Recent Digital Health Trends, Insight and News - August 2025

July was full of summer celebrations with some of the hottest temperatures felt nationwide (here in the midwest, we call it the corn sweats!). However, it was also a pivotal month for digital health news. From potential policy changes involving telehealth prescribing rules and remote monitoring to patient perceptions on artificial intelligence—it was an action-packed month. 

Below, explore a summary of the most impactful digital health trends, news  and developments from July.

Technology, News and Insights

Royal Philips Gains 510(k) Clearance for Navigation Technology for Prostate Cancer

The healthcare technology company, Royal Philips, recently achieved 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its UroNav system. This clearance, or premarket notification, asserts that the medical device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device already on the market.

The UroNav is an image-guided navigation tool for prostate cancer designed to streamline focal therapy procedures and biopsy workflows, allowing providers to deliver more accurate, minimally invasive treatment. The system combines diagnostic MRI scans of the prostate with real-time ultrasound imaging to guide medical procedures.

Read the full MobiHealthNews article here >> 

Trump Administration Releases AI Adoption Plan

On July 23rd, the Trump Administration revealed an AI action plan designed to ensure the U.S. cements its place as a leader in AI development. One part of the plan aims to streamline AI implementation by cutting through red tape that might be slowing adoption. This may even include withholding funding to states with burdensome regulations. 

The administration also intends to establish AI Centers for Excellence that’ll focus on deploying and testing AI tools. Additionally, the plan is to form domain-specific groups to accelerate the adoption of new national standards and measures. 

Although the plan barely mentioned the healthcare industry specifically, some leaders believe it’s laying the foundation for more secure and trustworthy AI in the space. 

Read the full Healthcare Dive article here >>

Policy and Regulatory

Stakeholders Ask New DEA Administrator To Resolve Telehealth Prescribing Rules

The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and other healthcare stakeholders are urging new DEA Administrator Terry Cole to finalize telehealth prescribing rules for controlled substances. They’re advocating for a permanent framework that permits remote prescribing while also effectively preventing medication misuse. The ATA emphasizes that the DEA engages experts to ensure the regulations don't burden healthcare providers or impede clinical decisions, a concern stemming from previous DEA proposals.

Read the full Healthcare IT News article here >>

CMS Proposes More Remote Patient Monitoring Coverage Without Heeding Warnings About Abuse

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has further expanded remote patient monitoring (RPM) flexibilities initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move is meant to enhance access to care, particularly for those in rural areas and those managing chronic conditions. However, one concern is the lack of oversight. 

For instance, total Medicare spending for RPM services leapt from $15 million in 2019 to more than $300 million in 2022. As a result, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has pinpointed the need to prevent potential misuse and ensure proper billing and utilization processes for these services. 

Read the full STAT article here >>

Lawmakers Introduce 5-Year Hospital-At-Home Extension

Currently, over 200 hospitals across 34 states are operating under a CMS waiver introduced during the pandemic that allows patients to receive acute care at home. However, this existing waiver is set to expire on September 30. 

A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill, the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act, that would extend the waiver by five years. If enacted, it would provide much-needed stability for existing programs and allow hospitals to continue gathering data on these innovative care models. Without this extension, patients would have to move back into brick-and-mortar facilities, potentially causing issues with hospital capacity and access to quality care. 

Read the full Beckers Hospital Review here >> 

Industry Conversations

Why Doctors Aren’t Relying on Wearable Devices Just Yet

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, are widely adopted by millions of patients for tracking various health indicators, including heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns. However, while these devices generate a significant amount of data, doctors are hesitant to fully rely on it. A key barrier is the lack of seamless integration with electronic health records (EHRs). 

They go on to explain that doctors don’t want more data just to have it. They want something, like an adaptable dashboard, to help make it actionable. 

Read the full Modern Healthcare article here >>

Most Patients Want AI in Healthcare — If It Means More Time with Their Doctor

According to new research, patients have warmed up to the idea of AI after witnessing its benefits. A recent survey gathered insights from 2,000 U.S. patients to understand their feelings and expectations regarding the use of AI in healthcare settings, particularly within their doctor's office. They found that 60% of them support its use, but only if it means they’ll get to spend more in-person time with their physician.

Patients have recognized AI's potential in reducing administrative burdens, decreasing wait times, and streamlining other tasks. However, they want this to translate to providers having more time to focus on direct patient care. The article shares that they don’t want AI to replace human interaction, but enhance it. 

Read full MedCity News article here >>

AI Jumps Ahead Of EHR In Health System Tech Priorities

According to a recent survey, chief medical informatics officers and other health system leaders have identified AI as their top strategic technology priority. C-suite leaders also utilize it for clinical, financial, and administrative purposes, recognizing its ability to reduce costs and enhance outcomes. 

Before, traditional concerns, like EHR improvements and clinician well-being were top issues to tackle, but AI has demonstrated its potential in the healthcare industry. It’s recognized that this digital innovation could be a solution to many of the looming crises in the U.S. 

Read the full Modern Healthcare article here >> 

Growth, Funding and Innovation

Samsung Electronics Acquires Xealth to Expand Its Footprint In Healthcare

Samsung Electronics acquired Xealth, a digital health platform collaborating with over 30 large health systems and 500 hospitals, to increase its footprint in the home healthcare space. This acquisition will enable data from Samsung's wearable devices, such as their rings and smartwatches, to integrate into clinical workflows and electronic medical records. This will make it easier for home health organizations to monitor and track health, improving clinical decision-making. 

TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience Division at Samsung Electronics, stated that this will “...accelerate Samsung’s efforts to support health systems and digital health partners through a truly connected care”. 

Read the full Fierce Healthcare article here >> 

Aidoc Secures $150M For Clinical-Grade Foundation Model

The clinical AI imaging platform, Aidoc, secured $150 million in a new financing round, bringing its total funding to $370 million. This investment, led by Square Peg and General Catalyst, will propel the development of CARE™, Aidoc's clinical-grade foundation model that assists physicians with clinical decisions. To fulfill that, though, Aidoc will need to expand the company's enterprise-grade platform, aiOS, which allows health systems to quickly deploy, manage, and monitor a range of AI tools.  

Read the full MobiHealthNews article here >>

OpenLoop Resources & News 

Complete Guide to Marketing Your Telehealth Business

The telehealth industry is evolving, and so too are patient expectations. Therefore, if virtual care businesses are to stand out, they must have a solid marketing strategy. However, what exactly does that entail? In this whitepaper, we highlight the importance of audience research, conversion rate optimization (CRO), retargeting techniques, and more, so your company doesn’t get overshadowed by competitors. 

Download the OpenLoop whitepaper here >> 

Step-By-Step Guide For How To Start a TRT Company

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is in high demand right now, and launching a TRT company would help meet that growing need. Yet, how does one get started? The first step is to get informed, and this article shares all the details you need to get you going on the right foot. We explore the different business models, including their unique advantages and disadvantages, and what earnings might look like based on different factors. 

The article also covers essential legal and regulatory compliance guidelines, the necessary tech stack, and crucial considerations like choosing the right white-label telehealth partner.

Read the full OpenLoop blog 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.