Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

In this episode, Kevin Barron, Deputy VP of Payer Relations at University Health, shares how his team is navigating increasingly aggressive payer tactics, implementing smarter contract oversight, and championing a mission-first approach to revenue cycle operations. He also explains why aligning contracting within RevCycle has delivered measurable results for patient care and financial performance.

In this episode, Carey Ketelsen, President of Virtix Health, joins Becker’s Healthcare to discuss how payers are navigating and accelerating value-based care (VBC) strategies in 2025. From increasing revenue projections to the role of AI and data analytics, Carey shares insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping payer-provider collaboration. Tune in to explore how health plans can align technology, readiness, and long-term strategy to thrive in a shifting care landscape.This episode is sponsored by Virtix Health.

Chris Gay, CEO of Evry Health, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization is enhancing the patient experience and advancing population health. He explores how innovative technology is being used to address persistent challenges in the payer space and improve health outcomes. Gay also shares insights into building a more efficient, patient-centered healthcare system through digital transformation.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Doug Henry, Enterprise Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Highmark Health. Dr. Henry shares how Highmark is improving access, outcomes, and satisfaction through strategic partnerships, data-driven innovation, and value-based care models that prioritize mental health as a pillar of total health.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Illan Shapiro Strygler, Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer and Senior Vice President, AltaMed Health Services. Dr. Shapiro shares how AltaMed leverages data, cultural understanding, and community connection to improve care quality, reduce costs, and advance health equity.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Kourtney Witten, Area Vice President Network Managing Partner Wisconsin, Advocate Health. Witten discusses how her organization is leveraging data, technology, and relationship-based care to reduce costs, close care gaps, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered outcomes across diverse populations.

In this episode, Becker's Healthcare speaks with Jim Blondin, Senior Director of Digital Product Strategy at Accredo Specialty Pharmacy, about the strategic benefits of integrating specialty pharmacy into EHR workflows. The discussion explores how this integration can reduce workflow friction, improve care coordination, and enhance both patient and provider experiences. Tune in for insights relevant to pharmacy leaders, CIOs, and healthcare executives navigating digital transformation.This episode is sponsored by Accredo Specialty Pharmacy.

In this episode, Joey Seliski of Allegheny Health Network and Pritee Subramany of Highmark Health discuss how consistent, accurate provider data is essential for improving care coordination, patient trust, and enabling AI-driven tools like virtual assistants and personalized provider recommendations.This episode is sponsored by Kyruus Health.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Brian Smolich, Vice President, Health Alliance Quality and Managed Care Operations, Carle Health. Dr. Smolich shares how his organization is balancing cost and quality, leveraging biosimilars, digital engagement tools, and provider collaboration to improve member outcomes and transform the care experience.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Brad Riley, Vice President, Analytics and Reporting, Longevity Health. Brad discusses how Longevity Health is leveraging predictive analytics, machine learning, and innovative provider partnerships to balance cost containment with high-quality care, while empowering staff with AI literacy for the future of managed care.