Pediatrics group breaks with CDC on COVID vaccine guidance

In a departure from the CDC’s recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics said all children between 6 months and 2 years old should receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-26 virus season. The AAP released the recommendations Aug. 19. They differ from the CDC’s guidance published in May, which advises…

AstraZeneca launches 1st at-home flu vaccine

AstraZeneca has issued its flu vaccine nasal spray for at-home use. The nasal spray is authorized for use by adults ages 18-49 and for caregiver use with children ages 2-17, according to an Aug. 15 news release from the drugmaker. FluMist was initially approved by the FDA in 2003 and…

Epic to roll out MyChart Central

Epic is rolling out MyChart Central, a new patient-focused login system enabling individuals to access health records from multiple participating providers using a single Epic ID. Epic made the announcement via its official X account on Aug. 15. “One way we’re simplifying patient access to health information goes live this…

Parkview Health launches AI-powered backup system for patient records

Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Health rolled out its “Virtual Single Patient Record” system, an isolated recovery environment developed with health tech company CareEvolution. The platform enables clinicians to access a read-only patient record when the primary electronic medical record or hospital network is offline. The fully isolated system was designed…

Epic launch contributes to Memorial Sloan Kettering’s $113M shortfall

New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reported an operating loss of $113.2 million for the first half of 2025, citing rising expenses and one-time costs related to its Epic EHR implementation. The center said in an Aug. 15 news release that its operating cash flow margin was 1.4%.…

UNC Health names revenue cycle VP from CHS

Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health has named Christina Slemp system vice president of revenue cycle – financial services, according to a post on her LinkedIn page. Ms. Slemp joins from Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, where she served as vice president of revenue cycle. “Over the course of my career,…

21 health systems with boosted outlooks

Here are 21 health systems that recently had their outlooks upgraded by Fitch Ratings or Moody’s Investors Service in 2025. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Health systems were compiled from credit rating reports. Boston Children’s Hospital’s outlook was revised to stable from negative by Moody’s. The revision reflects…

From integration to payer interactions: How leaders are shaping AI’s role in RCM

AI has been firmly integrated into revenue cycle management (RCM) as organizations look to boost efficiency, enhance patient experience and prepare for a rapidly evolving future. In a recent discussion hosted by Becker’s Healthcare and Zotec Partners, leaders shared strategies for balancing cutting-edge innovation with operational realities. The conversation featured…

The next ‘major workforce crisis’ systems are tackling

Health systems are taking on what one leader has called the “next major workforce crisis”: a shortage of nurse educators. In 2024, U.S. nursing schools turned away 80,162 qualified applications. Within that total, 65,398 applications from entry-level baccalaureate were turned away, 1,530 from RN-to-BSN, 7,603 from master’s, 5,366 from DNP…

Redefining Patient Access Through Agentic AI in Healthcare Call Centers

The Access Challenge Healthcare Cannot Ignore Even with expanded digital tools, healthcare call centers are still the main and often most strained access point for patients. Whether confirming or rescheduling an appointment, patients continue to rely on phone calls. According to a 2025 Relatient data analysis across clients, up to…

Paige Twenter