The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

Explore the shifting dynamics in healthcare politics as more Republicans show support for Medicaid and ACA expansion. Dive into the debate over autism and environmental toxins, sparked by a HHS director's claims, alongside a look at media representation in 'Love on the Spectrum.' Discover the challenges posed by pharmacy benefit managers and the push for transparency in academic research. Finally, learn about the importance of building trust in healthcare startups and the journey of integrating AI technologies from pilot programs to widespread use.

In an engaging discussion, Ann Somers Hogg, Director of Healthcare Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute, delves into revolutionary ideas for overcoming healthcare inflation. She critiques traditional insurance models and reveals why InsureTech startups like Oscar faced hurdles. Explore the concept of 'Zero Inflation Healthcare' and learn about the necessary shifts in business models to enhance patient care. Hogg also discusses the role of consumer behavior in healthcare choices, utilizing the 'Jobs to Be Done' theory to illuminate pathways for healthier living.

Robin Shah, Founder & CEO of Thyme Care, brings a rich background in oncology, having navigated his father's practice through the Great Recession. He discusses the challenges cancer patients face in a fragmented system and how Thyme Care supports over 50,000 individuals through virtual clinical care. The conversation highlights the transition from family practices to larger healthcare networks and the significance of community-based oncology. Shah also shares insights on building trust in cancer care and the innovative approach Thyme Care takes in evolving value-based care.

Mario Schlosser, Co-founder and CTO of Oscar Health, leads a tech-first health insurance company that defies industry norms. He shares why he and his co-founders, lacking healthcare backgrounds, ventured into an industry with one of the lowest customer satisfaction scores. Mario discusses Oscar's growth to 1.7 million members and maintaining a high NPS. He also explains the disruption caused by Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements and the evolving needs of small businesses in the healthcare market.

This month highlights a hopeful view of digital healthcare innovations. AI scribing tools are praised for boosting physician satisfaction and cutting down burnout. Generational trust issues in healthcare are discussed, revealing mixed feelings among younger patients. A deep dive into anti-obesity drugs examines their effectiveness versus high costs and insurance hurdles. Meanwhile, an analysis shows that many digital health companies from the pandemic era are still thriving, marking resilience in a challenging landscape.

Join Mohamad Makhzoumi as he reflects on his 25-year journey from intern to co-CEO of a major healthcare investment fund. Discover how venture capital in healthcare has evolved dramatically, and why timing is crucial for exits. The discussion dives into the cyclical nature of healthcare regulations and their impact on investment strategies. Learn about the balance between innovation and patient care, the role of machine learning in healthcare’s future, and the unique challenges of investing in this ever-changing landscape.

Dr. Rajaie Batniji, a physician and entrepreneur, dives into the challenges facing Medicaid, a program crucial for one in four Americans. He discusses the dire implications of proposed funding cuts and critiques the misguided 'value veneers' in healthcare. With personal stories from his background, he advocates for a robust integration of health and social services to better serve vulnerable populations. Batniji also shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact in the Medicaid space.

Rebecca Mitchell, co-founder of Scrub Capital and former product leader at Livongo and Teladoc, shares insights on the turbulent $18.5 billion merger between the two companies and the lessons learned from its underwhelming performance. She emphasizes the vital role of physician innovators in healthcare and how incorporating clinical expertise leads to better products. Mitchell also discusses her journey from rural Wisconsin to venture capital, advocating for collaboration across the healthcare landscape to enhance patient care solutions.

Startup capital accelerator and venture capital firm Y Combinator has a long history of backing healthcare startups, with a particular focus on technical founders tackling difficult problems. In this episode, YC partners Jared Friedman and Ankit Gupta share their insights on healthcare investment, the transformative potential of AI, and why they believe young, tactical founders will continue to disrupt the healthcare industry despite its challenges.We cover:🏥 YC's approach to healthcare investing over the years⚕️ How AI has a 10x faster adoption curve than anything else we've seen💻 The potential for AI to automate healthcare's administrative burdens and provide universal access to medical knowledge🌍 The opportunity to bring primary care to billions who currently lack access🔄 Why an outsider's perspective can be valuable when rebuilding healthcare systems🚫 How patient privacy regulations might be hindering healthcare innovation—About our guests:Jared Friedman is Managing Director, Software and Group Partner at YC. He was co-founder of Scribd, which was funded by Y Combinator in 2006 and grew to be one of the top 100 sites on the web. Jared previously worked at a pioneering AI company and studied computer science at Harvard.Ankit Gupta is a Visiting Partner at Y Combinator and former Co-Founder and CTO of Reverie Labs, a small molecule therapeutics company that leverages machine learning to develop oncology treatments. Ankit led the team through its acquisition by Ginkgo Bioworks in February 2024. Ankit studied computer science at Harvard.—🙏 Thanks to Flexpa for sponsoring this episode. Flexpa is refactoring healthcare. Connect to 300+ health plans through a single, secure integration to access patient-consented, identified claims data instantly.—📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, healthcare news highlights include a $5/month medication subscription that boosts adherence and lowers costs for patients. A surgeon publicly calls out UnitedHealthcare over patient care issues, sparking debate on insurance practices. The increase of microplastics in our brains is alarming, raising health concerns. Louisiana's vaccination promotion cuts stir discussions about public health trust. Lastly, a Super Bowl ad critiques the healthcare system and sheds light on the complexities of GLP-1 medication access and pricing.