A look back at the big news and trends emerging in 2019

The Epstein Becker Green report pinpointed the opioid epidemic as a major driving force behind new laws and programs, but coverage restrictions and non-robust parity laws are still hampering adoption within Medicare.

The MobiHealthNews team breaks down the week's news from big tech. Why does Alphabet want to buy Fitbit? Why does Facebook want to help you get a check up? And what is Amazon up to with its latest acquisition?

MobiHealthNews sat down with Rock Health to discuss the future of digital health and pressing trends in this novel space. 

The report noted that IPOs are on the rise, and that funding for women's health and behavioral health companies is growing.

A Rock Health report found that the percentage of female partners at digital health VC firms only rose from 12.2% to 12.6%, while deals closed by women-led startups rose 13.4% to 14%. 

The last 10 years have seen a slew of new customer bases in digital health, from pharma to employers to consumers, Dixon says.

From its acquisition of Fitbit to Project Nightingale, 2019 has been eventful for Alphabet and its subsidiaries. 

In the final quarter of 2019 MobiHealthNews reported on 55 digital health deals. 

New clinical efforts with big-name partners, more personal health record rollouts and continued smartwatch support defined the Cupertino company's year in digital health.

This year, providers have continued to ink deals with big names in tech including Google, Amazon and Apple. The conversation around patient-centered care and technology is also picking up steam.