Health Tech news - Fintech News. Online news ✅ @dTechValley https://www.fintechnews.org/techs/healthtech/ And Techs news of your sector Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:39:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 FinTechs take on healthcare payments’ most glaring inefficiencies https://www.fintechnews.org/fintechs-take-on-healthcare-payments-most-glaring-inefficiencies/ https://www.fintechnews.org/fintechs-take-on-healthcare-payments-most-glaring-inefficiencies/#respond Fri, 03 Mar 2023 12:41:21 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=25791   Healthcare data workflows are notoriously disconnected and inefficient, injecting cost, time and anxiety into already-fraught medical situations. It’s ripe for disruption, and still surprisingly behind the digital transformation curve that’s reinventing other aspects of our lives. Some FinTechs are taking on the disjointed nature of healthcare payments with platforms and application programming interface (API) […]

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Healthcare data workflows are notoriously disconnected and inefficient, injecting cost, time and anxiety into already-fraught medical situations. It’s ripe for disruption, and still surprisingly behind the digital transformation curve that’s reinventing other aspects of our lives.
Some FinTechs are taking on the disjointed nature of healthcare payments with platforms and application programming interface (API) integrations that make sense of the medical billing and payments maelstrom — and they can be quite frank when addressing just how much modernization is needed in this area.
Taking it from the angle of what embedded payments offer in clearing up the confusion, Lynx co-founder and Chief Information Officer Ken Abel told PYMNTS’ Karen Webster that on the transformation front, “Healthcare is probably trailing in that shift,” as more responsibility falls to the patient-consumer who wants to know why healthcare payments can’t be more like PayPal.
“What is really driving everything is that individuals are starting to expect more out of these experiences, aligned with what they get from Venmo, what they get from Cash App in terms of real time and transparency,” Abel said. “The traditional players in healthcare have sort of lagged in that, but that’s part of the services that Lynx is bringing forward to really help bridge the gap.”
An ideal example of the malingering muddle in healthcare is the dreaded explanation of benefits (EOB) that often contains the words “you may owe,” which is a red alert for consumers.
Lynx wants to eradicate “you may owe” from the healthcare lexicon, Abel said.
“How you do that is the institutions that are supporting those claims processes, if you give them programmatic APIs that they can embed within those workflows, they’ll have access to that payment loop and be able to update those transactions and provide more seamless guidance and a more seamless experience to the individual,” he explained.
The caveat? “Those that don’t offer those solutions either online or carded are going to find themselves behind the eight ball when it comes to attracting employees and attracting retail customers for their health services,” he said.
The Trouble With Traditional
Despite massive upheavals to the healthcare system and a pandemic-era expansion in how and where services can be rendered, the sector still lags when it comes to how data is used — or not — in billing and payments, as well as basics like moving one’s care to another system.
Given the fact that healthcare benefits are not transferable should a person leave their employer, for example, Abel called that “an ongoing challenge in terms of creating a seamless experience that the individual can leverage as they transition from employer to employer. What we can say is if the old organization and new organization are supported by Lynx, we solve for that. But we know that we’re only a small piece of the pie.”
As an industry, he added, “We’re honestly just not there yet.”
To get there from here, he said, real-time transparency is a missing link that needs to be filled in, adding that “we’re still not there yet in healthcare” either. That’s becoming more glaring as the consumer-patient has a new set of expectations that befuddles traditional players in the space.
“All of the componentry is there,” he said, referring to patient data and payment lineage.
The trick is having systems to digest information and create workflows enabling individuals “to easily understand where they sit, what has been paid, what hasn’t, what offerings are available to them, and then leveraging that engagement to get better outcomes by pushing forward incentive programs and other things” that are available to individuals but often go unused.
The FinTech opportunity is leveraging financial engagements with healthcare financing solutions like HSAs to confer valuable information to patient payers so as to enhance the relationship.
“The issue that you have right now is those experiences are disjointed,” he said.
When billing and payments are siloed, sending payers to different systems, “What you’re effectively doing as an employer and as a health plan is you’re forfeiting that engagement to another system, where if you were to integrate that into your own solution, you could close that loop, be able to get the benefits of those additional incentive programs, better outcomes and lower costs.”
The Next Level of Connection
As much as consumers want healthcare to start behaving like Venmo, that’s a stretch given stringent HIPAA regulations and the sensitivity of the information. But things can and are moving in more connected directions, including improvements to the incentives aspect.
Whereas incentive programs may have traditionally meant a one-time gift card for completing a health challenge, Abel said that’s an easy fix that can increase engagement and improve outcomes.
“We’re saying you can be more intentional than that,” he continued. “You can offer a card that’s reloadable, that allows you to really build a long-term relationship with the individual while leveraging these incentives on the front end to drive these activities.”
That reloadable card becomes a new access point to patient metrics that feeds into better experiences “and next best actions, which is a key theme within healthcare,” he said.
This begins with the traditional players plugging these gaps with the help of innovative FinTechs that have solved important pieces of the billings and payments puzzle for providers.
“They’re sort of entrenched in those payment flows, talking about the insurers and ultimately the employers that shop around for health plans,” Abel said. “It’s really ensuring that those participants are taking advantage of the innovations that have occurred over the last 10, 15 years within payments. You would think that that would just be an inherent thing, but it’s truthfully not something that’s happening.”
Major players like Big Tech firms certainly see the opportunity, explaining why every one of them is vying for a seat at the healthcare table, taking in everything from wearables to walk-in clinics.
“Look at someone like an Amazon, the big behemoth, they’re looking at the space,” he said. “They understand how much cash flow is happening here. I think the traditional players are aware of that, and they’re looking to make those investments in payment solutions and better experiences to try to compete with those tech companies that they know are coming.”

 

Link: https://www.pymnts.com/healthcare/2022/fintechs-take-on-healthcare-payments-most-glaring-inefficiencies/?utm_source=pocket_mylist

Source: https://www.pymnts.com/

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Are pocket options trustworthy? https://www.fintechnews.org/are-pocket-options-trustworthy/ https://www.fintechnews.org/are-pocket-options-trustworthy/#respond Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:50:28 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=28511 If you’re looking for a way to invest your hard-earned money, pocket options could be exciting. With the potential of high returns in just as little as 60 seconds, this type of trading appeals to anyone seeking a fast investment return. But before committing any funds to conduct trades through pocket options, it’s essential to […]

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If you’re looking for a way to invest your hard-earned money, pocket options could be exciting. With the potential of high returns in just as little as 60 seconds, this type of trading appeals to anyone seeking a fast investment return. But before committing any funds to conduct trades through pocket options, it’s essential to understand whether they are trustworthy.

In our article today, we’ll take an in-depth look at this popular binary options trading website’s trustworthiness and answer questions about its legitimacy.

What are pocket options?

Pocket options are an online trading platform allowing you to access financial markets easily. Utilizing intuitive and straightforward technology enables even the most beginner investor to stay up-to-date in the ever-evolving world of financial investments. Pocket options offer countless possibilities like contracts for difference (CFD) trading on Forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

The platform also has a user-friendly interface with integrated educational tools that allow traders to learn more about market movements and strategies. With their sophisticated features and reliability, pocket options are ideal for anyone looking to jumpstart their investments. Check out this pocket option review for more information.

What are pocket options’ regulatory credentials?

The trustworthiness of any online trading platform is closely linked to its regulatory credentials. In this regard, pocket options hold the correct licenses and certification in multiple countries, including the UK and Australia.

The company has also been granted full authorization by CySEC – a well-known financial regulator – following its registration with them in early 2020. It allows them to provide European services with their innovative binary options trading platform.

Furthermore, the pocket option meets all industry standards regarding data protection and security measures that protect your funds from malicious activities or third-party interference.

Why are pocket options considered trustworthy?

There are many reasons why pocket options are considered a trustworthy online trading platform. Firstly, it’s important to note that the company holds a valid license from CySEC and other international financial regulatory bodies. It is one of the most critical factors in determining whether an online broker is reliable, as improper regulation can lead to unethical behavior and client exploitation.

Additionally, pocket options regularly undergo independent audits by top-tier audit firms such as Deloitte & Touche LLP and Ernst & Young. These rigorous third-party checks provide further assurance of their trustworthiness.

Finally, pocket options have been around for over five years, showing its commitment to providing high-quality services with excellent customer support. The platform also offers secure payment options such as credit and debit cards, PayPal, and more.

What potential risks exist with pocket options?

Though pocket options are one of the market’s most reliable trading platforms, it comes with some potential risks. These include:

The main risk associated with pocket options is the volatility of the market. Since binary options trading involves predicting which direction an asset’s price will move, you can easily be wrong and lose your investment.

Furthermore, since they are a relatively new platform, there may need to be more reviews or feedback from users to get a good idea of their performance. It could lead to potential losses in the future if you make decisions based on misleading information.

Finally, there are reports of suspicious activity on the platform, such as delayed payments and unresponsive customer service. It is why it’s essential to do your research before investing in pocket options.

Tips for pocket options traders

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience with pocket options.

  • Make sure to do your research and read up on their services before investing.
  • Start with smaller investments to test out the platform and better understand how it works.
  • Monitor the market trends closely and stay aware of any potential changes or developments so you can make informed investment decisions.
  • Utilize educational tools offered by pocket options such as tutorials and webinars.
  • Use secure payment methods to make transactions and double-check withdrawal requests before confirming them.
  • Always contact customer support if you have any doubts or queries.

Following these tips ensures that your trading journey with pocket options is safe and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Pocket options is a reliable and trustworthy binary options trading platform that allows you to make potentially profitable investments. It meets industry data protection and security standards while offering secure payment options. However, like any other platform, there are potential risks involved with investing through pocket options – including volatility in the market and reports of suspicious activity.

Therefore, traders must research before investing, start with smaller investments, monitor the market closely, utilize educational tools provided by the platform, and always stay in touch with customer support if necessary. By following these tips, you can ensure that your pocket options experience is safe and profitable.

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5 Important Roles of a Clinical Research Organization https://www.fintechnews.org/5-important-roles-of-a-clinical-research-organization/ https://www.fintechnews.org/5-important-roles-of-a-clinical-research-organization/#respond Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:18:03 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=28426 Clinical research is how new drugs and treatments are validated, tested, and improved. It’s a long and detailed process that involves testing drugs on human subjects (also known as clinical trial participants or human volunteers) to check for safety, efficacy, and potential adverse reactions. A Clinical Research Organization (CRO) is an independent company that supports […]

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Clinical research is how new drugs and treatments are validated, tested, and improved. It’s a long and detailed process that involves testing drugs on human subjects (also known as clinical trial participants or human volunteers) to check for safety, efficacy, and potential adverse reactions.

A Clinical Research Organization (CRO) is an independent company that supports clinical trials for new drugs, diagnostics, devices, and applications. A CRO has a team of professionals who provide services such as regulatory consulting, statistical analysis, and drug manufacturing to support clinical trials.

The scope of work carried out by a CRO can vary widely, but they all serve the same primary function – to assist pharmaceutical companies with the details of testing new drugs on humans. This blog post will look at a CRO’s five essential roles in the clinical research process. So, let’s get started!

1.   Reviewing safety data from human trials

One of the essential roles of a clinical research organization is to review safety data from human trials. Clinical research volunteers are closely monitored during clinical trials, and any expected and unexpected adverse effects are documented. Their client can resolve any queries related to clinical research through their customer care centers. Although they have fine customer service centers, they need contact center digital transformation to keep up with the latest trends in the market.

After all, trials are completed, this data is reviewed, and an event report is written. This report summarizes all adverse effects observed during the clinical trial and whatever action was taken to address them.

This report is critical to the regulatory approval process because it provides information to assess the risk of a new drug and make sure it’s safe to use in general populations.

The CRO is also responsible for reviewing and evaluating any data collected from the consent process so that they can be sure the data being collected is accurate and the entire process is being conducted properly.

This will involve reviewing the informed consent materials (the information given to subjects about the trial) and the consent process to ensure it is done according to regulatory and ethical standards.

2.   Managing the drug manufacturing process

Another vital role that a CRO can play in drug development is managing the drug manufacturing process. This includes making sure the process followed by the pharmaceutical company is regulatory compliant, adheres to cGMP (current good manufacturing process) standards, and is cost-effective and efficient.

The CRO will also review and approve design documents, including equipment layouts, facility drawings, piping, and instrumentation diagrams. They will work with the pharmaceutical company during the design and manufacturing phases to ensure that the process is proceeding as expected.

Clinical trials must use the same drug formulation as in real-world settings, so testing can’t be done with a different version. Therefore, clinical research organizations ensure the drugs are manufactured in a controlled environment similar to what is expected in the real world.

If there are any issues, they will work with the company to identify and address the cause of the problem.

3.   Supply and management of clinical research volunteers

When clinical trials are being planned, clinical research organizations help pharmaceutical companies recruit volunteers to participate in the trial by supplying qualified volunteers. A CRO will also manage the volunteers throughout the trial.

Clinical research organizations have systems to screen volunteers, assign them to specific trials and follow their progress throughout the trial. This dramatically reduces the time and effort required by pharmaceutical companies to recruit and manage volunteers.

4.   Data management and statistical analysis

One of the most straightforward roles a CRO can play is data management and statistical analysis. This means the CRO will be responsible for organizing and cleaning collected data and conducting fundamental statistical analyzes of the data to ensure it is clean, accurate, and usable.

This will include creating spreadsheets to track data, designing and conducting analytical studies, developing and managing data collections, managing surveys and focus groups, performing complex statistical modeling, cleaning messy data sets, and using statistical modeling to ensure the data accurately reflects reality.

This might also include running sample size calculations to ensure that future data collection efforts are powered appropriately. The CRO will design and conduct analytical studies to help the pharmaceutical company determine the safety profile of a new drug, the efficacy of a new drug, and the correct dosing schedule for a new drug.

CROs are also responsible for managing the data’s integrity throughout the study’s duration. This can include ensuring the data is adequately monitored for bias, managing timelines for data transfer, and ensuring the data is appropriately backed up and stored.

5.   Quality assurance and process review

Another critical role of a CRO is to review quality assurance and processes. Clinical trials are long and complex processes. Pharmaceutical companies can’t oversee every single detail of every trial so a CRO can provide this oversight.

They are independent companies with no financial or professional interest in any trial outcome. This makes them the ideal people to ensure that clinical trials are being conducted in a way that produces accurate results.

This includes reviewing a company’s policies and procedures to ensure they are followed to the letter and reviewing the quality management system to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The CRO will be responsible for identifying ways to improve the pharmaceutical company’s QA/QC processes and make the company more consistent in terms of its production practices. They will review the procedures employees follow daily and their training procedures to ensure they are consistent and up-to-date.

Conclusion

Clinical research organizations have a critical role to play in the clinical research process. They provide pharmaceutical companies with a wide range of services throughout the clinical trial process, making it easier and more efficient for pharmaceutical companies to test their drugs. Depending on your needs, a CRO can take on any of these roles or any combination. Each company will have unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to research multiple options before making a final decision.

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How is modern technology changing medicine? https://www.fintechnews.org/how-is-modern-technology-changing-medicine/ https://www.fintechnews.org/how-is-modern-technology-changing-medicine/#respond Fri, 03 Feb 2023 06:40:11 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=28357 Like other sciences, medicine is an ever-changing field. This was made apparent recently during the pandemic, with many advancements made as a reaction to COVID. Yet medical innovation is the frontline of the battle to improve the standard of human life — so research is constantly being done to discover new ways to implement technology […]

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Like other sciences, medicine is an ever-changing field. This was made apparent recently during the pandemic, with many advancements made as a reaction to COVID.

Yet medical innovation is the frontline of the battle to improve the standard of human life — so research is constantly being done to discover new ways to implement technology in healthcare.

In this article, we’ll discuss three key areas in which modern technology is changing medicine: artificial intelligence, internet of things, and augmented reality.

Artificial intelligence

Machine learning is one of the key ways that technology can improve the medical field. By training artificial intelligence to extract patterns from data using algorithms, medical practitioners are able to sift through information more quickly and accurately.

Making the use of machine learning widespread will allow practitioners to focus on tasks that must be done by humans.

  • Removing specialty bias

While doctors need to have a wide breadth of knowledge, they’re also required to specialise – giving them a large depth of knowledge in specific sub-field. This gives them the ability to see a patient’s symptoms through the lens of their speciality. However, it can also lead to cases of medical negligence due to limited knowledge.

It can be problematic for patients with symptoms that are difficult to diagnose. And when they’re sent back and forth between doctors from different specialties, the length of time it takes for a correct diagnosis to occur can exacerbate their illness.

Artificial intelligence could help with this problem. Computers can process symptoms and patient information to suggest possible diagnoses. A doctor could then use these recommendations to narrow down their choices, before referring the patient to a specialist that best fits the case.

Internet of things (IoT) wearables

Wearable technology has huge potential to improve the standard of care available for patients. Devices already exist that can deliver real-time data such as heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, and activity levels. Researchers have recently developed a way for doctors to monitor pregnancy remotely using wearable ultrasound patches.

With the continued development of devices and apps, there’s no doubt that IoT will play a major role in the future of healthcare.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality, which allows us to integrate real-world and digital experiences, is already being implemented in several ways in medicine. These include:

  • Real-time data: Wearable devices could allow doctors to access patient information on the go, while keeping both hands free for manual tasks.

 

  • Doctor training: headsets could be used to deliver interactive, hands-on courses with greater levels of knowledge retention.

 

  • Assisted surgery: Augmented reality assisted surgery could improve surgical dexterity and precision, improving surgeons’ ability to perform complex procedures.

How do you think technology will influence medicine in the future? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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Aleta Planet launches B2B cross-border payment services for DiMuto’s global AgriFood trade management platform https://www.fintechnews.org/aleta-planet-launches-b2b-cross-border-payment-services-for-dimutos-global-agrifood-trade-management-platform/ https://www.fintechnews.org/aleta-planet-launches-b2b-cross-border-payment-services-for-dimutos-global-agrifood-trade-management-platform/#respond Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:27:00 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=28053 Singapore, 17 January 2023 – Global fintech player Aleta Planet said today that customers using DiMuto’s AgriFood trade solutions to track the movements of perishable goods through the global supply chain can now use its payment solutions. By integrating its payment solutions with DiMuto’s blockchain-enabled platform, Aleta Planet is able to offer a high degree […]

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Singapore, 17 January 2023 – Global fintech player Aleta Planet said today that customers using DiMuto’s AgriFood trade solutions to track the movements of perishable goods through the global supply chain can now use its payment solutions. By integrating its payment solutions with DiMuto’s blockchain-enabled platform, Aleta Planet is able to offer a high degree of transparency and traceability to businesses and institutions involved in the trading and financing of agricultural products like fresh vegetables and fruit, meat and livestock and seafood products as they move from farm to table.

The payment functionality went live four months after Aleta Planet and DiMuto announced they were teaming up to tackle supply chain inefficiencies that have led to gross wastage and lack of access to financing in the global trading of perishable AgriFood products. DiMuto’s AgriFood trade platform offers three key services – DiMuto Marketplace, DiMuto Trade Management and DiMuto Trade Financing. DiMuto leverages its ecosystem of traceable buyers and suppliers to move traceable AgriFood products around the world. Once the order has been placed between a buyer and a seller, the products are tracked and managed using DiMuto’s Trade Management module.

These orders, with the added visibility on DiMuto, are now available for financing on DiMuto. DiMuto’s proprietary digital asset creation technology (DACKY) tracks AgriFood products with QR labels and digital images to track the movement of produce so that every buyer and seller of goods and services along the supply chain – from farmers and packers to the logistics and shipping companies, distributors, and retailers –  know where the products are at any point in time. Buyers can verify the quality of the products from AI-scored images uploaded to the platform before they are packed and receive advance warning of any delays in delivery. The seller, on the other hand, can see the produce when the carton is opened at the receiving end. This helps to assure objective product quality assessment across the supply chain.

With Aleta Planet’s payment solutions embedded with DiMuto’s technology, those making and receiving payments for goods and services as well as those providing financing can easily access all critical data regarding the product quality, documentation and payment activities for every single trade order. Additionally, blockchain-enabled systems such as DiMuto offer users a greater level of security since records are updated and stored across different computers which can be accessed by interested parties.

Ryan Gwee, Founder and Group Chairman of Aleta Planet, said: “Everyone involved in the global trading and financing of perishable products knows how useful it is to have maximum visibility of the flow of goods and funds along multiple points in the supply chain. Now they can have that and more – visibility of products, documents, and payments down to each carton and item. “We are confident that Aleta Planet’s payment solutions for DiMuto’s blockchain-enabled platform will go a long way to making trade in agricultural produce safer, smoother and speedier.” Aleta Planet said it issues digital accounts globally that enable cross-border B2B payments.

With its global account setup, customers can leverage on card networks like Diners Club, Discover Network, MasterCard, Visa and UnionPay International, or alternative payment solutions, to find the most cost-effective cross-border payment mechanism. Aleta Planet’s global footprint across six jurisdictions and ability to collect local currencies are value-adds to DiMuto to scale their business globally. Participants in the supply chain will be able to leverage the digital account’s ability to collect and pay in 14 different currencies at competitive exchange rates.

Financing is also available through Aleta Planet’s partners including Asia Capital Pioneers Group (ACPG), the parent company of Aleta Planet. ACPG and DiMuto have worked together on a private financing deal involving the import of Vietnamese Basa fish into China. Gary Loh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DiMuto, said: “Aleta Planet plugs two gaps in the all-in-one platform DiMuto offers customers to help them trade better with visibility. These are the payment and settlement, and financing services that are critical in helping to grease the flow of perishable produce.

“DiMuto’s mission is to redefine global AgriFood trade and to that end, we will continue to deploy the latest fintech applications and work with partners who can value-add and help our customers with insightful trade data so they can see the full picture in the messy middle of the retail supply chain.” DiMuto has to date handled over 12 million pieces of AgriFood products with a gross merchandise value of more than US$17 million from customers in over 10 different countries including China, the world’s second largest economy.

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Is online healthcare really the next big thing? https://www.fintechnews.org/is-online-healthcare-really-the-next-big-thing/ https://www.fintechnews.org/is-online-healthcare-really-the-next-big-thing/#respond Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:32:38 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=26341 Events over the last few years have taught us how quickly several areas of life can change. Among other things came the adaptability to emerging trends, with the medical world being one of them. Digital health and virtual care which were seen as mere tools of convenience turned in a matter of months into an […]

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Events over the last few years have taught us how quickly several areas of life can change. Among other things came the adaptability to emerging trends, with the medical world being one of them. Digital health and virtual care which were seen as mere tools of convenience turned in a matter of months into an absolute necessity.

As the scope and scale of telehealth scaled heights never visualized before and the healthcare system continued to improve, it was but evident that online healthcare treatments were not just a passing fad, but something that was going to become a part of the global healthcare system and remain in our lives for some time to come.

Once physical contact was eliminated, telemedicine acted as a protection shield for the frontline workers fighting an epidemic. Furthermore, making online appointments saved time and a lot of hassle. Unnecessary visits to a clinic for common health issues, which could otherwise be easily removed by telemedicine, saved a lot in costs.

Online care also became a reality for people staying in far-flung areas where medical institutions and services were inadequate or unavailable. The most admirable advantage was the patient’s choice to select from a range of specialists, rather than from a limited number of medical professionals in the area.

That said, telemedicine does not benefit all and there are bound to be situations when a doctor’s personal visit or care is deemed absolutely necessary. Despite being around for several years, telemedicine is still facing many challenges and roadblocks like:

  1. Online therapy has to achieve its full potential, local legislation to bring it on parity with traditional medical services should be ensured. For example, while the rates for telemedicine in the US are same as for in-person care, not all states adhere to the rule. As it currently stands, very few online therapy sites even work with insurance.
  2. Because telemedicine deals with highly sensitive patient data, security will always be a concern. While in the US online mental health platforms have to comply with the HIPAA act, all parties involved in delivering such services should also prove they are HIPAA compliant, which is not always the case.
  3. Teletherapy may be less intimate than in-person therapy
  4. Technological issues like WiFi signals or computer or phone breakdowns can compound the course of treatment.

Real telemedicine services vs scams

In April 2019, the FBI reported a multi-million dollar Medicare fraud scam and brought charges against 24 persons who were implicated in an international Medicare fraud ring.

With the sharp increase in telehealth services, the Medicare bust brings up important questions as to how safe telemedicine is? Are their services fraudulent or genuine? How can a consumer know if they are real or not? Here are a few ways to find out whether the telehealth service you have found are fake or real:

  1. If you are reassured that your health insurance will cover your payments, check with your insurance provider before moving forward.
  2. In most cases, telehealth services aim to work in tandem with virtual visits, as seeing a doctor is necessary for a first time major diagnosis. If your provider does not insist, dump him.
  3. A big RED flag is if your online physician is willing to write a prescription without meeting you. A cyber prescription is not only illegal but a sign of fraud.

Available online care treatments

Some of the conditions that can be treated very effectively with online therapy include:

  1. Addiction
  2. Bipolar disorder
  3. Depression
  4. Anxiety
  5. Eating disorder
  6. Anger management
  7. Interpersonal relationship conflicts

Again it is reiterated that though e-therapy is beneficial for a variety of conditions and complex issues, it is not a good option for a condition that requires direct or in-person intervention.

Digital transformations in the healthcare sector

The healthcare industry is entering into an area of digital innovation, as more and more patients wish to seek healthcare on their own schedule. That is not surprising, given that 77% of US citizens own a smartphone, while 97% own a cellphone of some kind, as featured in the Mobile Fact Sheet as of April 2021.

From Pharma giants to startups, everyone is putting their money in virtual therapy and there are numbers to prove it. The global healthcare market is expected to touch $5.1 billion by 2025 as per a report by Grand View Research Inc and $9.5 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 27.2% from 2021 onwards.

Another trend of this digital transformation in healthcare is the collection of data from medical devices like wearable technology. In the past, physical checkups were done around once a year, but in the digital age patients are focussing on their health more frequently. Some of the most common devices which are in vogue are:

  1. Oximeters
  2. Exercise trackers
  3. Heart rate sensors
  4. Sweat meters

In the palm of your hand

The healthcare industry is undergoing a major shift in how information is obtained and then disseminated. The days when all medical information was kept under a lock and key by doctors and patients had to sign on their lives for access to health information are now a thing of the past. Consumers can now access all health records from the palm of their hands.

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Wheel Raises $150m to Help Expand Telehealth Platform https://www.fintechnews.org/wheel-raises-150m-to-help-expand-telehealth-platform/ https://www.fintechnews.org/wheel-raises-150m-to-help-expand-telehealth-platform/#respond Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:41:33 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=25865 Health tech platform Wheel is pursuing advancements in its virtual care platform and nationwide clinician network. A feat that’s certainly possible as the company raised $150 million to expand its telehealth services and solutions. Last July, Wheel CEO Michelle Davey introduced new leaders that will usher in— and bolster— Wheel’s capacity to deliver quality virtual […]

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Health tech platform Wheel is pursuing advancements in its virtual care platform and nationwide clinician network. A feat that’s certainly possible as the company raised $150 million to expand its telehealth services and solutions.

Last July, Wheel CEO Michelle Davey introduced new leaders that will usher in— and bolster— Wheel’s capacity to deliver quality virtual care across digital health companies, labs, and retailers. Brandon Castel (Vice President of Sales) and Daniel DeSantis (Vice President of Partnerships) are both equally entrenched in the healthcare industry. Castel’s history of leadership positions at healthcare companies and DeSantis’ long-standing advocacy for telehealth underscore their commitment to building and driving partnerships that will elevate Wheel’s services.

In line with the goal to further the company’s telehealth platform, Wheel announced a $150 million Series C round, which was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Tiger Global. Current investors such as CRV, Tusk Venture Partners, and Silverton Partners were also present, alongside new investors like Coatue and Salesforce. Wheel had already raised a notable $50 million Series B in May 2021, so its standing total known funding is now brought to an outstanding $216 million.

Globe Newswire reports that the global telemedicine market is expected to reach $324.38 billion by 2030, and with expansive funding, Wheel hopes to dominate the market as they broaden their platform and meet more patients’ care needs. Although patients will start with a telehealth visit, the company seeks to direct them to diagnostics, labs, and even in-person visits over time. Aside from setting new clinical protocols and employing a larger workforce, the company will focus on creating new software and infrastructure to make flexible and secure medical services a reality.

Currently, Wheel’s telemedicine software prioritises health solutions that are cost-effective and convenient. The software enables providers to create a robust virtual care platform that fosters seamless patient experiences. Through the platform, patients can access fluid video consultations wherein clinicians can answer their medical queries. Patient monitoring is also available to collect real-time blood pressure, blood glucose readings, and vital signs. Asynchronous options are possible as well with messenger chat services and out-of-consultation analysis of photos or scans, guaranteeing that patients can seek efficient feedback at all times.

Because the platform is digital, patient medical information is vulnerable. Fortunately, Wheel does its best to assure patients that their records are safe. Our previous article at Fintech News on disruption in the service sector discussed the need to invest in big data. Big data security is required as a preventive measure to eliminate security risks. As it is, patient privacy and data security are among the issues threatening patients’ safety across remote care platforms today. In a recent study on the privacy practices of health apps, UK-based telehealth company Babylon Health reportedly experienced a data breach. However, Wheel’s virtual care platform is HIPAA-compliant & infosec-certified for data security, ensuring that patient data remains guarded at all points.

Reducing patient burden has been at the forefront of Wheel’s goals in delivering accessible virtual care. That said, attaining more extensive funding will concretise measures to enhance the company’s healthcare infrastructure, especially for a more personalised and secure patient experience.

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Investments in airport biometrics and health pass adoption grow as sector reopens https://www.fintechnews.org/investments-in-airport-biometrics-and-health-pass-adoption-grow-as-sector-reopens/ https://www.fintechnews.org/investments-in-airport-biometrics-and-health-pass-adoption-grow-as-sector-reopens/#respond Thu, 04 Aug 2022 16:06:01 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=17723 By Chris Burt Aviation sector investments in biometrics and digital health pass adoption feature in the most-read news coverage on Biometric Update this week as air travel slowly builds back towards pre-pandemic levels. Telos ID and SITA executives offer advice for the recovery efforts, and the Ada Lovelace Institute has advice for vaccine passports. Meanwhile […]

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By Chris Burt
Aviation sector investments in biometrics and digital health pass adoption feature in the most-read news coverage on Biometric Update this week as air travel slowly builds back towards pre-pandemic levels. Telos ID and SITA executives offer advice for the recovery efforts, and the Ada Lovelace Institute has advice for vaccine passports. Meanwhile Yinda Infocomm has continued its own investment in biometrics, pumping $8 million into Tech5.

Top biometrics news of the week

An in-depth explanation of what U.S. Defense is working on in the biometrics space was shared in a recent Security Industry Association event by DoD Biometrics Project Manager Colonel Senodja ‘Frank’ Sundiata-Walker. The state of work on multi-modal fusion matching, providing troops in the field with more information about who they are facing, and the increasing interest of DoD in voice biometrics were among the topics discussed.
The shut-down of the DC-area National Capital Region Facial Recognition System (NCRFRILS) in light of new legislation in Virginia comes just as a judicial decision in Brazil is rendered blocking the launch of a face biometrics system in a major public transport system. Privacy advocates had been pushing for transparency on the former, and provided an expert opinion in the court case against the latter.
Corsight AI CEO Rob Watts writes in a Forbes Technology Council post that the effectiveness of facial recognition with masked faces has improved rapidly, even over the past year. Ethical implementation requires more than selecting an effective algorithm, however, as “research and discernment” are required throughout the deployment, utilization and maintenance processes.
Tech5 has picked up another $8 million in investment from Yinda Infocomm, shortly after a $2.5 million commitment, as it continues its expansion efforts, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The company also plans to put some of the funds towards research and development and increasing brand awareness for its face, fingerprint and iris biometrics.
Dermalog focussed on user-friendliness and cost-efficiency in the development of its Iris Face Temperature Camera, the company’s Head of Marketing Sven Böckler tells Biometric Update in a sponsored post. That focus resulted in a camera with a larger detection area than other similar cameras, with the high biometric accuracy of iris and multi-modal recognition.
A push into biometric digital identity by a bank for another application, specifically for air travel, has been launched in Korea, with palm vein enrollment in branches and boarding via a mobile app, in one of a series of new deployments in the sector. A $400 million investment in screening technology by an airport in Guyana, and the latest Simplified Arrival deployment have been announced, while Telos ID is calling for sectorial alignment on the term ‘digital identity.’
Senior IEEE member and University of Nottingham Cybersecurity Professor Steven Furnell discusses the growth of biometric technology adoption, and whether or not it has stalled, in an IT Pro Podcast. The discussion touches on consumer and enterprise biometrics, how multi-factor authentication really works, and where the technology is going. It may be indicative of the current state of public awareness on biometrics that Furnell answers the IT Pro hosts’ questions so often with “it depends how you implement them.”
Distribution of PhilSys cards has begun, as the country carries out its public education campaign to prepare for use in a range of services. Registrations for the Philippines’ national digital ID system have been boosted by its online sign-up launch, though those using it will have to enroll their biometrics in person at a later date.
The market for remote identity verification through selfie biometrics continues to mature, on both the regulatory and product sides, with the Swiss financial regulatory approving chip-scanning for biometric identity documents. Verify 365 has launched NFC document scanning, and iDenfy has unveiled an IP address screening algorithm, while Basis ID announced a customer win.
IATA’s Travel Pass has also added NFC scanning, and will trial the technology on flights between Japan and the United States. The trial comes as a SITA executive emphasized the importance of health data management to the sector, and Hawaii added semi-anonymous face biometrics technology from NEC to its health-screening process at State airports.
The Ada Lovelace Institute advises trust and clarity in a new report on digital health passes, or at least their vaccine passport variant. System design is also addressed in one of the six recommendations in the report, which warns that saving lives and protecting privacy together can be far from mutually exclusive.
Money pumped into the U.S. education system by the federal government for COVID recovery has created a tempting target market for tech companies hawking video-based surveillance solutions, including facial recognition, Vice suggests. The article notes a couple of companies going after that market, and cites a study indicating over-surveillance is an adverse factor in educational outcomes.
The deluge of fraud across the U.S., which has cost Texas $893 million that it is aware of is examined by NBC Austin affiliate KXAN. A Texas Workforce Commission official says that identity fraud has not slowed down since the beginning of the pandemic, creating a backlog of fraud holds, and it was to address those, rather than an attempt to catch the fraud itself, that ID.me was contracted. Curiously, the entire Dark Web is presented as a unified cybercriminal network, via U.S. Justice Department statistics.
Biometrics-based age checks have been approved for enforcing age minimums for online content in the UK in a new Online Security Bill. Children under 12 years of age, and up to 16 in the case of some apps, could be blocked. Social media companies are saying the measures will increase inequities.
Deepfake detection may be hindered by the same issue of skewed datasets that has plagued many other computer vision and biometric applications, according to a new study. Researchers found error rates as much as 10.7 percent higher between different genders and races with deepfake detectors, which worked best with white, male faces.
The state of the art in touchless 2D fingerprint biometrics was presented by researcher Jannis Priesnitz in a live online event held by the EAB. Priesnitz discussed techniques used to improve and assess image quality, and the challenge of making touchless systems compatible with touch-based ones.
Sensory Chairman and CEO Todd Mozer joins the Tech Entrepreneur on a Mission podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on both the evolution of neural networks and advanced technology, and how to build a successful business. He explains how the company’s vision of changing the way people interact with the digital devices around them led to early profitability, and some of the advantages of being a small company, particularly in the tech space.

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4 Things You Should Know About Retirement Communities https://www.fintechnews.org/4-things-you-should-know-about-retirement-communities/ https://www.fintechnews.org/4-things-you-should-know-about-retirement-communities/#respond Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:51:14 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=21544 Retirement communities, also known as retirement neighborhoods, consist of homes and apartments designed for retired people. The average age of residents here is over 65, but there are some exceptions. Depending on the type of community, they may own or rent their homes and apartments. If you’re thinking of joining a retirement community (or doing […]

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Retirement communities, also known as retirement neighborhoods, consist of homes and apartments designed for retired people. The average age of residents here is over 65, but there are some exceptions. Depending on the type of community, they may own or rent their homes and apartments.

If you’re thinking of joining a retirement community (or doing research for a loved one), it’ll offer a safe and secure environment. You’ll have access to assisted living, independent living, nursing care, medical services, and memory care here. However, besides these options, there are a few things you may not know.

  1. The Fun Factor: Every Opportunity to Pursue Your Interests

Living in a retirement community will give you more time to do the things you love. Retirement communities also introduce you to plenty of user-friendly technology, like a unique, affordable retirement home TV to enhance your viewing pleasure.

If you like watching television in the evening, you might be tempted to get a digital one because of the considerable number of features it offers. Unfortunately, the combination of buttons you must push to access your assorted options can also be confusing. These television sets are also expensive. To solve these problems, an innovative manufacturer created SeniorTV, a digital television for residents in nursing homes, assisted living, and retirement communities. Besides being simple to use if you’re looking for uncomplicated entertainment, the picture quality, sound, and extras are far superior to what you could expect from a regular television set.

  1. The Social Factor: Your Second Home and Social Hub

Retirement communities may offer fitness centers, pools, spas, libraries, theaters, and even coffee shops. It’s a beautiful place to retire, and if you want to live in an active community, you’ll love it here. You can make this your second home and social hub.

  1. The Carefree Factor: Your Chance to Enjoy a Wonderful Lifestyle

To make your retirement a dream come true, then you’ll need to find a vibrant retirement community that can help you weather difficult social times  —  like the pandemic  —  and provide you with the companionship and carefree retirement lifestyle that you always wanted. Retirement communities are perfect if you want to enjoy a relaxed, stress-free lifestyle. Here, you can enjoy your life on your own terms without worrying about work, family, or other responsibilities. While many have all the amenities you could ever desire, there are some retirement communities in Florida and Texas that take things to another level, offering golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, recreational clubs, shopping malls, and restaurants.

  1. The Hidden Danger: You’ll Need to Take Some Precautions

Unfortunately, the best communities also attract predatory interests. Since police patrols and security services protect these neighborhoods to prevent burglaries or con artists knocking on front doors to hoodwink seniors with dubious financial schemes, criminals prey on innocent seniors through the internet. Naïve seniors, unfamiliar with the dark web, often fall victim to hackers who break into their computers to steal sensitive information like Social Security numbers, birth dates, and bank account numbers. Late last year, for example, Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS), which serves communities in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, had to inform some retirees about a personal information breach in a data security incident.

Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to stay safe online. With the rise in digital crime targeting seniors, it’s imperative to protect all the personal information on your desktop, laptop, or mobile device from invasion of privacy with high-quality security anti-malware software. Since you’re putting yourself at risk by not installing protection software, use an anti-malware platform with multiple layers of protection against ransomware.

A Retirement Community Offers Impressive Benefits

Living in a retirement community isn’t the only option for you—but it has a few unique benefits worth considering. Living in an established neighborhood culture with a variety of welcoming social networks, best golf website, amenities, and care services for residents, can be comforting if you suspect you might be vulnerable to health risks associated with feeling isolated and lonely in your retirement years.

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Leveraging diversity to enhance cybersecurity https://www.fintechnews.org/leveraging-diversity-to-enhance-cybersecurity/ https://www.fintechnews.org/leveraging-diversity-to-enhance-cybersecurity/#respond Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:50:08 +0000 https://www.fintechnews.org/?p=20120 Cybersecurity isn’t just coding. There is more to the development, implementation and sustainability of an effective cybersecurity program than can be achieved with technology solutions alone. Group-think has real consequences. Attackers only need to find one way into a system. Defenders must feasibly find them all – this can’t be effectively done without a diverse mindset […]

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  • Cybersecurity isn’t just coding. There is more to the development, implementation and sustainability of an effective cybersecurity program than can be achieved with technology solutions alone.
  • Group-think has real consequences. Attackers only need to find one way into a system. Defenders must feasibly find them all – this can’t be effectively done without a diverse mindset building defenses.
  • Non-technical voices make for more cyber-resilient systems. The prevalence of cybersecurity risks is constantly growing and expanding beyond a specific tech-stack. People, processes and technologies must mitigate cybersecurity risks.

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