Introduction
For years, major tech companies have been entering the healthcare industry, and their progress has been closely followed and analyzed. Individual efforts from companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and IBM have been scrutinized, and summaries have been made to understand what we can learn from their collaborations in healthcare. Forecasts have even been made about their next moves.
Recently, a major update was made to one of the most popular e-books, Tech Giants In Healthcare. Now, it’s time to reveal the 2023 power ranking of the most important non-healthcare players in the healthcare industry based on their scores on the Health, Innovation & Tech (HIT) Index.
Understanding the HIT Index
The HIT Index is a scoring system used in the e-book to assess the healthcare endeavors of companies. It takes into account practical examples, potentials, and chances of failure, assigning a score on a scale of 5. Each company has its unique edge in the healthcare sphere, and the HIT Index scores provide a better overview of their direction in healthcare.
The maximum score is 20, and in this article, we will mention the top 5 companies, while the e-book covers a wider range of companies.
4th Place Tier: Apple – and its closed system complex
With a HIT Index score of 12 points, Apple ranks 4th on our list.
Apple’s vision of a closed infrastructure that provides a flawless user experience has worked well for consumer devices like phones and smartwatches. However, this vision may pose significant obstacles if Apple intends to expand into other segments of the healthcare ecosystem, such as delivering solutions to hospitals or healthcare providers.
While Apple’s products like iPhones and Apple Watches are not cheap, they have recently introduced VisionPro, which comes with a high price tag. Despite concerns about its adoption due to its price ($3,499), experts like Dr. Rafael Grossmann believe that it could be very useful during surgeries. The privacy features of Apple’s products, like Healthkit and the Apple Watch, are highly valuable in healthcare.
In the coming years, it will be interesting to see how Apple adapts to the changing healthcare landscape and the trends of value-based care and consumerization.
4th Place Tier: NVIDIA – delivering to everyone who needs it
NVIDIA also ranks 4th on our list with a HIT Index score of 12 points.
While NVIDIA is well-known for manufacturing hardware for PC gamers, it has also made significant strides in the healthcare industry. Their graphic processing units (GPUs) are integral components in computers used for demanding research projects worldwide. NVIDIA’s technology is unique in that it is embedded in medical devices, workstations, servers, and public clouds, enabling real-time applications in emergency room triage, robotic surgery, and patient monitoring.
In 2023, NVIDIA collaborated with Medtronic to accelerate the development of AI in healthcare and bring new AI-based solutions into patient care. They have also been involved in exciting AI research, such as training a large language model for medical language and evaluating its performance in various clinical and operational tasks.
3rd Place: Amazon – eating it all, one bite at a time
With a HIT Index score of 13 points, Amazon ranks 3rd on our list.
Amazon has shown exponential growth in interest in the pharma industry and healthcare. They entered the online pharmacy market and launched genAI-based clinical documentation services using speech recognition and generative AI. Amazon’s telehealth branch has expanded into more states in the US, and they acquired One Medical, a chain of primary care clinics. They also introduced the Amazon Web Services platform, which has become a dominant player in the public cloud infrastructure market.
As Amazon expands its presence in the healthcare space, it aims to leverage its marketing machine, sales force, and supply chain. However, challenges related to patient privacy and data security arise due to the convergence of Amazon’s vast data streams across sectors.
2nd Place: Microsoft – silently doing Microsoft things
With a HIT Index score of 14 points, Microsoft ranks 2nd on our list.
Microsoft has a massive advantage in the healthcare industry with its huge user base in hospitals and health practices worldwide. They launched Cloud for Healthcare, a healthcare-centric cloud that integrates existing services like Microsoft Teams, Azure IoT, and Healthcare Bot. Microsoft also acquired Nuance, an AI-powered speech-technology company, and announced collaborations with Epic to incorporate generative AI solutions into healthcare.
Microsoft’s experience in IT solutions and cloud computing services positions them to expand their offerings for medical purposes. Their shift towards enterprise-level solutions demonstrates a cautious and effective approach.
1st Place: Google – anything and everything and all of the time
With a HIT Index score of 15 points, Google tops the list in 2023.
Google has invested in healthcare across various fields, including population genomics, artificial intelligence, longevity, and life science research. They have become a significant player in AI, aging, and life science research. Google Cloud teamed up with CareCloud to bring generative artificial intelligence to clinical decision-making and operational efficiencies for smaller healthcare providers. Their extensive data streams and expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
People use alternative medicine for many reasons:
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They are looking to spend less.
- They feel more at ease using natural products
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They want to take control of their health.
- They want a healthier environment around them.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children receive a better education.
- They desire healthy food to feed their families.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?
Holistic medicine is based around the assumption that all diseases are caused and exacerbated by a combination many factors. These include diet, lifestyles, stress levels, emotional state, genetics, environmental problems, stress, stress, and other health-related concerns.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
Understanding how each factor affects patients is essential for a physician to be able understand modern science as well as traditional methods such homeopathy and herbs.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
What are some examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a treatment that does not fit the criteria of mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It’s a method of healing that focuses more on prevention than treatment. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine is any method of diagnosis and treatment that doesn’t use conventional (allopathic) medical methods.
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine tends to treat symptoms while holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine treats the whole person rather than just treating one aspect.
Traditional medicine treats only certain organs or systems (such the brain), while holistic medicine looks at all aspects of the body, from the inside out. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
Why is holistic medicine better?
Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person and not just individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
How To
What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?
There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products can include herbs, vitamins and minerals, dietary supplement, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies can include physical manipulations such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and osteopathic/chiropractic care. Praying and visualization are two of the methods used to heal energy.
CAM refers to a variety of health practices that are not in line with Western medical models. There are many differences in the scientific support for these practices, including whether they involve drugs and surgery, as well as which conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Some practitioners do both.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are spiritual healing modalities such as prayer and faith healing within energy healing.
Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic diseases might be relieved by CAM. If used properly, CAM can be combined with conventional treatments.
There are many good reasons to use CAM.
- To improve their overall well-being.
- To manage a particular condition.
- To lessen pain and discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.
Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely upon word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends.
Although CAM is often seen negatively in society, most users report positive feelings towards CAM. People who use CAM tend to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless your age, gender or race.
Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.
According to the NCCIH estimate, 10% of the U.S. Population uses chiropractors.
The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients’ expectations and needs.
In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”
CAM is still gaining popularity despite this conclusion. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.
Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.
CAM therapies include natural products as well mind-body practices, manipulative technologies, energy healing methods, exercise, diet supplements and other approaches.
Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.
Acupuncture, for example, can relieve chronic back pain, lower anxiety and depression, improve immune function and promote weight loss.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.
TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.
TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.
Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga was developed in India circa 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.
Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.
Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.
Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.
The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
According to a recent survey, 51% reported that they used at least one type (CAM) of CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
This gap in healthcare delivery is caused by a lack of communication between conventional doctors and CAM users.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: The 2023 Healthcare Power Ranking Of Tech Giants
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/the-healthcare-power-ranking-of-tech-giants
Published Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
People use alternative medicine for many reasons:
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They are looking to spend less.
- They feel more at ease using natural products
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They want to take control of their health.
- They want a healthier environment around them.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children receive a better education.
- They desire healthy food to feed their families.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?
Holistic medicine is based around the assumption that all diseases are caused and exacerbated by a combination many factors. These include diet, lifestyles, stress levels, emotional state, genetics, environmental problems, stress, stress, and other health-related concerns.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
Understanding how each factor affects patients is essential for a physician to be able understand modern science as well as traditional methods such homeopathy and herbs.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
What are some examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a treatment that does not fit the criteria of mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It’s a method of healing that focuses more on prevention than treatment. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine is any method of diagnosis and treatment that doesn’t use conventional (allopathic) medical methods.
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine tends to treat symptoms while holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine treats the whole person rather than just treating one aspect.
Traditional medicine treats only certain organs or systems (such the brain), while holistic medicine looks at all aspects of the body, from the inside out. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
Why is holistic medicine better?
Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person and not just individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
How To
What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?
There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products can include herbs, vitamins and minerals, dietary supplement, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies can include physical manipulations such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and osteopathic/chiropractic care. Praying and visualization are two of the methods used to heal energy.
CAM refers to a variety of health practices that are not in line with Western medical models. There are many differences in the scientific support for these practices, including whether they involve drugs and surgery, as well as which conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Some practitioners do both.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are spiritual healing modalities such as prayer and faith healing within energy healing.
Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic diseases might be relieved by CAM. If used properly, CAM can be combined with conventional treatments.
There are many good reasons to use CAM.
- To improve their overall well-being.
- To manage a particular condition.
- To lessen pain and discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.
Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely upon word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends.
Although CAM is often seen negatively in society, most users report positive feelings towards CAM. People who use CAM tend to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless your age, gender or race.
Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.
According to the NCCIH estimate, 10% of the U.S. Population uses chiropractors.
The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients’ expectations and needs.
In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”
CAM is still gaining popularity despite this conclusion. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.
Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.
CAM therapies include natural products as well mind-body practices, manipulative technologies, energy healing methods, exercise, diet supplements and other approaches.
Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.
Acupuncture, for example, can relieve chronic back pain, lower anxiety and depression, improve immune function and promote weight loss.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.
TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.
TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.
Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga was developed in India circa 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.
Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.
Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.
Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.
The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
According to a recent survey, 51% reported that they used at least one type (CAM) of CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
This gap in healthcare delivery is caused by a lack of communication between conventional doctors and CAM users.