The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

Joseph Mercer, Managing Director at Marwood Group and a healthcare policy expert, dives deep into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the most significant healthcare legislation since the ACA. He discusses the dramatic changes to Medicaid, the implications for rural hospitals, and the challenges states face with new policy adaptations. Mercer highlights the looming expiration of ACA subsidies and the operational opportunities for tech in patient engagement. His insights illuminate how this legislation could impact millions, particularly the vulnerable populations relying on existing coverage.

Mike Ng, co-founder and CEO of Ambience Healthcare, shares his insights on revolutionizing clinical documentation with AI. Fresh from raising $243 million, he discusses how Ambience aims to eliminate the administrative burden that consumes 73% of clinicians' time. The conversation dives into the importance of specialized AI models for various medical fields and showcases real-world results from Cleveland Clinic's studies on clinician satisfaction. Ng believes that the right technology can transform healthcare by enhancing patient care and reducing physician burnout.

Kevin Sayer, the Chairman and CEO of Dexcom, transformed the company from $40 million to a $4 billion powerhouse in digital health. He reveals how real-time glucose monitoring has revolutionized diabetes care, empowering patients with crucial data. Kevin discusses the importance of trust in forging relationships with doctors and patients while navigating the transition from medical devices to consumer wellness. He also touches on future innovations in metabolic health and the impact of technology, including AI, on personalized health insights.

Dr. Brian Anderson, President and CEO of the Coalition for Health AI, dives into the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare. He reveals that despite over a thousand FDA-approved AI medical devices, only 2% of radiologists utilize them due to trust and transparency issues. The conversation explores the regulatory challenges of AI-driven care and the potential for autonomous AI doctors in the near future. Anderson discusses the need for clear guidelines and the balance between innovation and patient safety, while providing a mix of optimism and caution for the next few years.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Lacy, CEO and founder of Prenuvo, shares insights on shifting healthcare paradigms. He recounts how skepticism from the medical community transformed into valuable research partnerships. Andrew emphasizes the significance of proactive whole-body MRI scans in early disease detection, underpinning the belief that prevention should be a fundamental right. The conversation also highlights the impact of organic endorsements, including a surprise shoutout from Kim Kardashian, and the economics of prioritizing prevention over treatment.

Sean Duffy, co-founder and CEO of Omada Health, shares his remarkable journey of merging tech with healthcare for chronic disease management. He reveals the decision to abandon traditional pricing models in favor of innovative strategies focused on outcomes. Duffy discusses the integration of personalized dietary approaches and holistic support in metabolic care, alongside insights on evolving from a startup to a public company. His reflections offer valuable lessons on accountability, innovation, and the future of digital health.

Digital health is making a comeback, driven by a surge in IPOs and substantial funding for AI solutions. The hosts dissect the fallout from Novo Nordisk’s split with Hims, raising questions about marketing practices. They also tackle the implications of Oregon's new law on private equity in healthcare, warning of potential disruptions for startups. The conversation delves into the rapid approval processes for cancer treatments, questioning their effectiveness. Finally, they explore how AI is reshaping medical education and the future of healthcare professions.

In this engaging conversation, TJ Parker, a pharmacist and former CEO of PillPack, shares his journey from selling PillPack to Amazon for $1 billion to launching General Medicine. He discusses the challenges of pricing transparency in healthcare and the lessons learned from his PillPack experience. TJ emphasizes the importance of a seamless consumer journey in healthcare and his vision for innovative delivery models. He also dives into the challenges posed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers and his strategies for advocating consumer transparency.

Lucia Savage, Chief Privacy and Regulatory Officer at Omada Health, is joined by Dr. Vindell Washington from Verily and Dr. Aaron Carroll of AcademyHealth for a thought-provoking discussion on the disparity in evidence standards between digital and traditional healthcare. They delve into the challenges of validating digital tools and the need for transparency in AI applications. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating patient perspectives and fostering trust in innovation, emphasizing that progress lies in collaboration rather than perfection.

In this conversation, Othman Laraki, the CEO and co-founder of Color Health, shares fascinating insights on healthcare innovation. He discusses how Color transformed from a genetics startup into a pioneering virtual cancer clinic. Othman argues that instead of aiming for healthcare superintelligence, the focus should be on creating better systems. He explains how AI can enhance clinician support rather than replace them, and emphasizes strategic partnerships that bolster effective care delivery. Color's unique approach has halved time to treatment and dramatically increased screening rates.