Medical Economics Pulse, March 19, 2025: Handheld Ultrasound, AI & Patient Data Privacy, Medicaid's AUD Treatment Gaps

A new handheld ultrasound device is making waves in the medical community by making diagnostic imaging more affordable and portable. Traditionally, ultrasound machines have been bulky and costly, limiting their use to hospitals or specialized clinics. However, this new device, known as point-of-care ultrasound, or POCUS, is compact, wireless, and designed for ease of use, bringing imaging capabilities to outpatient settings, small practices, and even rural areas. For physicians, this means faster, real-time diagnostics at the bedside — helpful for assessing everything from fluid status to identifying fractures. Improved accessibility could enhance patient care by reducing wait times for imaging and potentially cutting costs associated with delayed diagnoses.