Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mario Aguilar
Published on 2024-02-15 14:55:25
In the digital age, technology is rapidly transforming the healthcare industry. Here’s a roundup of recent developments in the health tech world that you should be aware of.
## Remote patient monitoring coding reforms tabled again
The American Medical Association had planned to consider changes regarding billing codes for remote patient monitoring devices such as wearables. The proposed revisions aimed to streamline and expand the use of these devices by clinicians to monitor patients outside the clinic. However, the changes were unexpectedly pulled from the agenda of the CPT Editorial Panel’s meeting. The panel is responsible for maintaining and updating the codes used by doctors to bill and obtain reimbursement for medical services related to remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM). The proposed changes, including reducing the number of days of data required for billing and grouping RPM and RTM together, were met with opposition from major health systems and retailers. It remains unclear why the code change application was withdrawn, but it may be related to concerns about the approval process by the Editorial Panel.
## Digital tools helped lower blood pressure in marginalized patient groups
An analysis of 28 studies has revealed that digital health interventions have resulted in a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure among people of color and low-income patients. The findings suggest that there should be increased investment in novel hypertension programs to address health disparities among vulnerable patient populations.
## FDA advisory panel OKs Abbott’s new cardiac device
An FDA advisory panel gave the green light to Abbott’s new cardiac device designed to treat tricuspid heart valve disease. This new device, called the TriClip, addresses a condition that affects 1.6 million people in the United States and can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and atypical heart rhythms. This positive endorsement from the advisory panel indicates that the treatment’s benefits outweigh its risks, and if approved by the FDA, it could potentially benefit a large number of patients.
## Study evaluated robotic vs. traditional knee replacements
The use of robotic surgery for total knee replacements was recently evaluated, and the results showed that there were no significant differences in the rate of needing additional surgical operations between robotic-assisted or manual techniques. While robotic surgery is often praised for its precision and efficiency, this study brings into question whether it actually leads to better surgical outcomes in knee replacement procedures.
## What we’re reading
Here are some notable articles and news stories that we’re reading in the health tech space:
– 23andMe is under fire. Its founder remains ‘optimistic’ (Wired)
– Genetic test maker Invitae files for bankruptcy protection in the US (Reuters)
– Canary Medical has first-in-human implant of heart sound monitor (MassDevice)
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As the healthcare industry continues to evolve with the integration of digital technologies, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest developments that can potentially impact patient care and outcomes. By keeping a close eye on these advancements, healthcare professionals, patients, and industry stakeholders can make well-informed decisions about the adoption and utilization of technology in the delivery and management of healthcare services.
