Medical Economics Pulse, March 5, 2025: Discrimination delays care, GI disorders and school absences, AI-powered medical imaging

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 March 5, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that perceived discrimination in health care settings leads to care delays, especially among younger adults and racial and ethnic minorities. The study emphasizes that effective patient-clinician communication can mitigate these delays. Enhancing communication, shared decision-making, and cultural competency are recommended strategies to improve timely care-seeking behaviors.

Next up, chronic gastrointestinal disorders in children often present diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific symptoms. However, emerging research suggests that patterns in school absenteeism may serve as early indicators of these conditions. Children with undiagnosed chronic GI issues may exhibit frequent or prolonged absences from school. By collaborating with educators and monitoring attendance records, health care providers can identify at-risk children earlier. Early detection facilitates timely interventions, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for these young patients. This approach underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in pediatric care.

Finally, advancements in medical imaging are revolutionizing diagnostics, and artificial intelligence is at the forefront of this transformation. Philips has introduced SmartSpeed Precise, an AI-powered MRI solution that enhances both the speed and quality of imaging. This technology utilizes dual AI engines to accelerate scan times while maintaining, or even improving, image resolution. For radiologists, this means increased efficiency and the potential for more accurate diagnoses. The integration of AI also streamlines workflows, reducing manual interventions and allowing for a zero-click experience. As AI continues to evolve, its application in medical imaging exemplifies how technology can augment clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

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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