Welcome to the weekly edition of Healthcare IT Today Bonus Features. This article will be a weekly roundup of interesting stories, product announcements, new hires, partnerships, research studies, awards, sales, and more. Because there’s so much happening out there in healthcare IT we aren’t able to cover in our full articles, we still want to make sure you’re informed of all the latest news, announcements, and stories happening to help you better do your job.
## Studies Show Promising and Challenging Trends in Healthcare IT
Studies suggest that patient acuity has increased by approximately 5% in the last six years, according to a Vizient report, but overall mortality declined by 33% from 2019 to 2025. Misuse of AI chatbots topped ECRI’s annual list of health technology hazards, followed by a lack of preparedness for sudden loss of access to electronic systems and patient records.
Meanwhile, a Wolters Kluwer Health survey found nearly 20% of healthcare professionals use unauthorized AI tools in the workplace. A Software Finder survey found 35% of patients would switch doctors if their digital tools were frustrating or outdated. While 85% of healthcare IT leaders view passwordless authentication as very important, only 7% have fully implemented passwordless access for clinical and non-clinical staff, according to an Imprivata survey.
## Healthcare IT Challenges and Opportunities in 2026
A Hinge Health report found 40% of providers lack the time or resources to help patients fully understand musculoskeletal condition and treatment options. Credentialing issues lead to $1 million in lost bills annually for as many as 25% of providers, according to a survey from Intelliworx. More than half (53%) of healthcare organizations expect supply chain challenges to get worse in 2026, according to a symplr survey.
Medicare and Medicaid cuts are having a moderate or significant impact on 81% of health system pharmacies, according to research from Cencora. Along the same lines, a survey from MRO found 72% of healthcare leaders are concerned about how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact their organizations financially.
## Healthcare IT Partnerships and Innovations
Pharmacy management software from Inovalon is now integrated with AlayaCare’s nursing management platform. Meanwhile, Inovalon launched Clinical Trial Eligibility Screener, which evaluates patient eligibility against study-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Prenatal and oncology testing capabilities from BillionToOne are now integrated with Epic’s Aura diagnostics suite. Virtual care form Equum Medical is now available on AvaSure’s enterprise virtual care platform.
## Company News and Appointments
Aidoc received FDA clearance for its AI triage solution, which aims to address ED crowding and imaging backlogs. Michigan-based Corewell Health launched organ donation registration in MyChart through a Donate Life America partnership.
Ohio-based Aultman Health System implemented Nabla’s ambient AI within Oracle Cerner. Qure.ai secured a grant from the Gates Foundation to build AI-powered, point-of-care ultrasound.
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