Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Shari Johnson, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer at Alameda Health System
Nov 11, 2025
Shari Johnson, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer at Alameda Health System, brings 25 years of experience in healthcare and a Lean Six Sigma black belt to the conversation. She dives into how AI and automation are revolutionizing revenue cycle management, enhancing patient care, and reducing denials. Shari highlights the impact of Medicaid cuts and shares her strategy for fostering staff engagement through data empowerment. Discover her insights on balancing automation with analytics and leading organizational change with lean principles.
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Lean Six Sigma Shapes Revenue Cycle
- Shari Johnson described her 25-year healthcare career and Lean Six Sigma black belt guiding process improvements.
- She uses project management and upstream collaboration to connect clinical services to revenue cycle outcomes.
Medicaid Cuts Threaten Safety-Net Finances
- The HR1 law will sharply reduce Medicaid funding and materially affect safety-net systems like Alameda Health System.
- Shari estimates about a $100 million impact through 2030 and is reassessing cash flow and bad-debt exposure.
Use Clear Criteria For AI Adoption
- Set clear criteria before adopting AI or automation: reduce cost, support innovation, create efficiencies, and ensure accuracy.
- Prefer automation over AI if current KPIs already perform well and validate vendor claims against your metrics.