Recent Digital Health Trends, Insight and News - September 2025

August has been a hot one for sure, with many of us soaking up the last moments of summer. However, the world of digital health has been buzzing with pivotal developments. From major funding rounds for cutting-edge AI and digital twin technology to crucial federal policy updates that could reshape how we get paid for select telehealth services and manage prior authorizations, it was an action-packed month.

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

Technology, News and Insights

Remote Monitoring After Cardiac Surgery Reveals Undetected AFib Events, Study Finds

Nearly 40% of patients experience atrial fibrillation (AFib) following a cardiac surgery, with many events occurring after they’re discharged home. However, a recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that remote patient monitoring (RPM) could help effectively identify post-discharge complications. Researchers discovered that wearable ECG patches were able to detect previously missed AFib episodes in cardiac surgery patients after they returned home.

The findings suggest that RPM can fill a critical gap in postoperative care and improve patient outcomes.

Read the HIT Consultant article here >>

Artera Gets FDA De Novo Nod for AI Prostate Cancer Prognosis Tool

The developer of AI-powered cancer tests, Artera, has recently received De Novo authorization for their AI-powered software, ArteraAI Prostate. This software helps predict long-term outcomes for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer by assessing digital pathology images of a patient’s prostate cancer biopsy slide. From there, it can predict things like prostate cancer-specific mortality, which should help decrease gaps in care. 

Read the full MobiHealthNews article here >> 

Policy and Regulatory

Trump's HHS Just Embarked on a Thorny Journey in Health IT, Industry Experts Say

Under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Trump administration has launched the "Health Tech Ecosystem Initiative". This move is an effort to modernize Medicare and give beneficiaries more choices about where to get their healthcare. 

The plan is to create an app store and incorporate AI chatbots into healthcare delivery, with supporters seeing it as a way to help streamline healthcare systems. Currently, 60 companies back the initiative, but they anticipate some hurdles, including interoperability, patient privacy concerns, and more. 

Read the full Fierce Healthcare article here >>

HHS Finalizes Rule to Boost E-Prior Auth, Real-Time Rx Checks

Prior authorizations have long caused bottlenecks in the healthcare system, but a new rule, HTI-4, is designed to streamline the process. The rule mandates electronic prior authorization and introduces a new real-time prescription benefit certification. Using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards, the regulation will allow providers to electronically submit, request, and monitor prior authorization processes, which supports CMS interoperability objectives. 

These changes are expected to improve workflow automation, decrease administrative burdens, save clinicians time, and save almost $19 billion in labor costs over ten years. 

Read the full HLTH article here >>

Industry Conversations

Exploring the Potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Synthesis: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Since 2022, generative AI has transformed medical imaging by creating synthetic data to address shortages and privacy concerns. The technology can produce realistic images for training, simulating rare diseases, and forecasting their progression. However, a key challenge is the risk of generating inaccurate features that can magnify data biases. Therefore, researchers are focused on developing more robust models and establishing regulatory guidelines to ensure the technology is both diverse and representative.

Read the full Lancet article here >>

Telehealth's GLP-1 Boom: Balancing Obesity Care with HIPAA and State Consumer Privacy Laws

The GLP-1 weight-loss drug market has fueled rapid growth in telehealth services, and is expected to reach $30 billion by the end of 2025. Offering discretion and convenience, the virtual care delivery model has allowed for digital expansion, but it does come with some privacy challenges. 

There are potential privacy risks, especially surrounding the collection of sensitive health data, biometrics, and even payment information when using advertising pixels. The article explains that providers should implement comprehensive compliance strategies to balance innovation with adequate patient privacy protection. 

Read the full Reuters article here >> 

Workforce Pressures Mount for Nurses and Technicians as AI and Politics Impact the Workplace

Nurses and technicians, who form the majority of the U.S. healthcare workforce, face mounting pressures from increased patient demands, insufficient support, and political and economic challenges. Over 70% of technicians, for instance, feel undercompensated. The article suggests that technological solutions, such as AI, can offer hope by improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. It also recommends that employers develop better retention strategies to address this ongoing crisis.

Read the full Becker’s Hospital Review article here >>

Growth, Funding and Innovation

Develop Health Secures $14.3M to Streamline Prior Authorization

San Francisco-based Develop Health secured $14.3 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $17.6 million. The platform simplifies prior authorization and benefits verification for healthcare providers through coverage checking, AI-powered authorization responses, and instant notifications. This new funding will help the company expand its reach, integrating with more electronic health records and growing its services beyond medications to include labs and imaging. 

Read the full MedCity News article here >>

Twin Health secures $53M to drive AI-enabled diabetes reversal

Twin Health secured $53 million in new funding to expand its AI platform, which uses what they call "digital twin" technology, to combat diabetes. The system creates a personalized health model for each user, providing real-time guidance on diet and exercise. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst showed impressive results: 71% of users lowered their A1C, while also losing weight and reducing their reliance on medication. 

Read the full FirstWord HealthTech article here >>

OpenLoop Resources & News

Why Is Everyone Talking About Whole-Health Care?

Patients are navigating the healthcare system much differently than they did ten years ago, and if organizations hope to remain relevant, they must adapt to whole-health care. Healthcare consumers no longer want providers to focus on one specific disease or symptom; patients want them to consider how other things, like social and environmental factors, might impact their health. 

The article explains how whole-health care might impact patients and healthcare businesses, its relation to value-based care, and what might occur if companies don’t embrace it. 

Read the full OpenLoop article here >>

2026 CMS Proposed Fee Service Schedule Change (RPM/RTM)

CMS recently shared its recommended fee schedule changes, with some significant, yet positive updates for those offering remote monitoring services. In this article, we provide a high-level summary of what you can expect in 2026 concerning remote patient monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM). 

Read the full OpenLoop article here >> 

How To Start a Weight Loss Clinic

Thinking about launching your own medical weight loss clinic? This guide walks leaders through everything from the different types of clinics they can start to the tech and legal stuff they’ll need. Plus, it dives into the huge opportunity with high-demand GLP-1 medications and how a trusted white-label telehealth provider can help businesses get up and running smoothly.

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.