HIMSS21 Day 2: Aetna Launches New Virtual Primary Care Service
The second day of the HIMSS Conference brought announcements of mHealth apps, cybersecurity defenses, and even more potential solutions to ease revenue cycle management processes.
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- On day two of HIMSS21, vendors revealed solutions for combatting long waits for appointment check-ins, cybersecurity breaches, and germs. Aetna also introduced a new way to receive primary care services and an automation company is on a mission to lighten the burden of RCM processes.
Vecna Technologies Launches Mobile App for Appointment Check-In
Vecna Technologies launched a mobile application that lets patients pre-register and check-in for appointments on their phones.
The HealthPass app reduces administrative duties by using patients’ existing phone features including facial recognition, location services for automatic check-in, text notifications for reminders and billing alerts, and access to calendars, contacts, and wallet features.
Patients can also use the app to fill out forms and questionnaires, confirm insurance eligibility, and view payment plans and cost estimates.
“The app empowers patients with a convenient, contactless experience to safely pre-register and check-in for appointments. The intake process is streamlined for staff and revenue cycle management is enhanced with mobile bill pay,” Deborah Theobald, chief executive officer of Vecna Technologies, stated in the press release. READ MORE
New Cybersecurity Incident Response Services for Providers
Security software Morphisec announced its new incident response services that will help healthcare organizations identify, contain, and report on security incidents and validate the lack of a breach.
The launch follows a year during which one in five Americans visited a healthcare provider that experienced cyberattacks.
“Morphisec’s new IR services aims to assist these organizations with containing in-progress incidents, reducing damage, providing recommendations for long-term risk reduction, and auditing critical infrastructure to ensure the lowest possible risk expose to a cyberattack,” the press release stated.
The service will also provide forensic collection and investigation of affected assets, malware analysis, and the deployment of a containment agent. READ MORE
Patent-Pending Waterproof Keyboard May Reduce Germs
An infection control company Seal Shield LLC announced and is seeking a patent for the Clean Wipe Pro Medical-Grade Keyboard. The keyboard is waterproof, making it easier to clean and disinfect regularly.
“Our healthcare customers are demanding hygienic keyboard solutions to help prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens,” Brad Whitchurch, chief executive officer of Seal Shield, said in the press release. “We developed the Seal Shield Clean Wipe Pro in response to demand for a keyboard which had natural style tactics, but could be quickly, easily and effectively cleaned in an emergency room, operating room, surgery center or dental clinic.”
Regular keyboard cleaning can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses that live on surfaces that are frequently touched. READ MORE
Aetna Launches Virtual Primary Care Service
Aetna, a CVS Health company, announced its new service Aetna Virtual Primary Care, designed to make primary care services more accessible for members.
The benefit offers patients virtual primary care visits with a zero-dollar copay, access to a team of nurses through text messages or phone calls, preventive care for chronic disease management, and more.
“The future of digital health solutions is rapidly unfolding,” Dan Finke, president of Aetna, said in the press release. “Aetna Virtual Primary Care is a first-of-its-kind health care solution that provides a simple, affordable, convenient way for eligible members to receive quality primary care from a physician-led care team that knows them and is accessible from virtually anywhere.” READ MORE
Olive Acquires Healthcare IP to Ease RCM Burden
Olive, an automation company that serves more than 900 hospitals, has acquired clearinghouse Healthcare IP to assist with revenue cycle management. Olive aims to reduce administrative costs for payers and providers by using Healthcare IP’s full-service clearinghouse and claims management automation.
Rejected claims can negatively impact health systems and hospitals, creating more work for administrators and causing reimbursement delays. This acquisition looks to solve this problem.
“With a business model focused on value and business intelligence, hospitals and health systems can say goodbye to costly transaction fees and focus on what matters most: patient care,” stated the press release. READ MORE
