Around the Web
> Rumors are swirling Microsoft is getting ready to enter the smartwatch market within weeks with a wrist band boasting a passive heart rate monitor. The top feature, according to TechRadar.com, may be its reported battery life of two days compared to the typical charge of a day by competing products. Article
> Mobile technology research is getting big attention at the Stanford School of Medicine with the opening of a new center to be run by Matthew Smuck, co-founder of Vivametrica, a commercial firm specializing in wearable tech's healthcare applications, according to a Mobile ID World article. The new branch will be for the integration of mobile technology into healthcare. Article
> Fitbit is developing two new activity trackers called Fitbit Charge and Charge HD, according to Gizmodo. The device development comes after skin rash issues and ultimately a device recall of the Fitbit Force. Article
> Rite Aid pharmacies are now home to a suite of consumer-focused mobile health and safety services from GreatCall, according to Market Wired. The Touch3, Jitterbut5 and Splash solutions are aimed at the aging consumer demographic. Article
Healthcare IT News
> As hospitals prepare to transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding by October 2015, computer-assisted coding (CAC) tools will become increasingly important, so much so that, according to a new HIMSS Analytics report, they have the highest growth potential out of 25 support service applications. Article
> Telehome tech is igniting big growth in global telemedicine tools, a market predicted to hit $43.4 billion within five years, according to a new report published by Wellesley, Massachusetts-based BCC Research. Article
Healthcare Payer News
> Mental health professionals can play a role in getting healthcare consumers on board with wellness programs, notes a Columbus CEO article, as they can help change behavior. The approach is similar to safety driving programs that entice drivers to change bad habits in exchange for lower insurance premiums. Article
And Finally… Batman would be thrilled about this habitat protection effort. Article