GE pledges $1B to the fight against cancer; WellPoint using Watson for diagnosis, treatment recommendations;

> General Electric announced last week that it will invest $1 billion over five years in cancer treatment research, with a particular emphasis on healthcare IT and molecular diagnostics. And as part of the company's healthymagination initiative, $100 million will go toward breast cancer research over a six-month period. Article

> Looks like Watson's finally being put to good use: WellPoint (NYSE: WLP) has reached an agreement with IBM to use its supercomputer to help physicians diagnose medical illnesses and recommend treatment options for patients. FierceHealthPayer

> Hospital executives and physicians beware: you soon may be splitting business with your friendly neighborhood drug store. National pharmacy chain Rite Aid is testing out telehealth services at its Detroit locations, with the hope of eventually expanding to its 4,700 stores nationwide. FierceMobileHealthcare

> While the healthcare industry promotes enhanced transparency, the Department of Health & Human Services is taking a step in the other direction, shutting down the once-public National Practitioner Data Bank. As a result, the public can no longer access information on malpractice and disciplinary actions against thousands of doctors. FierceHealthcare

And Finally... Where was Pokey? Article