Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Nick Barcellona, Chief Financial Officer, WVU Medicine
Dec 16, 2025
Nick Barcellona, CFO of WVU Medicine, leads finance for a rapidly expanding health system and emphasizes the importance of population health. He discusses launching Peak Healthcare and entering Medicare Advantage, focusing on integrated payer-provider models. Barcellona also highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, aimed at reducing clinician burnout and improving efficiency. His cautious 'settler' approach to innovation ensures that projects are prioritized based on measurable impact, ultimately enhancing both patient and provider experiences.
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Integrated Growth Drives Population Health
- WVU Medicine expanded rapidly, nearly tripling in size and launching a health plan to improve population health.
- Nick Barcellona says integrated payer-provider models strengthen care and advance their mission to improve West Virginians' health.
Pilot Carefully And Govern AI
- Don't rush to be the first adopter; choose to be a measured 'settler' and pilot new AI in small, safe settings.
- Form interdisciplinary AI and data governance committees to balance clinical, financial and IT perspectives.
Prioritize Projects By Clear Metrics
- Prioritization, not enthusiasm, determines which AI projects get resources.
- Nick's team scores projects with metrics because resources doubled but remain limited.