The American Medical Association (AMA), Omada Health, and Intermountain Healthcare today announced an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the alarming number of adults who develop type 2 diabetes. The new collaboration will create a roadmap for large health care organizations across the country to adopt proven online behavior change interventions for at-risk patients, and integrate those programs into provider referral and clinical workflow.

"We're delighted to be partnering with the country's premier physician organization and one of the most innovative health systems in the United States," said Omada Health CEO Sean Duffy. "Intermountain's integration of the Omada program, and AMA's focus on ensuring digital tools work to empower providers will give patients with prediabetes another proven option to meet their care needs. It will also give physicians and their care teams additional treatment options, and actionable data to better understand how to deliver lasting lifestyle change for those in need of it."

Read More: http://ivpost.com/index.php/8-health/1654-ama-omada-health-intermountain-healthcare-partner-to-reduce-incidence-of-type-2-diabetes

NEW YORK, New York (26 July 2016) – Today, Interbrand launches the inaugural Interbrand Breakthrough Brands report, in partnership with Facebook, Ready Set Rocket, and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The Interbrand Breakthrough Brands report, entitled “Future Growth,” is unique in that it examines emerging companies that are brand-led—organizations that have both unique business models and strong brands. The report complements Interbrand’s annual Best Global Brands report, now entering its 17th year, by putting a spotlight on emerging brands—especially those that are affecting change and embodying growth.

“While it is certainly true that exciting startups abound, Interbrand and its partners have decided to put a spotlight on those organizations that have strong business models and strong brands,” noted Interbrand’s Global CEO, Jez Frampton. “From their earliest days, these Breakthrough Brands have been focused on managing their brands and delivering integrated experiences to their customers. We believe such efforts leave them well-poised to achieve significant growth in the months and years ahead.”

Approximately 200 brands were nominated by a global network of key influencers—individuals chosen by Interbrand, Facebook, NYSE and Ready Set Rocket because of their strong commitment to and interest in emerging brands.

Read More: http://interbrand.com/newsroom/interbrand-releases-inaugural-breakthrough-brands-report-in-partnership-with-the-new-york-stock-exchange-ready-set-rocket-facebook/

By: Sean Duffy, Omada Health CEO 

Last month, I had the opportunity to address The California Technology Assessment Forum, a core program of The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). ICER is a non-profit organization that “evaluates evidence on the value of medical tests, treatments and delivery system innovations and moves that evidence into action to improve the health care system.” 
...

​On June 24, ICER held a meeting to discuss Diabetes Prevention Programs. That meeting included an evaluation of evidence on three types of DPPs – in-person programs with group coaching, digital programs with human coaching (Omada’s category), and digital programs with automated coaching.

Today, ICER released the final report on their evaluation of Diabetes Prevention Programs. Guided in part by the evidence our company submitted on the topic, digital programs with human coaching were determined to offer a “net health benefit superior to that of usual care.” Digital programs with human coaching joined in-person DPP in achieving care value. Digital programs with automated coaching did not meet the evidence requirements to achieve this rating. ICER’s report adds to the conclusions of 11 other supportive organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, the American Hospital Association, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force: both in-person, and digital DPP programs with human coaching deliver value to the healthcare system.
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ICER’s release this morning validates the approach we’ve taken as a company. It was especially rewarding for us to provide the evidentiary foundation for the committee’s finding on the effectiveness and value of digital programs with human coaching.

Read More: https://www.omadahealth.com/news/digital-dpp-with-human-coaches-get-the-stamp-of-approval-from-icer

Martin Emerson has joined Monteris Medical Inc. as CEO about two months after his previous business, Galil Medical Inc., was sold in a deal worth up to $110 million.

Emerson’s appointment is effective immediately, the Plymouth-based company said Tuesday. He succeeds CEO John Schellhorn, who served as Monteris’ top executive for four years.

Read More: http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2016/07/19/former-galil-ceo-hops-to-another-twin-cities.html

"...In California and Washington state, San Francisco-based Omada Health is testing a version of Prevent, a diabetes and heart disease prevention program that's been modified for "underserved" populations -- basically people on Medicaid or who are uninsured. The free program offers patients a digital scale as well as behavior counseling and education, access to a personal health coach and an online peer network.

To adapt the program, the company made it available in Spanish and English and lowered its reading level from 9th grade to 5th grade. Bilingual health coaches were hired, and the educational materials now acknowledge potential food access, neighborhood safety and economic issues that participants may face, said Eliza Gibson, Omada's director of Medicaid and safety-net commercial development.

The scale doesn't require a wireless connection, and the patient just needs to be able to access the internet for one hour each week, Gibson said.

Omada is enrolling 300 community clinic patients in Southern California and rural Washington in a year-long clinical trial of Prevent, in hopes that the program can demonstrably slow the progress of diabetes."

Read More: ​http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/05/health/digital-health-low-income/