Top Stories: Two VR companies combine to tackle behavioral health; NIH to inform study participants of health risks

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Two virtual reality companies are set to combine. What effect will this have on healthcare? We'll examine that and other news developments in this week's Top Stories, including the NIH's push to inform study participants if they have increased risks for certain health conditions, and lawmakers' efforts to curb fraud in ACO REACH.

For more news and features from Jeff Lagasse, visit Healthcare Finance News.

In this episode:

• Virtual reality companies BehaVR and OxfordVR merge
• NIH begins sending genetic health results to All of Us participants
• Lawmakers push CMS to prevent fraud, abuse in ACO REACH model

Talking points:

• BehaVR and OxfordVR say their combination creates the largest virtual reality healthcare delivery platform.
• The companies, which will unite under the BehaVR brand, also garnered $13 million in Series B funding to support the merger.
• Color Health has partnered with NIH to offer no-cost follow-up clinical DNA tests for those who request and receive results with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants.
• A preliminary review of Direct Contracting Entities participating in the GPDC found at least 10 of these organizations have records – in some cases, extensive records – of healthcare fraud, abuse and violations of healthcare laws prior to 2021.

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com