According to CNBC, the FDA approved Apple sleep apnea feature is one of Apple’s moves to position its wearable products as simple and cheaper alternatives to existing healthcare devices.

Diagnosis Challenge

Sleep apnea affects about 30 million people across the US. However, statistics from the American Medical Association show that only 6 million of those affected have been diagnosed with the condition.

To get a diagnosis, sleep apnea patients must take home or in-lab tests that require overnight monitoring to get a diagnosis. A 2022 study showed that the average cost of an in-lab test is about $3,000. Although at-home tests may be less costly, patients would still part with hundreds of dollars.

Apple’s Series 10 Watch makes it easier for patients who have not been tested to identify signs of sleep apnea.

“We are so excited about the incredible impact this feature can make for the millions of people living with undiagnosed sleep apnea,” Apple’s VP of Health, Dr. Sumbul Desai said.

The FDA approved Apple sleep track feature will particularly be useful to patients who stay alone. Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. When left untreated, the sleep disorder can cause fatigue and other health complications like hypertension, heart problems, and Type 2 diabetes.

Apple’s Sleep Apnea Data

Doctors say that data from Apple Watch Series 10 should be treated with caution. According to Missouri-based physician, Dr. David Kuhlmann, insurance companies are less likely to pay for sleep apnea therapies such as CPAP based on data from FDA approved Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature.

Apple Watch Series 10 users will have to get official diagnosis from healthcare providers to access therapy. This will increase the number of patients who visit healthcare providers. The visits will help to reduce the overall cost of healthcare in the US as early detection of the condition can prevent the costly treatment associated with serious conditions.

“By finding out that they have these underlying sleep disorders and getting them treated, it could potentially actually help save expenses and help improve quality of life,” Kuhlmann said.

Apple’s New Products

Apple Watch Series 10 is among the new Apple Intelligence products the tech giant launched last week. Designed to support user health, the new Watch lineup will be available starting Friday, September 20.

“Around the world, Apple Watch has had an immeasurable positive impact on people by helping them stay healthy, active, safe, and connected to the things that matter to them, and it’s helped save countless lives along the way,” Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams said.

Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature analyzes breathing during sleep and uses an accelerometer to identify disturbances. The accelerometer measures wrist movements that point to disruptions to normal breathing patterns. Apple Watches generate metrics that classify breathing as either elevated or not elevated.

Users can access their metrics on the Health app. The devices analyze breathing disturbance data once each month and notify users of consistent signs of moderate or severe sleep apnea. Apple used extensive data on clinical-grade sleep apnea tests to develop the notification algorithm used in its Watch Series 10.

The post The FDA Approved Apple’s Sleep Apnea Detection Feature appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Imidex is an AI-powered medical device firm that specializes in early lung cancer detection while Orbit Genomics is a DNA-sequencing technology company.

Precision in Detection

Imidex developed the FDA-approved VisiRad XR device. The device utilizes AI and is capable of detecting tiny lung nodules in chest X-rays. This procedure is much more scalable than the CT scans that high-risk individuals are asked to take.

According to Imidex, the VisiRad XR has an 83% sensitivity rate. The company holds that its platform can facilitate identification of suspicious masses in a wide population and refer more individuals to follow-up tests.

Orbit Genomics uses the OrbiSeq-L to diagnose lung cancer in patients who have pulmonary nodules detected through low-dose CT. The company plans to commence clinical trials on OrbiSeq-L

“By leveraging chest X-ray, we have the ability to opportunistically identify millions more patients with pulmonary nodules that are unwilling or not qualified to get a low-dose radiation CT scan,” Imidex CEO, Wes Bolsen said

Building Synergy

The Imidex Orbit Genomics partnership will allow the two tech companies to leverage the strength of their equipment to facilitate early cancer detection. The two companies plan to use Imidex’s VisiRad XR to identify lung nodules in patients. The results will be passed on to Orbit for testing of identified lung nodules with the help of OrbiSeq-L.

“Imidex’s technology is the top of the lung cancer identification funnel, utilizing chest X-rays rather than CT scans to detect potential cancer patients who might otherwise go undiagnosed. Orbit Genomics can then immediately test those identified lung nodule patients with OrbiSeq-L, providing highly specific insights from a simple blood sample into their condition and directing them to the most effective forms of care,” Orbit Genomics President, Dede Willis said in a statement.

Besides cancer detection, the OrbiSeq technology can be used to detect a wide range of diseases including neurological disorders and heart conditions.

Emerging Trend

The Imidex Orbit partnership to detect early lung cancer isn’t the first for the two companies. In July this year, Imidex collaborated with Spesana to monitor the impact of AI in boosting mass and lung nodule detection. The two companies are focused on quantifying downstream detection rates for lung cancer.

The companies are also working towards identifying high-risk patients for clinical trials. They do this through screening and evaluation of potential application of liquid biopsies that result from nodule detection.

Early this month, Orbit Genomics completed the CancerX Accelerator Program that’s focused on digital innovation and cancer intersection. Initiated by the US Department of Health and Human services, CancerX is focused on enhancing cancer innovation in the country.

The program involved hands-on learning and months of mentorship at the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Related Articles: How Revolutionary AI Model Detects Underlying Heart Attacks Risks

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People who do not have these conditions can buy the monitors without a prescription. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are tiny sensors that poke through the skin and measure glucose levels in real time.

Non-Prescription Product

Stelo comes with a wearable sensor that pairs with an app in the user’s smart device to continuously monitor glucose levels. For diabetes patients, the sensors help in alerting users, their doctors, and loved ones to emergencies.

“We’re excited to empower people to have access to their glucose readings. We know studies have been done time and time again- giving people continuous glucose monitors helps improve their time in range, their A1c, and their sense of well-being living with diabetes. We expect the same improvements with this product that we’ve had with the G series products,” Dexcom Head of Clinical Advocacy and Outcomes, Thomas Grace said.

According to a statement by Dexcom, 125 million people who have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes don’t use insulin. Stelo glucose sensor is designed to educate this population how to maintain a healthy range of glucose.

“The idea is to help people, over time, learn about diet choices and habits, and how those are impacting glucose. It’s about uncovering things you haven’t seen before and then using that to create healthier habits,” Jake Leach, Dexcom’s Chief Operating Officer said.

Dexcom already offers glucose monitors for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients on a prescription basis. However, Stelo is the first monitor that patients can access without a prescription.

FDA Approval

Stelo is the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor to receive the US Food and Drug Administration nod. The agency cleared it for use in March this year. In June, the FDA cleared two similar devices for Dexcom’s rival, Abbott Laboratories.

The continuous glucose monitors, Libre Rio and Lingo are designed for adults with and without diabetes respectively. Abbott’s FDA-approved Lingo CGMs were to be launched in the US this summer.

Stelo informs users of noteworthy glucose spikes. According to Dexcom, this intentional design is meant to raise alerts on larger swings that patients experience.

“Even for someone who has normal glucose and the occasional spike, it’ll look for the most impactful spikes and then try to engage the user around, ‘OK, what happened there?” Leach said.

Users who wish to understand the cause of glucose spikes can explore educational content available on the Stelo app’s ‘Learn’ sections.

Highly Accessible

Users have the option of buying monthly supplies of Dexcom over-the-counter continuous glucose sensors online at $99. Alternatively, they can sign up for monthly subscriptions at $89 per month. Patients have the option of using health savings accounts and spending accounts to pay for Stelo.

Most Type 1 patients can get insurance coverage for glucose monitors. However, millions of Type 2 patients who lack prescription or coverage now have access to Stelo. This allows Dexcom to expand its reach in the lucrative prediabetes market.

Dexcom has partnered with Amazon to fulfill Stelo orders. Monthly subscribers can opt to adjust or skip delivery dates. However, deliveries will be scheduled in 30-day intervals from the date of initial sign-up.

The post Dexcom Makes Glucose Monitors Available Over-the-Counter appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The app also offers ADHD patients in-app treatment tools. The app is the brainchild of Dom Longford, the founder of Cog ADHD. Longford founded the platform after struggling with the condition. His breakthrough with ADHD came after one doctor suggested a new treatment approach.

Modular Treatment

The Cog ADHD lifeline app was developed by scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Its framework provides for treatment through five modules.

Each module in the treatment plan aligns with the skills that address a major ADHD impairment, These skills range from handling procrastination to coping with distractions,

Results from the ADHD lifeline app trials showed a significant reduction of symptoms among patients. Longford shared improvements from his personal experience.

“Suddenly, everything started to make sense. I wasn’t lazy, clumsy, or a failure; I just couldn’t regulate my attention like 95% of the population. I stopped hating myself,” he said.

A Comprehensive Toolkit

The improvements Longford experienced encouraged him to turn the framework into an application that he refers to as a comprehensive toolkit.

Combined with a portal for vetted clinicians, the app provides a range of services to users. These include self-help strategies, symptom analytics, and educational resources.

The Cog ADHD app launch comes at a time when demand for ADHD services is escalating in the UK. The waiting time for ADHD diagnosis can reach eight years.

Earlier this year, a think tank termed the current ADHD model as obsolete even as the NHS feels overwhelmed by the growing service needs.

ADHD Support

The public healthcare system is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD services. People are seeking alternative support from tech. According to Longford, tech offers a range of solutions to ADHD patients.

These include noise-canceling headphones, text-to-speed software, productivity apps, and now a Cog ADHD app. But by itself, tech cannot address the challenges at hand. Structural changes are required to make the ADHD care more efficient.

“That doesn’t just mean throwing more resources at the situation but being more innovative around how we support people with ADHD. We particularly encourage information and tools to enable people to tweak their lifestyle habits to keep ADHD symptoms as low as possible. By knowing what triggers ADHD, the public can start to make effective changes,” he added.

Providing quality support could benefit everyone. Mandatory teacher training on ADHD and the provision of resources in schools would also be critical.

The post How UK’s Cog Lifeline App Boosts Treatment Access for ADHD Patients appeared first on Tech Research Online.

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Skilled Nursing Group Gets Paid Faster, Sees Fewer Denials with Inovalon

See how HMG Healthcare Improved Cash Flow and Efficiency  

Is slow reimbursement and high denial rates impacting your skilled nursing facility’s bottom line? HMG Healthcare faced similar challenges until they implemented Inovalon’s innovative software solutions. Learn how they transformed their revenue cycle management, improved cash flow, and enhanced patient satisfaction. 

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Maintaining Your Practice Autonomy:

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Stored Card Technology Boosts Convenience and Reimbursements for Pediatrics Group

Discover how stored card technology revolutionized operations for a pediatrics group, enhancing convenience and streamlining reimbursements.

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According to the PRWeb, the doctor can use the plan to make referrals, prescriptions, or orders for lab tests. Empirical Health 2.0 plans are inspired by the forward-looking vision of health assistants like Baymax by Big Hero 6.

Innovative Features

Empirical Health AI customized plans ensure safety and accuracy by requiring review by real doctors. The tool comes with advanced AI-generated plans that convert user health data into implementable, step-by-step plans. For example, low deep sleep data can activate a mechanism for assessing potential sleep apnea or sleep hygiene.

The tool also provides features for providing complete care for chronic illnesses. Users can generate plans for conditions such as Heart Health, Dysautonomia, POTS, Long Covid, among others. The plan also supports home-based ECG and orthostatic vitals analysis. This data aids in personalizing treatment strategies.

Founded in 2022, is registered, licensed, and insured to provide medical care across 8 states in the U.S. Currently, its application is accessible to over 47 million people, Empirical Health provides POTS testing and treatment from real doctors. The company leverages modern technology like health sensors on Apple watches, with classic biomarkers like blood tests.

Advanced Features

Empirical 2.0 introduces a range of advanced features to the health tech tool. The new tool features a new visual design for enhanced user experience. The Empirical Health AI app also comes with features that support blood pressure cuffs.

Empirical 2.0 integrates well with third-party blood pressure cuffs to support the management of hypertension through nutrition, customized exercises, and medications. Empirical 2.0 also gives users access to workout templates.

The app allows users to track a range of important health metrics. These include resting heart rate, sleep stages, HRV, and VO2Max. These metrics are benchmarked against medical norms to show the health percentile of users.

Addressing Health Care Crisis

Empirical Health is designed to address the crisis in primary health care. Consumer devices like Apple Watches generate a wide range of health data. However, the significant shortage of physicians in primary health care makes it challenging for patients to access quality care.

Brandon Ballinger, Empirical Health Co-founder said, “We’re facing a primary care shortage. It takes patients 26 days to see a doctor; the US alone wastes $1.1T per year due to complications of chronic illness. While concierge medicine shows great outcomes, it’s labor-intensive, expensive, and can’t scale. Empirical Health is building great primary care that scales–using both new tech (AI, consumer health sensors, virtual modalities) and better business models (value-based care, working with your health insurance rather than separate from it).”

Empirical Health AI Plan leverages more than 240,000 health data points that individuals generate each year to provide complete preventive care to users. This resource is currently being used by less than 1% of doctors.

The post Empirical Health Advances Primary Health Tech Solution with AI appeared first on Tech Research Online.

According to BusinessWire, ArisGlobal and QuantHealth are already using the new platform to advance their AI-driven needs.

Improving Clinical Trials

QuantHealth is leveraging AI to improve timelines for clinical timelines and mitigate risks associated with trials. The company also uses the technology to identify populations that are likely to respond well to treatment. As one of OMNY Health AI companies, QuantHealth has trained its AI solution on a dataset of 350 million patients.

OMNY Health’s partnership will enable QuantHealth’s partners to expedite drug development by simulating clinical trials. The pharmaceutical partners will also utilize OMNY Health’s AI platform to use real-world evidence in clinical trial outcome prediction, patient responses and drug efficacy.

“Biotech is entering a vibrant part of life sciences history. This partnership furthers our commitment to quality data and access for our life sciences partners. By integrating diverse EHRs into organized, de-identified research data products, we can address disparities in clinical trials and close significant demographic information gaps in drug discovery and development,” QuantHealth VP for Clinical Data Science and Head of R&D Operations, Omri Matalon said.

Better Signal Detection

Another company that OMNY Health is collaborating with is ArisGlobal. This is a leading health tech company in pharmacovigilance, reporting systems, and safety monitoring. OMNY Health’s collaboration with this company will revolutionize the validation of safety signals and open the way for proactive signal detection.

Ann-Marie Orange, CIO and Global Head of R&D at ArisGlobal said, “Up to 95% of adverse event cases go unreported today, while processing ICSRs can be time-consuming, and analysis of medical literature and online forums is slow and inefficient. Combining LifeSphere products with comprehensive real-time RWD addresses these challenges head-on. By leveraging advanced technology and insights from extensive RWD, we are reshaping drug discovery and development.”

Networking in Healthcare

OMNY Health data platform will address the need for generative AI in de-identifying large structured and unstructured health record data sets. The platform will fix this problem across diverse patient populations and providers.

OMNY Health CEO, Mitesh Rao said, “Our mission is to free data from silos, allowing it to be shared, analyzed, and morphed into life-saving treatments and better care for patients. Life science organizations and providers often struggle with time and budget constraints that hinder their ability to learn from their data. Our work powering AI-driven platforms can unblock this process by partnering with AI developers with data and tools to accelerate breakthrough therapies and monitor new therapies for safety signals to ensure patient populations remain safe.”

For OMNY Health, the platform will provide data rails and infrastructures for health tech organizations. This will facilitate collaboration between health tech companies. The OMNY Health AI platform will also drive development and promote effective utilization of AI solutions to advance healthcare.

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