Google lays out its next healthcare chapter

Hello,

Welcome to Insider Healthcare. I’m healthcare editor Leah Rosenbaum, and today in healthcare news:

• After dissolving Google Health, the tech giant is getting ready for a new chapter in healthcare;
• Doctors are go online to meet underserved populations where they’re at;
• Scientists are tracking a new COVID-19 variant in the UK.

If you’re new to this newsletter, sign up here. Comments, tips? Email me at lrosenbaum@insider.com or tweet @leah_rosenbaum. Let’s get to it…

Google’s health chief lays out the company’s next steps after shying away from a full healthcare business

• Google is rethinking its strategy in healthcare, dispersing its health group throughout the company.
• Chief Health Officer Dr. Karen DeSalvo laid out how the new approach could make a mark.
• The goal is to help billions of people make decisions about their health.

Get an inside look>>

A key part of improving healthcare for underserved populations is meeting patients where they are – on the internet

• During the pandemic, some physicians have used YouTube to correct misinformation.
• Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick leads a YouTube channel dedicated to democratizing health information.
• She also highlights the importance of provider-patient communication.

Read more>>

Scientists are closely tracking a new variant spreading in the UK that could be 10% more infectious than Delta

• Scientists are closely tracking a new coronavirus variant called AY.4.2, a subtype of Delta.
• Data showed it may be 10% more infectious than Delta, an expert said. Cases are low outside the UK.
• Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA chief, called for “urgent research” on the variant.

Check it out>>

More stories we’re reading:

• Half of nurses said they’re thinking of quitting the profession within 2 years in a survey. Higher pay and better staffing could convince them to stay (Insider)
• What happens when a data sleuth challenges a hydroxychloroquine COVID scientist (Buzzfeed News)
• CNN’s John King reveals he has multiple sclerosis and says he’s grateful for his colleagues who got vaccinated (Insider)
• Back-to-school after COVID can be more challenge for kids with disabilities (Kaiser Health News)

-Leah