Articles by Kate Harveston

Health care is one of the most exciting and essential civic topics of our time. And blockchain is one of the most consequential technologies coming of age right now. So it's not surprising that, together, they stand a considerable chance of doing a lot of good in a lot of new ways. Since it can sometimes be challenging to tell fiction from reality, especially with so many buzzwords flying around, let's take a look at some of the practical ramifications of bringing blockchain into modern health ...

Prescription costs continue to rise with every passing year. Every month, patients find themselves paying higher on their out-of-cost medical care obligations. And to top it all off, some people outright refuse medical care when they most need it to avoid digging themselves deeper into a financial hole they know they’ll remain stuck in if they schedule a visit with a doctor. While the burden the current health care system puts on patients may differ, the outcome remains the same. That is, the r...

Most of us have heard the horror stories by now about everyday people receiving serious diagnoses and not being able to afford care. But today, large-scale corporations like Walmart might be looking at changing the way their employees access their necessary medical treatment by straying from the conventional health care system and offering a new model of coverage. Restructuring Health Care For the past several years, Walmart has offered an innovative option to its workers when they experience...

While a mammogram can be a literal life-saver for many women and has transformed health care professionals' ability to spot early stages of breast cancer, there are still a few flaws present in the mammogram screening process that can negatively impact the accuracy of this test. Breast cancer awareness and prevention is an important part of a woman’s health, and hearing about cases of breast cancer going undetected after receiving a mammogram can cause patients to mistrust the medical community...

It'd be hard to believe how quickly artificial intelligence found its footing in the mainstream — if we weren't already reaping the benefits in industry as well as our personal lives. If anything, though, the progress we've already made in adapting AI to our existing industries, lifestyles, and workflows only betrays how much more work there is to do. In health care, particularly, we're only beginning to explore AI's potential in making our lives better and healthier. So, what's the "killer ap...

Mental health is a growing problem in the U.S. workforce. As many as one out of every 5 adults will be diagnosed with or experience a mental illness every single year. In spite of these high numbers, only 41% of individuals who suffer from a mental illness will actually receive treatment for it. More than half of surveyed individuals have no idea if their employer offers mental health coverage, or have found that there is no coverage available for them. Much of this can be blamed on the fact t...

Malpractice lawsuits happen every day, and most people don't think twice about them until they're the subject of one. In most cases, these lawsuits only affect the individuals involved, but in rare cases, a lawsuit comes around that could change the shape of the health care industry as a whole. Let's take a closer look at five lawsuits that could do just that. Columbus v. Trump In 2018, three cities — Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio — sued President Trump, alleging that he and his a...

Under the current terms of capitalism, corporate diversification and market consolidation are inevitable. One example? Technology companies like Apple, Google and Samsung are getting their feet in the door of health care administration. These tech giants make products that are very close to the body — like smartphones, wearables and household appliances — so it makes some sense to invite them into the process of practicing good health. It seems a slightly stranger match, however, for a company ...

Most people make a conscious effort to ensure that they optimize their physical wellbeing. But all too often, they overlook the importance of their mental health, too. And that doesn’t mean patients are to blame for their lack of care. If you're suffering from a broken arm or visible injury, you can stroll into your nearest hospital to receive immediate attention. But when your mind's unhealthy or you start to feel mentally worn down, enjoying quick support isn't quite as easy. The unfortunate...