Mental health stigma dissipates, but cost and coverage barriers remain

More than half of Americans want mental health services either for themselves or for a loved one, but about three-quarters said there are access issues, especially cost or poor insurance coverage, according to a new survey.  »

The internet of things could pose a security risk for health systems

Connected devices are a boon to patients but only if they're impermeable to hackers.

The internet of things extends healthcare into the home

Now that devices like blood pressure cuffs and scales are connected to the internet, patients can send their medical measurements directly to health systems, whose care teams monitor the patients' well-being.

Next Gen ACOs form coalition to push for model changes

Twenty-nine Next Generation ACOs have formed a coalition to advocate for changes to that CMS model, which they argue deters long-term financial sustainability in the program.

More than half of Americans have received a surprise medical bill

The public holds insurers and hospitals most accountable when they receive an unexpected charge, many of which may be related to an out-of-network service or provider or consumers' misunderstanding, according to a new survey.

Could patient input improve hospital ratings' accuracy?

RAND Corp. researchers suggested that hospital rating sites could be improved by allowing consumers to adjust the weight of quality measures used. But healthcare consumer analysts still don't think it can solve fundamental issues with the sites.

A care platform that engages 
patients and providers alike

Wellsmith's digital care management platform draws data from wearables and other at-home devices to give providers a new look at what patients are up to when they're not in the hospital or clinic.

Apps fill in behavioral health clinician gaps

As healthcare providers work to engage patients and identify mental health needs, they're facing a new challenge: a shortage of mental healthcare professionals. So they're turning to apps.

Engaging behavioral health patients through digital tools

Hospitals and health systems are turning—albeit slowly and cautiously—to digital tools to engage mental health patients, hoping to improve access and outcomes.

Social determinants are core of North Carolina's Medicaid overhaul

North Carolina is transforming its Medicaid program to focus on patients' social determinants as the main drivers of health outcomes, according to Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Health and Human Services Department.