Recent Digital Health Trends, Insight and News - March 2025
AI pilots, OUD rule delays and new cybersecurity risks top recent telehealth news.
Despite being a shorter month, February was packed with AI advancements and interesting digital health trends. For instance, some agencies temporarily paused the virtual OUD prescribing rule, and AI might soon be able to prescribe drugs independently.
We’ve prepared this month’s telehealth recap to bring you up to speed on top news and resources like a new AI pilot with Mayo Clinic, OUD prescribing rule delay and 25+ compelling employee wellness statistics.
Technology, News and Insights
CLEAR's Airport-style ID Verification Coming to Epic
Epic is integrating with CLEAR, a secure identity company, to streamline the patient identification process within the patient portal MyChart. This partnership aims to decrease administrative burdens on call center staff in hospitals and healthcare systems. It also aims to improve cybersecurity efforts and better protect patient data. Users will be able to verify their identities immediately with a selfie, making patient account creation and recovery more manageable for all parties.
Read the full Becker’s Hospital Review article here >>
VoiceCare AI, New Agentic AI Startup, Kicks Off Pilot with Mayo Clinic to Automate Back Office Work
It’s not uncommon for providers and payers to go back and forth on the phone about prior authorization, claims management, benefit verification and more. VoiceCare AI is a platform designed to automate these routine time-intensive tasks so healthcare professionals can focus on high-priority patient care. Its AI agent, Joy, can handle lengthy, intricate, and nuanced conversations and extended hold times.
Healthcare administration duties account for trillions of dollars in healthcare spending. The Mayo Clinic hopes this tool can “super-staff” the workforce and improve operational efficiency.
Read the full Fierce Healthcare article here >>
Policy and Regulatory
Proposed legislation paves the way for AI to prescribe drugs
A bill, H.R.238, was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, which may allow AI to prescribe medicines that are approved by the FDA autonomously. AI could be classified as a “practitioner licensed by law to administer such drugs”. Yet, many feel that AI may not be ready to handle this aspect of care, as it occasionally presents flawed rationales.
Read the full Mobi Health News article here >>
DEA, HHS delay effective date of virtual OUD prescribing rule to March
On February 14th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) submitted an unpublished rule to the Federal Register. This rule delays the effective date of the “Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter” file rule. They’re also delaying when the “Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients" final rule is set to become effective.
Despite the halt, the administration states it won’t affect telemedicine prescribing. The clinicians covered under those two rules are still allowed to do so under temporary COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities until the end of 2025.
Read the full Fierce Healthcare article here >>
Industry Conversations
Healthcare Was Most Breached Sector in 2024: Report
In 2024, the healthcare industry made up 23% of the data breaches, an increase from the 18% it accounted for in 2023. The value of sensitive health data makes it a top target for cybercriminals, causing customers to grow concerned about the safety of their information. More consumers are requesting credit and identity monitoring due to data breaches in the healthcare sector, than any other industry. However, the finance industry doesn’t lag too far behind.
Read the full Healthcare Dive article here >>
What Do Nurses Really Want From AI?
Artificial intelligence is growing rapidly in various areas of the healthcare delivery system and clinicians are embracing it. However, there is still some skepticism, especially among nurses. There have been nurse protests regarding AI transparency and safety, as well as some concern regarding its application. Yet, nurses are interested in AI’s ability to decrease administrative burden and promote workflow efficiencies. Predictive models have shown to be helpful to this group, such as assessing a patient's risk of falls or even with staff scheduling.
Read the full Healthcare IT News article here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
Teladoc to acquire virtual care company Catapult Health for $65M
Catapult Health, a preventive care provider with hundreds of employer customers and over 3 million covered lives, is being acquired by Teladoc Health. This acquisition will help Teladoc identify their members' health conditions early so they can direct them to their other offerings, such as primary care providers, therapy services, chronic condition management, and more.
Read the full Healthcare Dive article here >>
Cedars-Sinai Pilots 'Virtual Assistant' for Nurses
The artificial intelligence-powered mobile app Aiva Nurse Assistant has been created to decrease nurses' documentation burdens. It’s being piloted at the Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai on a 48-bed surgical unit. Nurses can use the app to dictate patient notes using voice commands. The app will then transcribe the information and map it into the appropriate fields in Epic. Clinicians will validate the data before it is submitted.
This is the first time this type of technology has been piloted in a real-world setting, and the results have been promising so far.
Read the full Beckers Hospital Review article here >>
OpenLoop Resources & News
What's Next for DTC Telehealth in 2025?
Thanks to their convenience and accessibility, direct-to-consumer telehealth services are expected to expand in 2025. Nontraditional retailers, for example, are launching private-label remote care services to drive new revenue streams. DTC telehealth is also becoming increasingly popular for patients who prioritize discretion. Those desiring TRT/HRT services, looking for ED treatment and experiencing hair loss concerns can receive support from the comfort of their homes.
Read the full OpenLoop blog here >>
25+ Compelling Employee Wellness Statistics
Are employee wellness programs still worth it for employers? According to these 20+ statistics, they are. These stats not only reveal employees' views on workplace wellness programs, but also shed light on the benefits employers receive from offering them. Organizations can expect productivity boosts, financial growth, and more by investing in their staff's wellness.
Read the full OpenLoop blog here >>
How To Start a Telehealth Business
Thinking about launching a telehealth company but aren’t sure where to start? Learn the seven steps to starting a virtual care business from a company that knows the ropes. You’ll get insight on defining your business model, regulations you should be aware of, different provider staffing methods, and so much more.
Read the full OpenLoop blog here >>