Monday, November 23, 2020
Amazon made a splash last week, launching a prescription drug delivery service and making a clear statement about which part of the healthcare economy they hope to disrupt. Amazon’s pharma distribution focus has never been in doubt – its massive distribution network, powered by its eCommerce engine, made pharma retailing a logical fit. It’s acquisition of PillPack in 2019 confirmed the market’s expectations.
The latest move puts Amazon in direct competition with CVS and Walgreens, the two major pharma retailers who control the market. Consumers – especially those loyal Amazon Prime customers – can request a switch from their current pharma retailer to Amazon. It remains to be seen how many will, and what else will drive consumers to the Amazon service.
COVID-19 has been a great equalizer. The shift away from store visits to door delivery may be just what the doctor ordered for Amazon.
With an estimated 80% of all healthcare data supposedly in unstructured formats, tech giant Google’s launch of an AI-tool that helps uncover insights from unstructured data such as doctors’ notes should be welcome news.
Despite all the talk on digital health adoption, integration remains a big challenge for stand-alone apps, including telehealth technology. We feature a couple of pieces that go into details.
For those who missed my talk at CHIME20 Digital Recharge with John Kravitz, CIO of Geisinger Health, here is a link to the recording. We discuss Geisinger’s multi-year digital transformation roadmap. This is a must-listen if you want to learn about how a large health system is driving a comprehensive digital transformation program.
Stay safe. Wear a mask.
Podcast of the week

In this episode, Craig Richardville discusses how they have created an organization within SCL Health to design digital programs for building new levels of engagements keeping the future in mind. He also points to the need to empower patients, one of the most underutilized resources in the healthcare industry, and how one can be part of SCL Health’s digital journey.
This Week in Digital Health Markets
We are selectively featuring guest posts in our newsletter from senior leaders in healthcare and technology. Reach out to us if you would like to contribute a blog to one of our upcoming newsletters.
Amazon has launched a pharmacy business, offering to fill prescriptions for delivery by mail. The retailer says its shoppers can order generic and name-brand drugs for delivery within days. CNBC
What you need to know about the Moderna and Pfizer coronavirus vaccines
Both appear to be more than 90 percent effective in clinical trials and could begin to be available before the end of the year. Washington Post
CIOs, CMIOs still seeing challenges with EHR integration of third-party apps
At the AMIA virtual symposium this week, health IT professionals said they still see the potential of app-based ecosystems. Healthcare IT News
Most clinicians can’t access telehealth directly from EHRs
Although most providers say telehealth is positively influencing clinical outcomes, many say challenges remain – from workflow to reimbursement rates. Healthcare IT News
CIOs on the hook for governance as automation rises
With business leaders increasingly pushing for automation, CIOs must step up to help guide how and where such technologies should be deployed. CIO
Chart of the Week

Events

Paddy Padmanabhan with Geisinger Health System’ CIO John Kravitz presented Geisinger’s digital strategy and how Damo Consulting partnered with them to setup a Digital Transformation Office to drive enterprise initiatives at the recently held CHIME20 Digital Recharge. Click here to view the recording.
Damo Consulting Thought Leadership and Research

A mid-year review of the financial and market performance of global technology consulting firms in healthcare.
The WITCH Monthly Monitor - Our monthly update on major global IT consulting and services firms in healthcare provides the latest financial and market performance updates on WITCH companies along with other global IT consulting firms. *WITCH Monthly Monitor is now available as a free 1-year subscription with every purchase of The WITCH Report.