Stealthy, healthy, startup 98point6 has raised $11 million for its technology that will "dramatically" lower primary care costs, although it is not clear exactly how; something about doctors using technology to communicate with patients. Kind of like Oscar was going to use technology to lower health insurance costs and oh, how is that working out?
Koko, no not the gorilla, has garnered $2.5 million in a Series A round for its app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy to bring emotional well-being to users. Investors will need that app in a year or so.
Research in Health Affairs suggest that the US isn't the only place where cost-sharing for patients has increased; in most European countries patients are also experiencing higher out-of-pocket expenses.
A survey released by Xerox finds that patients are much more likely than providers or health plans to believe that they (the patients) can manage their health and health care, but providers and payers are more likely to assume that patients are actively shopping for health care than patients are to actually shop. In addition, while almost all providers and payers say patients aren't delaying care for financial reasons, over 40% of consumers say they do.
We are sure you will be happy, pleased, perhaps even ecstatic, to learn that Happify has raised $5 million to help employers provide an emotional well-being app for their employees. (Upchuck sound to follow)
Medicare's Independence at Home demonstration is designed to provide better care for chronically ill beneficiaries and CMS claims that in the second year the 15 participating practices saved Medicare $10 million, or over $1000 per beneficiary, with seven practices earning $5.7 million in bonuses, and quality improving.
The Healthy Skeptic is a website about the health care system, and is written by Kevin Roche, who has many years of experience working in the health industry. Mr. Roche is available to assist health care companies through consulting arrangements through Roche Consulting, LLC and may be reached at khroche@healthy-skeptic.com.
The Healthy Skeptic is a website about the health care system, and is written by Kevin Roche, who has many years of experience working in the health industry. Mr. Roche is available to assist health care companies through consulting arrangements through Roche Consulting, LLC and may be reached at khroche@healthy-skeptic.com.