Relentless Health Value

EP486: The Secrets to Operationalizing Direct Contracting From an OG, With Stan Schwartz, MD

Sep 11, 2025
Guest
Stan Schwartz
Dr. Stan Schwartz, co-founder of ZERO.health, dives into the world of direct contracting and bundled payments, aiming to make healthcare more affordable. He shares his transition from traditional healthcare practices and highlights the challenges of price variability and claims. The conversation reveals how employers can achieve $0 out-of-pocket care for patients through innovative payment models. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of transparency in healthcare costs and the need for clear communication to empower patient decision-making. A groundbreaking approach is unfolding!
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ANECDOTE

Bundled Surgery Pilot That Worked

  • Dr. Stan Schwartz describes launching ZERO.health by bundling employer groups and providers to offer $0 out-of-pocket bundled gallbladder surgery.
  • Employers paid the full bundled price and saved money compared to typical claim costs while patients faced no surprise collections.
INSIGHT

Scheduleable Care Is Purchasable

  • Reviewing claims revealed routine tests often cost far more inside the system than if bought directly.
  • Stan realized "if you can schedule it, you can put a price on it," so even cheap services can be directly contracted.
ANECDOTE

The $125 Blood Test Wake-Up Call

  • Stan recounts a 23-year-old roofing employee who paid $125 for a blood chemistry while the test costs $6.52 elsewhere.
  • That discovery motivated ZERO.health to fix small recurring overpayments as well as major claims.
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