Recent Digital Health Trends, Insight and News - October 2025
Glucose monitoring for weight loss, information blocking remedies, and addressing AI biases
September is here, a month of transitions as the long summer days begin to shorten. The digital health space, however, continues to experience rapid growth, with the industry witnessing a surge of new developments and key investments. From upgraded watches that detect hypertension to continued uncertainty regarding telehealth regulation, it has been a dynamic period for innovation.
Below, get a recap of the most influential digital health trends, news, and developments from September.
Technology, News and Insights
Signos Launches First FDA-Cleared Glucose Monitoring System for Weight Management
The metabolic and weight management company Signos has just rolled out the first FDA-cleared glucose monitoring system that patients can purchase without a prescription. It’s specifically designed for individuals trying to lose weight and tracks how different foods, workouts, and even sleep patterns may impact one's glucose levels.
The system is designed to be paired with Dexcom’s Stelo technology and combines AI to provide individuals with real-time insights into how their daily habits may affect them. The article goes on to explain the different stakeholders it may benefit, including employers and insurance carriers.
Read the full HIT Consultant article here >>
Apple Watch Debuts ‘Powerful’ New Health Features
Apple, a well-known consumer electronics company, recently added some new health features to its Apple Watch. The most significant one is hypertension detection, which is expected to receive FDA clearance. This feature was developed using machine learning and clinical research to passively analyze heart sensor data to spot signs of high blood pressure. It’s expected to help millions of individuals, especially those who are currently undiagnosed.
Additionally, the watch will provide sleep scores by analyzing one's heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and breathing patterns.
Read the full Beckers Hospital Review article here >>
Policy and Regulatory
HHS Threatens Crackdown on Information Blocking
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a new initiative to address information blocking, which occurs when hospitals, doctors, and technology companies make it difficult to share patient health data. Although existing rules are in place, interoperability remains a significant challenge.
Since 2021, they’ve received over 1,200 complaints about people being unable to access their medical records and test results. To combat this issue, HHS will enforce a rule that healthcare providers who block this information may lose Medicare payments. Tech companies could also face significant fines.
Read the full Healthcare Dive article here >>
ATA Action Submits Comprehensive Comments In Response to Draft CY2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule
The advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), ATA Action, is urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Congress to extend or make permanent the telehealth rules established during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a September 30 deadline looming, they’re concerned that millions of Americans will lose access to virtual health appointments.
A new bill, introduced by U.S. Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), was also introduced, called the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025. It’s aimed at extending Medicare’s telehealth coverage for seniors through September 2027.
Read the full American Telemedicine Association press release here >>
Industry Conversations
Detecting, Characterizing, and Mitigating Implicit and Explicit Racial Biases in Health Care Datasets With Subgroup Learnability: Algorithm Development and Validation Study
The use of AI is ramping up in healthcare for diagnostics and risk prediction. However, if these tools are trained on flawed or biased data, they could end up making unfair decisions about patient care.
This is why researchers at Mount Sinai have created a new AI tool called AEquity, designed to identify and address biases hidden in healthcare data. The research team put AEquity to the test using various types of healthcare data, including medical images and patient records. The tool successfully identified both evident and subtle biases that people had previously overlooked.
Read the full Journal of Medical Internet Research here >>
Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Meaningful Impacts of AI Applications in Our American Health Care System
Members of the House and Energy Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to explore how AI could transform American healthcare. They explored some promising opportunities, such as how AI could help doctors and pharmacists collaborate more effectively and how it could assist with medical diagnoses.
One area that especially stood out to lawmakers is how these technologies might reduce healthcare costs for patients.
Read the full Energy and Commerce Press Release here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
Hello Patient Secures $22.5M as Investors Bet on AI Voice Agent Growth
The start-up, Hello Patient, has just raised $22.5 million in Series A funding for its AI voice technology, which handles patient communications. It’s now valued at $100 million. They’ll use the funding to expand their product capabilities, scale their reach, and increase hiring to meet growing demand.
Hello Patient’s platform utilizes HIPAA-compliant AI agents to handle routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments, responding to patient inquiries, and following up with individuals who may have missed visits. The system also works across phone calls, text messages, and online chat, making it simple for patients to connect however they prefer.
Philips Launches Telemetry Platform for Cardiac Monitoring
Health technology company Philips has just debuted the Telemetry Monitor 5500, a system designed to help hospitals address two major issues: a shortage of staff and excessive false alarms.
The platform utilizes a wearable device that filters out unnecessary alarms. Patients can then continue wearing the device for up to 30 days after they leave the hospital. This will allow their doctors to continue monitoring patients' heart activity during a critical period when some may experience complications.
Read the full MobiHealthNews article here >>
OpenLoop Resources & News
How To Choose A Patient Portal For Your Telehealth Practice
Selecting the right patient portal can make or break your telehealth practice, as it's often the first point of interaction for patients. So, how do you get it right the first time around?
This article begins with the basics, offering guidance on understanding your patient's needs before selecting a portal. It goes on to explore the pros and cons of designing your own portal or partnering with a telehealth patient portal vendor. Readers will be able to walk away with the insight they need to make a decision, along with a helpful checklist.
Read the full OpenLoop article here >>
10 Email Automations Every Telehealth Program Needs
Having a robust telehealth infrastructure is only part of the equation for success. The most successful telehealth practices will also prioritize patient engagement, which requires having solid email automations.
In this article, we not only share 10 email automations, but also provide guidance on when to send them and what to include. Following these tips can help direct-to-consumer virtual care practices attract new patients and retain their current ones.
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.