HIStalk: Healthcare News & Headlines – Dec 15, 2025

by Grace Chen

Healthcare Innovation Surge: VA Modernization, AI-Powered Trials, and Behavioral Health Funding

The healthcare technology sector is experiencing a period of rapid advancement, with significant developments announced on December 14, 2025, spanning electronic health record (EHR) modernization, artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical trials, and increased investment in behavioral health IT. These updates signal a continued push toward more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered care.

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlights critical challenges facing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as it accelerates its rollout of the Oracle Health EHR system. According to the report, the VA must address previously identified issues to ensure a successful and timely implementation.The accelerated timeline, while aspiring, requires focused attention on resolving existing concerns to avoid disruptions to patient care.

Did you know? – The VA began its initial Oracle Health EHR rollout in 2020, aiming to replace the legacy vista system. The project has faced numerous delays and cost overruns, prompting GAO scrutiny.

AIwithCare Launches to Revolutionize Clinical Trial Access

Mass General Brigham has spun out a new company, AIwithCare, designed to dramatically improve the speed and efficiency of clinical trial screening and patient recruitment. The AI-powered tool leverages advanced algorithms to match patients with relevant clinical trials,perhaps accelerating medical breakthroughs. “This technology has the potential to substantially reduce the time it takes to find the right patients for critical research,” stated a company release. This development addresses a long-standing bottleneck in medical research, where identifying eligible participants can be a lengthy and costly process.

pro tip: – AI-driven patient matching in clinical trials can reduce screening failures, lowering research costs and speeding up the development of new treatments.

Ritten Secures $35M in Series B funding

Ritten, a leading provider of behavioral health IT solutions, announced a $35 million Series B investment led by Five Elms Capital. This funding round brings the company’s total raised to $52.5 million, signaling strong investor confidence in the growing demand for accessible and effective mental healthcare solutions. The investment will be used to expand Ritten’s platform and reach, addressing the critical need for improved behavioral health services.One analyst noted that the funding reflects a broader trend of increased investment in digital mental health solutions.

Reader question: – How might increased funding for behavioral health IT impact access to care in rural or underserved communities? What challenges remain?

These three developments – the VA’s EHR overhaul,the launch of AIwithCare,and ritten’s funding success – collectively demonstrate the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of healthcare,promising improved outcomes and greater access for patients across the nation.


Expanded News Report with “Why, Who, What, How” and “End” for each section:

VA EHR modernization Faces Hurdles

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is undergoing a major overhaul of its electronic health record (EHR) system, why it’s happening is to modernize patient care and improve interoperability. Who is involved includes the VA, Oracle Health (the EHR provider), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). what is happening is the accelerated rollout of the Oracle Health EHR system.How is it being implemented? Through a phased approach, but a recent GAO report indicates the VA must address previously identified issues – including technical glitches and training deficiencies – to ensure a successful and timely implementation. The end result sought is a seamless transition to a modern EHR, but the GAO report suggests this is not yet guaranteed.

aiwithcare Aims to Accelerate Clinical Trials

Mass General Brigham launched AIwithCare, why to address the lengthy and costly process of identifying eligible patients for clinical trials. who is behind this? Mass General

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