generative AI. EHR consolidation, especially favoring Epic, is ongoing for streamlined data sharing. Finally, staffing challenges persist as CIOs compete for talent and some health systems are resorting to layoffs or outsourcing IT functions to manage resources effectively.

6 big issues facing CIOs in the next 6 months Becker's Hospital Review