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NHS Performance Standards Tested as Patients Volume Grows

NHS Performance Standards

The NHS in England has remained under relentless pressure throughout the summer, in spite of it often being a time for them to catch their breath, as per the Health Foundation.

According to the latest NHS performance standards & statistics, the waiting list for NHS treatment has grown slightly in June 2025 by 9,712 to 7.37 million. In around 191,813 of these cases, the patients have been waiting for over 52 weeks.

But there were also around 103563, which is 2% more treatments that were delivered in June 2025, as compared to the same month in 2024, with the proportion of patients waiting less than 18 weeks when it came to treatment at 61.5%, which, by the way, happens to be the highest proportion since June 2022.

Tim Gardner, the health foundation’s assistant director of policy, said that while the summer is often a time for the NHS to catch its breath, the data today shows hospitals as well as ambulance services remaining under relentless pressure.

He added that July 2025 brought slight improvements in A&E waiting times and even ambulance response times; however, the constitutional yardstick of the NHS performance standards still remains an issue. And there are many patients who are waiting far too long for their treatment.

He further said that there has been a small fall in the waiting times when it comes to routine hospital treatment in June 2025. But the impact of the waiting list was felt in a more acute way in the most deprived communities.

The very slight improvements that are seen this summer offer a glimmer of hope. However, the commitment when it comes to tackling the waiting list requires ensuring that more timely treatment becomes a reality for all patients, regardless of where they are living.

Dr. Becks Fisher, Nuffield Trust Director of Research and Policy, said that the reported numbers when it comes to the planned treatment waiting list only show a partial picture. He added that their new analysis shows that waiting list reductions in the months that have passed are not completely due to increases in appointments being delivered. As a matter of fact, the NHS is still treating fewer patients as compared to what are being referred. However, an average of almost 245,000 cases have been coming off the list every month because of reasons other than patients being recorded as getting the treatment.

Doing this sort of work so as to enhance the accuracy of the waiting list is imperative; however, one should be under no illusions that in inspite of delivering more appointments, the NHS is still not meeting the patient demand.

It is well to be noted that in separate data, NHS England went on to record the amount of activity that was done during the resident doctors’ strike between 25 and 30 July, which found that more care was delivered in the July 2025 industrial action as compared to the five-day strike that took place in June 2024. It went on to estimate that another 11,071 appointments as well as procedures went ahead in spite of the strikes.

Interestingly, staff absence was also lower during these strikes, with almost 1243 fewer staff, which is almost 7.5% absent every day on average as compared to last June.

West Streeting, the health secretary, said that a year back, they promised 2 million more appointments. And one year later, they have delivered almost another 5 million extra appointments. Due to this, the figures of today show that in inspite of record numbers of people coming forward for their treatment, they are cutting the waiting times with the lowest number of patients waiting for more than 18 weeks for their treatment in 3 years.

He further added that today’s data also shows the health service being more resilient against the strike, which took place last month, than ever before. Streeting remarked that he would like to thank the NHS staff for delivering 11,000 more appointments as well as procedures for patients as compared to the previous strikes. They are getting on with the job of delivering progress in the face of uncertainty – in this case strikes and they will continue to put the patients first.

Print Issue Aug’25

August Magazine

Why Your Stress Hormones Drop Near Moving Water

stress relief near moving water

Being near moving water, like a river, a cascade, or a serene stream, generally leaves one involuntarily feeling relaxed. Many people feel lighter, less tense, and mentally clear after a few minutes by the water. Now, science can define why such is not just imaginary experience—it’s the body responding positively to natural stimuli, which reduces stress hormones. In the next article, we discuss water’s impact on relaxation, the science of managing hormones, the boon on a clear mind, and how such natural stress buster can be integrated into life.

Historical Note: Humankind has congregated around rivers and ponds not only due to necessity but also due to serenity of spirit. Ancient Roman cities were laid out with fountains and aqueducts, not only for drinking purposes but creating tranquil public spaces. Traditional Japanese gardens employed the gentle noise of trickling streams for centuries in order to foster awareness and equilibrium. Such historical decisions demonstrate a primitive comprehension of water’s tranquilizing effect on the human psyche.

Nature’s calming effect

Spending time near moving water has a way of quieting the mind and relaxing the body. The natural environment surrounding streams, lakes, and rivers reduces the constant overstimulation people experience in daily life. When you pause to listen to water flowing, your breathing slows down and your muscles relax, which helps lower cortisol, the main stress hormone. Many wellness professionals, including those at Legacy Healing Center, highlight the restorative power of water for mental and physical health. Being outdoors near water combines fresh air, natural scenery, and sound therapy in one simple, accessible practice.

  • Gentle sounds of water reduce mental tension
  • Flowing water naturally lowers stress hormones
  • Outdoor settings improve mood and clarity

All of these elements work together to create a calming atmosphere that supports inner balance. Even brief moments near moving water can shift your body toward relaxation and help clear mental fog.

The science of water sounds

  1. The sound of flowing water promotes relaxation by slowing brainwave activity.
  2. Natural rhythms of streams or waves mimic the pace of calm breathing.
  3. The brain associates water sounds with safety, lowering stress signals.
  4. Listening to water reduces distractions and improves focus.

Observation:

Imagine a person walking near a stream after a stressful day. At first, their mind races, full of tension. After a few minutes of hearing the steady flow, they notice their thoughts quiet down. Their shoulders drop, and they feel calmer without forcing it. The water does the work naturally.

When you listen to moving water, your nervous system responds almost instantly. The rhythmic sounds help your brain shift from alert mode into rest mode. This change allows your body to regulate blood pressure, release tension, and sharpen focus.

Common questions about water and stress

Lots of people ask why stress levels are lower when they are spending time around moving water. One of the questions asked is the question of how moving water can reduce stress hormones. It all has to do with the natural flow of moving water, which has a tendency to induce relaxation in the brain. Sight and hearing of streams, rivers, or waves conveys calming messages to the nervous system, lowering levels of cortisol and allowing the body to release tension. This is why a brief visit can be so refreshing even on a riverbank or shoreline.

Another question people want to know is whether sleeping close to water can make sleep better. And the reply is yes. When your stress levels are lowered, your body automatically relaxes. Hearing rushing water before you sleep, or spending time outside by water during the day, can help you synchronize your sleep pattern and be able to relax better. Body and mind recovery are aided by the calming effect.

Quick tips to relax near water

Spending time around moving water is a simple way to ease stress, and small steps can make the benefits even stronger. By being intentional with your time outdoors, you can turn natural settings into your personal stress relief tool.

  • Take a short daily walk near a river or lake
  • Practice mindful breathing while listening to water flow
  • Bring a journal to capture calming thoughts
  • Sit quietly and watch the movement of ripples
  • Schedule outdoor breaks instead of indoor ones

Simple actions like these can help you reconnect with nature, calm your mind, and reduce stress hormones naturally.

Real life example of water’s effect

One of the wellness coaches related the anecdote of a patient who suffered chronic stress after work all day in the city. Relax skills like meditation and deep breathing helped a little, but the significant change occurred when the patient began spending time by a neighborhood stream three times a week. Initial walks lasted only 15 minutes, but grew gradually up to nearly a one-hour span. The noise of the water had a rhythmic effect, which dampened anxious thoughts and relaxed body tension.

Studies have found that water in motion can help ease one’s levels of cortisol by up to 30 percent in just 20 minutes.

This real-world example shows how the natural world can be a beneficial aid in physical and mental well-being. The coach commented on the fact that within a few weeks of practicing in this way, the client had said they slept better, were feeling patient, and even had better concentration at work. Incorporating nature into their weekly plan, the client had a long-term remedy for stress reduction that they felt would work and which they enjoyed. This illustrates how moving water is something more than a pleasant background — it can be a therapeutic environment that induces longer-term wellness.

Finding calm in daily life

Being near moving water offers one of the simplest paths to stress relief. Whether it is a quick visit to a park fountain, a walk by a lake, or time spent at the ocean, your body and mind respond with calm. Let your stress hormones drop near moving water and discover peace in your everyday routine.

Thermo Fisher Receives FDA Approval for NGS-Based Companion Diagnostic for New Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Thermo Fisher Gets FDA Approval

The world leader when it comes to serving science, Thermo Fisher Gets FDA Approval for the Oncomine Dx Target Test as a companion diagnostic (CDx) in order to identify patients who might as well be the candidates for HERNEXOS, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. As Thermo Fisher Gets FDA Approval, this test would enable the clinicians as well as pathologists to evaluate if non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors harbor the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations.

It is well to be noted that lung cancer happens to be the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, with NSCLC comprising almost 85% to 90% of all lung cancer cases. Among those who are diagnosed with NSCLC, almost 2 to 4% happen to present with the HER2 mutation. The FDA went on to approve HERNEXEOS on August 8, 2025, as the first and only orally administered targeted therapy when it comes to adult patients having unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors happen to have HER2 tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations as pinpointed by the FDA-approved test and who have gone on to receive the prior systemic therapy. This indication was given the approval under the accelerated approval based on the objective response rate as well as duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent on verification as well as the description of clinical advantages in a confirmatory trial.

According to the senior vice president and head of immunology, oncology, and eye health at Boehringer Ingelheim, Vicky Brown, this rare form of non-small cell lung cancer happens to be linked to a poor prognosis as well as limited treatment choices, thereby making HERENEXOS a very significant advancement when it comes to addressing the unmet requirements of patients. By way of their collaboration with Thermo Fisher and through making utmost use of the proven track record of the company pertaining to companion diagnostics, they are indeed pleased that patients have another tool that can be made use of so as to identify those with HER2 tyrosine kinase activating mutations within non-small cell lung cancer.

Apparently, the Oncomine Dx target went on to receive its first approval by the FDA as an NGS CDx in 2017, which was followed by regulatory approvals across 20 countries when it came to its 11 biomarkers and more than 20 targeted therapies. The test is reimbursed by the government and commercial insurance across the regions of the US, Japan, Europe, South Korea, and Israel, thereby covering over 550 million lives across the world. In the US alone, it has been approved for targeted therapy within NSCLC, cholangiocarcinoma–CC, oligodendroglioma–OG, astrocytoma–AC, anaplastic thyroid cancer–ATC, thyroid cancer–TC, and modular thyroid cancer–MTC.

As per the president of clinical next-generation sequencing with Thermo Fisher Scientific, Kathy Davy, the approval by the FDA of HERNEXEOS for the previously treated patients having HER2 mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer goes on to signify the consistent success in their efforts in order to develop timely as well as accessible companion diagnostics. They are continuing to expand their solutions when it comes to their pharma partners since this approval rapidly follows the recent approval by the FDA of their latest rapid NGS solution, which can go on to deliver results in as less as 24 hours.

Virtual MRI Imaging with AI Aids Better Tumor Detection

Virtual MRI Imaging

During the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures, contrast agents like the rare metal gadolinium can go ahead and pose potential health issues. Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University – PolyU have gone on to spend years developing contrast-free scanning technology and have even successfully developed AI-powered virtual MRI images for precision tumor detection by offering a safe and smarter diagnostic pathway.

Nanopharyngeal carcinoma – NPC happens to be a challenging malignancy because of its location within the nose-pharynx, which is an intricate area surrounded by crucial structures like the skull base as well as cranial nerves. This cancer is especially prevalent in Southern China, where it happens at a rate that is 20 times higher than in non-endemic regions of the world, thereby posing a prominent health scare and burden.

The fact is that the infiltrative nature of NPC goes on to make accurate imaging critical when it comes to effective treatment planning, especially for radiation therapy, which happens to remain the primary treatment modality. In the past, contrast-enhanced MRI, which uses gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), has been the highest standard for delineating tumor boundaries. But the usage of GBCAs does carry risks, thereby underscoring the requirement for safer imaging choices.

It is well to be noted that gadolinium is indeed capable of elevating the visibility of internal structures. This is especially very useful in the case of NPC, where the infiltrative nature of the tumor needs accurate imaging so as to distinguish it from the surrounding healthy tissues. But it also happens to pose a significant health risk, which includes nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. It is a serious condition that is associated with gadolinium exposure, which leads to fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, and joints, thereby causing severe pain as well as disability. Moreover, there are recent studies that have shown that gadolinium can accumulate within the brain, thereby raising concerns about the long-term effects that it has.

The head and professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Prof. Jing Cai, has been exploring certain methods so as to eradicate the usage of GBCAs with a focus on applying deep learning in terms of virtual contrast enhancement (VCE) with MRI. In a published paper in the international journal of radiation oncology, biology, and physics in 2022, Prof. Cai as well as his research team went on to report the development of the multimodality-guided synergistic neural network—MMgSN-Net. In 2024, he further went on to develop the Pixelwise gradient model with generative adverse serial network – GAN for virtual contrast enhancement – PGMGVCE, which is reported in Cancers.

It is well to be noted that MMgSN-Net goes on to represent a prominent jump forward when it comes to synthesizing virtual contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI images, right from contrast-free scans, making utmost use of complementary information from T1-weighted and T2-weighted images in order to produce high-quality synthetic images. Its architecture goes on to include a multi-modality learning module, a self-attention module, a synergistic guidance system, and a multilevel module, as well as a discriminator, all working in tandem so as to optimize feature extraction along with image synthesis. It is designed in order to unravel the tumor-related imaging characteristics from each input modality by overcoming the barriers in terms of single modality synthesis.

The fact is that the synergistic guidance system happens to play a very critical role in fusing information from T1- and T2-weighted images, elevating the ability of the network to capture complementary features. Moreover, the self-attention module helps in preserving the shape of large anatomical structures, which is especially very significant for precisely delineating the intricate anatomy of NPC.

Building on the robust foundation that is laid by MMgSN-Net, the PGMGVCE model happens to introduce a novel approach towards VCE within virtual MRI imaging. This model blends pixelwise gradient methods along with GAN, which is a deep learning architecture, in order to elevate the texture as well as the detail of synthetic images.

Apparently, a GAN comprises two elements – a generator, which creates synthetic images, along with a discriminator, which assesses their authenticity. The generator, along with the discriminator, works together, with the generator enhancing its output based upon feedback coming from the discriminator.

Within the proposed model, the pixelwise gradient method, which is originally used in image registration, is perfect when it comes to capturing the geometric structures of tissues, while the GANs make sure that the synthesized images are visually indistinguishable as compared to real contrast-enhanced scans. The PGMGVC model architecture is designed in order to integrate as well as prioritize features from T1- and T2-weighted images, thereby making utmost use of their complementary strengths in order to produce high-fidelity VCE images.

In certain comparative studies, PGMGVCE went on to demonstrate similar precision to MMgSN-Net in terms of mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and structural similarity index (SSIM). But it did excel in texture representation by closely matching the texture of ground-truth contrast-enhanced images. While in terms of MMgSN–Net, the texture goes on to appear to be much smoother. This was evidenced by enhanced metrics like total mean square variation per mean intensity (TMSVPMI) as well as the Tenengrad function per mean intensity (TFPMI), which goes on to indicate more realistic texture replication. The capacity of PGMGVCE in order to capture complex details as well as textures suggests its superiority as compared to MMgSN-Net in certain elements, especially in replicating the authentic texture when it comes to T1-weighted images with contrast.

Apparently, fine-tuning the PGMGVCE model happened to involve exploring numerous hyperparameter settings as well as normalization methods in order to optimize the performance. The study found that a 1:1 ratio when it comes to pixelwise gradient loss to GAN loss went on to give out optimal outcomes by balancing the ability of the model to capture the texture as well as the shape. Moreover, numerous normalization techniques like z-score, sigmoid, and Tanh were tested in order to elevate the learning and generalization capabilities of the model. Sigmoid normalization emerged as one of the most effective methods, slightly outperforming its counterparts in regard to MAE and MSE.

Another element of the study went on to involve assessing the performance of the PGMGVCE model when trained with single Modalities – which would mean either T1-w or T2-w images. The outcomes went on to indicate that using both the modalities offered a more comprehensive representation of the anatomy, thereby leading to enhanced contrast improvement as compared to using either of the modalities alone. This kind of finding underscores the significance of integrating numerous imaging modalities in order to capture the complete spectrum when it comes to anatomical as well as pathological information.

Interestingly, the results of these findings are quite significant for the future of virtual MRI imaging within NPC. By eradicating the dependence on GBCAs, these models provide a much safer option for patients, especially for those having contraindications to contrast agents. Furthermore, the elevated texture representation that is attained by PGMGVCE can also lead to enhanced diagnostic precision, thereby helping the clinicians in better understanding and characterizing the tumors.

Notably, future research should stress expanding the training datasets of models and incorporating more MRI modalities in order to further elevate their diagnostic capacities and generalizability throughout varied clinical settings. As these technologies continue to take shape, they hold the potential to shift the medical imaging spectrum and offer a safer and more effective tool in terms of cancer diagnosis as well as its treatment planning.

The Role of Education in Taking Your Nursing Career Further

Advancing nursing career with right education

Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions out there. Every day, you have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. But as meaningful as your work is, there may come a time when you want to explore new challenges, take on greater responsibility, or grow in your field. That’s where continuing your education comes in.

The healthcare world is always evolving. From new technologies to updated best practices, there’s so much to keep up with. By advancing your education, you can not only stay on top of these changes but also open doors to roles that let you lead, teach, or specialize in areas that excite you. The good news is that there are more flexible and accessible options than ever for nurses ready to take that next step. Whether you’re looking to stay in direct patient care or explore related fields, the right educational path can help you reach your goals.

Exploring Educational Paths That Broaden Impact

When people think about nurses advancing their careers, they often picture moving up through clinical roles, perhaps becoming a nurse practitioner or earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. While these are great options, it’s also worth thinking about how complementary skills can help you grow as a healthcare provider. For example, having a strong background in counselling can make a big difference in how you connect with patients, especially when supporting their mental and emotional well-being. If you’re interested in combining nursing with mental health support, exploring CACREP accredited online counseling programs ensures you’re choosing a path that meets the highest standards for training and prepares you to deliver quality care in both fields. These programs are designed to fit into the lives of working professionals like you, making it possible to advance your education without stepping away from your current job.

The ability to guide patients through difficult conversations, help families navigate health challenges, or offer emotional support during tough times is a valuable skill set. Adding counselling training to your nursing background not only benefits your patients but also positions you as a more well-rounded and versatile healthcare provider.

Traditional Paths for Nursing Advancement

Of course, many nurses choose to focus on deepening their clinical knowledge. If your goal is to advance in the nursing field, you can earn:

  • BS in Nursing (BSN)
  • MS in Nursing (MSN)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Each degree brings new opportunities. With a BSN, you might move into leadership positions within your unit or qualify for specialized roles. An MSN can open the door to advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse manager. And a DNP prepares you for executive leadership, policy-making, or advanced clinical practice at the highest level.

No matter which degree path you choose, the key is aligning your education with your personal and professional goals. The right degree can help you build expertise in the areas you care most about, whether that’s primary care, critical care, community health, or beyond.

Certifications and Specializations That Make a Difference

In addition to earning an advanced degree, you might want to pursue certifications that show your expertise in a particular field. There are many options available, from critical care and oncology to informatics and case management. These certifications can help you stand out in the job market and demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality care.

Specializing allows you to focus on the areas of nursing that interest you most. For example, if you’re passionate about working with children, you could become certified in paediatric nursing. If you’re drawn to technology, you might explore nursing informatics. Specialization not only builds your skills but can also increase your earning potential and job satisfaction.

The Role of Soft Skills and Interdisciplinary Learning

Advancing your nursing career isn’t just about clinical knowledge. The ability to communicate well, lead a team, and understand the psychological needs of patients and families plays a huge role in providing excellent care. That’s why learning in areas like counselling, leadership, or education can be so valuable.

When you combine strong technical skills with soft skills, you become a more complete healthcare professional. You’re better equipped to advocate for your patients, support your colleagues, and contribute to a positive work environment. Whether you’re mentoring a new nurse, guiding a patient through a difficult diagnosis, or collaborating with other healthcare professionals, these abilities will serve you well.

Online and Flexible Learning Options for Busy Nurses

One of the biggest challenges for nurses looking to advance their education is finding the time to do it. Between long shifts, family responsibilities, and other commitments, it can feel overwhelming to think about going back to school. That’s where online and hybrid programs come in. These flexible options allow you to earn a degree or certification on your own schedule, often at your own pace.

Online programs today are designed with working professionals in mind. They offer interactive learning experiences, supportive faculty, and the same high-quality education you’d expect from in-person programs. Whether you’re completing coursework during a lunch break or logging in after a night shift, online learning helps make career advancement more accessible than ever.

How Advanced Education Supports Better Patient Care

At the heart of all of this is the goal of providing the best possible care for your patients. The more you learn, the better prepared you are to meet their needs. Advanced education can help you improve your clinical skills, stay current with the latest evidence-based practices, and approach patient care with a broader, more informed perspective.

When you invest in your education, you’re investing in the health and well-being of the people you serve. Whether that means coordinating care for complex cases, teaching patients about their conditions, or leading quality improvement initiatives, your additional training will have a direct impact on the care you provide.

Advancing your nursing career through education is one of the best ways to grow personally and professionally. The right educational path will help you build the skills and knowledge you need to take on new challenges, provide higher-level care, and reach your career goals.

It’s important to take the time to reflect on what you want from your career and how education can help you get there. Whether you’re drawn to advanced clinical practice, leadership, teaching, or integrating counselling skills into your work, there’s a path that’s right for you. Start by researching programs, talking to mentors, and exploring your options. With so many flexible and accessible opportunities available today, you can take that next step with confidence, knowing that you’re building a future that benefits both you and the patients who count on you.

Credentialing Is Broken. This AI Platform Is Fixing It in Real Time

Credentialing Is Broken. This AI

Imagine being a hospital executive staring at a growing patient backlog— beds are open, demand is rising, and your newest physicians are ready to work. But they can’t. Not because they’re underqualified, but because the credentialing paperwork hasn’t caught up.

That’s the reality of medical credentialing in 2025: a bureaucratic bottleneck that keeps capable providers sidelined for weeks, even months. It’s not just frustrating for clinicians and administrators; it’s dangerous for patients.

Credentialing is the process of verifying a healthcare provider’s qualifications, including licenses, education, work history, malpractice records, and more. And while it’s essential for patient safety, the process itself has become a slow, fractured web of payer checks, hospital verifications, state board reviews, and manual data entry.

Even today, credentialing remains one of the most stubborn delays in healthcare operations. Most systems still take an average of 45 to 60 days to onboard new providers— depending on how many forms, departments, and verification steps are involved. In that time, physicians remain on payroll but off the floor, unable to see patients or generate revenue.

“It’s ironic. You can book a flight in 30 seconds, but onboarding a doctor takes three months,” said Harman Dhawan, CEO of Provider Passport, a new AI-powered platform designed to collapse the entire process into just seconds.

The consequences of these delays are more than administrative. According to a TechTarget report, credentialing lags can cost individual physicians as much as $122,144 in lost income per onboarding cycle — with orthopedic surgeons and cardiologists losing over $100,000 during similar delays. For hospitals, that translates into empty schedules, longer wait times, and overworked frontline staff. It’s a system choking itself with its own paperwork.

But now, AI may be poised to change that.

Speeding Up the Slowest Parts Of Credentialing

Provider Passport isn’t just a patch on a broken process. It re-engineers credentialing from the inside out— automating the slowest, most repetitive tasks using a proprietary AI engine called TruMation™.

Here’s what that looks like in practice: an administrator enters a provider’s National Provider Identifier (NPI), and within seconds, the system pulls from over 600 primary sources— state boards, insurer databases, sanction lists, medical schools— to auto-generate a verified provider profile. No paper packets, no fax machines, and certainly no two-week back-and-forth.

“You can’t afford to have new providers sitting on the sidelines for 60 or 90 days because of legacy workflows,”said Dhawan. “We’re not replacing credentialing—we’re collapsing the parts that waste the most time.”

Once the profile is live, the software assembles and submits all necessary credentialing, licensing, and enrollment packets automatically. It uses a proprietary mapping library covering more than 4,500 payer plans to pre-fill and file the right documents — whether that’s Medicare enrollment, commercial insurers, hospital privileges, or license renewals.

“Everything happens in one centralized workflow. Instead of juggling HR systems, enrollment forms, and credentialing vendors, Provider Passport routes each task through a unified platform, tracking approvals, verifying credentials, and surfacing any compliance flags — often without human input,” Dhawan noted.

3 Ways AI Is Reshaping Provider Onboarding

The old credentialing process was a scavenger hunt. Provider Passport turns it into a guided experience. Here’s what that transformation looks like in real terms:

1. Instant Profile Generation

With a single NPI number, administrators can trigger a full provider profile in under 60 seconds. The platform pulls data from 600+ verified sources to auto-generate resumes, credentialing packets, and background screens in real time.

2. Automated Submissions

TruMation™ doesn’t just compile documents; it completes them. The engine fills out payer forms, license applications, and privilege requests, tailoring submissions to match the unique requirements of each institution or plan. No more tracking down the “right version” of a form.

3. One System, End-to-End

All credentialing workflows — enrollment, privileging, verification, renewals — are unified in one secure platform. That eliminates duplicated effort, human errors, and system mismatches that usually delay approvals. In most cases, it’s as simple as one click. The platform handles the rest.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about making things faster. It’s about unblocking the choke points that prevent healthcare systems from functioning at full capacity.

Credentialing is one of many administrative tasks in healthcare that’s ripe for intelligent automation. Others — like prior authorizations, medical billing, and scheduling — are already seeing early AI adoption, especially among revenue-cycle management (RCM) platforms. According to McKinsey, automation of back-office workflows could eliminate $200 to 360 billion in annual U.S. healthcare spending.

Provider Passport is part of that broader shift. And its impact is tangible. Every day a physician is stuck waiting for credentials is a day fewer patients are treated, a day fewer bills are paid, and a day more pressure piles up on already overstretched teams.

“We’ve seen hospitals lose weeks of coverage because of fragmented systems,” a hospital operations leader whose facility has been using Provider Passport shared. “With AI-driven tools like this, we’re finally starting to reclaim that time.”

The Future Of Credentialing

The promise of AI in healthcare often gets reduced to flashy headlines: diagnostic assistants, robotic surgeries, algorithmic triage. But some of its most powerful effects may come from the back office — from automating the slow, error-prone processes that eat up time and morale.

And while Provider Passport doesn’t replace the entire process, it compresses what once took weeks of manual work into seconds— auto-generating verified profiles, assembling packets, and launching workflows that used to delay go-live dates by months.

The result? Clinicians spend less time buried in paperwork and more time with patients. Hospitals reclaim revenue. And teams get back bandwidth.

“In an era where burnout is endemic, beds are full, and every second matters, that kind of efficiency isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a lifeline,” Dhawan said.

New WHO-Listed Authorities Designated for Quality Assurance

New WHO Listed Authorities Designated for Quality Assurance

For the first time, the World Health Organization has officially listed the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare/Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (MHLW/PMDA) of Japan, Health Canada, and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the UK as the new WHO-listed authorities (WLAs), a status that is granted to national authorities that meet the highest international regulatory benchmarks when it comes to medical products.

With these latest designations, WHO goes on to expand the growing list of WLAs, which now involves 39 agencies throughout the world, thereby supporting a broader and faster access to quality-assured medical products, especially in low- as well as middle-income countries.

Besides this, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea, which is one of the first regulatory authorities to complete the WLA evaluation for medicines as well as vaccines in October 2023, has got its listing scope successfully expanded, therefore now covering all the regulatory functions.

According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is the director-general of the World Health Organization, this recognition goes on to reflect the deep commitment of these authorities towards regulatory excellence. The designation as new WHO-listed authorities is not just a testament to their robust systems concerning regulations but also a crucial contribution that they make towards global public health. He added that robust and dependable regulators help in ensuring that people across the world have access to effective, safe, and high-quality medical products.

It is well to be noted that almost 70% of the countries across the world still face prominent challenges because of weak or inadequate regulatory systems when it comes to evaluating as well as authorizing their medical products. The WLA framework goes on to promote regulatory convergence and international collaboration, thereby helping the WHO prequalification program and regulatory authorities, especially those who are located in low- and middle-income countries so as to depend on the trusted work as well as the decisions of certain designated agencies. This kind of partnership supports the efficient usage of limited resources, therefore helping with better and faster access in terms of quality-assured, life-saving medical products for billions more people.

The WHO assistant director-general for health systems, access, and data, Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, said that the principle of dependence is indeed central to the approach by WHO towards regulatory systems strengthening and also a cornerstone when it comes to efficient, effective, and smart regulatory oversight of medical products. He further added that new WHO-listed authorities have to be enablers when it comes to promoting transparency, trust, and faster access to medical products that are quality assured, especially when we talk of low- and middle-income countries.

Interestingly, in a world where health threats such as the likes of substandard and falsified medical products exist and know no borders, WLAs happen to serve as crucial pillars of equity and preparedness, thereby making life-saving products available widely, efficiently, and much faster.

The fact is that these designations follow a very stringent performance assessment process, which is carried out by WHO by way of using its worldwide recognized benchmarking and evaluation tools. These assessments were reviewed by the technical advisory group on WLAs – TGA – WLA, which started in June 2025. Apparently, Japan, Canada, and the UK regulatory authorities were in the past recognized as strict regulatory authorities – SRAs. Their designation under the WLA framework goes on to mark a very significant step when it comes to moving beyond the old SRA system but, at the same time, making sure of continuity as well as balance within global procurement processes, which are packed with quality-assured medical products.

The WLA initiative, which was launched in 2022 so as to replace the erstwhile SRA model, offers a transparent and evidence-based pathway when it comes to worldwide recognition of regulatory authorities to help the regulatory convergence and dependence. It builds on decades of the leadership of WHO in order to help the countries to work together in a closer manner on the regulation of medical products and also accelerate access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medical products for everyone around the world.

Smart Medical Devices Market Set for Rapid Growth

Smart Medical Devices Market

The global healthcare industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, and at the heart of this revolution lies the rapid adoption of smart medical devices. The global smart medical devices market is projected to more than double from $87.7 billion in 2025 to $193.3 billion by 2030, the market is expected to grow at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% over this period. This growth is propelled by technological innovation, rising chronic disease prevalence, and increasing demand for connected and remote healthcare solutions worldwide.

These next-generation medical tools, which integrate advanced sensors, wireless connectivity, artificial intelligence, and real-time analytics, are redefining how care is delivered, monitored, and personalised. Smart medical devices, ranging from wearable fitness trackers that detect irregular heart rhythms to implantable devices that transmit critical health data directly to physicians, are transforming the relationship between patients and providers in unprecedented ways. 

This surge is fuelling a vibrant global market projected to nearly triple in value over the next five years, reshaping not only medical technology innovation but also the very fabric of healthcare delivery.

Market Overview and Forecast

Smart medical devices encompass a broad range of products equipped with advanced sensors, embedded software, connectivity, and data analytics capabilities. These devices include implantable, wearable, and non-wearable medical instruments used across cardiovascular health, diabetes management, neurology, and sleep disorder applications. Their ability to collect and transmit real-time health data supports improved clinical outcomes, personalized care plans, and preventive medicine, reducing hospital admissions and healthcare costs.

The global market size, estimated at $87.7 billion in 2025, is forecast to nearly triple to $193.3 billion by 2030. This reflects a CAGR of 17.1%, highlighting strong industry momentum and expanding adoption across all regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these, North America currently dominates the market, supported by robust healthcare infrastructure, regulatory support for medical technology innovation, and substantial government initiatives promoting connected care devices.

Segmentation by Product Type and Applications

The smart medical devices category segments primarily into implantable devices (such as cardiac monitors and neurostimulators), wearable devices (like continuous glucose monitors and fitness trackers), and non-wearable devices (including remote patient monitoring systems and smart diagnostic tools). Wearable devices are among the fastest-growing segments due to increased consumer health awareness and advancements in miniaturisation, battery life, and wireless connectivity.

Applications span critical healthcare fields, including:

  • Cardiovascular health: Devices continuously monitor heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure, aiding early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Diabetes management: Continuous glucose monitoring systems offer real-time insights that transform patient self-care and clinical interventions.
  • Neurology: Smart devices enable remote brain activity tracking and management of conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
  • Sleep disorders: Wearables and other non-invasive devices help diagnose and monitor sleep apnea and related conditions.

Growth Drivers

Several key factors contribute to the market’s strong growth trajectory:

  • Chronic Disease Burden: The global rise in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses has created a pressing need for continuous, remote monitoring solutions.
  • Technological Innovation: Integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing into medical devices enhances diagnostic accuracy, personalisation of treatments, and remote patient management.
  • Aging Population: The worldwide increase in the elderly population intensifies demand for chronic care management and assistive medical technologies.
  • Telehealth Expansion: The accelerated adoption of telemedicine, especially post-pandemic, boosts demand for remote monitoring devices that facilitate care delivery outside traditional clinical settings.
  • Regulatory Support: Favorable regulatory frameworks in major markets encourage rapid introduction and uptake of innovative smart medical devices.

Technological Trends and Innovations

The industry is characterised by rapid technological advances that improve device functionality, usability, and data integration:

  • Miniaturisation and Portability: Smaller, lightweight devices enhance patient comfort and compliance.
  • Wireless Connectivity and 5G: Enable continuous data transmission and real-time monitoring, crucial for emergency response and chronic disease management.
  • AI and Machine Learning: These tools improve device accuracy by analysing complex health data, predicting adverse events, and optimising treatment plans.
  • 3D Printing and Customisation: Personalised implants and prosthetics made via 3D printing improve patient outcomes with tailored medical solutions.
  • Blockchain for Data Security: Ensures privacy and integrity of sensitive patient health information transmitted through connected devices.

Competitive Landscape

The smart medical devices market is moderately concentrated among several leading multinational companies and innovative startups. Key players include Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and Koninklijke Philips N.V. These companies leverage proprietary technologies, extensive R&D, and strategic alliances to maintain competitive advantages and expand product offerings. Additionally, technology firms like Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin have made significant inroads into the market by introducing consumer-friendly wearable health devices with medical-grade capabilities.

Regional Insights

  • North America: The largest market share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, higher spending on medical technologies, and strong innovation ecosystems.
  • Europe: Steady growth supported by government funding for digital health and aging population dynamics.
  • Asia-Pacific: The fastest-growing region, propelled by increasing healthcare investments, rising chronic disease prevalence, and growing awareness of smart health solutions.
  • South America and Middle East & Africa: Emerging markets exhibiting growth as access to healthcare technologies improves and telemedicine gains popularity.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges include regulatory complexities across different regions, data privacy concerns, and high initial costs of advanced smart medical devices. However, these are offset by opportunities in expanding remote patient monitoring, personalized medicine, and healthcare digitisation.

The ongoing pandemic-induced shift towards decentralised healthcare models and value-based care supports unprecedented demand for intelligent medical devices that reduce clinical burdens and enhance patient engagement.

Conclusion

The smart medical devices market represents a dynamic and high-growth sector poised to revolutionise global healthcare. With market value expected to reach nearly $200 billion by 2030, driven by innovation and increasing healthcare needs, stakeholders from healthcare providers to device manufacturers have significant opportunities. Strategic investments in technology, partnerships, and regulatory compliance will be critical for capitalising on this expanding landscape, ultimately transforming patient care, improving health outcomes, and lowering overall healthcare costs.

In summary, smart medical devices are not just technological instruments but are pivotal enablers of modern, connected, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystems globally. Their continued evolution promises to bring precision medicine and real-time health management to the forefront of medical practice.

 

AI-Powered Medical Imaging Transforms Healthcare Delivery

AI Powered Medical Imaging Transforms

AI-Powered Diagnostics to Image-Guided Therapy: Transforming Modern Healthcare

The convergence of AI-powered medical imaging is revolutionising healthcare delivery, reshaping how diseases are diagnosed, treated, and managed. From early disease detection through AI-powered diagnostics to precision interventions enabled by image-guided therapy, this technological evolution is enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. Leaders from pioneering companies like Siemens Healthineers and Philips highlight the immense promise of these advancements.

The Rise of AI in Medical Diagnostics

AI in healthcare diagnostics has transitioned from a nascent concept to an indispensable tool for clinicians worldwide. Traditionally, radiologists manually reviewed X-rays, MRI scans, and CT images, a process limited by human observation and time constraints. AI-powered diagnostics harness advanced machine learning and deep learning algorithms to analyse imaging data rapidly and with remarkable accuracy. These technologies detect subtle patterns and abnormalities invisible to the human eye, enabling earlier and more precise disease detection.

Kalavathi G V of Siemens Healthineers affirmed this trend, stating, “AI-powered diagnostics are enabling earlier and more accurate detection of health conditions.” This early detection capability is critical for diseases like cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological disorders, where timely diagnosis can dramatically improve survival rates and quality of life.

Today, AI is embedded in a variety of imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and digital pathology, automating routine image analyses and flagging suspicious findings for further review. These improvements reduce diagnostic errors, accelerate workflows, and democratise access to high-quality diagnostics, especially in rural areas with limited specialist availability.

Bridging Diagnostics and Therapy with Image-Guided Solutions

Image-guided therapy represents the next frontier—blurring traditional lines between diagnosis and treatment. This approach leverages real-time imaging enhanced by AI to precisely navigate medical interventions such as biopsies, ablations, catheter placements, and minimally invasive surgeries.

Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader of Image Guided Therapy at Philips, articulates this integration: “By embedding AI directly onto our systems for both diagnosis and workflow, we are empowering the next generation of radiology to advance precision imaging for more patients and deliver better care for more people.” AI accelerates decision-making, optimising therapeutic procedures with enhanced accuracy and reducing complications.

Real-World Applications Across Medical Specialties

  1. Oncology:
    AI-powered diagnostics detect cancerous lesions earlier and with greater precision than ever before. For example, AI algorithms analyse mammograms to identify breast cancer at nascent stages, while CT and MRI enhanced by AI improve tumor delineation in lung and brain cancers. During treatment, image-guided therapy enables targeted radiation or surgical removal with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues. AI-assisted needle placement for biopsies ensures high diagnostic yield with reduced patient discomfort.
  2. Cardiology:
    In cardiovascular care, AI analyses echocardiograms and angiograms to uncover subtle functional abnormalities, aiding in early detection of heart diseases. Image-guided interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement are increasingly supported by AI-driven navigation systems that optimise device positioning and procedural success, shortening operation times and improving recovery.
  3. Neurology:
    AI integrates with advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI and CT perfusion scans to diagnose and monitor stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions swiftly. Image-guided therapy facilitates precision neurosurgery by mapping critical brain regions and supporting minimally invasive approaches, minimising neurological risks.
  4. Orthopedics:
    AI-powered diagnostics assist in interpreting X-rays and MRIs for fractures, joint degeneration, and soft tissue injuries. During joint replacements or arthroscopic surgeries, image guidance combined with AI helps surgeons align implants accurately, improving long-term outcomes and reducing revision rates.
  5. Gastroenterology:
    AI enhances endoscopic imaging by identifying precancerous lesions and polyps in real-time, guiding therapeutic interventions, such as polypectomy. Image-guided procedures like liver biopsies use AI to improve needle targeting, maximising safety and diagnostic accuracy.

Efficiency, Access, and Improved Outcomes

The AI-driven transformation addresses core healthcare challenges:

  • Efficiency Gains: AI automates repetitive tasks such as image segmentation and reporting, freeing specialists to focus on complex cases. Real-time AI guidance during therapy reduces procedure durations and lowers complication rates, improving throughput in busy clinical settings.
  • Access Expansion: AI-powered medical imaging portable devices and telemedicine platforms extend diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to underserved rural and remote communities, breaking geographic barriers to quality care.
  • Better Patient Outcomes: Early and accurate disease detection enables timely interventions, which, combined with AI-augmented precision therapies, results in higher cure rates, fewer side effects, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Pioneers like Siemens Healthineers and Philips are spearheading these innovations through sustained R&D investment and strategic collaborations with hospitals and governments to ensure broad adoption. Their leadership reinforces the critical role of AI in shaping future diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While promising, AI integration demands robust clinician training, transparent algorithm validation, strict data privacy safeguards, and seamless interoperability with existing hospital systems. Continuous monitoring and quality assurance are essential to maintaining patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Looking ahead, the synergy of AI-powered diagnostics and image-guided therapy will deepen. Advances in multi-modal data fusion, including genetics and electronic health records, will enable more personalised treatments. The incorporation of robotics and augmented reality with AI-guided imaging is anticipated to further refine surgical precision and patient outcomes.

Artificial intelligence is powering a new era in diagnostics and image-guided therapy. From early detection to precision care, healthcare leaders and innovators are driving a transformation that promises greater efficiency, expanded access, and improved patient lives. With continued investment, collaboration, and focus on integration, the potential of AI-powered medical imaging is vast, poised to become the backbone of modern medicine’s next chapter.

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