Latest Coronavirus Updates for the Healthcare Community

Editors across the Xtelligent Healthcare Media network of sites will be providing ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on healthcare in the United States. Our team will be providing ongoing updates to this page to keep members of the healthcare community informed about the coronavirus outbreak.

12/17

Sanofi, GSK Halt Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine Program

GSK and Sanofi delayed their adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine program after a clinical trial found low immune response in older adults.

39% Worry Over COVID-19 Patient Financial Responsibility

Fears about COVID-19 patient financial responsibility and costs deter 35 percent of people from accessing treatment for the novel coronavirus.

12/16

Key Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccine Billing and Coding

Now that a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, providers need to execute a medical billing and coding strategy to sustain vaccination efforts.

Black Churches Key Community Health Partners in COVID-19 Messaging

Early results from a Mayo Clinic study show overwhelmingly positive responses to community-based COVID-19 messaging within Black congregations, proving them to be key community health partners.

Canada Opts to Double Doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine

The Canadian government initially signed on for 20 million doses of Moderna’s mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, but doubled its order as an approval draws near.

12/15

Infection Fears Pose Patient Care Access, COVID-19 Testing Barrier

Thirty percent of patients who delayed or declined COVID-19 testing said fear of infection posted the patient care access barrier.

Targeted Telehealth Care Access Prepped a PCP for COVID-19 Surge

By having a targeted telehealth and patient care access plan since the pandemic's start, Steward Medical Group can meet patient needs during this current wave.

CareFirst Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage for All Members

Shortly after the FDA approved its first emergency use authorization for a coronavirus vaccine, the payer stated it would offer coronavirus vaccine coverage.

Machine Learning Shows How Quarantine Measures Impact COVID-19 Rates

A machine learning model revealed a direct link between the number of people infected with COVID-19 and how effectively a state maintains quarantine measures.

Moderna Launches Study of COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents

The study will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of two vaccinations of Moderna’s mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in 3,000 participants aged 12 to under 18 years of age.

12/14

US Healthcare Spending Declines from COVID-19, But Remains High

Healthcare spending in the US is down by 0.5 percent so far this year, but high prices continue to make America one of the most expensive countries for healthcare.

Machine Learning Tool May Help ED Clinicians Rule Out COVID-19

Machine learning can accurately predict the probability of COVID-19, allowing ED clinicians to reduce the number of patients referred for testing.

Roche to Include COVID-19 Antibody Test in Moderna’s Trials

Including the COVID-19 antibody test will offer easier quantitative measurement of antibodies and help establish a correlation between vaccine-induced protection and levels of anti-receptor binding domain antibodies, the companies said.

FDA Issues EUA For Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

The FDA has announced the first EUA for the COVID 19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech, allowing for distribution to millions across the country.

12/11

FDA Says It Will Approve EUA for Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine

FDA will work towards finalization of an emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, after it was found 95% effective in a Phase 3 study.

COVID-19-Related Phishing Lingers, as New Attacks Use Vaccine Themes

Armorblox finds hackers continue to prey on the COVID-19 pandemic via phishing campaigns, while KnowBe4 discovered phishing attacks leveraging vaccine themes.

12/10

Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Bill Would Add to Provider Relief Fund

The Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 would add $35B to the Provider Relief Fund and change reporting requirements if approved by policymakers.

Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth Group Launch Study of COVID-19 Antibody

The study of Eli Lilly & Company’s COVID-19 antibody, LY-CoV555, will identify and treat nearly 500,000 high-risk individuals infected with the virus under real-world conditions.

COVID-19 Health Disparities May Stem from Care Access Inequity

The study found that once hospitalized, COVID-19 health disparities diminished as Black and Hispanic patients saw better outcomes than White people.

Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Data Breached in EU Regulator Hack

The cyberattack on an EU regulator and subsequent breach of Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Data should serve as a warning to the US healthcare sector.

12/9

HHS Ensures Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Tribal Health Programs

Tribal health programs and Urban Indian Organizations now have the option to receive doses of a COVID-19 vaccine either through the Indian Health Service or their respective state, HHS stated.

How Has COVID-19 Affected Perceptions About Patient Experience?

A positive patient experience still encompasses all of the same attributes, but COVID-19 has elevated the importance of organizations meeting patient needs.

12/8

Data Analytics Tool Helps Design COVID-19 Testing Strategies

The free data analytics tool can help schools and businesses develop effective COVID-19 testing programs.

12/7

US Govt Purchases Additional 650,000 Doses of COVID-19 Antibody

The additional purchase of Eli Lilly & Company’s COVID-19 antibody, LY-CoV555, brings the total doses purchased by the US government to 950,000.

CMS Provides Billing Codes for Regeneron’s COVID-19 Antibody Drug

The agency also released payment allowances for the two billing codes, which account for the injection, infusion, and post-administration monitoring of the recently approved COVID-19 antibody drug.

12/4

Roche Receives FDA Approval for COVID-19 Antibody Test

The COVID-19 antibody test detects antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is the target of many coronavirus vaccines in development.

HHS Expands COVID-19 Telehealth Capabilities in PREP Act Amendment

The Health and Human Services Secretary will allow healthcare providers to use telehealth across state lines to deliver "Covered Countermeasures" against the coronavirus.

12/3

AI Shows COVID-19 Vaccines May Be Less Effective in Racial Minorities

Using artificial intelligence tools, researchers found that a form of vaccine similar to new COVID-19 vaccines is more likely to be ineffective in minority populations.

Spear-Phishing Campaign Targets COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chain

DHS CISA highlighted a new IBM X-Force report showing cybercriminals are targeting the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain with phishing and spear-phishing attacks.

Massachusetts Payers to Take Part in COVID-19 Telehealth Study

The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans is launching an 18-month study to determine how telehealth is affecting racial and socioeconomic barriers to healthcare, and how it can be used to bridge those care gaps.

Provider Groups Update Guidance on Maintaining Surgery Amid COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, four leading industry groups are giving providers an updated roadmap for maintaining elective surgery during the pandemic.

HHS, DoD to Increase Domestic Swab Production for COVID-19 Tests

The grant to Puritan Medical Products will increase domestic swab production of the company’s Cue Sample Swabs, which are exclusively used with Cue Health’s COVID-19 test.

12/2

How COVID-19 May Impact MA Risk Scores, Payments in 2022, 2023

Medicare Advantage risk scores might not see the effects of coronavirus-related deferred care until contract year 2023.

Unpacking the Right Words for COVID-19 Public Health Messaging

COVID-19 public health messaging should be delivered by science and public health leaders and lean on certain language to be most effective.

UK Approves COVID-19 Vaccine from Pfizer, BioNTech

This is the first-ever emergency use authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine following a worldwide Phase 3 trial of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

HHS to Allocate Doses of Regeneron’s COVID-19 Antibody Therapy

Weekly allocations of the COVID-19 antibody therapy to state and territorial health departments will begin immediately based on confirmed cases over the previous 7 days, HHS said.

12/1

How to Boost Interoperability During a Natural Disaster, COVID-19

When a natural disaster strikes, interoperability and patient data exchange are essential to maintain patient care.

Second Analysis Finds Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine 94.1% Effective

The continued analysis of the Phase 3 study of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine found that it continues to be generally well tolerated with no safety concerns identified to date.

11/30

New ICD-10 Codes, MS-DRG Assignments for COVID-19 Coming Jan. 1

CMS will implement 21 new ICD-10 procedure codes for COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics; the agency also assigned MS-DRGs for 6 new ICD-10 diagnosis codes for conditions related to COVID-19.

Best Practices for Patient Portal Use, COVID-19 Test Results

Healthcare organizations need to make patient portal use simple and easy as more patients utilize the technology to access COVID-19 test results.

Considerations for Value-Based Drug Pricing During COVID-19

A new analysis describes 3 approaches to value-based drug pricing that address prices, access to treatments, and pharmaceutical company profitability.

11/27

FDA Grants Emergency Use to Regeneron’s COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail

Providers can administer the COVID-19 antibody cocktail to infected adult and pediatric patients 12 years or older and to individuals who are at high risk of severe coronavirus.

11/24

Predictive Analytics Determines Outcomes in ED Patients with COVID-19

Predictive analytics can accurately forecast whether ED patients with COVID-19 symptoms will experience severe disease or death.

J&J Launches Second Global Trial of Lead COVID-19 Vaccine

The trial will study the efficacy of a two-dose regimen of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Ad26.COV2.S, in nearly 30,000 participants globally.

11/23

ACHP: Solidify Telehealth Flexibilities, COVID-19 Test Funding

The Alliance of Community Health Plans urged Congress to consider making telehealth flexibilities more concrete and increasing federal burden for coronavirus testing coverage.

Congress Urges ONC to Boost Patient Matching for COVID-19 Response

Improved patient matching is a must to develop an effective COVID-19 response plan, including contact tracing and administering a vaccine.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Is Actually 95% Effective, New Data Shows

Results of the now concluded Phase 3 study showed that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is more effective than initial data showed at 95 percent effective.

11/20

Comparing COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates from Pfizer, Moderna

Both Moderna and Pfizer’s lead mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were over 90% effective in clinical trials, but they have a few major differences that must be addressed before being FDA approved.

Virginia Expands Telehealth Coverage During COVID-19 Emergency

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed legislation that eliminates originating site restrictions in telehealth visits, as well as the requirement that a care provider be with a patient during a virtual visit.

11/19

Providers Say They Need More Financial Aid As COVID-19 Cases Rise

AMGA is seeking new funding for the Provider Relief Fund, another round of advance Medicare payment, and more telehealth flexibility to manage the new surge in COVID-19 cases.

As COVID-19 Surges Again, Hospital Staffing Shortages Worsen

Hospital staffing shortages are impacting about 22% of facilities, up from 19% last week, The Atlantic reports.

11/18

Healthcare Providers Tell Trump to Give Biden COVID-19 Data ASAP

Exchanging critical COVID-19 data with the Biden transition team can prevent a potential lapse in provider ability to care for patients, said AHA, AMA, and ANA in a new letter.

Hackers Hit COVID-19 Biotech Firm, Cold Storage Giant with Cyberattacks

Cold storage giant Americold and Global firm Miltenyi Biotec recently faced cyberattacks; ransomware, an email error, phishing, and an application hack complete this week’s breach roundup.

COVID-19 Drug Discovery for Early Treatment Lacking, But Needed

COVID-19 drug discovery efforts have largely focused on hospitalized patients, but de novo drug design for early treatment of the virus could mitigate the impact of future outbreaks, says Fauci.

11/17

Out-of-Network COVID-19 Tests Are Susceptible to Price Gouging

Testing conducted out-of-network—particularly in stand-alone labs—could cost up to triple the average test price due to price gouging, AHIP says.

Supporting Secure Data Sharing, Patient Privacy During COVID-19

Regenstrief Institute is partnering with NIH and other organizations to promote secure data sharing and enhance research related to COVID-19.

HHS Partners with Pharmacies to Boost Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

The partnership will cover nearly 60% of pharmacies across 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines.

GSK, Medicago Start Phase 2 Trial of Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine

The adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine will advance into Phase 2 clinical trials based on positive Phase 1 results, which showed high immune responses in infected patients.

11/16

Early Analysis Finds Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Is 95% Effective

Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate met statistical criteria pre-specified in the study protocol for efficacy in a majority of US participants.

Overcoming the Challenges of Distributing COVID-19 Antibody Drugs

The FDA’s recent approval of the emergency use of certain COVID-19 antibody drugs is a key step, but, but experts must address issues with approval, access, and distribution in hospitals and other care settings.

How Medicaid Expansion Helps Incarcerated Persons Amid COVID-19

Medicaid expansion combined with policies to support Medicaid coverage post-release can ensure that previously incarcerated persons receive care during the coronavirus pandemic.

11/12

Patients Seek Post-COVID In-Person, Telehealth Care Access Hybrid

Survey data indicates that although patients like and continue to want to access telehealth, they also see a need for in-person care access in the future.

Predictive Analytics Offers Insight into COVID-19 Spread, Disparities

A predictive analytics tool leverages demographic data and cellphone location information to reveal trends in COVID-19 spread and disparities.

How Flu Vaccination Uptake Affects COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

A new KFF report found that states must combat challenges associated with flu vaccination uptake across the US to ensure successful COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

11/11

AMA Updates CPT Code Set to Include COVID-19 Vaccine Codes

The organization approved a unique CPT code for each of two COVID-19 vaccines to allow for better tracking, reporting, and analysis of immunization efforts.

CMS Details Medicare Payment for New COVID-19 Antibody Drug

Medicare payment will be available for the purchase and infusion of bamlanivimab, a COVID-19 antibody drug recently approved by the FDA for emergency use.

Machine Learning Models Forecast Likelihood of COVID-19 Mortality

The study is one of the first to use machine learning to predict COVID-19 mortality among a large and diverse patient population.

How Cleveland Clinic Used EHR Data for a COVID-19 Risk Assessment

The Cleveland Clinic partnered with Epic Systems to integrate its COVID-19 risk predictor into its patient portal.

HHS Buys 300K Doses of Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

After receiving FDA emergency use authorization, HHS will now allocate nearly 300,000 doses of Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 antibody treatment to be distributed in the US.

Humanigen, DoD to Develop COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

Researchers estimated that there were 37% more recoveries in patients who received the COVID-19 antibody treatment, lenzilumab, versus current standard of care.

11/10

CDC: 1 in 11 COVID-19 Inpatients Experience a Hospital Readmission

About 1.6% of the COVID-19 patients with a hospital readmission were readmitted more than once, according to the new CDC study.

COVID-19 Data Visualizations Shared on Twitter May Lack Reliability

Several common issues often arise when Twitter users develop and share COVID-19 data visualizations, including data mistrust and cognitive bias.

Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 Antibody Treatment Approved for Emergency Use

The authorization allows healthcare providers to administer a single-dose of the COVID-19 antibody treatment, in infected patients 12 years of age or older depending on weight.

11/9

Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Is Over 90% Effective, Early Data Shows

The company’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, was found to be more than 90%effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Boston, NY Hospitals Collaborate on Telehealth Platform for COVID-19 Rehab

Health systems in Boston and New York have joined forces to develop a telehealth platform designed to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients recovering at home after a hospital discharge.

11/6

Machine Learning Helps Reduce Food Insecurity During COVID-19

Researchers used machine learning to create bus routes and deliver meals to individuals in need, reducing food insecurity in communities.

Novartis to Develop Direct-Acting COVID-19 Antiviral Therapies

Novartis has been granted the option to in-license global rights of two direct-acting COVID-19 antiviral therapies demonstrating efficacy against the novel coronavirus.

11/5

UPMC to Expand Telehealth Network in Italy to Battle COVID-19 Surge

UPMC's international division is getting almost $2 million from the United States Agency for International Development to expand its telehealth network to help the hard-hit European nation battle a new surge of COVID-19 cases.

11/4

Telehealth Care Access Yields Health Disparities Amid COVID-19

Individuals with chronic illnesses experience health disparities in telehealth care access, as seen in research from Baylor.

HHS, DoD Announce $12.7M Contract to Increase COVID-19 Testing

The federal departments will boost the production of two COVID-19 tests to 400,000 units per week by May 2021, which is 20 times the current output.

11/3

Artificial Intelligence Identifies Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infections

An artificial intelligence tool was able to detect differences between the coughs of healthy individuals and asymptomatic people with COVID-19 infections.

Vaccine Hesitancy Still Salient in Push for COVID-19 Vaccine Fix

Survey data showed that only 35 percent of Americans are currently committed to plans to get an eventual COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting growing vaccine hesitancy.

COVID-19 Racial Health Disparities Signal Need for Policy Solutions

Black and Hispanic patients are three-times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than their White peers, adding to evidence of racial health disparities.

FDA Publishes List of Essential Medicines to Address COVID-19

The list of essential medications will ensure US citizens are protected against outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, as well as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

States Detail Specific Use of Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Tests

Four weeks after HHS said it would deploy 150 million BinaxNOW COVID-19 tests, states said they will provide the tests to local health departments, schools and universities, and nursing homes.

11/2

Regeneron’s COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail Reduces Virus Levels

The COVID-19 antibody cocktail reduced coronavirus-related medical visits by 57% and related medical visits by 72% in patients with more than one risk factor.

10/30

Eli Lilly Strikes Deal with Govt Over COVID-19 Antibody Drug

HHS and DoD will purchase the first doses of the COVID-19 antibody drug as part of Operation Warp Speed’s goal to deliver coronavirus treatments to patients by the end of 2020.

10/29

Health Systems Losing Money on Employed Physicians During COVID-19

Health systems are facing a mean subsidy, or loss, of $227K per employed physician, while hospitals continue to underperform due to COVID-19, Kaufman Hall reports.

CMS Sets Medicare Reimbursement Rate for COVID-19 Vaccine

An interim final rule sets the Medicare reimbursement rate for administering a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to about $28, while also ensuring reimbursement for new treatments for the virus.

HHS Delays Final ONC Interoperability Rule Compliance Amid COVID-19

ONC will allow health organizations more time to implement the ONC Final Interoperability Rule due to the spread of COVID-19.

Fitbit Launches COVID-19 mHealth Study With US Army, Northwell Health

Fitbit is using a $2.5 million grant from the US Army to study how its mHealth wearables can detect early signs of COVID-19, and will be launching the study through New York's Northwell Health system.

10/28

AstraZeneca Resumes Phase 3 US Trial for its COVID-19 Vaccine

After reviewing safety data from clinical trials evaluating AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, AZD122, regulators deemed it safe to resume all trials.

3 Strategies for Medical Practice Excellence in the Era of COVID-19

Industry leaders at MGMA’s Medical Practice Excellence Conference shared their best practices for remaining financially and operationally stable in the era of COVID-19.

How a VA Hospital Developed an EHR COVID-19 Screening Tool

Researchers at the epicenter of COVID-19 quickly developed an EHR COVID-19 screening tool to help clinicians and boost patient care.

10/27

Machine Learning Forecasts Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients

A machine learning model can rapidly determine whether COVID-19 patients will develop complications or need to be hospitalized.

HHS Guidance Further Expands Access to COVID-19 Vaccines, Tests

The guidance authorizes both qualified pharmacy technicians and state-authorized pharmacy interns to administer an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged three and older.

Johnson & Johnson Resumes Phase 3 Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine

Johnson & Johnson resumes the Phase 3 trial after finding no evidence that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate caused a “serious medical event” in one study participant in mid-October.

10/26

Patient Access to Care Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Recovery Stages

The survey showed a 5 percent increase in trust in patient access to care to certain facilities.

Overcoming the Top Challenges of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

A new report from KFF identifies key issues with the government’s rough plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution as well as ways to combat them.

Roche, Atea Pharmaceuticals to Develop Oral COVID-19 Antiviral

The companies will jointly develop Atea’s COVID-19 antiviral, which has the potential to be the first novel oral drug to treat coronavirus patients in and out of the hospital.

10/22

Lawmakers Eye Medicare Coverage for COVID-19 Tests Via Telehealth

A new bill before Congress would mandate Medicare coverage for at-home COVID-19 tests integrated with a telehealth platform.

Genetic Sequencing Could Help Track COVID-19 Mutations, Spread

Next generation genetic sequencing can track COVID-19 mutations, which could help inform testing protocols and vaccine development.

Web-Based Predictive Analytics Identifies COVID-19 Hot Spots

Using predictive analytics techniques, researchers found strong correlations between keyword searches on Google and COVID-19 hot spots.

COVID-19 Racial Health Disparities Shift to Latinx Patients

The proportion of COVID-19 decedents who were Latinx increased by about 10 percentage points, underscoring shifts in racial health disparities.

10/21

COVID-19 Tanks Pediatric Healthcare Access, Well-Child Visits

Limited or no healthcare access in pediatric populations carrying lifelong consequences, like missed diagnoses.

COVID-19 Tanks Pediatric Healthcare Access, Well-Child Visits

Limited or no healthcare access in pediatric populations carrying lifelong consequences, like missed diagnoses.

34% Medicare Advantage Plans Will Offer COVID-19 Benefits in 2021

Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly offering telehealth as a basic Medicare benefit, instead of a supplemental benefit, the study indicated.

10/20

Predicting COVID-19 Outcomes with Artificial Intelligence, EHR Data

A simple artificial intelligence model analyzes EHR data to accurately predict which patients will have good outcomes from COVID-19.

Employer Sponsored 2020 Out-of-Pocket Costs Were Stable Pre-COVID

Premiums and deductibles for employer-sponsored health plans continued their upward trajectory in 2020, with average premiums for single and family coverage rising four percent each.

10/19

CMS Reduces Medicare Reimbursement Rate for Some COVID-19 Tests

The base Medicare reimbursement rate for COVID-19 tests using high throughput technology will decrease to $75 next year unless labs can process results in 2 days or less.

Roche Developing High-Volume COVID-19 Antigen Testing Product

The new COVID-19 antibody test will run on all Roche cobas e immunochemistry analyzers, which are widely available around the world.

Half of Black Americans Would Not Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

Black Americans would not even get the COVID-19 vaccine even if it was approved by the FDA and free, underscoring longstanding racial disparities in healthcare, according to a new report.

10/15

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Antibody Advances into Phase 3 Trials

The two trials will enroll over 6,000 adults to uncover the safety and efficiency of the company’s COVID-19 antibody treatment.

10/14

Limited Reimbursement Paid Out for Uninsured COVID-19 Treatment

With funding contingent on the Provider Relief Fund, a COVID-19 treatment reimbursement program for uninsured patients has a small reach, KFF reported.

HHS, DoD to Scale-Up Manufacturing of COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail

The agreement will help to develop and manufacture AstraZeneca’s monoclonal COVID-19 antibody cocktail, which will treat or prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Eli Lilly Announces Supply Deal for COVID-19 Antibody Therapies

The supply deal will help to reduce the impact of the coronavirus for individuals in low- and middle-income countries by making COVID-19 antibody therapies more accessible.

10/13

Using Machine Learning to Calculate Unreported COVID-19 Cases

Researchers at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub are leveraging machine learning to estimate the number of undetected COVID-19 cases.

Johnson & Johnson Pauses COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial

The company announced that it paused the Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial due to an unexplained illness.

10/12

Why More Data Is Key to Tackle COVID-19 Racial Health Disparities

As evidence of COVID-19 racial health disparities mounts, health leaders need better data about what is causing those disparities.

Population Health Studies Examine Role of Genetics in COVID-19

Researchers are studying the role of genetics in COVID-19 outcomes to improve population health.

COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail Reduces Viral Levels, Regeneron Says

The COVID-19 antibody cocktail, a combination of two monoclonal antibodies designed to block infectivity of SARS-COV-2, was most effective in patients who had not mounted their own immune response, initial clinical trial data shows.

10/9

GSK, Vir Biotechnology Expand Phase 3 Study of COVID-19 Antibody

The global expansion of the study will reach sites in North America, South America, and Europe to evaluate the COVID-19 antibody treatment in patients who are at high risk of hospitalization.

10/8

FDA Issues Guidance for Emergency Use of COVID-19 Vaccines

The guidance included recommendations regarding the data and information needed to support the issuance of an emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Medicaid Enrollment Is Not Tied to Unemployment Rates

Medicaid enrollment is influenced by a number of state-specific factors and policies, but so far the evidence does not tie it to unemployment.

10/7

AMA Adds CPT Codes for Multi-Virus Tests for COVID-19, Flu

The new CPT codes allow providers to report nucleic acid assays that allow a single test to detect both COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses, like the flu.

Patient Satisfaction with Telehealth High Following COVID-19

A new J.D. Power survey showed that patient satisfaction scores for telehealth reached 860 on a 1,000-point scale.

10/6

Major Pharma Companies Support Global Access to COVID-19 Vaccine

In collaboration with the Gates Foundation, top pharmaceutical companies made a commitment to expand global access to COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

10/5

HHS to Share Best Practices for Point-of-Care COVID-19 Testing

With The Rockefeller Foundation, HHS is launching a pilot in select cities to identify best practices for boosting point-of-care COVID-19 testing.

10/2

CDC to Dole Out $200M for COVID-19 Vaccine Preparedness

The funding is from the CARES Act for boosting COVID-19 vaccine preparedness, including distribution and administration of effective vaccines as soon as it becomes available.

10/1

Hospital Revenue Cycle IT Budgets to Take a Hit After COVID-19

A new analysis uncovers hospital projections over the next 12 months, including plans for revenue cycle IT budgets and payer mix changes.

Older Adults Likely to be Excluded from COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

Although older adults account for nearly 30 to 40 percent of coronavirus cases, they are excluded from 100 percent of COVID-19 vaccine trials.

Artificial Intelligence Simplifies COVID-19 Testing, Workflows

Tufts Medical Center will leverage an artificial intelligence platform to accelerate the COVID-19 testing process.

9/30

CMS Streamlines CLIA Certification to Expand COVID-19 Testing

A new “quick-start guide” and online fee payments are streamlining CLIA certification to get labs up and running with COVID-19 testing sooner.

Eli Lilly, Amgen Partner to Advance COVID-19 Antibody Therapies

The collaboration will significantly increase global supply capacity for Lilly’s potential COVID-19 antibody therapies.

Early Data Shows Promise for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine

Positive results from an ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial supports further clinical development of Johnson & Johnson’s investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Ad26.COV2.S.

9/29

Patient Outreach Helps Prepare for Upcoming COVID-19, Flu Season

Clinicians at a Florida-based pediatric clinic are pushing flu vaccine access as part of its prep to manage flu season and the COVID0-19 pandemic.

9/28

Community Health Workers Play Key Role in COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 and the healthcare industry's focus on health equity and racial health disparities have opened the door for more community health workers.

9/25

3 Ways Healthcare is Using Predictive Analytics to Combat COVID-19

Predictive analytics tools are helping healthcare organizations stay ahead of poor outcomes, resource shortages, and other impacts of COVID-19.

9/24

J&J Initiates Global Phase 3 Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Vaccine

The Phase 3 trial of the COVID-19 vaccine is based on positive results from a Phase 1/2a study, which showed that safety and immunogenicity were supportive of further development.

COVID-19 Has Negative Impact on Stalling ACA Marketplaces

The Affordable Care Act marketplaces had already stopped seeing significant improvements in insurance gains and affordability, healthcare prices and health outcomes in 2016.

Cell Phone Data Shows Social Distancing Trends During COVID-19

An analysis of cell phone data revealed that social distancing practices increased significantly in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DoD, Philips Use Artificial Intelligence to Monitor COVID-19

The partnership will use artificial intelligence to identify high-risk individuals and contain COVID-19.

9/23

HHS Releases Reporting Requirements for COVID-19 Relief Payments

New guidance details reporting requirements for providers who received COVID-19 relief payments of $10K or more from the Provider Relief Fund.

Patients of Color See COVID-19 Testing Access, Health Disparities

Despite ample evidence Hispanic and Black patients incur higher rates of COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 testing access suggests major health disparities.

What Happens When Medicaid COVID-19 Flexibilities, Funding Expire?

Medicaid coronavirus flexibilities and funding timelines are largely tied to the public health emergency, which is currently set to expire on October 25, 2020.

Predictive Analytics Model Can Determine COVID-19 Outcomes

A predictive analytics tool uses demographic and clinical data to help hospitals determine COVID-19 outcomes and progression among patients.

Global Effort Aims to Insure Against a Failed COVID-19 Vaccine

A total of 156 economies are now committed or eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines through the response effort, WHO reports. But the US is not one of them.

GSK, Sanofi to Supply 300M Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine to EU

The agreement will allow for the purchase of a COVID-19 vaccine for all member states of the European Union, including lower- and middle-income countries.

9/22

Just Half of Americans Would Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If Ready Today

The likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine has greatly declined across all political and demographic groups, largely due to concerns regarding side effects and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Better Community Health Helped Circumvent COVID-19 Case Rate

New data shows a link between community health and wellness and COVID-19 case rates and severity.

Roche Launches Quantitative COVID-19 Antibody Test

Roche’s improves its previous COVID-19 antibody test, which can now more accurately quantitatively measure the level of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in patients who have been exposed to the virus.

What Are the Top Factors Leading to COVID-19 Health Disparities?

As healthcare learns more about racial health disparities related to COVID-19, it is incumbent upon providers to create action plans to drive equity.

9/21

NYC Hospitals Create Blueprint for COVID-19 Triage By Telehealth

The report, recently published in Medicina, was prepared by clinicians at NYU Langone Health and the NYU Long Island School of Medicine, both of which used telehealth to treat hundreds of thousands of patients this summer.

Big Data Analytics Show COVID-19 Spread, Outcomes by Region

Organizations are using big data analytics to track COVID-19 spread and monitor patient outcomes in different regions across the US.

Payers Begin To Pay Individual, Small Group Rebates Amid COVID-19

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Cigna will pay out individual and small group rebates to 143,000 members.

HHS, DoD Release COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Strategy

The two documents provide an overview for state, tribal, territorial, and local public health programs on how to plan and operationalize a COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategy.

How Independent Practices Can Come Out of COVID-19 Stronger

The economic fallout of COVID-19 may accelerate acquisitions of independent practices unless practice leaders consider new, but not necessarily novel, ways of doing business.

9/17

Machine Learning Index Identifies Patients at High Risk of COVID-19

A risk index leverages machine learning and big data to identify and alert people most at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Mobile COVID-19 Testing Clinics Focus on Underserved Neighborhoods

The mobile site will make COVID-19 testing and care access more seamless in traditionally marginalized neighborhoods, University Hospitals said.

NIH Targets COVID-19 mHealth, Telehealth Projects With New Awards

Almost $23 million in federal funding is going to several mHealth and telehealth projects aimed at improving detection, care management and monitoring of people infected with the coronavirus.

9/16

Accelerated Telehealth Use During COVID-19 Raises Security Risk

Out of the most-used telehealth vendors throughout the pandemic, there was a 30 percent increase of cybersecurity findings per domain, a recent report found.

NIH Provides Funding for COVID-19-Related Big Data Projects

The seven projects will leverage big data to develop digital health tools and better understand COVID-19.

9/15

Gauss, Cellex Launch First At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Test

Pending FDA approval, the at-home COVID-19 antigen test leverages a mobile app and artificial intelligence to provide a scalable, affordable testing option.

9/14

Google Gives $8.5M to Fund COVID-19 Data Analytics, AI Projects

The donation will support 31 organizations around the world in using artificial intelligence and data analytics to better respond to COVID-19.

Promoting Health Equity in COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials

Traditionally marginalized populations have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. As vaccine clinical trials begin, researchers must ensure these populations are included to promote health equity.

9/11

Telehealth Reimbursement Just for Value-Based Providers Post-COVID?

Telehealth reimbursement expansions granted during the PHE may be limited to providers in Advanced APMs moving forward to prevent program integrity issues, MedPAC said at a recent meeting.

Steps to Implement a Successful COVID-19 Vaccination Program

According to Premier, there are four considerations for a successful COVID-19 vaccination program, including prioritization, allocation, distribution, and accurate patient tracking.

9/10

Using An AI-Powered Chatbot to Meet Patient Needs During COVID-19

A chatbot powered by artificial intelligence is helping UCHealth to support patients during COVID-19 and beyond.

9/9

AMA Introduces CPT Code to Account for COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The Association also unveiled another CPT code for tests that quantify COVID-19 antibodies; both CPT codes have been approved for immediate use.

OIG to Audit Medicare Payments for COVID-19 Discharges

The audit will investigate whether hospitals billed for the 20% add-on Medicare payment for COVID-19 discharges correctly, OIG's work plan now states.

COVID-19 Will Push Patients to Demand More Timely Care Access

The coronavirus pandemic will alter patient care and what patients demand from their healthcare visits, according to a recent report from Insights by Xtelligent Healthcare Media.

9/8

COVID-19 Sites Plagued with Third-Party Tracking, Posing Privacy Risk

A JAMA study found nearly all COVID-19 webpages designed to help individuals find information on the coronavirus contain code that transfers data to third parties, posing serious privacy risks.

Artificial Intelligence May Help Develop COVID-19 Treatments, Tests

Artificial intelligence is helping researchers at universities across the country design effective COVID-19 treatments and testing methods.

9/4

NIH Challenges Use of Convalescent Plasma to Treat COVID-19

After FDA granted an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma, NIH’s Panel found that the treatment is insufficient after reviewing data available from previous FDA analyses.

9/3

Healthcare Still Waiting on $121B in COVID-19 Financial Relief

Roughly 71% of the $412B in COVID-19 financial relief earmarked for healthcare has been disbursed or committed, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found.

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Clinical Trial

The Phase 3 clinical trial will assess the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in nearly 30,000 adults from various geographic backgrounds, who are either healthy or have underlying conditions.

National Academy of Medicine Presents COVID-19 Vaccine Framework

A National Academy of Medicine committee issued a draft framework advising equitable allocation of potential COVID-19 vaccines for public comment.

Are There Health Disparities in COVID-19 Telehealth Access, Use?

Black patients are four-times more likely to access the emergency department over telehealth than their white peers, highlighting a care access disparity.

How States Handled Medicaid LTSS Coverage, Benefits for COVID-19

Many states expanded Medicaid long-term services and supports coverage and benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic and these changes could have long-ranging impacts.

Consortium Leverages EHRs, Data Analytics for COVID-19 Research

The international consortium created a data analytics framework to aggregate information from EHRs and advance COVID-19 research.

9/2

GSK, Vir Dose First Patient in Phase 2/3 COVID-19 Antibody Study

The Phase 2/3 study will enroll nearly 1,300 patients worldwide to uncover if a single-dose of a COVID-19 antibody can prevent hospitalization due to the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Triggers ePrescribing, Direct Messaging Increase

Surescripts’ ePrescribing platform hit the 1 million prescriber mark during the spread of COVID-19.

9/1

2021 CPT Code Set Simplifies E/M Coding, Adds COVID-19 Tests

The changes to the 2021 CPT code set represent the first major overhaul of office visit and outpatient E/M coding in more than 25 years, the American Medical Association said.

FDA Expands Remdesivir Use to All Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

The agency expanded a previous emergency use authorization to allow for the use of remdesivir in all hospitalized COVID-19 patients, not just the severely ill.

Citizen Status, Household Size Tied to COVID-19 Health Disparities

The latest data looks at the specific factors that have led to racial health disparities in COVID-19 cases.

Cell Phone Location Data Can Identify Areas of COVID-19 Spread

Anonymized cell phone location data can help determine which areas are at greatest risk for more rapid spread of COVID-19.

8/31

Providers Confused by COVID-19 Coding, Claim Requirements

A new survey shows that confusion over COVID-19 coding and claim requirements is one of the top impacts the pandemic has had on revenue cycle operations.

8/28

How to Assess Potential COVID-19 Employer-Sponsored Insurance Loss

Coronavirus-related employer-sponsored insurance loss may be lower than researchers projected due to differing assumptions.

Early Positive Data for Pfizer’s mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

Pfizer and BioNTech’s lead mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate elicited SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing geometric mean titers in both younger and older adults with minimal side effects.

Anticoagulation Therapy Improves Outcomes for COVID-19 Patients

Researchers from Mount Sinai found that anticoagulation therapy is connected with lower intubation and a nearly 50 percent higher chance of survival among COVID-19 patients.

MO Regional Data Exchange Promotes COVID-19 Data Flow

Researchers and government leaders in the St. Louis area will be able to access demographic information and local COVID-19 data in one workflow.

8/27

Remdesivir May Not Greatly Help Moderately Ill COVID-19 Patients

The clinical benefits of using Gilead’s remdesivir as a treatment for moderately ill COVID-19 patients are uncertain despite evidence the drug works among severely ill patients.

8/26

Roche, Regeneron to Boost Supply of COVID-19 Antibody Combo

Roche and Regeneron will increase the supply of COVID-19 antibody, REGN-COV2, to at least three and a half times the current capacity, with potential for even further expansion.

CMS Makes COVID-19 Data Reporting a Condition of Participation

In a move hospitals are calling “disturbing,” CMS updated Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation to include COVID-19 data reporting during the PHE.

How COVID-19 Affected Member Engagement in Wellness Programs

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted nearly every area of society and payers should be prepared for it to change their wellness programs as well.

8/25

Lawsuit Alleges HCA Endangers Workers, Community During COVID-19

The first-in-the-nation lawsuit claims the largest hospital owner and one of its community hospitals “recklessly facilitated the spread of COVID-19” by forcing sick employees work during the pandemic.

Gaps in Early COVID-19 Data Contributed to Surge in US Cases

Limited testing and gaps in COVID-19 data during initial stages of the pandemic resulted in many cases going undetected.

8/24

Children’s Hospitals Get $1.4B in Coronavirus Relief Funds

HHS made another round of targeted coronavirus relief funds, with the most recent going to almost 80 freestanding children’s hospitals impacted by COVID-19.

Patients Face Geographic Barriers to COVID-19 Testing Access

Geographic barriers to COVID-19 testing access see disparities based on ethnicity and income, GoodRx data revealed.

Geographic Data Uncovers Trends in COVID-19 Mortality, Spread

Researchers are using geographic data at the state and county levels to uncover patterns in COVID-19 mortality and disease spread.

FDA Authorizes Use of Convalescent Plasma as COVID-19 Treatment

The emergency use authorization allows the distribution of investigational convalescent plasma as a COVID-19 treatment despite scant evidence on its effectiveness.

8/21

Could COVID-19 Spell the End of Independent Physician Practices?

59% of physicians anticipate COVID-19 to reduce the number of independent physician practices in their communities, while half think hospitals will exert stronger influence after the pandemic.

8/20

Outpatient Volumes Plateau, Except in COVID-19 Hot Spots

Weekly outpatient volumes plateaued at 10% below pre-pandemic levels by Aug. 1, but the cumulative loss is still substantial and growing, the Commonwealth Fund said.

EU Launches Initiative to Accelerate COVID-19 Therapy Development

CARE will focus on drug repositioning, small-molecule drug discovery, and virus-neutralizing antibody discovery to accelerate COVID-19 therapy development.

Payers Have Various Strategies for COVID-19 Treatment Cost-Sharing

Payers on the individual health insurance market and fully-insured group market vary broadly on coronavirus treatment cost-sharing.

How a Rural Hospital Got an Interoperability Boost During COVID-19

COVID-19 triggered a variety of changes at a 25-bed rural hospital in Arkansas, highlighted by an interoperability increase and a remote EHR implementation.

8/19

HHS, DoD Tap McKesson to Help with COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The collaboration is in support of the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed, which accelerates the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Pushed Older Adults to Telehealth, Quality Concerns Persist

Although telehealth use is growing among older adults, patients still have fears about privacy and care quality over video visit.

Fitbit Study Uses mHealth Wearables to Detect COVID-19 Symptoms

Early results from a study of more than 100,000 Fitbit users show that the mHealth wearable and an accompanying telehealth platform can help identify signs of COVID-19, sometimes before the person feels any symptoms.

PCORI Grants Target Telehealth Programs for COVID-19 Treatment

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute is disbursing more then $22 million in grants to several projects that will analyze how telehealth has been and could be used to improve COVID-19 care and services.

Big Data Dashboards to Help US Colleges Track COVID-19 Spread

As students begin to return to campuses across the country, colleges are leveraging big data dashboards to monitor the spread of COVID-19 among students and staff.

Data Reveals Disparities in COVID-19 Hospitalization Rates

Racial and ethnic minority patients are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than white patients, revealing significant disparities.

Data Standardization Tool Normalizes COVID-19 Test Terms in EHR

Researchers developed a data standardization tool that yielded 99 percent accuracy when characterizing COVID-19 testing names to LOINC codes.

8/18

Deep Learning Models Can Detect COVID-19 in Chest CT Scans

The deep learning tools could distinguish between COVID-19 and other pneumonias in chest CT scans, enhancing coronavirus diagnosis.

CMS Doles Out $15M in Fines to Nursing Homes During COVID-19

Over 3,400 nursing homes were fined during the pandemic for noncompliance with infection control requirements and failure to report COVID-19 data, CMS reported.

Nurse Practitioners Say Expanded Scope of Practice Key for COVID-19

More than half of nurse practitioners said expanding scope of practice has been instrumental in fulfilling patient access to care demands.

FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization to Yale for COVID-19 Test

Yale’s COVID-19 test processes saliva samples when testing for COVID-19 infection, eliminating the need for nasopharyngeal swabs, which have been prone to shortages in the past.

8/17

AstraZeneca to Supply 400M Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine to EU

This is the first European Commission COVID-19 vaccine agreement that enables all EU member states to access the vaccine at no profit during the pandemic.

Machine Learning Tool Predicts Staffing Needs During COVID-19

The machine learning model tracks local hospitalization volumes and the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases to predict staffing needs during the pandemic.

Pharma Sales Reps Must Understand Provider Needs During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way care is delivered globally, but pharma companies are redefining their relevance and healthcare providers are seeing the value.

8/14

CMS May Eliminate Most Emergency Codes for COVID-19 Telehealth Services

CMS is planning to eliminate 74 of the 83 codes created to cover telehealth services during the coronavirus pandemic, though it's adding 13 new codes and could be swayed by public comments to add more coverage.

COVID-19 Home Monitoring Tools Pose Patient Privacy, Safety Risks

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals potential risks caused by the rapid adoption of home monitoring tools in light of COVID-19, including risks to patient privacy and safety.

8/13

Consumer Interest in Patient Data Sharing Up After COVID-19

The number of consumers open to patient data sharing with provider rose from 71 percent in January to 73 percent in the coronavirus era.

HHS, DoD to Manufacture 100M Doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine

The government will help manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine while clinical trials are underway to build towards Operation Warp Speed’s goal of delivering a safe and effective vaccine by the end of 2020.

CISA Alerts to Phishing Campaign Spoofing COVID-19 Loan Relief Site

A hacking group has launched a malicious phishing campaign that spoofs the Small Business Administration COVID-19 loan relief website for credential stealing and malicious redirects.

8/12

Third of Americans Would Pass on COVID-19 Vaccine If Ready Today

A Gallup survey found that many Americans are unlikely to get a COVID-19 vaccine today even if it was free and approved by the FDA.

COVID-19 Pushed Health IT Adoption, Now Patient Trust Must Follow

A health IT adoption boom is inevitable; it's up to payer and provider executives to drive patient trust in technology and push engagement.

AHIP Responds to Lawmaker Questions on Payer COVID-19 Profits

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will conduct an investigation into coronavirus testing coverage as well as how payer COVID-19 profits are being returned to the consumer.

Predictive Analytics Tool Calculates COVID-19 Hospitalization Risk

A predictive analytics model can help providers determine which patients recently diagnosed with COVID-19 are at greatest risk for hospitalization.

8/11

COVID-19 Sparked Change to ICU Family Visits, Patient Satisfaction

New data looks at if and how healthcare organizations changed family visits during COVID-19, with a prompt to look into how policies affected patient satisfaction moving forward.

How COVID-19 Stood as Catalyst for Consumer Health Tech Adoption

Until COVID-19 struck, consumer health tech adoption had seen modest growth, but adoption spiked with the pandemic as patients sought safe care.

Pfizer to Manufacture Gilead’s Remdesivir for COVID-19 Treatment

The agreement between Pfizer and Gilead is just one of the multiple external manufacturing organizations supporting efforts to scale up supply of the COVID-19 treatment.

How Medical Imaging is Boosting COVID-19 Detection, Prevention

Healthcare entities are increasingly leveraging medical imaging and imaging analytics to improve COVID-19 detection and prevention.

Researchers Use AI to Predict Severe COVID-19-Related Illness

The team will leverage artificial intelligence to develop tests that can predict a severe illness linked to COVID-19 in children.

8/10

AGs Lead Charge to Increase Access, Affordability of Remdesivir

In an official letter, the multistate coalition urges FDA, HHS, and NIH to scale up production and distribution of remdesivir to ensure the drug is made available for COVID-19 patients at an affordable price.

8/7

NIH Launches AI, Medical Imaging Center to Combat COVID-19

The new center will leverage artificial intelligence and medical imaging to develop personalized therapies for COVID-19.

8/6

Eli Lilly Launches Phase 3 Trial of COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

The study will enroll nearly 2,500 residents and staff at long-term care facilities across the USto test the efficacy of a COVID-19 antibody treatment.

COVID-19 Waivers Improved Medicare Advantage Telehealth Access

More than nine in 10 seniors who took advantage of the improved Medicare and Medicare Advantage telehealth access plan reported a positive experience.

Epic Employees Unhappy with COVID-19 Return to Work Policy

Following an outbreak in COVID-19 cases in the Verona, Wisconsin area, Epic Systems sent two emails to employees saying they must return to campus by late-September.

8/5

COVID R&D Alliance Starts Clinical Trial for Coronavirus Treatments

The I-SPY COVID-19 trial will evaluate the efficacy of potential coronavirus treatments for patients who require high-flow oxygen.

Johnson & Johnson’s Single Shot COVID-19 Vaccine Helps Monkeys

The study published in Nature shows Johnson & Johnson’s investigational COVID-19 vaccine elicited a strong immune response in monkeys, prompting the company to try it on humans next.

MO Passes Medicaid Expansion, Second State to Expand Amid COVID-19

Missouri’s Medicaid expansion amendment passed amid COVID-19 has survived two lawsuits and must go into effect by July 1, 2021.

Senators Eye Telehealth Licensure Freedom During COVID-19 Emergency

A bill introduced this week would allow healthcare providers in good standing to use telehealth to treat patients in any state during the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 Data Reveals Pediatric Racial and Ethnic Disparities

After analyzing COVID-19 data, researchers found that infection rates among pediatric patients reflect the same racial and ethnic disparities seen in adult populations.

8/4

GSK, Sanofi to Supply 60M Doses of Its COVID-19 Vaccine to UK

The COVID-19 vaccine was developed using Sanofi’s protein-based technology, which was key to producing an influenza vaccine, and GSK’s pandemic adjuvant technology.

CMS Proposes Expanding Telehealth Reimbursement After COVID-19

A recent Executive Order prompts CMS to make many of the telehealth flexibilities expanded during the coronavirus pandemic permanent.

More Non-White Patients Dread Out-of-Pocket Costs for COVID-19

Fifty-eight percent of non-White patients are worried about out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment.

The Risk of Nation-State Hackers, Government-Controlled Health Data

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing amount of health data is being controlled and stored by the government. As nation-state hacking increases, the risks to privacy will follow.

COVID-19 Impact on Ransomware, Threats, Healthcare Cybersecurity

Interpol, Coveware, and Fortified Health Security shed light on how the COVID-19 crisis spurred an increase in ransomware and cybercriminal efforts to take advantage of the remote landscape.

8/3

CMS Pays for Coronavirus Counseling, Other COVID-19 Billing Updates

CMS recently announced provider reimbursement for self-isolation and other coronavirus counseling and updated FAQs on COVID-19 billing for remote services and coronavirus testing.

COVID-19 Highlights Need for Automated Patient Communication

Distracted by COVID-19 surges, provider communication has been waning. Automated patient communication tools may help fill this gap.

New Guide Helps Policymakers Use COVID-19 Data to Make Decisions

The guide applies five criteria to seven types of COVID-19 data to support decision-making during the pandemic.

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Data Targeted by Nation-State Hackers

Hackers tied to China targeted the COVID-19 vaccine research developer Moderna in an effort to steal data; ransomware, records theft, and an employee email hack completes this week’s breach roundup.

7/31

The COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion Bills are Starting to Pile Up

Congress is very interested in expanding Medicare's telehealth coverage beyond the COVID-19 emergency, as the growing number of bills would attest.

HHS, VA, DOE Launch COVID-19 Big Data Analytics Collaborative

The COVID-19 Insights Partnership will leverage big data analytics tools to conduct research and find possible treatments for the virus.

7/30

Pfzier, BioNTech Select mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

The two companies will also launch a global Phase 2/3 clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Medicare Payments Top $2.8B for COVID-19 Hospitalizations, So Far

That number breaks down to over $25K in average Medicare payment per fee-for-service COVID-19 hospitalization, CMS reported.

HHS, VA, DOE Launch COVID-19 Big Data Analytics Collaborative

The COVID-19 Insights Partnership will leverage big data analytics tools to conduct research and find possible treatments for the virus.

Proposed COVID-19 Relief Bills Include Privacy, Security Funding

The COVID-19 relief package proposed by Senate Republicans would allocate $53 million to DHS CISA to protect research data, while Senate Democrats are urging for the inclusion of privacy protections.

7/29

Roche’s Arthritis Drug Fails in Phase III COVID-19 Treatment Study

The rheumatoid arthritis drug, Actemra, did not meet its primary endpoint of improved clinical status in patients with COVID-19 associated pneumonia or the key secondary endpoint of reduced patient mortality, Roche reported.

Pull Funding May Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Development Challenges

A study shows that a pull funding system, rather than a push system based on direct cost reimbursement, could accelerate COVID-19 vaccine development.

7/28

CDC Unveils Health Equity Plan for COVID-19 Response

The health equity plan centers on building cultural competency while extending access to care to hard-hit populations.

How VA Used EHR Data for COVID-19 Risk Assessments

The Care Assessment Need (CAN) risk assessment, developed by the Veterans Health Administration (VA), has accurately predicted COVID-19 outcomes for veterans.

Health Information Exchange Sees Participation Surge Amid COVID-19

Nevada’s statewide health information exchange has added 50 percent more patients to its database, increasing patient data exchange during a much-needed time.

7/27

HHS Extends Public Health Emergency, COVID-19 Payment Flexibility

The extension of the public health emergency means providers can leverage key COVID-19 payment and telehealth flexibilities for at least another 90 days.

COVID-19 Cybersecurity: Building Resilience Beyond the Crisis

Visibility, network access management, and automation are crucial to securing and building resilience to the healthcare infrastructure long after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

Payers Expect Claims Spike After COVID-19, No 2021 Premium Hike

Most payers do not currently plan to hike 2021 premiums, despite an expected increase in claims after the coronavirus pandemic.

Congress Aims to Keep Telehealth Momentum Going Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis

A bill to add money to the FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Fund - one of at least three new bills introduced - and a meeting of the Taskforce for Telehealth Policy made last week a busy week for connected health on Capitol Hill.

Epic Systems, Cerner Exceeds EHR Client Expectations During COVID-19

KLAS surveyed over 170 healthcare professionals to gauge their respective EHR vendor satisfaction levels throughout COVID-19.

7/24

Black, Hispanic Patients Avoid Emergency Care Access Due to COVID-19

Forty-give percent of Hispanic patients and 33 percent of Black patients said they'd forego emergency care access for urgent issues because of COVID-19.

7/23

HHS Signs $1.95B Agreement to Produce Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine

Under the terms of the agreement, the US government will acquire an additional 500 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and all Americans will receive the vaccine for free.

Advance Care Planning See Five-Times Increase During COVID-19

The patients engaging in advance care planning trended younger and healthier, signaling COVID-19 pushed more to consider end-of-life wishes.

Payers Split on Factoring COVID-19 into 2021 Premium Rates

The 63 filings that have been made public shed some light on payers’ justifications for whether to consider coronavirus when setting 2021 premium rates.

EHR Optimization, Health IT Projects Needed After COVID-19 Surge

Health systems and organizations are looking forward to EHR optimization projects and new technologies now that they are no longer facing the first influx of COVID-19 patients.

7/22

COVID-19 Test Prices Set by Hospitals Range from $20 to $850

Over half of hospitals set COVID-19 test prices between $100 and $199, but some facilities charge as much as $850 for the diagnostic test alone, while others charge as little as $20, an analysis shows.

Lawmakers Look to Continue FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program

A letter signed by more than 40 members of Congress calls on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to provide details on the recently closed COVID-19 Telehealth Program - and asks how much he would need to continue the program

NY-NJ Hospitals to Use Smart Clothes in COVID-19 Telehealth Program

Hackensack Meridian Health and Maimonides Medical Center are launching a telehealth program that will use sensor-embedded undergarments to remotely monitor patients infected with the coronavirus.

How Precision Medicine, Genomics Research is Decoding COVID-19

The industry is conducting precision medicine and genomics research to better understand COVID-19 susceptibility, measure its impact, and discover potential therapies.

7/21

Hospitals in COVID-19 Hot Spots to Receive $10B in Relief Funds

HHS has started distributing a second round of $10 billion to hospitals with over 161 COVID-19 admissions through June 10, 2020, or one admission per day.

Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Displays Immune Response

The COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca showed promising results in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, new data shows.

Emergency Use Authorization Issued for COVID-19 Pooled Testing

The FDA signed off on COVID-19 pooled testing from Quest Diagnostics for a second time in order to boost coronavirus testing while preserving testing supplies.

Digital Wellness Program Saw High Member Engagement After COVID-19

Blue Shield of California’s member engagement with its wellness program during the pandemic soared ten times its level of engagement before the coronavirus outbreak.

Could COVID-19 Spikes Jeopardize Non-Urgent Care Access Again?

As the nation witnesses more COVID-19 spikes, policymakers and hospital leadership reconsider shuttering non-urgent care access yet again.

DOJ Accuses China of Targeted Hacking on COVID-19 Research Data

Two hackers are accused by DOJ of working with the Chinese government to target and hack hundreds of US entities, stealing more than a terabyte of data, including COVID-19 research.

Predictive Analytics Model Examines Droplets to Map COVID-19 Spread

A predictive analytics model can help researchers better understand how respiratory droplets contribute to the spread of viruses like COVID-19.

Electronic Case Reporting Promotes Interoperability During COVID-19

Sutter Health has implemented an electronic case reporting tool into its EHR to automate a previously burdensome process.

7/20

Team Uncovers Genetic Variants that Impact COVID-19 Susceptibility

Cleveland Clinic researchers have found genetic variants that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to COVID-19.

7/17

Congress Continues to Press for Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Coverage

The latest bill introduced to Congress this week calls for a permanent extension of telehealth freedoms enacted during the pandemic, including coverage for FQHCs, RHCs and telehealth in the patient's home.

Report Finds Serious Flaws in COVID-19 Vaccine Developers’ Systems

BitSight assessed 17 biomedical companies publicly recognized for playing a role in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and found many operate with serious security vulnerabilities.

7/16

Oxford Scientists Develop Spinout to Launch COVID-19 Rapid Test

The affordable COVID-19 rapid test will soon be certified with CE-mark and shortly available in quantity with the commercial product name Oxsed RiViD Direct.

CMS: 9 Million Used Telehealth During Early Days of COVID-19

In a commentary in Health Affairs, CMS Administrator Seema Verma laid out the numbers for telehealth use by Medicare beneficiaries from March through June, and said the agency is still working on a plan for long-term coverage.

Sen. Urges HHS, USPS to Collaborate on Patient Matching, Amid COVID-19

HHS adopting USPS address standardization can result in more accurate patient matching and effectively trace the contacts of COVID-19 patients for the administration of an eventual vaccine.

Russian Hackers Target COVID-19 Vaccine Developers with Cyberattacks

A UK NSCS advisory, supported by the NSA, warns the Russian hackers known as APT29 are targeting healthcare, pharma, and COVID-19 vaccine developers with cyberattacks to steal data.

7/15

Good Data, Targeted Action Needed to Reduce COVID-19 Disparities

Significant racial disparities exist in confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths, indicating the need for better quality data and more targeted action.

How Text Messages Boost Member Engagement, COVID-19 Outreach

Colorado Access utilized its text message technology to push out member engagement and outreach messages pertaining to COVID-19 and, more recently, reopening.

Pfizer, BioNTech Gain FDA Fast Track for COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates

BNT162b1 and BNT162b3 are the two most advanced COVID-19 vaccine candidates from Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine program and are being evaluated in ongoing clinical studies in the US and Germany.

7/14

Gilead Releases Additional Data on COVID-19 Antiviral, Remdesivir

Data presented includes a comparative analysis of Gilead’s Phase 3 SIMPLE clinical trial and a real-world retrospective cohort of patients with severe COVID-19.

AMGA Calls for Medicare Shared Savings Program Changes Amid COVID-19

The association urged CMS to modify the Medicare Shared Savings Program to protect providers from increased costs during the pandemic and opposed the cancelation of the program’s 2021 application cycle.

Federal Judge Clears Way for Telemedicine Abortions During Pandemic

A judge has granted a preliminary injunction allowing care providers to prescribe drugs used in medication abortions via virtual care, eliminating the in-person requirement, during the COVID-19 emergency.

7/13

HHS, DOD, Novavax Partner to Scale-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Doses

Scaling up COVID-19 vaccine doses builds toward the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed goal to begin delivering 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccine to individuals in 2021.

Private Payer COVID-19 Reimbursement Rates Are Twice Medicare Rates

Even with the 20 percent boost in Medicare payments from the CARES Act, payers pay 1.8 to 2.1 times the Medicare rate for services related to coronavirus treatment.

How Geographic Data Supports Population Health During COVID-19

Geographic data has helped leaders better understand where to allocate population health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

GSK, Medicago, to Develop Novel Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine

The collaboration will combine plant-based and adjuvant technologies to develop a COVID-19 candidate vaccine, with Phase 1 clinical testing scheduled to being mid-July.

Patient Satisfaction for COVID-19 Chatbots Comes With Conditions

Patients prefer COVID-19 screening with chatbots over humans, so long as chatbots appear competent. The issue? Some patients don’t have that perception.

Precision Medicine Projects to Accelerate COVID-19 Treatment

Three collaborative COVID-19 research efforts will use precision medicine principles to optimize therapy effectiveness.

7/10

FCC Completes COVID-19 Telehealth Program Funding, Plans for Review

With the last of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program awards handed out, the Federal Communications Commission is ready to review the $200 million program's effectiveness and move on to the Connected Care Pilot.

UCI Uses Campus Wi-Fi to Test COVID-19 Contact Tracing App

The university is exploring the use of its wireless network as part of a COVID-19 contract tracing application.

7/9

Healthcare Looks to AI-Powered Chatbots to Ease COVID-19 Anxiety

Chatbots powered by artificial intelligence have emerged as a potential way to support individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7/8

Kevzara Fails in Phase 3 COVID-19 Clinical Trial

Although potential COVID-19 drug, Kevzara, showed minor benefits in severely ill individuals, the results were countered by the adverse events found in 80 percent of patients.

Patient Preference Points to Non-Hospital Care Access Amid COVID-19

Data continues to suggest patients are reticent about care access in the hospital setting, preferring to receive treatment off-campus.

Regenstrief Implements New Set of COVID-19 Dataset Codes

There will now be over 150 new LOINC dataset codes that are linked to COVID-19.

Microsoft Sues, Now Controls COVID-19 Phishing Campaign Domains

Recently unsealed court documents shed light on Microsoft’s efforts to block a massive phishing campaign tied to COVID-19 themes directed at business leaders from 62 countries.

Telehealth Billing Increased 8,336% from April 2019 to April 2020

Providers increasingly engaged with telehealth billing as the pandemic took hold, with telehealth claim lines growing from 0.15% of medical claim lines in April 2019 to 13.00% in April 2020.

How Providers, Suppliers Aim to Shore Up the Healthcare Supply Chain

Providers and suppliers plan to overcome healthcare supply chain obstacles created by COVID-19 by prioritizing US-made goods, gathering more inventory and demand planning data, and relying less on IT.

7/7

Forecasting COVID-19 with Predictive Analytics, Big Data Tools

Using big data resources, CommonSpirit Health developed predictive analytics models to prepare for COVID-19 surges.

Layoffs Continue as Primary Care Braces for Return to Pre-COVID Pay

Over a third of primary care practices have laid off or furloughed staff in the last 4 weeks as cash on hand continues to dwindle and leaders prepare for a return to normal telehealth payment policies.

FDA Releases Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Development

The COVID-19 vaccine development guidance includes recommendations on chemistry, manufacturing, non-clinical data, clinical trials, safety, assays, and emergency use authorizations.

7/6

Pfizer Reports Positive Results for Potential COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer and BioNtech’s clinical trial found that its most promising investigational vaccine candidate could be administered in a dose that was well-tolerated by infected patients.

7/3

FCC Announces 13th Set of COVID-19 Telehealh Program Awards

With the $200 million COVID-19 Telehealth Fund set to run out soon, the Federal Communications Commission has OK'd funding for 70 more projects, bringing the total to 514 in 46 states and Washington DC.

Humana Ups COVID-19 Testing With At-Home, Drive-Thru Testing

The health payer will provide at-home or drive-thru COVID-19 testing for members who are displaying symptoms of or at-risk for the disease.

Hospital Merger and Acquisition Activity Withstands COVID-19 Slump

COVID-19 had a less dramatic decline in hospital merger and acquisition activity, with two major deals announced in June, Kaufman Hall reports.

Pharmaceutical Companies Hike Drug Prices During COVID-19 Pandemic

Pharmaceutical companies have raised drug costs for household drugs, sedatives, anti-depressants, chronic disease drugs, and promising COVID-19 drugs amidst the pandemic, a new report shows.

7/2

How to Improve Data Collection, Exchange Following COVID-19

Medical professionals focused on three sectors of healthcare quality management that could improve patient care in the future.

Cellular Network Data Detects Potential COVID-19 Hotspots

Researchers are using existing cellular network data to identify areas at greatest risk for spreading COVID-19.

6 COVID-19 Social Determinants of Health Payers Pivoted to Meet

In light of rapidly changing times, payers are adapting old strategies to service new challenges in addressing certain social determinants of health.

Hospitals Call for Delay of Price Transparency Rule Due to COVID-19

After hospitals lost a case challenging the price transparency rule, a coalition of industry groups is asking HHS to postpone the rule’s implementation until after the COVID-19 pandemic passes.

7/1

AHA Projects $323B in COVID-19 Hospital Financial Losses in 2020

Updated data from the AHA indicates that hospital financial losses will grow by a minimum of $120.5B from July 2020 through December 2020, adding to the $202.6B in losses from earlier this year.

OK Becomes First State to Adopt Medicaid Expansion During COVID-19

After years of debate, a statewide ballot determined that Oklahoma would adopt Medicaid expansion by altering its state constitution.

6/30

Primary Care Practices to Take $15B Hit from Early COVID-19 Response

A new study estimates that primary care practices will lose over $65K in revenue per full-time physician after drastic declines in office visits and payments from March to May 2020.

ICER Raises Pricing Recommendation for COVID-19 Drug Remdesivir

The price hike comes over a month after ICER used two different pricing models and determined that the antiviral and COVID-19 drug remdesivir could be priced at $4,500.

Payers Continue to Expand Value-Based Contracting Despite COVID-19

While value-based contracting was expected to stall during the pandemic, some payers see value-based care models as a lifesaver for independent provider partners.

How a Hospital Optimized its EHR Dashboard to Combat COVID-19

A regional hospital in New Hampshire was able to work with its EHR dashboard vendor to successfully track COVID-19.

6/29

New CPT Code Expands COVID-19 Coding, Billing to Antigen Tests

The AMA’s new Category I CPT code will allow for COVID-19 coding and billing of antigen tests performed on patients suspected of being infected by the novel coronavirus.

Why Have COVID-19 Racial Health Disparities Emerged?

COVID-19 racial health disparities are the result of a near-century of institutional health inequities.

House to Debate Extending CARES Act Telehealth Coverage Indefinitely

The latest in a flurry of bills appearing on Capitol Hill calls for Congress to 'continue the telehealth policies implemented by the Trump Administration and through the CARES Act.'

6/26

CMS Moves to Make COVID-19 Home Health Telehealth Expansion Permanent

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing to make telehealth coverage enacted during the COVID-19 crisis permanent for home health care providers - though providers still won't be reimbursed.

6/25

SDOH Affect Patient Health Literacy, Knowledge About COVID-19

Research shows disparities in health literacy and knowledge about COVID-19 among people of color, men, and younger individuals.

Chicago Health System Uses mHealth to Monitor Staff, Patients for COVID-19

The University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences Systems has launched a telehealth program using an mHealth wearable to remotely monitor staff and patients at high risk of being infected by the coronavirus.

Machine Learning Powers COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University are using machine learning to build a COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.

WHO Halts Hydroxychloroquine Study After Seeing No COVID-19 Benefit

WHO based its decision on an analysis showing that hydroxychloroquine showed no substantial benefit as treatment for patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

6/24

FDA Leverages Real-World Data to Enhance COVID-19 Response

The agency is participating in the COVID-19 Diagnostics Evidence Accelerator, which utilizes real-world data to accelerate solutions for the virus.

COVID-19 Concerns Add Value to School-Based Telehealth Programs

School may not be in session, but telehealth programs across the nation are busy addressing the needs of students stuck at home during the pandemic - including a growing number in need of mental health counseling.

Idaho Governor Makes COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion Permanent

Idaho is the latest state to give its healthcare providers the freedom to continue using expanded telehealth and mHealth services to patients beyond the coronavirus emergency.

6/23

AHA Wants Extension of Emergency Declaration, COVID-19 Flexibilities

HHS should extend the public health emergency declaration beyond July 25, 2020, to continue offering much-needed COVID-19 flexibilities to healthcare providers, the association said.

Big Data Analytics Dashboard Shows Greatest Risk Factors for COVID-19

The dashboard leveraged big data analytics tools to reveal that social deprivation is a leading factor in determining COVID-19 risk.

How Patient Matching, Data Standardization Could Combat COVID-19

Improved patient matching and data standardization could help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

6/22

Eli Lilly Starts Phase 3 Study of RA Drug as COVID-19 Treatment

The Phase 3 clinical trial will complement an ongoing NIAID trial to further understand Eli Lilly’s baricitinib as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

Lawmakers Want a Full Study of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Crisis

A bill before Congress calls on the Health and Human Services Department and the Government Accountability Office to produce separate studies on how telehealth has been used to address the coronavirus pandemic.

How EHR Telehealth Integration Evolved Patient Care During COVID-19

A medical group located in a mountainous part of Georgia was granted free access to a telehealth EHR tool and so far, it’s changed the way they provide patient care.

6/19

NIH to Collect Patient Data with New COVID-19 Analytics Platform

The COVID-19 analytics platform will leverage patient data from the medical record to support research efforts around understanding the disease and finding treatments.

6/18

FDA Rescinds Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Antibody Test

The COVID-19 antibody test from Chembio Diagnostic System no longer meets the criteria for emergency use authorization created during the pandemic, FDA says.

How a Rural Hospital Leveraged Health IT to Combat COVID-19

A rural hospital in Missouri was able to maximize its health IT and health information exchange connections to battle its COVID-19 hotspot.

Racial Health Disparities by Age Paint Starker Picture of COVID-19

When adjusted by age, racial health disparities run deeper than previous reports, underscoring the rampantness of chronic illness in underserved populations.

Microsoft: COVID-19-Related Cyberattacks, Phishing in Decline

COVID-19-related cyberattacks and phishing campaigns reached their peak in March and have since leveled off. Microsoft sheds light on these attacks and how to move forward.

Telehealth Advocates Launch Task Force to Lobby for Permanent Policy Changes

The American Telemedicine Association, Alliance for Connected Care and NCQA are spearheading a new task force aimed at lobbying Congress to keep the momentum going to telehealth access and coverage beyond COVID-19.

6/17

Steroid Dexamethasone Reduces COVID-19 Deaths, Initial Data Shows

A randomized clinical trial found that dexamethasone is the first drug proven effective against COVID-19, reducing 28-day mortality rate in one-third of patients.

How NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 Hotline Drove Patient Outreach

The health system set up a hotline that delivered public health messaging, patient outreach, and COVID-19 verbal screenings.

FCC Announces 11th Batch of COVID-19 Telehealth Program Awards

As Congress asks for more transparency from the agency, another 62 telehealth projects are approved for funding, bringing the total to $128.23 million for 367 programs in 45 states and Washington DC

AGS Urge Apple, Google to Ensure Privacy of COVID-19 Contact Tracing

The National Association of Attorneys General asks Google and Apple to protect consumer privacy and ensure COVID-19 contact tracing apps are only released by public health authorities.

3 Keys to Healthcare Staffing at NYC H+H During COVID-19

Flexibility, communication, and technology enabled the large public health system to ensure appropriate healthcare staffing in what was once considered the epicenter of COVID-19 in the US.

Payers Expect Claims Spike After COVID-19, No 2021 Premium Hike

Most payers do not currently plan to hike 2021 premiums, despite an expected increase in claims after the coronavirus pandemic.

“All of Us” Precision Medicine Program to Collect COVID-19 Data

NIH is expanding the scope of the All of Us precision medicine research program to better understand the impact of COVID-19.

6/16

Skilled Nursing Facilities Facing a Financial Crisis from COVID-19

Deemed the epicenter of COVID-19 deaths by many, skilled nursing facilities and other nursing home providers are now on the verge of collapsing without financial help, industry leaders say.

Coronavirus May Reshape Investment, Value-Based Reimbursement

The coronavirus pandemic will reshape where and how organizations invest moving forward, according to industry leaders at the Value-Based Care Summit | Telehealth20: Virtual Series.

Cloud Mitigation for Ransomware, as COVID-19 Spurs Cyberattacks

Providers are increasingly being targeted with cyberattacks and ransomware throughout COVID-19; edge-to-cloud security tactics could reduce the increased risk to the healthcare sector.

6/15

FDA Reverses Emergency Use Authorization for Hydroxychloroquine

After issuing the emergency use authorization of hydroxychloroquine in March, FDA acquired clinical trial results that showed the drug may not be effective against COVID-19.

Experts Weigh in on Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Rules and Policies

Congress and CMS are being inundated with requests to make permanent telehealth guidelines enacted to expand coverage during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's a rundown of what they're requesting.

OCR Shares COVID-19 Guide on Contacting Patients for Blood Donations

In light of COVID-19, OCR reminds healthcare providers that HIPAA allows covered entities to contact patients recovering from the Coronavirus to inform them about blood and plasma donations.

Congress Questions FCC on Details of COVID-19 Telehealth Program

Congress is asking the FCC to provide weekly reports, beginning this week, on the number of providers approved for funding from the telehealth program, as well as those not approved and how much money has been dispersed.

Critical Considerations Required for COVID-19 Data Analysis

Decision-makers should consider key criteria when analyzing COVID-19 data, including representativeness and time range.

COVID-19 Has Execs Seeing Healthcare M&A Plans with Fresh Eyes

While some healthcare merger and acquisition plans have fallen apart because of COVID-19, some providers are rethinking potential partnerships to survive the economic fallout of the pandemic.

6/12

Telehealth Will Continue to Grow After Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic sparked the growth of telehealth across the healthcare industry. This growth will continue after the pandemic, industry experts said at the Value-Based Care Summit | Telehealth20: Virtual Series.

6/11

Providers Want Equal Telehealth Reimbursement Beyond COVID-19

With telehealth reimbursement flexibilities set to expire following the public health emergency period, providers are calling on HHS and policymakers to continue payment parity beyond COVID-19.

Top COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatments Moving Forward in Clinical Trials

Pharma companies have launched numerous COVID-19 vaccines and treatments over the past few months. Here are recent updates from clinical trials testing the drugs.

Key Considerations for Reopening Healthcare Facilities Amid COVID-19

Safety precautions, telehealth, testing, data analytics, and compliance should be core to a healthcare facility’s strategy for resuming in-person case during the next phase of the pandemic.

Targeted Population Health Interventions Will Boost COVID-19 Outcomes

Health systems should target population health interventions to people with existing chronic diseases in order to improve COVID-19 outcomes.

athenahealth EHR Adds Telehealth Solutions Following Coronavirus

A 3400 percent increase in daily telehealth visits pushed athenahealth to develop and implement its new telehealth platform into its EHR.

Microsoft Supports Mount Sinai Efforts to Develop AI for COVID-19

Microsoft AI for Health awarded Mount Sinai with a grant to support work of a new data science center that will develop artificial intelligence tools to address COVID-19.

FDA Issues Guidance on Patient Access Requests During COVID-19

The FDA guidance will give IBRs clarity on key factors and procedures they should consider when reviewing individual patient expanded access requests during COVID-19.

6/10

Phase 1 Study Starts for Lilly’s Second COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

The study will evaluate efficacy of Lilly’s JS016 as a single agent and in combination with other COVID-19 antibody treatments in patients.

FCC Passes Midway Mark in COVID-19 Telehealth Program Funding

The Federal Communications Commission has earmarked more than $100 million from its $200 million COVID-19 Telehealth Program for 305 healthcare providers in 42 states and Washington DC.

COVID-19 Deaths Linked to Social Determinants of Health Data

COVID-19 death rates are significantly correlated with individuals’ social determinants of health data, including age, race, and local climate.

COVID-19 Security: Reducing Risk of Temporary Hospitals, Remote Care

The rapid deployment of remote tech, telehealth, and temporary hospitals amid COVID-19 has significantly increased vulnerabilities in healthcare, which could have lasting impacts beyond the crisis.

HHS Releases $15B in Coronavirus Relief to Medicaid Providers

In addition to Medicaid providers, safety-net hospitals will also receive another $10B in coronavirus relief funds, HHS announced.

Payer COVID-19 Healthcare Spending for 2020, 2021 May Hit $546.6B

Although the payer COVID-19 healthcare spending estimates are still uncertain, experts projected that delayed care might decrease costs.

Racial Disparities Seen in Heart Transplant Patients with COVID-19

Future research should focus on gender and racial disparities in COVID-19 patients who have received heart transplants.

Psychiatric EHR Documentation Decreases During COVID-19

Researchers in Massachusetts found a dramatic decrease in psychiatric EHR documentation as COVID-19 began to spread in the Boston-area.

6/9

Clinical Trial Finds Hydroxychloroquine Does Not Prevent COVID-19

11.8% of those receiving hydroxychloroquine got COVID-19, compared with 14.3% of those receiving placebo. The absolute difference was –2.4 percentage points, the clinical trial showed.

How Cold Calling Revealed COVID-19 Social Determinants of Health

A network of cold calling volunteers from MGH offered help with social determinants of health for the people of Chelsea, Massachusetts.

6 Fixes to Improve Medicaid Coverage Access Amid COVID-19

New York can draw from its experience during the Great Recession to improve its coronavirus Medicaid strategy.

How Nebraska Medicine Avoided Furloughs During COVID-19

As providers make drastic spending cuts due to COVID-19, Nebraska Medicine is leveraging labor and productivity data to redeploy staff and prepare for future challenges to its operations.

COVID-19 Misinformation Turns Attention to Public Health Messaging

CDC data showed that misinformation about disinfectants and COVID-19 spread to nearly one-third of adults. This outlines a need to target public health messaging.

Mount Sinai Receives Microsoft Grant for COVID-19 Data Science Center

Mount Sinai will use an award from Microsoft AI for Health to support a new data science center dedicated to COVID-19 research.

6/8

WHO Leverages Amazon Data Analytics Tools for COVID-19 Response

The World Health Organization is tracking and containing COVID-19 with data analytics technologies from Amazon Web Services.

Eli Lilly Launches Global Study of COVID-19 Antibody Treatments

The placebo-controlled study will assess the safety and tolerability of potential COVID-19 antibody treatments in patients hospitalized with the coronavirus.

WHO Leverages Amazon Data Analytics Tools for COVID-19 Response

The World Health Organization is tracking and containing COVID-19 with data analytics technologies from Amazon Web Services.

Eli Lilly Launches Global Study of COVID-19 Antibody Treatments

The placebo-controlled study will assess the safety and tolerability of potential COVID-19 antibody treatments in patients hospitalized with the coronavirus.

Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment Fell During COVID-19 Pandemic

Cancer clinical trial enrollment decreased from 150 patients per week to 109 over several weeks as COVID-19 cases increased over 22,000 during that time, a JAMA study found.

AHA Asks for Another $50B in Coronavirus Relief for Hospitals

The association urged HHS to distribute $30B in additional coronavirus to relief to all hospitals, as well as special disbursements to hospitals in COVID-19 hotspots and those that treat more Medicaid patients.

Preparation for Virtual Care Rollout Improved COVID-19 Response

Novant Health was preparing to grow its virtual care programs just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Serendipitously, this helped created an effective response to the pandemic.

Research Partnership to Focus on COVID-19 Health Disparities

The National Minority Quality Forum and Centene Corporation will partner to evaluate COVID-19 health disparities in underserved communities.

HHS Unveils Detailed COVID-19 Guidance to Enhance Data Reporting

HHS wants researchers to gain more demographic patient data, such as gender, race, and zip code, to help mitigate COVID-19.

6/5

New mHealth Study Uses Wearables to Identify COVID-19 Symptoms Early

Evidation Health is working with the Health and Human Services Department on a study aimed at using mHealth data to identify people who have been infected with the coronavirus as early as possible.

Video Chats Boost ICU Family Engagement During COVID-19

A neuro ICU physician has leaned on FaceTime video visits to improve family engagement amid strict COVID-19 visitation protocol.

FTC Weighs In On Expanding CMS Telehealth Coverage Beyond COVID-19

The Federal Trade Commission has offered its views on several proposals to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for telehealth services after the COVID-19 emergency is over.

6/4

HHS, CMS Offer More Support for COVID-19 Telehealth Adoption, Expansion

HHS is investing another $250 million in CARES Act funding to help health systems and hospitals develop telehealth programs, while CMS has announced plans to adjust payment and service delivery models.

Moderna Doses First Patients in Phase 2 Study of COVID-19 Vaccine

Moderna will eventually enroll 600 participants in the study and evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of two COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA-1273.

Enterprise Mobile Phishing Attacks Spike Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Lookout research shows healthcare is the most targeted sector for phishing attacks, while enterprise mobile phishing attempts have steadily increased amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Cloud Database of COVID-19 Patient Data to Aid Pandemic Efforts

Nearly 60 institutions are invited to partner with HHS to support the analysis of electronic health records from COVID-19 patients on a secure cloud-based database.

$628M HHS Task Order to Advance Manufacturing of COVID-19 Vaccines

HHS’s task order with Emergent BioSolutions will allow the company to commit to manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine candidates and therapeutics through 2021.

DoD Uses CARES Act Funds to Leverage AI for COVID-19 Vaccines

The Department of Defense is aiming to use its existing artificial intelligence technology to screen and test COVID-19 vaccines.

2 Short Term Patient Matching Solutions to Mitigate COVID-19

Three health experts explained why patient data sharing and health IT standards could enhance patient matching and support contact tracing and vaccine deployment.

FCC Awards COVID-19 Telehealth Funding to Another 53 Providers

The ninth group of healthcare providers brings the total to almost 240 locations in 41 states and Washington DC, accounting for almost $85 million of the $200 billion fund set aside for telehealth development and expansion.

6/3

Gilead Reports Remdesivir Helped Moderately Ill COVID-19 Patients

A Phase 3 clinical trial found that a five-day treatment course of remdesivir resulted in significantly greater clinical improvement versus standard care alone among patients with moderate COVID-19.

Providers Must Act Today to Receive Additional Coronavirus Relief

Providers must submit revenue information to HHS by the end of the day today (June 3) to apply for additional coronavirus relief funds, HHS says.

Artificial Intelligence Could Speed COVID-19 Detection, Treatment

Artificial intelligence could expand the role of chest imaging in diagnosing and treating COVID-19.

Congress Eyes HHS Analysis of Telehealth During COVID-19 Crisis

A bill introduced this week on Capitol Hill would require the Health and Human Services Department to study how telehealth has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a report due back one year after the emergency ends.

Health Information Exchange Dashboard Tracks COVID-19 Next Steps

Indiana is using patient data from its EHR COVID-19 dashboard and health information exchange to reopen on a county-by-county basis, rather than a statewide strategy.

Sens. Unveil Privacy Bill to Regulate COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps

Proposed bipartisan privacy legislation would give consumers control over the data collected by COVID-19 contract tracing apps, while establishing data restrictions and enforcement measures.

Community Health Centers Need a Telehealth Strategy, Resources to Survive

A new Health Affairs article notes how community health centers have struggled to use telehealth before and during COVID-19, and offers advice to help CHCs embrace connected health in the future.

6/2

COVID-19 Racial Health Disparities Stress Patient Trust Pitfalls

New data showed black patients have less trust in COVID-19 mitigation, underscoring decades of racial health disparities and limited patient trust.

COVID-19 Healthcare Spending Hinges On Hospitalization Rates

While mortality has virtually no impact on COVID-19 healthcare spending, halving hospitalizations could nearly halve the overall healthcare cost of the pandemic.

Artificial Intelligence Helps Detect Early COVID-19 Symptoms

A new digital platform, driven by artificial intelligence, continuously monitors individuals, which allows for the prediction of symptoms associated with COVID-19 before they show up.

COVID-19 Data Shows How Social Distancing Impacts Virus Spread

An analysis of COVID-19 data revealed that places that took longer to implement social distancing measures saw the virus spread more rapidly.

GSK to Manufacture 1B Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Adjuvant System

GSK’s COVID-19 vaccine adjuvant can reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, which allows more vaccine doses to be produced, protecting more individuals.

6/1

CMS Issues COVID-19 Billing Updates for Hospitals, Alternate Sites

New COVID-19 billing guidance from CMS clarifies reimbursement and coding policies for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients and alternate care sites created by hospitals during the pandemic.

How COVID-19 May Reframe End-of-Life Care Planning Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed patient appreciation for end-of-life care planning, pushing providers to explore best practices for engaging these conversations.

COVID-19 Impacts on Risk Pool, Costs Stir Rate Setting Uncertainty

Coronavirus presents challenges for the 2021 rate setting process as risk pool and healthcare cost impacts remain unclear.

Remote Attacks on Cloud Service Targets Rose 630% Amid COVID-19

As noted in recent federal agency alerts, McAfee confirms hackers are continuing attempts to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic with remote attacks on cloud services increasing by 630 percent.

Cigna Care Card Lets Employers Support Members During COVID-19

The Cigna Care Card gives tax-free funds to members for qualifying purposes related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Using Big Data to Prioritize Cancer Treatment During COVID-19

A new, web-based app draws on big data resources to create a personalized risk assessment for receiving cancer treatment during COVID-19.

HHS Awards $15M to Tribal Organizations for COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion

The awards, funded through the CARES Act, will help 52 federally recognized Tribes, healthcare providers and other organizations launch or expand telehealth programs to address the coronavirus pandemic.

5/29

New COVID-19 Spear-Phishing, Spoofing Attacks Mimic Google, WHO

Barracuda detected a new impersonation attack, where hackers spoof Google-branded sites in spear-phishing campaigns. Meanwhile, Google details spoofing campaigns mimicki

HHS Gives $4.9B to Skilled Nursing Facilities Impacted by COVID-19

The funds will help skilled nursing facilities to offset significant expenses and lost revenues attributable to COVID-19, but more is needed to support long-term care, providers said.

Johns Hopkins, UMMC Receive FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program Funding

The two health systems are among 53 providers included in the latest round of awards from the telehealth program, which has so far earmarked $68.22 million for 185 providers in 38 states and Washington DC.

Big Data Model to Help Optimize Hospital Resources During COVID-19

The big data model will help address short- and long-term resource needs for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt during COVID-19.

SADA Launches Data Sharing Portal to Aid in COVID-19 Recovery

The COVID-19 data-sharing platform is designed to allow frontline workers make efficient decisions to better manage the pandemic and help aid in the recovery.

5/28

Care Access Drives COVID-19 Health Disparities in Black Populations

Black populations across the country are experiencing worse outcomes from COVID-19, and these health disparities are largely due to a lack of care access.

15 Payers File on WA Individual Health Insurance Marketplace

The fifteen payers filed over 180 plans on the individual health insurance marketplace as unemployment drives more consumers to the ACA exchange.

New COVID-19 Stroke Guidelines Stress Support for Telehealth, mHealth

New guidelines for stroke triage published in the AHA's Stroke journal call on first responders to use telehealth and mHealth to screen and diagnose patients and ensure speedy transport to the right care facility.

Health Departments, State Govts. At Risk of COVID-19 Spoofing, Fraud

Proofpoint found most state governments and health departments lack the strictest and recommended DMARC protection and authentication, exposing them to COVID-19 spoofing and fraud attempts.

Patient Data Exchange Barriers Impact COVID-19 Reporting

Hospitals said the inability to send and receive patient data, EHR interface issues, and the difficulty of extracting EHR data have negatively impacted COVID-19 reporting and care.

Real-Time Data Ring May Predict COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers

Scientists are aiming to determine whether a smart ring that collects real-time data can detect COVID-19 symptoms.

Rhode Island Lawmakers Look to Make Telehealth Coverage Permanent

A bill making its way through the State Senate would require payers in the state to permanently cover telehealth services - including audio-only phone calls and care delivered to the patient's home.

5/27

Merck and IAVI Partner to Develop Potential COVID-19 Vaccine

The companies will leverage capabilities with rVSV technology to advance the development and global clinical evaluation of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Claims May Rise in 2 to 3 Months As Patients Seek Deferred Care

The awaited rise in non-urgent and elective deferred care may occur in the next couple of months as patients emerge from quarantine.

Surveys Suggest Seniors Aren’t Using Telehealth During COVID-19 Crisis

Telehealth use by seniors during the coronavirus pandemic is still low, according to a pair of surveys, even though seniors have access to the technology and those who are using telehealth are giving it high marks.

For One Georgia Health System, Telehealth is Definitely Here to Stay

Augusta University Health converted its direct-to-consumer telehealth platform to handle COVID-19 screening. The success of the platform has health system executives planning for a future in connected health.

COVID-19 May Negatively Impact the Biopharmaceutical Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic will cause some biopharmaceutical companies to emerge weaker, dealing with delayed in new product launches and with fewer resources to invest in R&D.

EHR Data Reveals Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes with COVID-19

An analysis of patients’ EHR data showed that low levels of blood oxygen and markers of inflammation were strongly associated with poor outcomes from COVID-19.

5/26

Necessary Emergency Department Utilization Drops During COVID-19

Emergency department utilization dropped during the pandemic, despite non-urgent care access restrictions excluding urgent and emergent care.

Patients Anticipate Future Access to Care Troubles from COVID-19

Thirty-eight percent are rethinking access to care over the next six months, considering whether they might schedule non-urgent treatment.

Telehealth EHR Integration Key to Meet COVID-19 Demand

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, telehealth EHR integration helped UPMC Pinnacle train thousands of staff members in a week.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Identifies COVID-19 in CT Scans

Using artificial intelligence to diagnose COVID-19 based on CT scans and clinical data will help hospitals quickly isolate patients and prevent spreading.

Payers Assist States in Contact Tracing, Despite Consumer Distrust

As states accept payer support in managing the contact tracing workload, consumers express distrust in payers’ ability to preserve their anonymity in app-based contact tracing.

Machine Learning Helps Detect Heart Damage in COVID-19 Patients

Using a machine learning algorithm, researchers are aiming to identify COVID-19 patients at high risk of developing heart damage.

AI-Driven Supercomputer Helps with COVID-19 Response, Recovery

Penn State researchers are using an artificial intelligence-powered supercomputer to uncover COVID-19 therapies and ways to help the world recover from the pandemic.

4 Ways Congress Can Leverage Health IT to Curb COVID-19

Pew’s project director of Health Information Technology indicated a scenario where Congress can help mitigate COVID-19 and future health emergencies by enhancing current health IT systems.

HHS to Expand US-Based Pharmaceutical Manufacturing for COVID-19

HHS will work with a team of private industry partners to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing in the US and produce essential medicine needed during COVID-19 and other public health emergencies.

Lawmakers Push to Extend Telehealth Freedoms Oast the COVID-19 Emergency

More than 30 members of Congress are asking Congressional leadership to extend regulatory freedoms for telehealth in mental health settings past the COVID-19 emergency.

Sens. Ask FBI, CISA How to Protect COVID-19 Medical Research Data

Four Senators ask the FBI and DHS CISA whether more resources are needed to protect COVID-19 medical research data, as Chinese hackers continue to target the intellectual property.

5/22

Congressional Support Builds for Broadband Funding to Aid Telehealth

A group of Senators has submitted a bill seeking to set aside $2 billion for the FCC's Rural Health Care (RHC) Program, adding to the groundswell of support for efforts to expand broadband to boost telehealth in rural areas.

AstraZeneca Inks Deals to Supply 400M Doses of a COVID-19 Vaccine

The deals also secured total manufacturing capacity for 1 billion doses of the University of Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine.

New Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare to Tackle COVID-19 Challenges

The new Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare is bringing together integrated capabilities for partners to boost patient engagement and improves collaboration and decision-making, the health IT giant says.

5/21

Rate Setting During COVID-19: Risk Corridors and Reinsurance

Experts from Manatt Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation share how risk corridors and reinsurance can alleviate coronavirus rate-setting uncertainties.

Study Identifies Potential Therapeutic COVID-19 Antibody

S309, an antibody isolated from a patient who recovered from SARS in 2003, could be a potential therapeutic COVID-19 antibody, researchers found.

Feds Issue Joint Alert on COVID-19 CARES Act Payment Fraud Scams

Given the increase in remote work, healthcare providers should review the joint alert from DHS CISA and other federal agencies on COVID-19 fraud scams tied to economic impact payments.

3 States to Use Apple, Google COVID-19 Contact Tracing System

Alabama, North Dakota, and South Carolina will use Apple and Google’s contact tracing technology to track the spread of COVID-19.

Telehealth Gives Los Angeles LGBT Center a New Platform to Deliver Care

Pressed by the COVID-19 pandemic to embrace telehealth, the Los Angeles LGBT Center is now finding a comfort zone with virtual care that will likely show benefits well after the current crisis has passed.

Urban-Rural Divide Opens for COVID-19 Test Sites, Access to Care

Of the counties that do have COVID-19 test sites, 58 percent are not meeting capacity thresholds, new data shows.

Machine Learning Models Estimate Seasonal Impact of COVID-19

Researchers will apply machine learning algorithms to environmental data to determine whether COVID-19 surges and wanes in different seasons.

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Top Clinical Service Lines at Hospitals

COVID-19 continues to damage inpatient and outpatient volumes, with certain clinical service lines being hit harder than others.

COVID-19 Proves Need for National Health IT Infrastructure

Two medical professionals said COVID-19 has put the spotlight on the need for a national health IT infrastructure.

5/20

CMS Releases Medicare Payment Rates for COVID-19 Test CPT Codes

Medicare payment rates for CPT codes 87635, 86769, and 86328 range from $42.13 to $51.31, CMS recently announced.

HHS Releases COVID-19 Racial Health Disparities Report to Critique

The racial health disparities report, which was sent to Congress, does not provide enough data or context, some House and Senate leaders say.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps Spotlight Privacy, Security Rights

As tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple move to craft the APIs behind COVID-19 contact tracing apps, privacy advocates rush to ensure the protection of privacy and cybersecurity rights.

Hackers Using COVID-19 Phishing, Website Spoofing for Credential Theft

Proofpoint observed over 300 COVID-19-related phishing campaigns since January, with hackers leveraging convincing phishing themes and website spoofing for credential theft.

COVID-19 Gives Providers a Blueprint for New Telehealth Strategies

The lessons learned in applying telehealth and mHealth to a pandemic will help health systems and hospitals shape their connected health strategies far beyond this crisis.

Hospice Care Providers Ask CMS to Make Telehealth Coverage Permanent

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relaxed its guidelines to help care providers expand their telehealth services during the COVID-19 crisis. Hospice care providers don't want that to end with the emergency.

White House Unveils Plans to Advance COVID-19 Vaccine Development

Dubbed Operation Warp Speed, the program will focus on accelerating development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.

Considering Consumerism in Healthcare in a Post-COVID World

Patients are growing accustomed to healthcare models stemming from the pandemic, pushing a deeper embrace of consumerism in healthcare in a post-COVID world.

8 Ways Payers Can Support Provider Partners During Coronavirus

By supporting providers in these eight ways, payers can meet their provider partners’ financial, professional, and personal needs during coronavirus.

5/19

How Payers Make Wellness Programming Available Despite COVID-19

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island and other payers are relying more heavily on digital solutions for wellness programming during COVID-19.

Artificial Intelligence Tool Identifies COVID-19 in CT Scans

Mount Sinai researchers are the first in the US to use artificial intelligence to analyze patients’ CT scans and clinical data to detect COVID-19.

Natural Language Processing Tracks Public Interest in COVID-19 Topics

Using natural language processing, researchers can monitor popular online comment boards and better understand public concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA Rejects Bristol Myers Cell Squibb’s CAR T-Cell Therapy

The refusal to file for the CAR T-cell therapy application spells trouble for the merger Bristol Myers Squibb completed last year with Celgene.

Lawmakers Lobby for Seniors’ Access to Audiology Services by Telehealth

A group of lawmakers is asking Congressional leaders to include coverage for audiology services via telehealth in the next COVID-19 relief package, saying seniors need better access to those services.

Guide to Healthcare’s Security Tactical Crisis Response, Amid COVID-19

HSCC and the H-ISAC jointly shared tactical guidance for the healthcare sector on how to manage cybersecurity threats that arise amid an emergency, such as COVID-19 pandemic.

UnitedHealth Group Offers Remote, Low Cost Access to Eyewear

The announcement comes as eyewear purchases and other vision care benefits take a hit due to social distancing restrictions.

5/18

Providers in APMs Had Head Start with Managing COVID-19 Surge

A new survey shows that APM participants were more likely to leverage care management support for managing the COVID-19 surge, including triage call centers and remote patient monitoring.

Public Health Education Key for Growing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

Research shows vaccine-hesitant messaging is more pervasive on social media. What does that mean for public health education about a potential COVID-19 vaccine?

Medicaid Spending, Enrollment Exceed Projections Due To COVID-19

Some states project higher Medicaid spending and enrollment continuing into 2021, as a result of the crisis.

Positive Trial Data for Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

Moderna’s vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273, was generally well-tolerated and elicited neutralizing antibodies in all eight clinical trial participants, the company reported.

How Will COVID-19 Change Patient Experience, Healthcare Delivery?

As the healthcare industry adapts to COVID-19 as part of its new normal, medical experts have a slate of patient experience lessons to take with them.

Most Payers Cover Member Costs for COVID-19 Testing, Treatment

A majority of health payers are fully covering COVID-19 testing and treatment for their members, according to a new report from Insights by Xtelligent Healthcare Media.

Congressional Bills Target COVID-19 Contract Tracing App Privacy

Two separate bills from Republicans and Democrats aim to secure data generated by proposed COVID-19 contact tracing apps but differ on just how to provide transparency and ensure privacy.

Population Health Study to Estimate Prevalence of COVID-19 in CA

The study will aim to boost population health by testing Orange County residents to determine if they have COVID-19 antibodies.

FDA Approves Lilly’s Advanced Lung, Thyroid Cancer Drug

Other recent FDA moves include the acceptance of Agenus Inc.’s IND application for an allogeneic iNKT therapy and fast track designation for Amgen’s omecamtiv mecarbil for heart failure.

5/15

IRS Creates Cafeteria Plan, HDHP Flexibilities Due to COVID-19

The cafeteria plan and high deductible health plan flexibilities come as employees face high healthcare spending due to the coronavirus.

Tennessee Health Plan Makes COVID-19 Telehealth Coverage Permanent

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee expanded telehealth coverage in March to help members access care during the Coronavirus pandemic. Officials said they'll keep that coverage in place past the emergency.

Amazon, UCSF Partner for COVID-19 Genome Sequencing Projects

The genome sequencing projects will utilize data and cloud computing to help the medical community better understand COVID-19.

FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Serology Test

The COVID-19 serology test is Abbott’s fourth test to receive FDA emergency use authorization and accelerates the supply of reliable antibody testing during the pandemic.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Pharma Sector Amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a spate of cyberattacks on the health and pharma sectors. Employing cybersecurity best practices will prove crucial to protecting these valuable systems.

Healthcare Organizations Unsure of Stimulus Relief Package Impact

Many healthcare stakeholders are unsure of the impacts the recent stimulus relief package will have on their organization, according to a recent Insights by Xtelligent Healthcare Media survey. 

Industry Stakeholders Say Telehealth Is Key to COVID-19 Response

Telehealth is helping overcome many common challenges organizations face in battling the coronavirus outbreak, according to a recent Insights by Xtelligent Healthcare Media survey.

5/14

HHS Awards $15 Million to 159 Providers for Telehealth Training, Expansion

The money, allocated in the CARES Act and disbursed through the HRSA, will help hospitals and health systems train their staff to use telehealth and expand virtual care services to meet demand caused by COVID-19.

Artificial Intelligence, Genomics Tools to Help Combat COVID-19

NVIDIA has developed new artificial intelligence and genomic sequencing capabilities to help researchers combat COVID-19.

VA Touts Patient Access to Care, Mental Health Tools During COVID-19

The Department of Veterans Affairs has boosted patient bed capacity and is transitioning to reopen medical centers, part of its mission to expand patient access to care.

How Interoperability, Patient Data Exchange Can Mitigate COVID-19

Implementing travel history into the EHR and enhancing patient data exchange is crucial to limiting the spread of COVID-19

Payers Offer Premium Credits for Cash-Strapped Members, Employers

Priority Health offers premium credits to members and employers as many struggle financially during the coronavirus pandemic.

TRICARE Cuts Telehealth Co-pays, OKs Phone Calls During COVID-19 Crisis

Prompted by a letter from two senators, the Defense Department's health plan is relaxing its rules regarding telehealth coverage to improve access to care for military members and their families.

5/13

Patient Health Could Falter as COVID-19 Limits Primary Care Access

Limited primary care access could be fatal for some chronic care patients, 38 percent of providers said in a survey.

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Antigen Test

The COVID-19 antigen test can produce results in minutes and its simple structure allows for millions of Americans to be tested for the novel coronavirus per day.

DHS CISA, FBI Warn Chinese Hackers Targeting COVID-19 Research Firms

A joint alert from DHS CISA and the FBI warns hackers tied to the People’s Republic of China are targeting and compromising the networks of research facilities working on the COVID-19 response.

Over 6M Seniors May Face COVID-19 Treatment Out-Of-Pocket Costs

Low-income seniors who do not have supplemental coverage or Medicare Advantage could face out-of-pocket healthcare spending.

COVID-19 Lights the Way for Retail Health Clinics, Consumer Health

Retail health clinics offer a way to receive low-acuity care, vaccinations, and symptom checks, all key health needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 Ways Providers Use EHRs to Treat COVID-19 Patients

The EHR telehealth boom due to COVID-19 has been a gamechanger for clinicians and patients alike.

HHS Reveals Plan for Shipping Remdesivir to Hospitals for COVID-19

An HHS agency has started to ship donated remdesivir, a potential COVID-19 treatment, to a handful of states where state health departments will distribute to hospitals.

Virginia’s Fauquier Clinic Pivots to mHealth to Expand Access to Care

With COVID-19 all but shutting its doors, the Fauquier Free Clinic has expanded its successful telemental health platform, giving patients the ability to access care from an mHealth device at home.

5/12 

Adapting Patient-Friendly Medical Billing to a COVID-19 World

Monument Health in South Dakota is adapting to a new definition of patient-friendly medical billing as COVID-19 transforms patient needs and their ability pay for healthcare.

Lessons Learned from Ebola Help UVA’s Telehealth Center Take on COVID-19

The University of Virginia Health System's telehealth center is using technology created during the 2014-16 Ebola outbreak to improve access and care management for COVID-19 patients.

Apple Awards $10M to Give Hospitals COVID-19 Testing Kits

The fund will allow COPAN Diagnostics to rapidly accelerate its COVID-19 testing kit supply for hospitals across the US, which have been vital during the pandemic.

Google Nest Helps Mount Sinai Ensure Patient Safety During Crisis

Mount Sinai is leveraging a purpose-built Google Nest console to monitor the sickest COVID-19 patients and reduce the use of much-needed PPE.

Machine Learning Approach Could Accelerate COVID-19 Drug Discovery

By combining machine learning and quantum physics, researchers could speed the process of drug discovery for COVID-19.

How Payer SDOH Investments Balance COVID-19 Relief Versus Recovery

Humana’s $50 million COVID-19 relief and recovery funding provides insight on the challenges of supporting community partners during the uncertainties of pandemic.

Senators Seeks Broadband Funds for Telehealth Expansion in Next Relief Bill

Four senators are asking Congress to include $2 billion in the next COVID-19 relief package to help rural communities and healthcare providers improve broadband connectivity to fuel telehealth expansion.

5/11

Social Determinants of Health, Comorbidities Sway COVID-19 Severity

The data shows that people of color and low-income patients with comorbidities face social determinants of health that could negatively affect COVID-19 symptoms.

Hospital Visits Reached Record Low in April as COVID-19 Spread

Hospital visits declined 33-62% from March to mid-April but started to rise as elective procedures resumed by the end of the month, according to a new report.

How COVID-19 Triggered a Remote, Virtual EHR Implementation

A COVID-19 travel ban created the opportunity for an EHR vendor to complete its first ever remote, virtual EHR implementation.

New Bill Aims to Give FQHCs, RHS Relief From Telehealth Paperwork

The bill aims to fix language in the CARES Act that expands Medicare coverage for telehealth, but swamps it in paperwork and in some cases enables clinics to receive more money for virtual care than for in-person care.

Using Remote Patient Monitoring to Drive Pandemic Communication

Remote patient monitoring has helped the M Health Fairview keep in contact with their patients during the pandemic, ultimately assuaging patient fears.

Zoom Settles with NY AG Over COVID-19-Related Privacy, Security Issues

As COVID-19 drove Zoom participation up 2,000 percent, reports found serious privacy and security risks in the platform; the New York AG settlement will enforce security controls requirements.

BCBSM, Humana Waive Medicare Advantage Costs as States Reopen

Payers focus on covering primary care visits, mental and behavioral healthcare, and enabling Medicare Advantage members to adapt to the post-pandemic world.

EHR Vendor Allscripts Takes Q1 Earnings Hit Due to COVID-19

The CEO of Allscripts says the EHR vendor will scrap its initial 2020 financial outlook due to COVID-19.

Senators Ask Defense Health Agency, VA to Expand Telehealth Access

Citing hardships caused by COVID-19, some senators have asked the Defense Health Agency to expand telehealth coverage under TRICARE and filed a bill to expand the VA's cadre of care providers able to use telehealth.

Continuous Buprenorphine Treatment Lowers Prescription Opioid Use

Individuals with continuous buprenorphine treatment saw significantly lower opioid-related hospital services, opioid prescriptions, overdose events, and opioid use.

Insights into HHS COVID-19 HIPAA Waivers and Lasting Implications

HHS and OCR have issued several COVID-19 HIPAA waivers around telehealth and data sharing amid the pandemic. But it’s crucial providers keep privacy and security in focus.

5/8

Defense Dept. to Use mHealth Wearables to test COVID-19 Treatments

The Defense Department is launching a project that will use mHealth wearables to remotely monitor people infected with the COVID-19 virus and those at high risk in military hospitals in the US and southeast Asia.

Health Net Issues $13M in Telehealth Grants to California Providers

The money - more than twice as much as the health plan had expected to issue - will help California providers launch and expand telehealth programs serving the state's Medicaid population during the COVID-19 crisis.

Congress Could Enhance Patient Matching, Mitigate COVID-19

If Congress works with USPS, patient matching could increase up to 3 percent.

Price for COVID-19 Treatment May Range from $10 to $4K, ICER Says

The alternative pricing models for remdesivir present prices based on two different paradigms, a cost recovery approach and a traditional cost-effective analysis.

New Method Uses Data-Driven Models to Inform COVID-19 Policymaking

A new process leverages multiple data-driven models to help inform policy decisions for managing the COVID-19 outbreak.

AHA: Hospitals Losing $50.7B a Month Fighting the Coronavirus

Hospitals will lose a total of $202.6B between March and June 2020, as facilities incur additional costs for responding to the COVID-19 crisis, AHA reports.

Leveraging COVID-19 Data to Eliminate Healthcare Disparities

COVID-19 data can help leaders reduce healthcare disparities in lower-income and underserved communities.

5/7

FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Remdesivir to Treat COVID-19

The EUA will allow remdesivir to be distributed to COVID-19 patients in hospitals most heavily impacted by the virus in both five-day and ten-day treatment durations, Gilead reported.

Ransomware Success Declines Amid COVID-19, But Resurgence is Likely

While hackers have continued to target providers amid the pandemic, the number of successful attacks is in decline. But healthcare should plan now for the inevitable resurgence.

FCC Lobbied to Include For-Profit Providers in COVID-19 Telehealth Fund

The AHA and NAACOS are asking the FCC to make for-profit healthcare providers eligible for COVID-19 Telehealth Program funding, noting many small hospitals and independent practices are being excluded.

OCR Shares COVID-19 Privacy and Security Threat Resources

In response to the increase in COVID-19-related cyber threats, OCR released a list of privacy and security resources to help providers bolster their defenses and prevent HIPAA violations.

Lilly, Junshi Biosciences to Develop COVID-19 Antibody Therapies

The partnership will accelerate the development of COVID-19 antibody therapies, while an antibody test from another major pharma company is hitting the market.

How Will Big Data Analytics Factor into the Next Phase of COVID-19?

As the US starts to think about moving forward with the next phase of its COVID-19 response, leaders should leverage big data analytics tools to stay ahead of the virus.

With COVID-19 Stressing Providers, PAs Lobby for Their Place in Telehealth

An organization focused on physician assistants in virtual care is launching a membership drive and shining the spotlight on how PAs can be used to ease provider stress and access issues during (and after) COVID-19.

5/6

Community Centers, Navajo Nation Get FCC Funding for Telehealth Services

Another 26 healthcare providers, including several community centers and the Navajo Nation Department of Health, have qualified for funding under the Federal Communications Commission's COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

Pfizer, BioNTech Dose First Participants in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

The COVID-19 vaccine trial is part of a global development program that will uncover the safety and immunogenicity of four mRNA vaccine candidates.

CO Public Option Bill Paused, Unemployment Rises Due To COVID-19

The impacts of coronavirus have delayed the public option bill which payers in the state have strongly opposed.

COVID-19: OCR Reminds Providers of Media Access Restrictions to PHI

Even during the COVID-19 emergency, OCR reminds providers that HIPAA restricts the media and film crews from accessing areas where PHI could be accessible without patient authorization.

NE Health Information Exchange Launches COVID-19 Dashboard

Nebraska’s top health information exchange can now track the spread and hotspots of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data Visualization Tool Allows Users to Track COVID-19 Spread

The data visualization tool uses GPS information to provide users with the latest data on COVID-19 cases locally.

Tennessee Uses mHealth to Improve Care Management for Medicaid Members

TennCare is launching an mHealth program targeting care management and medication adherence in Medicaid members being treated for Hepatitis C. The platform also addresses access issues brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

5/5

Promoting Essential Emergency Department Access During COVID-19

Health systems are seeing a downward trend in emergency department access during COVID-19, a problematic trend if the patient is experiencing a true medical emergency.

Medicaid Expansion States May See Lower Uninsurance Amid COVID-19

At 20 percent unemployment, over 50 percent of those who lose employer-sponsored health plan covering in a Medicaid expansion state may enroll in Medicaid.

Data Interoperability and Exchange Recommendations During COVID-19

The recommendations regarding data interoperability and exchange during COVID-19 will inform and guide policymakers addressing the pandemic in the US and globally.

PT Hackers Targeting Healthcare, Essential Services Amid COVID-19

A DHS CISA and UK NSCS joint alert warns advanced persistent threat (APT) hacking groups are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to target healthcare providers and other essential services.

COVID-19 Prompts Drop in DirectTrust Secure Direct Messages in Q1

DirectTrust said COVID-19 was a major factor in the decrease of secure direct messages in Q1.

Hospital Revenue Falling $1.4B A Day As Patient Volume Drops

Patient volumes have been cut in half despite expected surges in COVID-19 cases, resulting in drastic hospital revenue losses since the start of the pandemic in the US.

Hospitals Ask for Relief from Healthcare Fraud Laws During COVID-19

AHA and other hospital groups called on the Justice Department to stop imposing penalties on providers whose coronavirus-related remuneration violate healthcare fraud laws during crisis.

How CommonSpirit Health Promotes Health Equity During COVID-19

Free access to consults for patients experiencing COVID-19 is at the crux of CommonSpirit Health's efforts to drive health equity.

$820M Payer Acquisition Boosts Medicaid Portfolios Amid COVID-19

Molina is using the deal to expand its Medicaid and Medicare portfolios as coronavirus drives Medicaid enrollment higher.

Janssen Advances Alveo’s At-Home COVID-19 Testing Platform

The at-home COVID-19 testing platform will enhance access to real-time results and ensure healthcare professionals make better-informed coronavirus treatment decisions.

Artificial Intelligence Accelerates Search for COVID-19 Treatments

Researchers from Northwestern University are using a tool powered by artificial intelligence to prioritize the most promising COVID-19 research.

Oklahoma Launches Telemedicine Platform for Rural COVID-19 Guidance

The OSU Center for Health Sciences is supporting a Project ECHO telemedicine platform to connect with more than 150 rural healthcare providers across the state, offering peer support and education on COVID-19 care.

5/4

Demand for Cardiovascular Drugs Increases as COVID-19 Cases Soar

Premier data shows that demand for cardiovascular drugs to treat related and comorbid conditions has spiked, especially in COVID-19 hotspots.

3 Ways to Boost Interoperability to Aid COVID-19 Containment

Health IT professionals say containing the COVID-19 outbreak can be done by getting federal, state, and local lawmakers on the same page.

New HHS COVID-19 Telehealth Grants Target Pediatric, Licensure Programs

The Health and Human Services Department is issuing $20 million in COVID-19 funds to four telehealth programs for pediatric and maternal care and two efforts to expand interstate license portability.

HHS Gives $22B to Hospitals in COVID-19 Hotspots, Rural Areas

Rural hospitals and hospitals with high COVID-19 admissions will be receiving emergency payments from HHS to combat the novel coronavirus.

The Building Blocks of an Effective Coronavirus Response Strategy

The coronavirus pandemic has forced payers to leverage strategies for engaging members, providers, employees, and the community to fight COVID-19.

In Wyoming, COVID-19 Propels Telehealth From a Luxury to a Necessity

The nation's least populous state is seeing a surge in telehealth use - thanks in part to Lisa Finkelstein, who says connected health now has to shift its focus to remote monitoring and wellness.

Merck Reports Decrease in Pharmaceutical Revenue Due to COVID-19

Merck lowered its 2020 revenue estimates as the coronavirus outbreak continues to impact its sale of physician-administered products, the company’s latest financial results show.

Consortium to Launch Big Data Biobank for Coronavirus Research

The big data biobank will help scientists advance their knowledge of coronavirus and develop potential vaccines.

EHR Tool Aids Cleveland Clinic Remote Patient Monitoring Efforts

Cleveland Clinic partnered with its EHR vendor, Epic Systems, to design and implement a COVID-19 at-home monitoring tool.

5/1

HHS Awards $450M for Community-Based SUD Care During Coronavirus

The HHS funding aims to expand and support community-based SUD clinics during the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen reduced care access for non-COVID patients.

CMS Expands COVID-19 Telehealth Reimbursement to Therapists, Phone Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has once again expanded telehealth and mHealth reimbursement during the COVID-19 crisis, including coverage for more care providers and services delivered by audio-only phones.

Lawmakers Uncover Significant Gaps in COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Some of the problems with COVID-19 antibody testing include unanswered scientific questions and lack of established guidelines before tests were released for public use.

Nevada Researchers Conduct Genomic Sequencing on COVID-19 Samples

A team from the University of Nevada is completing genomic sequencing on COVID-19 samples to better understand the virus.

CMS Reveals More Flexibility with Medicare Payment, MSSP Changes

New flexibilities will enable hospitals to deliver a wider range of care during the COVID-19 crisis, including telehealth and value-based care, and still receive stable, predictable Medicare payment, CMS stated.

4/30

Care Experience Considerations for Patients Without COVID-19

As the industry adjusts to the new normal, it must look at how to address care experience for non-COVID patients who have until now had to delay care access.

Hospital, Outpatient Visits Fell Up to 60% During COVID-19 Crisis

New research shows that hospital and outpatient visits have taken a significant hit as providers canceled elective procedures and patients stayed home during the first month of the COVID-19 crisis.

IBM Blockchain Helps Combat COVID-19 Supply Chain Shortages

The IBM blockchain network will leverage technology solutions to help organizations and government agencies in the US and Canada fight COVID-19 supply chain shortages.

DHS Shares Cloud, Microsoft Office 365 Insights for COVID-19 Telework

DHS shares guidance for Microsoft Office 365 and other cloud services centered around multi-factor authentication and access controls, given the increase in telework amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data-Driven Model Predicts Number of COVID-19 Deaths in US

The data-driven model predicted that expected death toll would be between about 66,000 and 70,000 in the United States.

PA Governor Vetoes Telehealth Bill, Promotes New COVID-19 Guidance

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has vetoed a telehealth bill that included a ban on telemedicine abortions, and has released new guidance that expands telehealth use and coverage during the Coronavirus pandemic.

BMA: CMS Should Lessen Medicare Advantage 2021 Bid Uncertainty

Better Medicare Alliance called on CMS to exclude vaccine costs, use 2019 data, and reduce normalization factors for Medicare Advantage plans.

COVID-19 Clinical Trial Questions High Doses of Chloroquine

A recent COVID-19 clinical trial uncovered that higher dosages of chloroquine for critically ill coronavirus patients could lead to safety hazards and should not be used.

FCC Casts a Wide Net for COVID-19 Telehealth Program Grant Awards

The 13 providers receiving funding from the Federal Communications Commission's COVID-19 Telehealth Program include federally qualified health centers, telemental health programs and community health centers.

4/29

EFF Warns COVID-19 Tracing Apps Pose Cybersecurity, Privacy Risks

Google, Apple, and others are racing to develop contract tracing apps to help individuals determine potential COVID-19 exposures, but EFF warns the tech may put privacy and cybersecurity at risk.

Out-of-Pocket Costs Deter 14% of Patients from Coronavirus Testing

Even if they displayed symptoms, patients said the threat of high out-of-pocket costs was enough to dissuade from coronavirus testing.

Gilead Hints at Remdesivir’s Potential as a COVID-19 Treatment

The pharma company announced positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial of remdesivir as a potential severe COVID-19 treatment.

Cerner’s Q1 EHR Earnings Take Hit Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Cerner also says it expects its Q2 earnings to be lower than Q1 due to COVID-19.

Microsoft: COVID-19 Fueling Human-Operated Ransomware Deployments

In the last two weeks, Microsoft has seen a surge in the volume of ransomware attacks against healthcare; but the human-operated attacks likely began months before deploying the malware.

Medicaid, CHIP Amendments Help States Fight COVID-19 Outbreak

Recent CMS amendments and waivers allow state Medicaid and CHIP programs more flexibility in order to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Maintaining Chronic Disease Management in Coronavirus Pandemic

Driving chronic disease management during the coronavirus pandemic has proven challenging, but telehealth is emerging as a key tool to push continuity of care.

HIPAA, State Laws Hamper Patient Data Exchange During COVID-19

Two medical professionals say there should be default privacy laws during COVID-19 to enhance patient data exchange.

With FCC Grant, ChristianaCare Pushes Telehealth, RPM to Patient Homes

Delaware's ChristianaCare health system, one of the first in the country to receive funding from the FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program, is using its grant to expand and strengthen its remote patient monitoring platform.

Predictive Analytics Models Help Plan for COVID-19 Demands

Cleveland Clinic has developed predictive analytics models to forecast future demands on the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medical Groups Slam CMS For Suspending Advance Payment Program

Medical groups have relied on the Advance Payment Program to offset cash flow issues stemming from the COVID-19 crisis, AMGA argued.

4/28

FCC Asked to Include Dentists in COVID-19 Telehealth Program

With dentists struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic, the American Dental Association has asked the FCC to expand its COVID-19 Telehealth Program to include teledentistry practices.

Ransomware Shuts Down Colorado Hospital IT Network Amid COVID-19

Parkview Medical Center in Colorado is continuing to recover from a ransomware attack that shut down its IT network over a week ago.

CDC: Homelessness a Key COVID-19 Social Determinant of Health

The data showed varying COVID-19 spread in homeless shelters across the country, but underscored the impact the social determinants of health have on the disease spread.

HHS Therapeutic Learning System Crowd Sources COVID-19 Data

The new therapeutic learning system collects crowd-sourced COVID-19 data from doctors and other clinicians to uncover how patients are responding to promising coronavirus treatments.

Johnson & Johnson Expands Manufacturing of Lead COVID-19 Vaccine

J&J signs agreement with Emergent BioSolutions to further the Company’s goal of ensuring a sufficient global supply of its lead promising COVID-19 vaccine.

NSA Shares Cybersecurity Guidance, Assessments for COVID-19 Telework

New guidance from the National Security Agency (NSA) is designed to help organizations assess and compare collaboration tools used for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EHR Optimization Fixes Equip Care Teams to Treat COVID-19 Patients

Researchers at University of California San Diego are conducting EHR optimization to mitigate patient and clinician COVID-19 exposure.

Hospital Operating Margins Dropped As COVID-19 Started to Spread

Hospital operating margins dropped by 150% year-over-year as patient volumes and revenue fell in March 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US.

4/27

New COVID-19 Phishing Campaigns Target Zoom, Skype User Credentials

Researchers have discovered two new phishing campaigns targeting user credentials for both Skype and Zoom, amid the spike in remote work tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA Warns of Heart Rhythm Issues with Promising COVID-19 Drugs

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine – two potential COVID-19 drugs – are not approved by the FDA to treat coronavirus and could lead to life-threatening heart rhythm problems, FDA Commission Hahn says.

New Bill Pushes For Telehealth Coverage For Therapists, Social Workers

A new bill before Congress asks that Medicare extend telehealth reimbursement during the COVID-19 crisis to physical and occupational therapists, clinical social workers, speech pathologists and audiologists.

How Coronavirus Is Changing the Face of Healthcare Consumerism

New insights from PwC track changes in healthcare consumerism amid COVID-19, including preferences for care access, patient data sharing, and patient outreach.

Patient Outreach Strategies Enhanced COVID-19 Update Messaging

Boston Children's Hospital set up patient outreach models to keep families up-to-date on different COVID-19 protocol and breakthroughs.

CMS Ends Advance Payments for Physicians, Other Part B Providers

The federal agency is also reevaluating the amounts paid under the Accelerated Payment Program, a similar advance payment initiative for hospitals during emergencies.

Telehealth Resource Centers Get COVID-19 Funding From CARES Act

The consortium of 12 regional and 2 national telehealth resource centers is getting funding from last month's CARES Act to help healthcare providers and other organizations ramp up their telehealth and mHealth programs.

Dentists Are Turning to Telehealth to Deal With COVID-19 Challenges

Faced with restrictions on in-person treatment, dental care providers are using telehealth platforms to conduct online consults, prescribe medications and screen those in need of emergency care.

States Target Underserved Populations With New COVID-19 Telehealth Resources

On Friday, both Connecticut and Massachusetts expanded telehealth access for underserved populations - including those without insurance - in an effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

County-Level Data Shows Racial, Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Cases

Data collected at the county level shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent among black and Hispanic populations, revealing significant racial and ethnic care disparities. 

How Population Health Tactics Fortify COVID-19 Member Engagement

Population health management is key to identifying, segmenting, and reaching members with effective member engagement during coronavirus.

Coronavirus Healthcare Costs Could Total Up To $654B, Study Finds

A new study shows that coronavirus healthcare costs could tally up to $654B if 80% of the population becomes infected under herd immunity and other containment strategies.

4/24

CMS Unveils COVID-19 Toolkit for Medicaid, CHIP Programs

The 25-page document gives states the rundown on how they can expand Medicaid and CHIP coverage during the Coronavirus pandemic to accommodate telehealth and mHealth platforms.

WHO Reports COVID-19 Spurs Rapid Rise in Cyberattacks Against Staff

Days after a report revealed a leak of hundreds of active WHO credentials, officials say they've seen a dramatic increase in cyberattacks against its staff and email scams targeting the public.

NYC Launches Telehealth Program in Hard-Hit Housing Developments

City and state officials are working with a mobile integrated health provider to launch a telehealth program, offering COVID-19 testing and other healthcare services, in several low-income housing complexes.

BARDA Gives $483M to Moderna for COVID-19 Vaccine Development

The fund from BARDA will boost the development of mRNA-1273 and enable large-scale production to enhance COVID-19 vaccine development, Moderna says.

4/23

Kaiser Patient Outreach Targets Food Access, SNAP Amid Coronavirus

A text message patient outreach system will help enroll patients in SNAP, a social determinant of health majorly impacted by the coronavirus and social distancing.

Early Data Shows No Benefit of Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19

A preprint study found that hydroxychloroquine – a drug being touted as a COVID-19 treatment – did not improve outcomes for veterans hospitalized with the virus.

FCC Unveils More Telehealth Grants, New 5G Fund for Rural America

The agency reveals 6 more grant awards from the COVID-19 Telehealth Program and makes a pair of announcements to boost 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi access for rural telehealth and mHealth services.

HHS Unveils Plan to Divvy Up Rest of $100B Provider Relief Fund

Hospitals in COVID-19 hotspots will get about $10B of the CARES Act provider relief fund, while the bulk will go to Medicare providers and the treatment of the uninsured.

Access to Care, Data Critical to Achieving COVID-19 Health Equity

Limited patient access to care has deepened health equity chasms for years, leading to the disparities seen during the COVID-19 crisis, AANP argues.

Apple Mobility Data Tool to Track User Movement, COVID-19 Spread

The mobility data tool will gather data from 63 countries and regions using Apple Maps to uncover the change in volume of individual mobility during COVID-19.

Biogen Partners with MA Health Orgs to Launch COVID-19 Biobank

Biogen employees and other close contacts can contribute blood samples and medical data to the COVID-19 biobank to boost coronavirus treatment efforts.

EHR Data Reveals Common Chronic Diseases in COVID-19 Patients

Researchers analyzed EHR data and found that hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are the most common chronic diseases among COVID-19 patients.

CMS Delays Interoperability Final Rule Roll Out Due to COVID-19

Due to concerns over the coronavirus, CMS has pushed back the deadline for meeting the requirements of the recent Interoperability and Patient Access final rule.

4/22

Patient Experience Good Despite Low Care Access During COVID-19

Good patient experience is up 7 percent since January, despite the limited care access and strain COVID-19 has put on the medical industry, The Beryl Institute and Ipsos say.

BARDA Director Rick Bright Leaves Agency Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

HHS replaces Rick Bright, director of BARDA since 2016, moving him to a new public-private partnership under NIH that will oversee COVID-19 testing platforms.

Carr Details FCC’s Efforts to Expand Telehealth, mHealth Networks

In a Healthcare Strategies podcast taped this week, Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr explains how the agency is helping providers launch new telehealth and mHealth programs to address COVID-19 and transition to a connected care model of the future.

Sens. to DHS CISA: Issue COVID-19 Cyber Threat Guidance for Healthcare

Given the steady increase in COVID-19 cyber threats, a group of Senators are asking DHS CISA and its partners to develop and issue cybersecurity guidance for the healthcare sector.

mHealth Study to Test Cardiac Effects of Potential COVID-19 Treatment

A French study will use a smartwatch and mHealth platform to monitor ECG data from COVID-19 patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine, a potential therapy for the Coronavirus but one that may have serious side effects.

Machine Learning Tools Predict Impact of Quarantine on COVID-19

Researchers are leveraging machine learning models to quantify the impact of quarantine measures on the spread of COVID-19.

CMS Offers MIPS, Quality Payment Program Credit for COVID-19 Data

CMS is now offering MIPS credit for all participating clinicians of the Quality Payment Program to help report and provide COVID-19 data.

Cybercriminals Targeting US Providers with COVID-19 Phishing Attacks

The FBI is warning medical providers that cybercriminals are targeting the healthcare sector with targeted email phishing attacks, exploiting fear about the COVID-19 pandemic.

20% of Primary Care Practices Anticipate Closing in a Month

Primary care practices are at serious risk of closing as patient volume and revenue continue to sharply decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pfizer, BioNTech Team Up to Advance COVID-19 Vaccine Development

Pfizer and BioNtech released additional details on COVID-19 vaccine development plans, including ways to scale-up manufacturing capacity to support global supply.

ONC Delays Final Interoperability Rule Deadline Due to Coronavirus

ONC and CMS will allow for hospitals and the ONC Health IT Certification Program to have more time to implement the ONC Final Interoperability Rule due to the spread of the coronavirus.

4/21

FCC Rewards 5 More Health Systems With COVID-19 Telehealth Program Grants

The agency has so far awarded roughly $7 million to 11 health systems in eight states, targeting telehealth and mHealth programs that aim to improve care management and treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic

Google Cloud Launches Healthcare API During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the needs of organizations evolve rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Cloud developed a healthcare API to address care gaps.

Novartis Donates 130M Doses of Hydroxychloroquine to Combat COVID-19

Novartis will work with stakeholders to find the best distribution of hydroxychloroquine to ensure access for patients most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

UnitedHealth Gives $5M to Support Healthcare Workers During COVID-19

The donation is part of UnitedHealth’s commitment to combat COVID-19 and support impacted populations.

Clinicians to Earn MIPS Credit for Joining COVID-19 Clinical Trial

Eligible clinicians will be able to earn MIPS credit for participating in and reporting data on a COVID-19 clinical trial, CMS announced.

FDA Eases Guidelines for New mHealth, Telemental Health Treatments

The US Food and Drug Administration is easing pre-market certification requirements for new mHealth apps and telehealth tools designed to help patients and providers access mental health resources during the COVID-19 emergency.

Health Plan Costs Keeping Unemployed from Coverage in COVID-19

Many individuals recently unemployed are struggling to find a new health plan due to health plan costs and limited availability.

CMS Issues Guidance on Resuming Elective Services in Certain Areas

The guidance updates CMS’ previous recommendation to halt all non-emergent, elective services to free up capacity and PPE for COVID-19 cases.

Big Data Dashboard Tracks COVID-19 Cases and Response in Indiana

The big data dashboard includes information about patients’ course of care in health systems across Indiana.

Roche Launches Serology Test to Uncover COVID-19 Antibodies

The antibodies test may indicate if a person has immunity against COVID-19, inform treatment decisions, and screen essential frontline workers so they can return to work.

CMS Issues Guidelines to Ease Non-Urgent Care Access Restrictions

CMS has begun to explore how hospitals can open up non-urgent care access restrictions previously put in place in light of the coronavirus surge.

Regenstrief COVID-19 EHR Dashboard to Pinpoint Hotspots in IN

Regenstrief Institute and its partners have deployed a COVID-19 EHR dashboard in Indiana to help track the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

4/20

NIH Ties Up with Top Pharma Companies for COVID-19 Drug Discovery

NIH and 16 other companies including J&J, Bristol Myers, GSK, and Roche, will develop a framework to advance clinical trials and boost COVID-19 drug discovery.

Hospices Turn to Telehealth , Mostly, to Address COVID-19 Concerns

New CMS guidance has given hospices more leeway to use telehealth during the Coronavirus pandemic, but one restriction is hindering them from providing virtual end-of-life support and care.

Individual Market COVID-19 Treatments May Cost Less Than Expected

Actual COVID-19 treatment costs for the health insurance market could be as much as $3.37 billion less than anticipated.

Google Blocks 18M Daily COVID-19-Related Phishing Emails

Hackers are continuing to use the COVID-19 pandemic to target users, with Google blocking 18 million phishing emails related to the Coronavirus last week.

State-Level Risk Assessments Critical for Reducing COVID-19 Measures

State-level risk assessments will help leaders make informed decisions about reopening businesses, schools, and other institutions during COVID-19.

How Is Coronavirus Affecting Chronic Disease Management Care?

Chronic disease management is taking a backseat during the coronavirus outbreak, with patients avoiding doctor's visits to prevent disease spread.

CDC Unveils FHIR-Based COVID-19 EHR Reporting Application

The CDC told members of the Health IT Advisory Committee that they are in the process of implementing a COVID-19 FHIR-based application for organizations that do not have the EHR capabilities.

ACLU, Scientists Urge Privacy Focus for COVID-19 Tracing Technology

Following the Google and Apple announcement of their partnership on COVID-19 contact tracing technology, the ACLU and 200 scientists are highlighting potential privacy risks.

Coronavirus Outbreak Has Signaled the Opening of Field Hospitals

Epic Systems has worked with over 175 health systems in preparation for a patient and technology surge due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Standards Group Unveils Telehealth Accreditation for Autism Care Providers

With the Coronavirus pandemic curtailing in-person treatment, the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence has introduced accreditation standards for providers treating children living with autism.

ATA’s Johnson Charts Telehealth During, After COVID-19

In a recent Xtelligent Healthcare Media podcast, American Telemedicine Association CEO Ann Mond Johnson explained how the organization is keeping telehealth front and center during the pandemic - and its plans for ATA2020.

CMS Clarifies New Telehealth Services and Coverage for FQHCs, RHCs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued guidance on new Medicare telehealth and mHealth coverage guidelines created under the CARES Act for federally qualified health centers and rural health centers.

4/17

Senators Lobby CMS for Telehealth Coverage in Diebets Prevention Programs

Noting the Coronavirus pandemic is reducing access to care providers, a dozen Senators are renewing the call to allow Medicare coverage of telehealth platforms for Diabetes Prevention Programs.

LA County to Report on COVID-19 Race Data, Health Equity

The LA County Department of Public Health will be publishing regular updates about coronavirus mediation and outcomes stratified by race, an effort to advance health equity.

Federal Effort Aims to Optimize Search Engines for COVID-19 Research

The collaborative project will optimize powerful search engines to better understand the nature of COVID-19.

AHA, AVIA Unveil Tool to Assess Health IT Capabilities for COVID-19

As hospitals rely more on a virtual approach to care, the tool will identify gaps in health IT capabilities and offer steps to improve infrastructure to stop COVID-19.

CRISPR Technology Detects COVID-19 From Respiratory RNA Extracts

New CRISPR- technology detects COVID-19 from respiratory RNA extracts, enabling point-of-care testing outside of the clinical diagnostic laboratory.

Have EHRs Been a Burden or an Asset During the Coronavirus?

One health IT professional says EHR systems and its tools have been vital to stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

What Providers Need to Know About COVID-19 Coding and Billing

The healthcare system is facing an unprecedented crisis, but accurate COVID-19 coding and billing can help providers weather the storm and prepare for future outbreaks.

6 Health Systems Receive Funding From FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program

UPMC, Ochsner Health and Mount Sinai Health are among the first six recipients of money from the FCC's $200 million telehealth program created by the CARES Act. More awards are expected soon.

4/16

Atrium Rolls Out Mobile Health Units for Coronavirus Testing

The mobile health units will coordinate coronavirus testing for traditionally underserved populations, with the ultimate goal of addressing health equity issues seen in the pandemic.

OSF HealthCare Uses Telehealth, RPM to Treat COVID-19 Patients at Home

The Illinois health system's Pandemic Health Worker (PHW) program uses a remote patient monitoring platform and telehealth tools to manage and treat high-risk and infected patients at home.

3 Economic Uncertainties That Payers Face Amid Coronavirus Crisis

As payers and providers scramble to address extensive healthcare needs, payers are also turning to the economic impacts that coronavirus could present.

AMA Shares Wishlist for Physician Practice Relief During COVID-19

Medicare and Medicaid payment adjustments, more small business loan funding, and greater telehealth coverage are among the measures AMA and others want for Phase 4 of COVID-19 help.

ACHP Suggests Regulatory Steps To Extend Coronavirus Coverage

ACHP’s recommendations seek to provide stronger coverage for uninsured, employee, employer, Medicare, and Medicaid populations.

Mayo Clinic EHR Tool Runs Contact Tracing Among Hospital Staff

The Coronavirus tracking tool aims to identify and assess clinicians who come into contact with the virus.

Do Crisis Standards of Care Stall Health Equity?

A letter from Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley argues that the state's Crisis Standards of Care perpetuate decades-old health equity issues for people of color.

Apple, Google Leverage Bluetooth for COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Two of the biggest tech companies will leverage Bluetooth technology to boost COVID-19 contact tracing, a valuable tool that may help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Eli Lilly Arthritis Drug Being Tested in COVID-19 Clinical Trial

The COVID-19 clinical trial will study the safety and efficacy of baricitnib as a potential therapy for hospitalized coronavirus patients.

AMA, AHA Share COVID-19 Telework Guidance for Hospitals, Providers

Given the rapid increase in telework and a spike in cyber threats related to COVID-19, AMA and AHA released joint cybersecurity guidance to protect hospital and provider networks.

Medicare Beneficiaries at High Risk in COVID-19-Prevalent Counties

In US counties with high rates of COVID-19 cases, two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have one or more high-risk medical conditions.

Senate Dems Want $100B Distributed Based on COVID-19 Hotspots

Senators Schumer, Murray, and Wyden criticized HHS’ method for distributing the first $30B in CARES Act funding for hospitals and called on the rest go to COVID-19 hotspots.

Mount Sinai Unveils mHealth Resource for Nurses Treating COVID-19 Patients

The New York Health system has partnered with Sana Labs to launch Project Florence, an mHealth tool that offers front line nurses a personalized resource for treating patients infected with the virus.

4/15

How Has Coronavirus Affected Healthcare Consumerism, Tech Use?

More patients are using virtual visits and chatbots to access healthcare during the coronavirus outbreak, suggesting a tip toward more healthcare consumerism.

Planned Parenthood Expands Telehealth, Supports Telemedicine Abortions

Planned Parenthood is expanding its telehealth platform to all 50 states, while new efforts are made to support telemedicine abortions at a time when the Coronavirus epidemic is reducing access to care.

Microsoft Patches 3 Zero-Day Exploits, Delays Some End-of-Support

Microsoft patched three zero-day exploits and announced COVID-19-related support for organizations by delaying some end-of-support and giving providers free access to its AccountGuard.

COVID-19 Healthcare Spending Forces Difficult Choices for Payers

Coronavirus will affect payers’ healthcare spending in a variety of ways, which leaves Medicaid, Medicare, and private payers with different decisions to make.

NJ, Epic Systems Convert Expo Center into COVID-19 Field Hospital

Using Epic’s EHR software, the Meadowlands Exposition Center will now be utilized as a pop-up COVID-19 hospital.

Medicare Payment Doubles for High-Production Coronavirus Lab Tests

CMS is boosting Medicare payment to $100 for coronavirus lab tests that can process more than 200 specimens a day effective April 14 through the duration of the national emergency.

Payers Expect Claims Spike After COVID-19, No 2021 Premium Hike

Most payers do not currently plan to hike 2021 premiums, despite an expected increase in claims after the coronavirus pandemic.

AMA Calls on State Action for Patient Care Access Amid Coronavirus

AMA advocates for strategies that drive telehealth access, offer premium grace periods, and address prior authorizations to promote patient care access.

FBI Alerts to BEC Scams Targeting COVID-19 PPE Supply Procurement

Hackers are targeting those attempting to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other COVID-19-related medical supplies with business email compromise (BEC) scams, FBI warns.

Sanofi, GSK Partner to Develop Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine

The pharmaceutical companies will combine innovative technologies to develop an adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine, expected to enter clinical trials in late 2020.

Congress Pressures CMS to Cover Telehealth for Therapy Services

Lawmakers are asking CMS to expand Medicare coverage during the Coronavirus pandemic for telehealth services provided by physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and audiologists.

4 Key Surge Capacity Recommendations to Prepare for COVID-19

Health organizations need to strategize a way to efficiently plan, build, supply and staff, and operate amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DoD Using Artificial Intelligence to Detect Coronavirus Hotspots

The Department of Defense is leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data visualization tools to protect against coronavirus and any future outbreaks.

Physician Practice Revenue Cut in Half Due to COVID-19 Crisis

On average, physician practices revenue declined 55 percent since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, while patient volume fell 60%, MGMA reports.

4/14

Google Cloud Unveils COVID-19 Data Sharing Platform For Providers

With the help of HCA Healthcare, Google Cloud will enable COVID-19 data sharing to boost response to the pandemic.

Chicago COVID-19 Alternate Care Facility Taps Epic Systems EHR

The nation’s largest convention center is turning into a pop-up hospital to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and will utilize the Epic EHR suite.

RWJF: Coronavirus Pandemic Highlights Insufficient Health Equity

An op-ed from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President and CEO Richard Besser outlines how the coronavirus pandemic, and the social distancing practices set forth in response, are underscoring prevailing health equity challenges.

Early Data Indicates Remdesivir is a Promising COVID-19 Drug

A new study showed that potential COVID-19 drug, remdesivir, improved two-thirds of severe coronavirus cases, but there may be problems with limited study data.

Coronavirus Grant Gives Massachusetts FQHCs a Chance to Embrace Telehealth

Community Care Cooperative, an ACO comprised of 19 FQHCs, is using a $1 million grant to expand its telehealth platform to meet demand caused by the Coronavirus pandemic - and to plan a long-term connected health strategy.

CMS Unveils More Flexibilities to Maximize Healthcare Workforce

New healthcare workforce flexibilities will allow hospitals to quickly and virtually expand their staff and use them the most efficient way possible as COVID-19 cases surge, CMS stated.

4/13

CMS Gives Doctors More Telehealth Flexibility, Postpones ET3 Launch

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is relaxing the telehealth rules again so that providers can practice at the top of their license; the agency is also postponing its new mHealth program for EMS providers to the fall.

Data Tool Maps How Social Determinants of Health Affect COVID-19

COVIDMinder from RPI maps out the effect social determinants of health are having on mediation efforts and outcomes for the coronavirus nationwide.

Congress Presses Kushner on COVID-19 Health Data Surveillance Project

After reports showed White House Advisor Jared Kushner is creating a nationwide COVID-19 health data surveillance system, members of Congress are probing the effort due to privacy risks.

Michigan HIE Expands Coverage Area Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

A Michigan-based HIE is aiming to gain full patient data access from hospitals across the state to ease the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Overview of the FFCRA, CARES Act Coronavirus Testing Rules

The coronavirus testing rules, which will be in effect until the public health emergency lifts, are broad, but certain plans and benefits are exempt.

Microsoft Gives $20M to Fight COVID-19 with Artificial Intelligence

The grant will support COVID-19-related research efforts in artificial intelligence, data science, and diagnostics. 

UCSF Creates Interactive Website for Population Health, COVID-19

The population health website will feature regularly updated data on confirmed COVID-19 cases in California.

DEA Gives Providers Leeway to Use Telehealth for Substance Abuse Care

Care providers now have more freedom to use telehealth and mHealth in substance abuse treatments, enabling patients to access needed services while at home during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Lawmakers Seek $2B to Boost Broadband for Coronavirus Telehealth Services

The Healthcare Broadband Expansion During COVID-19 Act, introduced on Friday, would set aside $2 billion for the FCC to improve broadband connectivity for telehealth programs taking on the Coronavirus pandemic.

CMS Updates FAQ Document on Medicare Coverage for Telehealth

In light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated its FAQs on Medicare coverage for telehealth services.

OCR Lifts HIPAA Penalties for COVID-19 Community-Based Testing Sites

In the latest move to support the COVID-19 response, OCR announced it will lift penalties around HIPAA noncompliance for Community-Based Testing Sites during the pandemic.

Critical VPN Security for Telehealth, Remote Access Amid COVID-19

In a recent Healthcare Strategies podcast, CynergisTek CEO and President Caleb Barlow sheds light on best practice tech and practices for telehealth and remote work during COVID-19.

COVID-19 Spurs Eli Lilly to Drop Insulin Costs to $35 a Month

The pharmaceutical company will cap insulin costs during the COVID-19 crisis for individuals with or without commercial insurance.

HHS Pays Out First Round of CARES Act Funding to Hospitals

HHS is distributing $30B of the $100B in CARES Act funding for healthcare providers using Medicare FFS revenue from 2019, the department announced.

4/10

Henry Ford Offers COVID-19 Care Kits for Disease Self-Management

The COVIDCare Kits will give patients the tools to weather at-home coronavirus disease self-management.

NIH Launches Clinical Trial of Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19

NIH begins a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, one of the most promising COVID-19 drugs, according to experts.

4/9

3 Ways the Industry is Leveraging Real-World Data to Combat COVID-19

Organizations are using real-world data to collect evidence on hospital capacity, high-risk populations, and the impact of interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Privacy Groups Urge Pence to Combat COVID-19 Fraud, Patient Harms

Thirty advocacy and research groups are urging Vice President Mike Pence and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to combat COVID-19 fraud attempts and other patient harms.

Lawmakers Ask CMS to Expand mHealth Coverage for Mental Health Services

A group of lawmakers is urging CMS to expand mHealth coverage for mental health services during the Coronavirus pandemic by allowing Medicare patients to use audio-only phone platforms to talk to care providers.

Sage Reduces its Workforce by Over 50% Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The workforce reduction will result in an annual savings of $170 million and allow the company to focus on other vital areas to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY Pop-Up Coronavirus Hospital to Implement Epic Systems EHR

Epic is implementing its EHR software into the Javits Center, a pop-up coronavirus hospital in Manhattan.

Public, Private Payers Offer Upfront Reimbursement Amid COVID-19

Medicare, Blue Shield of California, and UnitedHealth Group are among those offering upfront reimbursement and relaxing billing requirements during the COVID-19 crisis.

Pfizer Commits $40M in Grants to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic

The medical and charitable grant will support research, diagnostics, and treatment efforts both domestically and globally to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working From Home Exposes New Billing Data Security Threats

Companies whose employees are not properly set up for secure remote billing during the COVID-19 pandemic may face data security risks, according to IAITAM.

AANP Lauds Broad Scope of Practice as Boost for Patient Care Access

Five states have expanded scope of practice laws, an effort some experts said will help increase patient care access for coronavirus symptoms.

Hackers, APTs Exploiting COVID-19 with Phishing Attacks, Fraud Schemes

In a rare joint alert, US and UK Federal cyber agencies are warning hackers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased remote work with phishing attacks and fraud schemes.

FCC Releases Guidance for New $200M COVID-19 Telehealth Program

The FCC has released a guidance document describing how healthcare providers can apply for money from a $200 million fund created to help them improve telehealth and mHealth programs to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.

AMGA Seeks Payroll Relief for Medical Groups Impacted by COVID-19

The association called on the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration to allow medical groups to access forgivable loans to cover payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HCA, Google Cloud Launch COVID-19 Data Sharing Platform

The new data sharing platform will aggregate information on ICU bed and ventilator utilization, test results, and other data related to COVID-19.

Coronavirus Prompts HIE Interoperability for Remote FL Employees

With many non-essential healthcare employees forced to work from home amid the coronavirus outbreak, HIE Networks in Florida is allowing for interoperability between doctor’s offices and home-based employees.

4/8

CA Boosts Worker’s Comp, Insurance Benefits for COVID-19 Diagnosis

Worker's compensation is separate from health payer coverage, but will make a dent in healthcare costs should a patient contract COVID-19 on the job of an essential business.

How Medical Rideshare is Tackling Patient Care Access During Coronavirus

Lyft, Uber Health, and Ride Health have implemented safety protocol, efforts to expand patient access to care, and partnerships to give rides to frontline health workers.

HHS Sends $1.3B to Health Centers for Telehealth, Other Improvements

Almost 1,400 health centers are getting federal funding from the CARES Act to improve their resources - including bolstering telehealth and mHealth services - in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Another COVID-19 Research Firm Targeted by Ransomware Attack

Hackers hit biotech research firm 10x Genomics with a ransomware attack amid work on potential COVID-19 treatments

Zoom Enacts CISO Advisory Board, as COVID-19 Fuels Privacy Issues

Following reports of privacy incidents and vulnerabilities during COVID-19, an investor has filed a lawsuit against Zoom. In response, the videoconferencing platform instated a CISO Advisory Board.

CMS Pays Out $34B in Advance Medicare Reimbursement to Providers

The advance Medicare reimbursement will aid providers struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis but will need to be paid back to CMS.

Hospital Reimbursement for Uninsured COVID-19 Cases May Total $42B

Hospital reimbursement for uninsured COVID-19 hospitalizations will range from nearly $14B to $42B, accounting for a significant portion of the $100B slated for hospitals in the CARES Act.

Genetic System Could Expedite Coronavirus Vaccine, Diagnosis

A new genetic system could accelerate researchers’ ability to develop a coronavirus vaccine and diagnose infected patients.

Coronavirus Spread Shines New Light on Advance Care Planning

With a grim outlook and mortality rate project ahead for the United States, patients and their providers are considering advance care planning talks to establish end-of-life care wishes.

Henry Ford to Study Use of Hydroxychloroquine to Prevent COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine is a promising COVID-19 drug for ill patients, and the first large-scale study will uncover its effectiveness to protect frontline workers.

HHS Provides $186M for COVID-19 Data Surveillance, Tracking

The funding will provide additional resources to support state and local jurisdictions in tracking data related to COVID-19.

UT Suspends Work Requirements Due To COVID-19 Unemployment Rates

After Utah’s unemployment claims jumped 1,391 percent in one week, the state decided to suspend work requirements attached to Medicaid expansion.

Can Telehealth Help Small Medical Practices Survive the Coronavirus?

A Kareo survey finds that independent medical practices are turning to telehealth to keep going during the Coronavirus pandemic, but will they have a strategy in place to stay afloat when the emergency ends?

4/7

COVID-19 Care Access Concerns for Populations with Mental Illness

Populations with severe mental illness are among the highest-risk amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing care access and supporting providers will be key.

PTs Seek Medicare Coverage for Telehealth During the Pandemic

CMS has loosened its telehealth coverage guidelines during the Coronavirus pandemic for a wide range of care providers, but not for PTs, OTs and SLPs. And they're not happy about that.

Predictive Model Offers COVID-19 Guidelines for Healthcare Workers

The predictive model aims to protect healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and conserve personal protective equipment.

GSK, Vir Use CRISPR, Artificial Intelligence to Find COVID-19 Cure

GSK is partnering with Vir Biotechnology to use CRISPR and artificial intelligence to identify anti-viral compounds that can treat coronaviruses, including COVID-19.

Hospital Revenues Rose, Margins Fell Before COVID-19 Outbreak

Most hospital revenues and volume metrics were up, while margins fell slightly in February 2020, which was the last month of business as usual for most organizations, Kaufman Hall reports.

COVID-19 Business Email Compromise Schemes, Ransomware Escalating

The FBI expects business email compromise schemes tied to the COVID-19 pandemic will rise in the coming weeks, as Interpol reports a spike in ransomware attacks on healthcare providers.

Sens. Probe Privacy, Cybersecurity of Apple COVID-19 Screening Tools

A group of Senators are asking Apple to explain the privacy and cybersecurity practices of its COVID-19 screening app and website, in light of its data collection efforts.

VA Delays EHR Modernization Deployment Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the implementation of the VA’s new EHR Modernization program will be put on hold until further notice.

3 Ways COVID-19 Is Changing Payer Utilization of Technology

Coronavirus is forcing payers to improve on their existing technologies, develop new technological solutions, and reinforce their telehealth teams.

ASHP Demands More Manufacturing of Ventilator Drugs for COVID-19

ASHP recently urged the Trump administration to take action to address shortages of supportive ventilator drugs as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

Video API Powers Telemedicine Companies During COVID-19

Vonage is reporting higher demand for its Video API as telemedicine companies continue to leverage the technology to support virtual visits during COVID-19.

LA Fire Dept. Uses Telehealth to Triage and Treat 911 Callers

With the Coronavirus pandemic taxing rescue and healthcare resources, the fire department is using a telehealth program to separate urgent and non-urgent calls, curb ED transports and reduce chances of contamination.

4/6

Payers, Providers Under Fiscal Strain Rally To Combat COVID-19

As payers and providers alike face economic losses and enormous pressure to meet escalating demands of coronavirus, they find ways to support each other.

Tool Helps Hospitals Plan for Critical Care Surges During COVID-19

The interactive, user-friendly tool allows hospitals and health systems to estimate critical care capacity for severely ill COVID-19 patients. 

USDA Gives Providers More Time to Apply for Telehealth Grants Through DLT

The agency is opening a second window to gather applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants, the latest in a series of efforts aimed at expanding telehealth opportunities to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic.

Hospital Stimulus Funds to Pay for Uninsured COVID-19 Treatment

Part of the $100 billion in hospital stimulus funds will go to paying providers Medicare rates for COVID-19 treatment for uninsured patients, the HHS Secretary said on Friday.

Top 10 Payers’ Strategies for Broadening Access to COVID-19 Care

Some of the largest payers are covering both coronavirus testing and treatment to deliver broader access to care for those affected by the coronavirus.

FBI: COVID-19 Spurs Increase in Zoom, Video-Conferencing Hijacking

DHS CISA alerts to FBI insights on the rise in hijacking attacks on Zoom and other video-conferencing platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing tips to defend against hacking attempts.

Coronavirus Gives People a Reason to Use Telehealth, But Doubts Remain

A new survey finds that people are ready to use telehealth to seek testing and treatment for the Coronavirus, but they're still worried about the quality of care and the lack of a personal touch.

California Relaxes the Rules for mHealth, Telehealth Video Chats

Mirroring the federal government's action on HIPAA guidelines for mHealth and telehealth, Gov. Gavin Newsom has relaxed state enforcement to help care providers who are using the technology in good faith during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Maryland Governor Signs New Telehealth Rules, Programs Into Law

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has signed into law four telehealth bills that were passed by the Legislature before the Coronavirus pandemic took effect. Among other things, they permit asynchronous telehealth programs and expand Medicaid coverage for telemental health delivered to the home.

Pew Urges HHS to Implement Interoperability Rules Amid COVID-19

Pew Charitable Trusts is lending yet another voice stating the implementation of the ONC interoperability rule could help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

4/3

How Payers Use Special Enrollment Periods To Boost Coverage

State and private payers are using special enrollment periods to increase healthcare coverage as unemployment soars.

Key Prescription Drugs Being Used to Treat COVID-19 Patients

The pharmaceutical industry is focused on developing COVID-19 treatments as the pandemic worsens. Here are the leading prescription drugs being tested as potential cures.

ATA, CTA Unveil Online Database of Telehealth, mHealth Services

The American Telemedicine Association and Consumer Technology Association have launched an online database for providers and consumers looking for telehealth and mHealth solutions to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Patient Advocates Host Patient Education Resource for COVID-19

The Patient Advocate Foundation resources will promote patient education while also offering navigation and financial tools for patients in need.

As States Modify Telehealth Guidelines, Licensing Arguments Resurface

Mississippi's move to amend its emergency directive on telehealth use by out-of-state providers during the Coronavirus pandemic brings back familiar arguments for and against interstate licensure and portability.

OCR Permits Business Associates to Share Patient Data During COVID-19

A new enforcement discretion by OCR will allow business associates to share PHI with public health authorities in good faith, without fear of an OCR penalty for HIPAA noncompliance.

Interoperability Platform Ensures Access to COVID-19 Patient Data

Interoperability platform, Consensus, offers tools to healthcare providers to ensure access to patient health records during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Penn Medicine Launches Center to Accelerate Coronavirus Research

The new Center of Research on Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Pathogens will expand research related to coronavirus and support the development of potential vaccines.

4/2

Socioeconomic Status Tied to Mental Health During Coronavirus

New data shows that individuals of lower socioeconomic status experience better emotional well-being and mental health during the coronavirus crisis.

Telehealth Gives Providers a Platform to Treat Children With Special Needs

With the Coronavirus closing clinics and eliminating home visits, providers are using telehealth to help children with special needs access therapeutic and developmental services - and give their families some comfort.

Zoom to Halt Feature Development to Bolster Privacy, Security for COVID-19

After reports showed privacy and security issues in Zoom, the videoconferencing app will stop feature development to improve its posture given the rapid increase in users from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals Furloughing Staff, Altering Physician Pay Due to COVID-19

Reports of hospitals reducing their workforce and reducing physician compensation continue to emerge as organizations attempt to overcome financial difficulties caused by COVID-19.

MHS GENESIS Implementation Delayed Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

With members of the Department of Defense focusing their attention on the COVID-19 pandemic, its new EHR system, MHS GENESIS, will be put on hold.

COVID-19 to Impact Employer-Sponsored Health Plans for 3.5M

New analysis paints a bleak picture for millions of workers covered by employer-sponsor health plans due to coronavirus-related layoffs.

Understanding the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Big Data Analytics Issue

Big data analytics techniques are well-suited for tracking and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 around the world.

Providences Uses Remote Patient Monitoring for COVID-19 Patients

Providence leverages Xealth and Twistle’s remote patient monitoring platforms to care for more than 700 COVID-19 patients, decreasing the stress of healthcare professionals.

COVID-19 Recession to Increase Uninsurance Rates, Test Medicaid

As the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen, uninsurance rates will increase rapidly and place unprecedented strain on Medicaid programs and the ability of uninsured individuals to seek medical care, according to the Urban Institute.

VA Facilities Leverage Patient Portal for Remote Patient Care Access

The VA is among a large number of healthcare organizations leaning on the patient portal to offer remote patient care access during the coronavirus.

AHA Asks for an Immediate $25K Per Hospital Bed to Combat COVID-19

Hospitals in COVID-19 hot spots would get $30k per bed from their MAC, according to the AHA’s plan to immediately distribute funds from the coronavirus stimulus package.

Participants in Nevada Population Health Study Offer COVID-19 Data

Participants in the Healthy Nevada Project, a population health study, reported on their COVID-19 experiences to better inform predictive models.

Mylan, Pfizer Delay Major Pharmaceutical Merger Due to COVID-19

The proposed pharmaceutical merger between Mylan and a division of Pfizer has been pushed back because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Arizona Governor Loosens Restrictions on Telehealth for Veterinarians

Gov. Doug Ducey is giving veterinarians more leeway to use telehealth during the Coronavirus pandemic, helping not only providers and their patients but pet owners who need the support during tough times.

How the Coronavirus Could Push Health IT to EHR Interoperability

Three health tech and economy experts said the coronavirus pandemic will force EHR vendors to work with one another and deploy the FHIR APIs.

4/1

Gilead Expands Access to Potential COVID-19 Treatment, Remdesivir

Gilead expands access and ensures affordability to antiviral remdesivir, a potential COVID-19 treatment previously used to treat diseases such as MERS and SARS.

Microsoft Shares Health Sector COVID-19 Ransomware Insights

Human-operated ransomware hackers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage. In response, Microsoft shares healthcare-specific security considerations to strengthen defenses.

Stanford Launches Data-Driven Model Evaluating COVID-19 Interventions

The interactive, data-driven model shows the potential impact of COVID-19 interventions, such as social distancing and quarantine. 

Maryland Adds Asynchronous Telehealth to Pandemic Treatment Toolbox

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has expanded an emergency declaration that boosts support for telehealth to include asynchronous (store-and-forward) platforms, giving providers a new modality to use during the pandemic.

COVID-19 Projected to Drive Increased Costs for Consumers, Employers

A new report warns of rising premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries resulting from healthcare spending to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA Issues Guidance on Conducting Clinical Trials During COVID-19

The guidance will help industry and investigators navigate clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to focus on patient safety and how to move forward.

What Does Patient Financial Responsibility Look Like with Coronavirus?

Major health systems and payers are eliminating patient financial responsibility for coronavirus treatments, ideally making care more accessible.

Amid COVID-19 Telehealth Use, Sen. Probes Zoom on Privacy Practices

Zoom's popularity has drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting Sen. Richard Blumenthal to examine the video conferencing app’s encryption and privacy practices.

CMS Affirms Payment Parity for Telehealth Adds More Covered Services

In its latest moves to expand telehealth adoption during the Coronavirus pandemic, CMS has added 85 telehealth services to the list of services covered by Medicare and emphasized that payment will be at the same rate as in-service care.

ONC Opens Interoperability Proving Ground for COVID-19 Data

In less than a month, roughly 50 COVID-19 interoperability projects have been shares on ONC’s Interoperability Proving Ground platform.

80% of CFOs Expect Revenue, Profit Declines Due to COVID-19

More CFOs anticipate COVID-19 to have a negative impact on revenue and profits as they realize the effects of the outbreak will not dissipate quickly.

3/31

Must-Have Telehealth, Remote Work Privacy and Security for COVID-19

COVID-19 has drastically increased the threat landscape for healthcare with the spike in telehealth and remote work; here are the must-have privacy and security needs during the pandemic.

How Much Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Cost Hospitals?

The US healthcare system is still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, but new estimates paint a dire picture of the system’s financial future.

Health Orgs Target Social Determinants of Health from COVID-19

Funding aims to address social determinants of health exacerbated by the coronavirus, like food security, housing security, and job loss or insecurity.

athenahealth Shares 2 EHR Dashboards to Track COVID-19 Test Results

The two COVID-19 EHR dashboards will identify high-risk populations and track the number of lab tests ordered by clinicians.

California Orders Payers to Expand Coronavirus Telehealth Coverage

State officials are ordering insurance companies to reimburse providers for telehealth at the same rate as in-person care and expand coverage for other modalities, including video and phone-based services.

Johnson & Johnson Announces a Lead COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

The pharmaceutical company expects to initiate human testing of the lead COVID-19 vaccine candidate by Sept. 2020, with the first batches available in 2021.

UnitedHealth Group Unveils Self-Administered COVID-19 Test

Payers looking for ways to decrease the burden on providers and extend hospital resources may turn to self-administered COVID-19 tests as a solution.

Artificial Intelligence Predicts Severe Disease in COVID-19 Patients

Using artificial intelligence, researchers were able to accurately predict which patients with COVID-19 would go on to develop severe respiratory illness.

Allscripts Streamlines Telehealth Implementation During COVID-19

Allscripts offers expedited telehealth implementation through its patient engagement platform to facilitate non-face-to-face encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA Accelerates Review of COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests

FDA provided an update on the review process for COVID-19 diagnostic tests, recognizing the urgent need for even faster testing availability during this pandemic.

CMS to Pay For Hospital COVID-19 Care Furnished in Other Settings

CMS also relaxed other regulations to boost hospital capacity and workforce, including using non-healthcare settings for COVID-19 care and paperwork requirements.

mHealth Project to Crowdsource Consumer Data for Coronavirus Research

UCSF researchers are deploying an mHealth app to gather information on daily health habits. They're hoping to gain insight on how behaviors might affect the course of the virus or outcomes in those who are infected.

How Cerner is Using EHR Optimization to Combat COVID-19

Cerner is conducting EHR optimization to its system to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

3/30

Zoom Domains Targeted by Hackers, as Use Surges with COVID-19

Hackers are banking on the popularity of Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, ramping up malicious domains tied to the app; Zoom has also been under fire for privacy concerns.

FCC Unveils COVID-19 Telehealth Program, Updates Connected Care Pilot

The Federal Communications Commission is using $200 million in funding from the CARES Act to launch a new program to help providers access the broadband resources they need to support telehealth programs.

Google Makes COVID-19 Datasets Freely Available to Researchers

Google Cloud is offering researchers, data scientists, and analysts free access to COVID-19 datasets for algorithm development.

CMS Offers Upfront Medicare Reimbursement During COVID-19 Pandemic

The agency announced the expansion of its Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program for providers receiving Medicare reimbursement amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payers Eliminate Coronavirus Treatment Cost-Sharing Before Feds

A handful of payers, including CVS Health, have eliminated cost-sharing for coronavirus treatments, a move that experts have called for on a federal level.

CARES Act Expands Telehealth Coverage for Medicare, FQHCs and the VA

The Coronavirus relief bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump last week expands Medicare coverage for telehealth, allows FQHCs and RHCs to qualify for coverage and boosts funding for broadband services.

Hospitals to Lose $1K Per COVID-19 Case Despite Medicare Rate Bump

Even with the 20% Medicare rate increase in the stimulus package, hospitals are set to lose about $1,200 per COVID-19 hospitalization, a new analysis shows.

Epic Systems, OCHIN Launch COVID-19 Preparedness Screening App

Epic Systems partnered with Oregon Community Health Information Network to enhance Washington’s care coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chatbots Enhance Call Center Patient Outreach for COVID-19 Tests

Northwell Health is tapping chatbot technology to supplement call center patient outreach and push out coronavirus test results in near real time.

3/27

Using Telehealth in a Pandemic: Focus on Flexibility, Scalability

Executives from three different health systems talk about how they've used telehealth to meet the demands created by the Coronavirus pandemic - and how those services are laying the groundwork for 'the new normal.'

How the Pharmaceutical Industry Is Approaching a COVID-19 Vaccine

With the coronavirus pandemic showing few signs of slowing, pharmaceutical companies are collaborating to accelerate the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative Targets COVID-19

The new c3.ai Digital Transformation Institute will seek to develop artificial intelligence tools to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Cyber Threats: Hackers Target DNS Routers, Remote Work

Europol warns hackers are increasing targeting of remote workers and the healthcare sector, as researchers show a drastic rise in COVID-19 phishing and DNS Hijacking attacks.

How Coronavirus Sparked Industry Collaboration, Team-Based Care

As the nation contends with an unprecedented global health crisis, clinicians are meeting the moment with never before seen levels of team-based care and industry collaboration.

Gilead Requests FDA to Rescind Orphan Drug Status for Remdesivir

The biopharmaceutical company asked FDA to revoke orphan drug status for investigational antiviral treatment, remdesivir, a potential COVID-19 treatment.

AI Model Shows Stricter Interventions Needed to Manage COVID-19 in TX

Using artificial intelligence, UTHealth researchers showed that stricter, immediate interventions would reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the Greater Houston area.

AMA Offers Guidelines for Telehealth Reimbursement During the Pandemic

The American Medical Association has published a document outlining how providers should be using CPT codes to document telehealth treatments during the Coronavirus emergency.

3/26

AANP: Nurse Practitioners Essential for Coronavirus Care Access

Relaxing scope of practice laws will allow nurse practitioners practice at the top of their licenses, ideally upping patient care access during the coronavirus outbreak, AANP says.

Payers Seek National Recognition as Essential Businesses

Payers play a pivotal role in fighting the coronavirus and maintaining healthcare industry functions, payer associations argue.

How HIEs Are Accommodating Data Exchange During COVID-19

Two health information exchanges are changing their rules to enhance the exchange of patient health data during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus Stimulus Package Provides $100B in Hospital Funding

The $2T coronavirus stimulus package will provide hospital funding through increased Medicare payments and other grants.

AI Drug Discovery Platform IDs Potential COVID-19 Treatments

Gero leveraged its AI drug discovery platform to identify 18 potential medicines to treat COVID-19. 

CVS Caremark Implements Measures to Protect COVID-19 Supply Chain

The pharmacy benefit manager of CVS Health will set limits on the quantity of potential drugs and extend certain previously approved prior authorizations to protect the COVID-19 supply chain.

Florida Doctors Urge State Officials to Mandate Telehealth Payment Parity

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, several states have enacted emergency legislation to mandate that payers reimburse for telehealth services at the same rate as they pay for in-person services.

Block Grants Are Not The Solution to High Medicaid Spending

Block grants run the risk of higher spending, present challenges in accurately calculating growth rates, and will decrease access to care for beneficiaries during COVID-19.

States Support License Portability as a Key to Telehealth Expansion

States are moving quickly to give healthcare providers the freedom to practice across state lines, opening the door to larger telehealth networks and improved access to care during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Community Health Grant Supports Food Access, Education, PPE

Grant funding from PwC foundation aims to improve community health by driving food access, community outreach and education, and community health center access to PPE.

Playing Defense Key to Overcoming Fiscal Challenges of COVID-19

Hospitals should identify liquidity and other opportunities to lower costs to remain financially healthy during the coronavirus outbreak, a financial expert says.

3/25

Payers Relax Hospital Transfer Policies, Match Medicare Waivers

AHIP announced its commitment to relax policies and match Medicare’s waivers regarding enhancing hospitals capacities with the influx of coronavirus patients.

Using EHR Optimization to Address, Limit Coronavirus Outbreak

Researchers at University California, San Diego are digging into EHR optimization to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Suppliers Unable to Meet Orders for Potential COVID-19 Drugs

Demand for two potential COVID-19 drugs increased by 6,842% and 2,196%, respectively, creating significant supply chain challenges.

Scripps Turns to mHealth Wearables to Help Plot Coronavirus Growth

The Scripps Research Translational Institute is launching a study to determine whether mHealth wearables can be used to chart the emergence and growth of viral outbreaks like the Coronavirus.

Private Sector Coalition to Combat COVID-19 with Real-Time Data

Amazon, Mayo Clinic, Epic, and others have partnered to provide real-time data analytics to healthcare organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OCR Shares COVID-19 PHI, Data Sharing Guidance for First Responders

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCR provided insights on how protected health information can be shared with first responders and law enforcement in compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

Primary Care Practices Overwhelmed by COVID-19, PPE Shortages

85% of primary care practices commenting on a survey are experiencing PPE shortages as COVID-19 continues to significantly impact their practices.

Can Consumer Care Access Strategies Aid in Coronavirus Care?

The push for telehealth, alternative care sites, drive-through testing, and other consumer care access strategies are proving helpful in coronavirus care.

Best Practices for Health System Emergency Preparedness 

The coronavirus outbreak is forcing health systems to examine their emergency preparedness strategies and understand if they are truly ready to take on an influx of patients while also slowing the pandemic’s curve.

CMS Enacts 6.2% FMAP Boost For Coronavirus Medicaid Spending

Medicaid programs must have continuous coverage and not raise premiums or further restrict eligibility in order to qualify for the FMAP boost against coronavirus.

Vivli Launches COVID-19 Portal to Share Clinical Trial Data

The portal will make clinical trial data sharing quick and easy to support patient decisions and enhance potential COVID-19 treatments.

Data Scientists Use Machine Learning to Discover COVID-19 Treatments

Researchers are using machine learning algorithms capable of generating millions of therapeutic antibodies to quickly find treatments for COVID-19.

Humana Adds Telehealth Coverage, Services to Address Coronavirus Pandemic

The Kentucky-based payer joins a growing movement to expand coverage and reduce barriers to access for telehealth, as the nation shifts into high gear to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

3/24

Leveraging AI for COVID-19 Outreach, Population Health Management

Using artificial intelligence and population health management strategies, Medical Home Network is reaching out to vulnerable patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hackers Target WHO, COVID-19 Research Firm with Cyberattacks

Hackers unsuccessfully attempted to breach the network of WHO, while Maze ransomware hackers published sensitive data from a medical research firm on standby to work on a COVID-19 vaccine.

New Initiative Will Leverage Supercomputers to Combat COVID-19

IBM and various other organizations launched an initiative to accelerate the process of COVID-19 treatment discovery through the use of supercomputers.

Graphics Processing Units Tech to Accelerate COVID-19 Sequencing

Genome-sequencing software company, NVIDIA, will is sharing graphics processing units technology with researchers to speed up the process of COVID-19 sequencing.

HHS Sends $100M to Health Centers for Telehealth, Other Coronavirus Efforts

Funded by the March 6 supplemental relief bill and awarded through HRSA, the funding will go to more than 1,000 health centers to address screening and testing, acquire supplies and expand telehealth services.

Documentation to Ease Medical Billing Issues Due to COVID-19

A healthcare lawyer advises providers to thoroughly document care delivery to prevent medical billing and payment issues likely to arise from the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS Approves 11 New 1135 Medicaid Demos, 25% Of States Approved

Within ten days of the president declaring coronavirus a national emergency, CMS has approved 13 states’ 1135 Medicaid demonstration waivers.

Coronavirus Fraud Schemes Surge, as FBI, HHS OIG Advise Cyber Hygiene

Organizations are being urged to report COVID-19 fraud schemes to DOJ, as the FBI and HHS OIG warn hackers are increasingly targeting users during the Coronavirus pandemic.

HHS Funds Clinical Trial for Potential COVID-19 Treatment

HHS recently announced support for a clinical trial which will evaluate a possible COVID-19 treatment for patients that are severely ill.

SF Hospitals Test mHealth Wearables for Coronavirus Monitoring

A project launched by UCSF will allow hospital officials to monitor front-line care workers through an mHealth wearable that measures heart and respiration rate as well as changes in body temperature.

CMS Relaxes Quality Reporting for Value-Based Purchasing Models

Due to COVID-19, the agency extended quality reporting deadlines for the MIPS, MSSP, and other key value-based purchasing programs for hospitals and post-acute care.

How the Coronavirus Affects Social Determinants of Health

The coronavirus spread is shining a light on key social determinants of health, underscoring how these social risk factors lead to health equity issues.

3/23

CMS Releases Four Medicaid Waiver Templates to Fight Coronavirus

The agency has offered templates that make it easier for Medicaid agencies to apply for 1115 and 1135 waivers, as well as as well as templates for the 1915(c) Appendix K regarding home and community-based services and the Medicaid Disaster State Plan Amendment. This will streamline the waiver submission process.

MD City Integrates Telehealth With Smart City Hub to Monitor Coronavirus

Seat Pleasant is partnering with Amazon, Sprint and others to launch a $200 million telehealth network that will help residents access health resources and connect with care providers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Relief Package Needs Privacy Focus, Groups Tell Congress

Any Coronavirus relief packages drafted by Congress must center around patient privacy protections, and waivers must exclusively serve public health, civil-society groups urge.

RPI Offers Artificial Intelligence Resource to Aid COVID-19 Research

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is offering access to an artificial intelligence-powered supercomputer to support COVID-19 research.

COVID-19 Concerns at US Clinical Trial Sites Jump 88% Over 4 Days

Clinical trial sites are quickly becoming more concerned about COVID-19- related interruptions. While the US clinical trial sites are highly concerned about COVID-19 impact on trial enrollment, Europe reported a higher level of worry overall.

What Will Happen With Telehealth When the Emergency is Over?

Providers are using telehealth and mHealth now to take on the Coronavirus pandemic. They should also be capturing quality data and fine-tuning business plans to keep that momentum going after the emergency ends

Senators Propose Additional Funding for Telehealth in Nursing Homes

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Bob Casey have filed a bill calling for an additional $50 million in Medicare and Medicaid funding to expand telehealth capabilities in nursing homes during the Coronavirus pandemic

OCR Gives Providers More Leeway to Use mHealth, Telehealth Tools

Last week's announcements by the Office for Civil Rights give providers the leeway to use video platforms like Skype, FaceTime and Google Hangouts to treat patients, as long as they adhere to certain guidelines.

Providence Donates $500K to Coronavirus Community Health Efforts

A donation from Providence St. Joseph Health aims to address social determinants of health for marginalized populations struggling during the coronavirus outbreak. The health system is also collecting donations for future efforts.

Coronavirus Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Spending May Exceed $1,300

For payers, employers, and patients, overall healthcare spending could be $20,000 or higher for serious cases.

OCR Clarifies HIPAA Liability on Telehealth Use During COVID-19

Two days after OCR announced it would lift penalties around telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic, its officials released clarifications around HIPAA compliance to ease concerns.

How Vendors are Using EHR Optimization to Combat Coronavirus

With the coronavirus spreading at a rapid rate, EHRs need to be updated and optimized to limit the spread of the virus and battle clinician burden.

CMS Offers Relief for Promoting Interoperability Program, MIPS

CMS said clinicians, health facilities, and staff need to focus on the coronavirus outbreak, rather than measuring data collection and reporting.

Coronavirus Pushes FL HIE to Advance Statewide Interoperability

HIE Networks, a Florida health information exchange (HIE), is deploying a new system that would allow health systems to access patient records throughout the state of Florida.

The large health system is the latest to announce the temporary suspension of certain patient billing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Payroll tax cuts, reimbursement for telemedicine, and relief from quality reporting are among the recommendations providers had for Congress during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The CPT Editorial Panel approved a new CPT code that will support data-driven resource and allocation planning during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

President Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency. Here are the key regulatory flexibilities the state of emergency will give providers to help them manage the outbreak and get paid for care.

The ONC interoperability rule is a step in the right direction towards a nationwide health data exchange and enhanced interoperability.

The lack of consistent and reliable EHR interoperability has been exposed when natural disasters have struck in the past. Now with COVID-19 circulating around the world and the country at an alarming rate, will EHRs be able to perform effectively?

Despite generally having the same level of disability as Medicare beneficiaries in a traditional fee-for-service model, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have lower spending and lower cost burden, a recent Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) study found.

CMS has released guidance regarding how Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans can properly respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. CMS is targeting Medicare beneficiaries with this latest slew of guidance due to the seemingly strong relationship between age and severity of the disease.

Hackers are targeting healthcare, pharma, and insurance companies with a new phishing campaign that sends out fake HIV test results as an emotional lure. Researchers warned that hackers are also leveraging the coronavirus in phishing campaigns to lure its victims, leveraging several known malware variants.

As the nation fights the spreading novel strain of coronavirus, payers must continue to be clear about which patients will receive coverage for their COVID-19 testing and which payers are providing COVID-19 testing coverage.

CMS recently announced the development of new billing codes for coronavirus lab tests that will enable clinical laboratories and other providers to receive reimbursement for supporting patients during the outbreak and help increase testing and tracking of new cases.

The federal government authorized delivering funds to key stakeholders in the novel coronavirus outbreak, including community health centers. HR 6074 allocates $100 million to community health centers to support smaller health clinics in under-served urban and rural areas combat the new coronavirus outbreak.

Congressional leaders have agreed to a coronavirus response bill that will allow Medicare reimbursement for care providers using telehealth to treat seniors at home.

In order to achieve more rapid coronavirus diagnostic testing capacity, the FDA will allow specific clinical laboratories, including some hospital labs, to use diagnostic kits developed in-house to test their patients for COVID-19.

Telehealth and mHealth have the potential to help health systems tackle a potential COVID-19 epidemic in much the same way that the technology was used to handle SARS and Ebola outbreaks. And for that reason, providers have been low-key in talking about telehealth.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is sponsoring the first controlled clinical trial in the US at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to evaluate a possible coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The trial will uncover the safety and efficacy of the antiviral Remdesivir in adults affected with COVID-19.  

Members of Congress demand accessible, available, and affordable drug pricing for taxpayer-funded coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines or treatments, according to an official letter from House Democrats to President Trump.

Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies will expand its partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accelerate a vaccination discovery for the coronavirus or COVID-19. The collaboration with HHS’ builds on Johnson & Johnson’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

CMS announced last week that they developed a new billing code for providers and laboratories to test patients for the coronavirus. The new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) allows providers to bill for the specific test rather than using an unspecified code.

Secretary Alex Azar pointed to the novel coronavirus outbreak as a reminder that “protecting the health and security of the American people requires constantly investing in biotechnology innovation and partnering with the private sector.