Digital Health Archives - Page 6 of 12

The Overturning of Roe v. Wade

by McDermott Will & Emery | Jun 27, 2022 | Benefit Controversies, Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans, Privacy and Data Security

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (Dobbs), overturning Roe v. Wade (Roe) and upending 50 years of precedent protecting a woman’s right to privacy in choosing to abort a pregnancy prior to the point of viability.

The effect of this decision on US companies cannot be understated. Any organization whose operations touch family planning services in any way (e.g., providers, those that facilitate operations, investors, payors, employers that provide family planning benefits and health plan service providers) should immediately examine their precise services, geographic footprint, corporate structure and organizational priorities.

To determine the best steps to take for you and your business, we invite you to join us for the second program in our new webinar series on Wednesday, June 29, at 2:00-3:00 pm EDT with McDermott Partners Stacey Callaghan, David Gacioch and Caroline Reignley and Associate Sarah Raaii, who will analyze and share the latest developments around the reversal of Roe and its likely impacts on US companies.

Register for the webinar here.

Biden Administration Foreshadows Impending Nursing Home Quality Reforms

by Evie Atwater, George Tzanetakos and Gregory Fosheim | Apr 7, 2022 | Benefit Controversies, Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Employment, Health and Welfare Plans, Labor

On February 28, 2022, the White House issued a fact sheet outlining several efforts aimed to increase safety, accountability, oversight and transparency in the senior services industry (Fact Sheet). Although the Fact Sheet’s initiatives have not yet been implemented, President Biden reiterated his administration’s focus on nursing home reform during his March 1, 2022, State of the Union address. Accordingly, the efforts described in the Fact Sheet provide stakeholders with a peek into the regulatory crystal ball of the governmental efforts that may be forthcoming, either through new laws, regulatory action, policy changes, enforcement activities or subregulatory guidance.

Trump-Era Medicare Program Under Increased Scrutiny

by Mara McDermott | Mar 17, 2022 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

A Trump administration-era Medicare program is under increased scrutiny from progressive Democrats. According to this Politico article, the program is a “direct contracting model” that allows private companies to participate in Medicare. Some Democrats, however, say the program is opening up a lane for Medicare privatization.

“There’s a dynamic with the left that [the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation] [has] to deal with for sure,” said McDermott+Consulting’s Mara McDermott.

Access the article.

Trends and Priorities for the Human Capital Committee

by Michael W. Peregrine | Mar 10, 2022 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

COVID-19 has not only accelerated dramatic shifts within the healthcare industry, but it has also become a catalyst for change in workforce strategies. In this special report, McDermott Partner Michael Peregrine offers perspective about key trends and priorities for the human capital committee to consider as it plans for the upcoming year and beyond.

Access the report (pg. 10).

Digital Health 2021 Year in Review

by McDermott Will & Emery | Mar 9, 2022 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans, Privacy and Data Security

The continuation of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and consumer demand for digitally delivered healthcare not only necessitated the shift from in-person to virtual care, but also continued to drive interest, adoption, investment and transactions in digital health in 2021. Digital health funding in 2021 far surpassed 2020’s totals, with no signs of slowing down in 2022, and the potential permanence of some regulatory flexibilities beyond the PHE are charting a course for continued digital health growth in 2022 and beyond.

Access the report.

2022 Health Policy Outlook

by McDermott Will & Emery | Feb 18, 2022 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

The US healthcare system is entering the third year of a public health emergency due to COVID-19, and the challenges and enduring pressures of the pandemic will require US Congress and the Biden administration to consider new response strategies. But other health policy priorities also will garner attention. As we start a new year and new congressional session, McDermott+Consulting examines the health policy priorities and key initiatives likely to dominate the agenda in 2022.

Access the report.

VIDEO: Telehealth Laws in Flux as Pandemic Precautions End

by Lisa Schmitz Mazur | Feb 9, 2022 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

The uncertainty around the termination of state public health emergencies is leading to the growth of healthcare companies with physical and virtual presences. In this recent Reuters video, McDermott Partner Lisa Mazur explained how these providers are more valuable from a valuation perspective.

“And part of that is because they’re able to enroll in Medicaid and get services covered, and they’re more likely to become a participating provider with a commercial plan,” Mazur noted.

Access the video.

Broadband Internet a Hurdle as Telehealth Services Rise in Popularity

by Stephen Bernstein and Mara McDermott | Feb 1, 2022 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

Doctors and lawmakers say reliable broadband internet is lagging for populations that could benefit the most from telehealth services. In this MetroWest Daily News article, McDermott Partner Stephen Bernstein and McDermott+Consulting Vice President Mara McDermott offer insight into the challenges—and opportunities—for virtual care as it gains popularity.

Access the article.

The “New” Digital Healthcare Delivery System

by Michael Ryan and Jennifer S. Geetter | Nov 18, 2021 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

Although digital health solutions have long been a key area of strategic growth for the healthcare industry, the COVID-19 crisis accelerated what it means to deliver safe and effective digitally-based care. As the United States shifts focus from short-term crisis response to longer-term solutions, what does a digitally-driven healthcare industry look like, and how can healthcare entities maintain the highest standards of care and meet patient expectations while constructively disrupting out-of-date practice patterns? During a recent virtual conversation, McDermott Partners Michael W. Ryan and Jennifer S. Geetter addressed these questions and more.

Artificial Intelligence Myth Versus Reality: Where Do Healthcare Experts Think We Stand?

by Dale C. Van Demark and Jiayan Chen | Nov 12, 2021 | Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans

As the healthcare industry evaluates how to pay for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, industry experts say data and real-world evidence are essential for reaching any payment decisions. In this Forbes article, McDermott Partners Dale C. Van Demark and Jiayan Chen provide insight into some of the regulatory challenges AI presents.

“For AI to be paid for, you need data that shows your product is making a difference,” Chen notes. “To do that, you need massive quantities of data to develop the tool or algorithm, but you also have to show that it works in a real-world setting.”

Access the article.

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