May is Mental Health Awareness month and effective today, Cigna is making it simpler and more convenient for its customers to access an expanded suite of virtual support services for mental and emotional health. Cigna is adding Talkspace to its behavioral provider network, allowing its 14 million customers enrolled in employer-sponsored plans the ability to talk and text with licensed therapists, who are available on-demand.
The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to Everlywell, Inc. for the Everlywell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit. Everlywell’s kit, a self-collected nasal swab, is authorized to be used by individuals at home who have been screened using an online questionnaire that is reviewed by a health care provider. This marks the first standalone sample collection kit to be granted a proper EUA by the FDA. The FDA has also authorized two COVID-19 diagnostic tests, performed at specific laboratories, for use with samples collected using the Everlywell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit. These tests have been authorized under separate, individual EUAs.Â
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the first major insurer covering the full treatment cost for COVID-19, including testing, treatment, and hospitalizations and free Telehealth. The now-permanent benefit includes member-to-provider and provider-to-provider consultations.
Digital health is at the forefront of transformation in the healthcare industry. Digital disruption in healthcare has been underway for years, with healthcare organizations trying to digitize operations and processes to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, while increasing quality care. Significant digital health solutions like EHRs, digital therapeutics, telehealth, AI, wearables, and blockchain are the foundation of the industry's digital awakening. Successful implementation of digital health tools starts with a reliable roadmap that emphasizes shifting staff/patient perspectives and proactive outreach.
