Medical Economics Pulse, April 2, 2025: Medical device industry booming, diabetic medication adherence, advancing digital health

Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

It’s Wednesday April 2, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

First, the medical device industry is on an impressive trajectory.A recent report from BCC Research indicates that the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%, growing from $810.4 billion in 2024 to reach $1.3 trillion by 2029.This surge is driven by technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and wearable devices, enhancing both efficiency and intelligence in patient care tools.Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population are amplifying the demand for innovative medical technologies. Will President Trump’s tariffs create headwinds for the device industry? Stay tuned.

Turning to patient adherence, a concerning study from the University of Virginia Health System reveals that nearly 40% of patients with Type 2 diabetes discontinue their medications within a year of initiation.This trend poses significant health risks and underscores the need for more effective treatment strategies.Researchers advocate for a patient-centered approach that combines medication with continuous glucose monitoring and lifestyle interventions.The goal is to create personalized treatment plans that align with patient preferences, thereby improving adherence and overall health outcomes.

In the realm of digital health, the American Telemedicine Association and the Digital Therapeutics Alliance have formed the Advancing Digital Health Coalition.This partnership aims to promote the integration of digital health solutions into patient care, emphasizing the importance of innovative technologies in enhancing treatment outcomes.The coalition seeks to focus on four key areas of policy, including federal and state resources for reimbursement, federal regulations, partnerships and business opportunities around the world, and digital interventions to assist patients.

And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

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