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CLEAR Partners with CMS to Enhance Identity Verification in Healthcare

CLEAR Partners with CMS to Enhance Identity Verification in Healthcare

CLEAR, a company known for its identity verification technology, has signed a contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve identity verification in the U.S. healthcare system. This partnership is part of CMS's 'Kill the Clipboard' initiative, which aims to modernize Medicare by enhancing interoperability and reducing fraud. CLEAR's technology uses biometric data and document checks to verify identities, allowing patients and providers to confirm their identities with a simple selfie. The initiative is expected to streamline healthcare processes and improve security.

Healthcare Providers Urge HHS to Withdraw Proposed HIPAA Update

Healthcare Providers Urge HHS to Withdraw Proposed HIPAA Update

Over 100 healthcare provider groups have urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a proposed update to the HIPAA Security Rule. The groups, led by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, argue that the proposed regulations impose financial burdens and unreasonable implementation timelines. They claim these changes contradict President Trump's deregulatory agenda. The proposed update, announced in January, aims to enhance cybersecurity and privacy standards for healthcare entities. However, the provider groups advocate for a collaborative approach to develop practical cybersecurity standards without imposing excessive regulatory burdens.

CMS Overpayment in Change Healthcare Hack Relief Funds Affects Hospitals

CMS Overpayment in Change Healthcare Hack Relief Funds Affects Hospitals

A University of Minnesota analysis has revealed that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) overpaid many hospitals while missing others in its relief program following the 2024 Change Healthcare cyberattack. The Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) program, which distributed $3.3 billion in accelerated payments, was intended to support providers whose revenue cycles were disrupted by the cyberattack. However, the study found that a third of the hospitals received more than $1 million in excess of their Medicare revenue losses, while another third did not receive enough to cover their losses. The analysis identified 312 hospitals that did not receive any funds despite experiencing significant revenue disruptions. The findings, published in Health Affairs, suggest that the CMS relief program did not adequately target the highest-need recipients.

Dr. Sunny Bhatia Honored as One of Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025

Dr. Sunny Bhatia Honored as One of Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025

Dr. Sunny Bhatia, President and Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare, has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025. This accolade highlights individuals who have significantly impacted the healthcare industry through leadership and innovation. Dr. Bhatia, the first System President and Chief Medical Officer in Prime Healthcare's history, oversees a network of 51 hospitals and over 360 outpatient locations across 14 states. Under his leadership, Prime Healthcare completed a major acquisition of eight hospitals in Illinois, ensuring their continued operation and contributing to local economies. Dr. Bhatia has also spearheaded initiatives to integrate advanced technologies, such as AI-enabled workflows and digital tools, to enhance patient care and support clinicians.

CLEAR Partners with CMS to Enhance Identity Verification in Medicare

CLEAR Partners with CMS to Enhance Identity Verification in Medicare

CLEAR, a company known for its identity verification technology, has announced a new contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the CMS Health Tech Ecosystem Initiative. This partnership is a significant step in the CMS's 'Kill the Clipboard' initiative, aimed at modernizing Medicare by improving interoperability and reducing fraud. CLEAR's technology, which uses biometric data and document checks, will be implemented to verify identities across healthcare organizations. This initiative is expected to streamline processes for Medicare beneficiaries and providers, allowing them to create and recover accounts and access healthcare information more securely. The technology is set to roll out on Medicare.gov in early 2026 and is compliant with HIPAA and IAL2 standards, ensuring patient data protection.

FDA Launches TEMPO Pilot to Accelerate Digital Health Tools for Chronic Diseases

FDA Launches TEMPO Pilot to Accelerate Digital Health Tools for Chronic Diseases

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a new pilot program named TEMPO (Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes) aimed at expediting the market entry of digital health technologies (DHTs) for chronic diseases. This initiative aligns with the deregulatory approach of the FDA under Commissioner Marty Makary. The TEMPO pilot is designed to facilitate access to digital health devices while ensuring patient safety. It will operate within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) ACCESS model, which is testing an outcome-aligned payment approach for Medicare. The pilot will initially focus on four clinical areas: early and later-stage cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and behavioral health interventions. Up to 10 device manufacturers in each area will be selected to participate, with the opportunity to bypass certain regulatory requirements like premarket authorization. The FDA and CMS will collaborate to monitor and report real-world perform...

Sarah Ahmad's Leadership at CAQH Drives Major Healthcare Innovations and Savings

Sarah Ahmad's Leadership at CAQH Drives Major Healthcare Innovations and Savings

Sarah Ahmad, CEO of the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH), has been recognized for her impactful leadership since taking the helm in 2023. Under her guidance, CAQH has secured buy-in from 12 major health plans, enabling the organization to form new partnerships and innovate more rapidly. Ahmad's leadership has resulted in significant operational and financial gains, including hundreds of millions in customer savings through waste reduction and streamlining processes. She has also overhauled supplier management, achieving over $7 million in reported savings. Ahmad has prioritized workforce development by introducing transparent career pathways and investing in employee growth. Through initiatives like the Provider Advisory Council, she ensures that voices from healthcare's front lines are integral in shaping next-generation tools.

CMS Relief Funds Overpaid Most Hospitals, Missed Hundreds After Cyberattack

CMS Relief Funds Overpaid Most Hospitals, Missed Hundreds After Cyberattack

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided financial relief to hospitals affected by the 2024 Change Healthcare cyberattack through the Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) program. However, a University of Minnesota analysis revealed that the relief funds were disproportionately distributed. Many hospitals received more than their Medicare revenue losses, while hundreds of others, particularly those in rural areas or with critical access designations, did not receive any funds despite significant revenue disruptions. The CHOPD program, which offered $3.3 billion in accelerated payments, was intended to support providers whose revenue cycles were disrupted by the cyberattack. The study highlighted that the program's opt-in nature and lack of targeted relief led to these discrepancies.

Sarah Ahmad Recognized for Transformative Leadership in Healthcare

Sarah Ahmad Recognized for Transformative Leadership in Healthcare

Sarah Ahmad, CEO of the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH), has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. Since taking the helm in 2023, Ahmad has spearheaded several initiatives that have significantly impacted the healthcare industry. Her leadership has been instrumental in securing partnerships with 12 major health plans, facilitating innovation and operational efficiency. Under her guidance, CAQH has achieved substantial financial gains, including hundreds of millions in customer savings through waste reduction. Ahmad has also focused on workforce development, implementing transparent career pathways and investing in employee growth. Her efforts have positioned CAQH as a leader in healthcare data management and process improvement.

Study Links Daily Step Count to Early Detection of Parkinson’s Disease

Study Links Daily Step Count to Early Detection of Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study involving nearly 95,000 adults suggests that lower daily step counts may be an early indicator of Parkinson's disease. Conducted by researchers analyzing data from the U.K. Biobank, the study found that participants with fewer steps were more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's later. Over a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 407 participants developed the disease. The study highlights that the correlation between low step counts and Parkinson's was strongest close to diagnosis, indicating that reduced activity might be an early symptom rather than a cause. The research emphasizes the potential of wearable devices in identifying early signs of Parkinson's, although it cautions against using step counts as a diagnostic tool.

Pete November Honored as Influential Leader in Healthcare

Pete November Honored as Influential Leader in Healthcare

Pete November, President and CEO of Ochsner Health, has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025. This accolade highlights his leadership and impact within the healthcare industry. Under November's guidance, Ochsner Health has focused on advancing healthcare innovation, enhancing team member experiences, and advocating for high-quality, patient-centric care. His leadership has been pivotal in driving Ochsner's mission to improve community health across the Gulf South. November's strategic vision and commitment to supporting Ochsner's teams have been instrumental in the organization's success and influence in the healthcare sector.

Smartphone Motor Tests Offer New Method for Parkinson’s Disease Screening

Smartphone Motor Tests Offer New Method for Parkinson’s Disease Screening

Researchers have developed a method using smartphone motion data combined with clinical scores to predict dopamine deficiency in Parkinson’s disease (PD) without the need for brain scans. This approach utilizes the Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre (OPDC) smartphone application to assess motor function and predict dopamine transporter (DaT) status. The study involved 93 participants, including those with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and PD, and demonstrated that smartphone data could predict DaT scan results with 80% accuracy. This method offers a cost-effective, radiation-free alternative for early screening and monitoring of PD.