Day: February 17, 2025

# DoseSpot Launches Connect to Improve Prescription Price Transparency for Patients

## Introduction

Prescription drug prices in the United States have long been a concern for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Many patients struggle with the high cost of medications, often leading to non-adherence and negative health outcomes. To address this issue, **DoseSpot**, a leading provider of electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) solutions, has launched **DoseSpot Connect**, a new initiative aimed at improving **prescription price transparency** for patients.

## What is DoseSpot Connect?

**DoseSpot Connect** is a new feature designed to help healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about prescription costs. By integrating real-time **prescription price transparency** into the ePrescribing workflow, DoseSpot Connect allows prescribers to see the cost of medications at different pharmacies before sending a prescription. This empowers both doctors and patients to choose the most affordable and accessible medication options.

## How DoseSpot Connect Works

DoseSpot Connect integrates with **pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), insurance providers, and discount programs** to provide real-time pricing information. Here’s how it works:

1. **Real-Time Price Checks** – When a provider prescribes a medication, DoseSpot Connect retrieves real-time pricing data from pharmacies and insurance providers.
2. **Alternative Medication Suggestions** – If a prescribed medication is too expensive, the system suggests lower-cost alternatives or generic options.
3. **Pharmacy Comparison** – Patients can compare prices at different pharmacies to find the most affordable option.
4. **Discount and Savings Programs** – The platform integrates with discount programs, such as **GoodRx** or manufacturer coupons, to help patients save money.

## Benefits of DoseSpot Connect

### 1. **Improved Medication Adherence**
High drug prices are a major reason why patients **skip or delay medications**. By providing cost transparency, DoseSpot Connect helps patients find affordable options, increasing adherence and improving health outcomes.

### 2. **Enhanced Provider-Patient Communication**
With access to real-time pricing, healthcare providers can have **informed discussions** with patients about medication costs and alternatives. This helps patients make better financial and health decisions.

### 3. **Reduced Prescription Abandonment**
Many patients abandon prescriptions at the pharmacy due to unexpected high costs. DoseSpot Connect reduces this issue by ensuring patients know the price before they arrive at the pharmacy.

### 4. **Streamlined Prescribing Workflow**
Instead of relying on **trial and error** to find an affordable medication, providers can instantly see pricing and make adjustments within the **ePrescribing system**, saving time and effort.

## The Growing Need for Prescription Price Transparency

The launch of DoseSpot Connect comes at a time when **prescription drug prices continue to rise**. According to a 2023 report by the **Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)**, nearly **30% of Americans** have skipped or rationed medications due to cost concerns. Additionally, **federal and state regulations** are increasingly pushing for greater price transparency in healthcare.

By offering real-time prescription pricing, DoseSpot Connect aligns with these efforts and helps **reduce financial barriers** to essential medications.

## Conclusion

DoseSpot Connect is a **game-changing innovation** in the healthcare industry, addressing one of the biggest challenges patients face—**affording their medications**. By integrating real-time price transparency into the ePrescribing process, DoseSpot empowers providers and patients to make informed, cost-effective decisions.

As healthcare continues to evolve, solutions like DoseSpot Connect will play a crucial role in making **prescription medications more accessible and affordable** for all.

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# An In-Depth Guide to Chicken Tenders: Preparation, Cooking Techniques, and Serving Ideas

Chicken tenders, commonly known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, are a favorite dish loved by individuals of all ages. Their soft texture, subtle taste, and adaptability make them a favored option for meals, snacks, and starters. This in-depth guide will delve into the preparation, cooking techniques, and serving ideas for chicken tenders, ensuring you can whip up a delightful dish that pleases every palate.

## What Are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders are strips of meat derived from the chicken breast’s tenderloin. This cut is celebrated for its tenderness and is frequently preferred for its simple cooking process and flavor absorption. Chicken tenders can be marinated or breaded and are usually fried, baked, or grilled.

## Preparation of Chicken Tenders

### 1. Choosing the Chicken

The initial step in preparing chicken tenders is selecting top-notch chicken. Seek out fresh, organic chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts that can be sliced into strips. If opting for whole chicken breasts, cut them into uniform strips around 1-2 inches wide for consistent cooking.

### 2. Marinating

Marinating chicken tenders can elevate their taste and tenderness. A straightforward marinade can consist of ingredients such as:

– **Acid**: Lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt
– **Oil**: Olive oil or vegetable oil
– **Flavorings**: Garlic, herbs, spices, and salt

Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge for optimal flavor.

### 3. Breading (Optional)

For crispy chicken tenders, breading is a favored choice. Here’s a basic breading method:

– **Dredging Setup**: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs (panko for added crunch).
– **Coating**: Dip each chicken strip first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs for an even coat.

## Cooking Techniques

Chicken tenders can be cooked in numerous ways, each yielding a distinct texture and flavor profile.

### 1. Frying

**Deep-Frying**: For the crispiest chicken tenders, deep-frying is a widely-used technique. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches for roughly 4-5 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

**Pan-Frying**: For a healthier version, pan-fry the breaded tenders in a skillet with a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

### 2. Baking

Baking chicken tenders is a healthier substitute for frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

### 3. Grilling

Grilling chicken tenders imparts a smoky flavor and is excellent for outdoor cooking. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Marinate the tenders and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

### 4. Air Frying

The air fryer is a fantastic appliance for achieving crispy chicken tenders with reduced oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tenders in a single layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

## Serving Ideas

Chicken tenders can be served in various manners, making them a flexible dish for any occasion.

### 1. Dipping Sauces

Provide an assortment of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor of chicken tenders. Popular choices include:

– Honey mustard
– Barbecue sauce
– Ranch dressing
– Buffalo sauce
– Sweet and sour sauce
– Garlic aioli

### 2. As a Main Course

Serve chicken tenders as a main dish with sides such as:

– French fries or sweet potato fries
– Coleslaw
– Macaroni and cheese
– Steamed vegetables
– Rice or quinoa

### 3. In a Salad

Slice cooked chicken tenders and incorporate them into salads for a protein boost. They complement mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette beautifully.

### 4. In a Sandwich or Wrap

Place chicken tenders in a sandwich or wrap along with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of condiments for a delicious handheld meal.

### 5. As an Appetizer

Present chicken tenders as an appetizer during parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter accompanied by a selection of dipping sauces for guests to savor.

# Abridge Raises $250M to Advance Core Research and Development

## Introduction

Abridge, a leading company in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered medical documentation, has successfully raised $250 million in a recent funding round. This significant investment will be used to enhance the company’s core research and development (R&D) efforts, further advancing its AI-driven solutions for healthcare professionals. The funding marks a pivotal moment for Abridge as it continues to revolutionize medical documentation and improve efficiency in clinical workflows.

## About Abridge

Abridge is a pioneering AI company focused on transforming the way healthcare providers document patient interactions. Founded with the mission to reduce administrative burdens on clinicians, Abridge leverages cutting-edge AI and natural language processing (NLP) to generate structured clinical notes from conversations between doctors and patients. By automating documentation, Abridge enables healthcare professionals to spend more time on patient care rather than paperwork.

## The $250M Funding Round

The latest funding round, which raised $250 million, was led by prominent venture capital firms and strategic investors. This substantial investment underscores the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in healthcare and highlights Abridge’s strong position in the market.

The funds will be allocated toward several key areas, including:

– **Advancing AI Research**: Abridge plans to enhance its AI models, making them more accurate, efficient, and capable of understanding complex medical conversations.
– **Expanding Product Offerings**: The company aims to develop new features and expand its suite of AI-powered tools to support a broader range of healthcare specialties.
– **Scaling Operations**: With increased funding, Abridge will expand its team, infrastructure, and partnerships to reach more healthcare providers and institutions.
– **Regulatory Compliance and Security**: Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA and improving data security measures will be a priority.

## The Impact on Healthcare

The integration of AI-powered documentation solutions like Abridge has the potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery. Some of the key benefits include:

– **Reduced Administrative Burden**: Physicians often spend hours on documentation, leading to burnout. Abridge automates this process, allowing doctors to focus on patient care.
– **Improved Accuracy and Consistency**: AI-generated notes help ensure that clinical documentation is comprehensive and standardized, reducing errors and omissions.
– **Enhanced Patient-Provider Communication**: By streamlining documentation, healthcare providers can engage more effectively with patients, improving overall care quality.
– **Cost Savings**: Automating medical documentation can reduce operational costs for healthcare institutions, making care more efficient and affordable.

## Future Outlook

With this new funding, Abridge is well-positioned to drive innovation in AI-powered medical documentation. As AI continues to evolve, the company’s advancements in NLP and machine learning will likely set new standards for clinical documentation efficiency.

The healthcare industry is increasingly embracing AI-driven solutions, and Abridge’s success in securing $250 million reflects the confidence investors have in its technology and vision. Moving forward, Abridge is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of medical documentation and AI applications in healthcare.

## Conclusion

Abridge’s $250 million funding round marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize medical documentation. By investing in core research and development, Abridge aims to enhance its AI capabilities, expand its product offerings, and improve healthcare efficiency. As the demand for AI-driven solutions grows, Abridge is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare industry, benefiting both providers and patients alike.