Tuesday, February 17, 2026

STAT+: Emoji infiltrate the medical record 🤦

Welcome to the latest edition of STAT Health Tech, where we bring you the latest updates and developments in the ever-evolving world of healthcare technology. In this edition, we have some exciting news to share, including the inclusion of emojis in medical records, a new lawsuit filed by Epic, and updates from the JPM health care conference. So, let’s dive in and explore these developments further.

Emojis in Medical Records:

In today’s digital age, emojis have become an integral part of our communication. These small, colorful images have managed to transcend language barriers and have become a universal form of expression. And now, they are making their way into the world of medical records.

Earlier this month, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced that it has approved the use of emojis in medical records. This decision came after a proposal was submitted by a group of doctors who believed that emojis could help improve patient-physician communication. The use of emojis will be limited to only non-clinical information, such as a patient’s mood, pain level, or overall well-being.

While some may be skeptical about the use of emojis in such a serious matter, others see it as a positive step towards bridging the gap between doctors and patients. Emojis can help patients express their emotions and symptoms more accurately, which in turn can lead to better diagnosis and treatment. This decision by the AMA shows that the healthcare industry is open to embracing new forms of communication and adapting to the evolving needs of patients.

Epic’s New Lawsuit:

In other news, Epic, one of the largest electronic health record (EHR) companies, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The company claims that HHS has been unfairly favoring its rival, Cerner, in the EHR certification process.

According to Epic, HHS has been giving Cerner preferential treatment by allowing them to use third-party testing instead of the required in-house testing. This, according to Epic, gives Cerner an unfair advantage and goes against the principles of a fair and competitive market. Epic is seeking to have the certification process for EHRs declared invalid and have HHS start over with a new, fair process.

While this development may cause some disruption in the healthcare industry, it also highlights the need for fair and transparent processes in the certification of EHRs. As technology continues to play a crucial role in healthcare, it is important to ensure that all companies have an equal opportunity to provide quality products and services.

Updates from JPM Health Care Conference:

The annual JPMorgan Chase Health Care Conference, held in San Francisco, is a highly anticipated event in the healthcare industry. This year’s conference was no exception, with over 9,000 attendees from various sectors of the healthcare industry.

The conference covered a wide range of topics, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, the impact of technology on patient care, and the future of precision medicine. One of the highlights of the conference was a panel discussion on the role of technology in addressing the opioid crisis, which has been a major concern in the United States.

The conference also saw the launch of various new healthcare products and services, including a virtual reality therapy for chronic pain management and a digital platform for remote patient monitoring. These innovations are a testament to the constant evolution and development of technology in the healthcare industry.

Overall, the JPM health care conference served as a platform for industry leaders to come together and discuss the latest trends and advancements in healthcare technology. It also highlighted the potential of technology to improve patient outcomes and revolutionize the healthcare sector.

With these updates, it is evident that the healthcare industry is constantly evolving and embracing new technologies to improve patient care. From the use of emojis in medical records to the ongoing developments in AI and precision medicine, technology is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.

We hope you found this edition of STAT Health Tech informative and exciting. Stay tuned for our next edition, where we will bring you more updates and developments from the world of healthcare technology. Let’s continue to embrace technology and work towards a healthier, more efficient healthcare system.

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