Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Beth Steele, Chief Operating Officer at Owensboro Health, talks about two pressures shaping surgical services today: rising supply costs and recruiting and keeping the best talent. She shares how an AI partnership with AssistIQ helped by capturing supplies with 99 percent accuracy, cutting nearly half of monthly product waste and removing manual documentation for nurses. Beth also outlines the practices that made the rollout successful, including early staff involvement, clear workflows and close coordination with the vendor and internal teams.This episode is sponsored by AssistIQ.

Adrienne Moore, Senior Vice President of Finance at Banner Health, oversees financial strategies for hospitals and ambulatory divisions. She discusses how Banner is prepping for Medicaid changes and focusing on workforce development. Adrienne highlights efforts like urban-rural partnerships to enhance specialty care access and the transformative potential of a $50 billion rural fund. She also shares insights on investing in AI for healthcare and commitment to training the next generation of nurses and physicians to meet evolving patient needs.

Thomas Hutchinson, Administrator of the Surgery Center of Central Florida, brings extensive experience in managing cardiology and outpatient services. He dives into current trends affecting ASCs, including the excitement surrounding outpatient electrophysiology ablations. Thomas highlights the challenges posed by staffing shortages and potential government shutdown impacts. He also shares ambitious growth plans, including expanding services and physical facilities, and stresses the importance of thorough financial assessments before adding new procedures.

Robert Chestnut, SVP and CFO of LMH Health, dives into the intersection of finance and technology in healthcare. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing provider documentation and revenue-cycle management, boosting efficiency and accuracy. Chestnut also highlights the competitive pressures faced by LMH Health and the need for innovative workforce strategies, including tech-savvy roles. The importance of digital access for patients and the evolving expectations of younger physicians are also key takeaways from this insightful conversation.

Barry Wendt, MD, chief medical information officer at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, discusses the vital role of Electronic Health Record tools in enhancing care for postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. He highlights the alarming rates of undertreatment in this demographic and introduces Diagnosis-Aware Notes (DANs) that streamline the documentation process. With smart text linked to diagnoses, DANs aim to improve compliance and simplify decision-making for clinicians. Dr. Wendt also shares insights on integrating these tools while managing workflow challenges.

Dr. Samuel O. Jones IV, a clinical electrophysiologist and Director at the Chattanooga Heart Institute, dives into the evolving landscape of cardiology. He discusses pressing workforce shortages and the increasing integration of AI in diagnostics and patient care. The conversation shifts to innovations in telehealth and moving cardiac services to outpatient settings. Dr. Jones highlights the importance of redefining care pathways and adopting technology for better outcomes, while sharing his excitement for procedural advancements that enhance patient experience.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Ramirez, Chief Information Security Officer at Renown Health, shares his expertise in cybersecurity strategy and governance. He emphasizes the significance of aligning cybersecurity with organizational growth and fostering a proactive, security-minded culture. Ramirez dives into the rising threats from AI-enabled attacks and advocates for strong data governance. He also highlights low-cost, high-impact investments in identity management and analytics, showcasing innovative AI applications that enhance user experience and reduce clinician workload.

Dr. Ashley Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author, discusses her innovative nonprofit, Meaningful Media, aimed at combating medical misinformation by connecting creators to public health experts. She reveals how the pandemic highlighted the urgency of this mission. Dr. Alker shares insights from her book, "99 Ways to Die," emphasizing the power of storytelling and humor in medicine. She also highlights the role of accurate media portrayals in public health and offers advice for clinicians looking to engage with the media responsibly.

Joel Vengco, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Hartford HealthCare, shares insights on enhancing digital access in healthcare. He discusses Hartford's mission to improve health for all and their innovative digital strategies like the 'digital front door' that elevates patient experiences. Vengco highlights the role of agentic AI in assisting both patients and staff, streamlining workflows, and redesigning workforce roles for better efficiency. He also reflects on his journey in healthcare informatics and offers personal anecdotes about his educational background.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Singerman, Administrator and COO of Manhattan Endoscopy Center, shares valuable insights on the factors driving growth in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). He highlights the benefits of cost efficiency, strong patient outcomes, and rapid tech adoption. Jeffrey also unveils the transformative potential of AI in clinical workflows and emphasizes the importance of partnerships for effective staffing. With practical advice for ASC leaders, he underscores the need for flexibility and smart investment strategies.