02 Dec Health Data News Roundup: AI Quick Wins for Payers; UnitedHealthcare Wins Star Ratings Lawsuit; and FHIR Discrete Capabilities

Welcome to the Health Data Weekly News Round Up from IMAT Solutions. As the power of data continues to grow in the healthcare arena, today’s care organizations need to be on the forefront of all news and trends to help ensure that their data analytics efforts deliver accountable and informed care. Each week, we will provide you with the actionable news you need to meet these goals.

Providers, Payers Focused on Initial ‘Quick Wins’ for AI With Plans to Grow Investment: Survey
More than half of health system and health plan executives say AI is an immediate priority, and 73% are increasing their investments in the technology, according to a new survey from Define Ventures of C-suite and senior executives leaders from more than 60 providers and payers.

UnitedHealthcare Beats CMS In Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Lawsuit
UnitedHealthcare has prevailed in its lawsuit against CMS regarding the methodology used to calculate its 2025 Medicare Advantage star ratings. The lawsuit revolved around the inclusion of a single disputed customer service phone call in the agency’s calculations.

Top 5 Medicare Advantage Payers by Footprint in 2025
The five Medicare Advantage payers with the largest footprint in 2025 made their case to beneficiaries by positioning themselves on affordability, quality and access to care, according to this recent TechTarget article.

Collaboration Key to Using Data Standards for Value-Based Care
Data standards are essential for the population health initiatives that serve as the backbone of value-based care, according to a panel of experts presenting at this year’s Payer + Provider Summit, hosted virtually by Xtelligent Healthcare.

FHIR’s Discrete Data Capabilities Allow for Better Workflows
FHIR at scale awaits trusted scale exchange, but the building blocks and capability are there, says Paul Wilder, director of CommonWell Health Alliance in this recent HIMSS TV interview.

CMS Suggests Public Payer Weight Loss Drug Coverage Changes
A new CMS proposal seeks to ease Medicare Advantage members’ access to weight loss drugs. The proposed rule also addresses a couple of other issues in the Medicare Advantage space, such as transparency and prior authorizations