News From Around the Web
> Patients who use a digital health tool to report Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptoms and receive treatment recommendations are able to better control their symptoms, a new study has found. The research, led by Gerard J. Criner, M.D., of Temple University School of Medicine, determined that digital health monitoring for COPD patients that offered same-day treatment suggestions led to improved daily symptom control, better lung function and a higher activity status. Announcement
> eHealth Ventures, a digital health venture fund investing in digital health startups in Israel, made its first investment and is looking to join tech incubators in Israel, according to an article at MedCity News. Partners in the venture fund include Cleveland Clinic Innovations and one of Israel's largest HMOs, Maccabi Healthcare. Article
Provider News
> Data transparency is an increased priority for hospitals and health systems, but raw data often don't convey the nuances of care quality. Article
> Although the Medicare Shared Savings Program has many flaws, including setup and operating costs, and at least two more Pioneer accountable care organizations (ACOs) may drop out of the model, ACOs show great promise for improved healthcare delivery, according to Paul Keckley, Ph.D., managing director of the Navigant Center for Healthcare Research and Policy Analysis. Article
Mobile Healthcare News
> While a slowdown in technology investment and consumer adoption of wearables is not likely to have too much of a negative impact on a company like Fitbit, it could prove challenging to middle of the pack companies in the space, as well as newcomers, according to a new report. Article
And Finally... Gone ... drone fishing? Article