Recent Digital Health Trends, Insights, and News - February 2026
AI moves closer to care, policy evolves, and capital flows into healthcare
The past month highlighted an industry sharpening its priorities. Advances in AI, evolving regulations, workforce strategy, and sustained investment momentum signaled where healthcare is focusing its attention heading into the year.
Below, get a recap of the latest digital health trends in January.
Technology, News and Insights
Mayo Clinic Develops AI Model To Assess Heart Function from a Single Image
Mayo Clinic researchers developed an AI model that can estimate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from a single echocardiogram frame, rather than a full video study. The approach would simplify cardiac assessments, support point-of-care ultrasound use, and expand access to heart function evaluation in settings where specialized expertise or equipment is limited.
Read the full Mayo Clinic News Network article here >>
AI Chatbots Like ChatGPT & Claude Will Disrupt How Patients Seek Health Advice
OpenAI and Anthropic announced new capabilities letting users sync personal health data, from doctors’ records to wearable metrics, directly with ChatGPT and Claude for personalized interpretation of symptoms, labs, and wellness trends. These consumer-facing AI tools aren’t replacing clinicians, but they are poised to reshape how patients prepare for appointments, interpret health information, and engage with care, raising new considerations for providers around patient education, context, and digital health literacy.
Read the full Morning Star article here >>
Policy and Regulatory
DEA & HHS Extend Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Through 2026
The DEA and HHS officially extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through 2026, preserving remote access to medications, especially critical for behavioral health and chronic conditions. This move gives providers breathing room while longer-term policies are debated.
Read the full Holland&Knight article here>>
FDA Sets Guardrails for AI in Health-Tracking Wearables
The FDA released new guidance clarifying when AI-powered features in wearables and certain clinical decision support tools are exempt from medical device regulation. Lower-risk, wellness-focused features, such as rings, wrist-worn devices, and smartwatches that track heart rate trends, sleep, or activity, may fall outside FDA oversight, while tools intended for diagnosis or treatment remain regulated. The guidance aims to reduce uncertainty as AI-enabled wearables expand across healthcare.
Read the Full MedTechDive article here >>
Industry Conversations
AHA: Workforce “Reinvention” Is Underway in 2026
The American Hospital Association says mounting workforce pressures are pushing health systems beyond temporary fixes and into fundamental workforce redesign. Financial strain, rising demand, and shifting workforce expectations are driving hospitals to rethink staffing models, invest in training pipelines, and adopt team-based care supported by technology. The message is clear: workforce strategy is becoming a central lever for resilience and performance in 2026.
Read the full American Hospital Association article here >>
Health Leaders Demand Impact, Not Experiments
Healthcare digital leaders are calling for a shift away from testing isolated AI tools and toward piloting AI solutions that are embedded directly into clinical and operational workflows. Rather than adding new point solutions, health systems are focusing on technologies that integrate with existing systems, support day-to-day decision-making, and demonstrate measurable impact.
This reflects a maturing market where real operational value defines success.
Read the full Beckers Hospital Review article here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
Vista AI Raises $295M to Power Automated MRI Interpretation
Imaging workflows reimagined, and capital is betting on it.Vista AI secured $295 million in Series B funding from health systems and investors to scale its automated MRI interpretation technology. Large capital allocations like this signal confidence in tools that aim to reduce imaging bottlenecks and improve throughput for clinical care.
Read the full Morning Star article here >>
Healthcare Private Equity Enters 2026 at Record Levels: $191B in 2025
Healthcare private equity deal-making reached an all-time high in 2025, with global deal value climbing to $191 billion, surpassing previous records. Investment surged across healthcare IT, digital platforms, services, and infrastructure, fueled by consolidation and the need for scale. Strong deal activity is expected to carry into 2026, shaping practice ownership models and competitive dynamics across healthcare.
Read the full Healthcare Dive article here >>
OpenLoop Resources & News
The 5 Best Add-On Services Every Clinic Needs to Stay Competitive
Expanded service offerings clinics are adopting to strengthen revenue and retention.
From weight management and hormone therapy to metabolic health and longevity programs, this guide highlights the add-on services clinics are using to increase recurring revenue, improve patient lifetime value, and stay competitive amid rising costs and shifting patient expectations.
Read the full OpenLoop article here >>
How Might 2026 Telehealth Policy Changes Affect Your Practice
What evolving Medicare rules could mean for virtual care delivery and reimbursement.
With telehealth flexibilities tied to temporary extensions, clinics face uncertainty around patient access, reimbursement parity, and service eligibility. This overview breaks down what’s changing, what may expire in 2026, and how practices can prepare for multiple policy scenarios.
Read the full OpenLoop article here >>
OpenLoop Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer
Expanding executive leadership to support OpenLoop's next phase of growth.
OpenLoop has appointed Chris Aker as Chief Commercial Officer to help lead global go-to-market strategy and commercial operations. With extensive experience building and scaling revenue organizations at category-defining technology companies, Aker will help drive expansion, strengthen partnerships, and support the continued growth of OpenLoop’s nationwide virtual care infrastructure.
Read the full OpenLoop article here >>
*This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.