Ascension Partners with International Hospital Company to Start Global Supply Chain Firm; Telehealth Firm to Buy Avizia

Ascension Partners with International Hospital Company to Start Global Supply Chain Firm

Ascension, the largest private, tax-exempt, non-governmental health system in the United States, and Ramsay Health Care Limited, one of the top six private hospital operators in the world, this week announced they are partnering in a new global supply chain joint venture. “Ascension is continually exploring potential opportunities to extend our reach internationally and make healthcare more affordable for those we serve,” said Ascension President and CEO Anthony Tersigni. 

Telehealth Provider to Buy Avizia

American Well, a telehealth provider that administers virtual access to doctors inside of hospitals and health systems, announced they will buy Avizia. The deal will help American Well move from treating routine maladies to more tertiary services, offering a menu of services from partner physicians and hospitals around the world, reports Forbes. 

Providence St. Joseph Health Launches National Telemedicine Network

Providence St. Joseph Health recently launched a telemedicine platform that will deliver acute stroke, mental health, direct-to-consumer and after-hours care to more than 100 facilities across the western U.S., reports Alex Kacik for Modern Healthcare. Consumers and providers can connect through 50 programs led by 1,500 caregivers and will help increase access in rural areas. Other services the platform will include are initial patient exams, electronic medical record reporting and same-day virtual and in-person appointments.

Fitbit Partners with Google as They Enter Telehealth

Fitbit will have access to a new software tool from Google Cloud to encourage more integration of data in the health care field, reports Bloomberg. The Google Cloud Fitbit will let companies analyze their data and cross reference it with other hospitals and health care providers. “Working with Google gives us an opportunity to transform how we scale our business, allowing us to reach more people around the world faster, while also enhancing the experience we offer to our users and the health-care system,” said Fitbit CEO James Park.