Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Joel Gordon, Chief Medical Information Officer at UW Health, shares insights into the transformative power of AI in healthcare workflows. He highlights innovative uses like ambient listening and targeted AI for documentation improvements. Gordon stresses the importance of cross-organizational partnerships and strong governance to ensure safe AI deployment. He also discusses the need for adapting to telehealth policy changes and urges leaders to remain curious and steady as they navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape.

Kirk Soileau, CEO of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, discusses his impactful leadership in transforming healthcare delivery. He reveals how patient encounters skyrocketed from 55,000 to 250,000 by expanding specialty services and recruiting subspecialists. Kirk details the shift towards outpatient care and investments in innovative technologies. He also addresses the unique challenges of recruiting rural specialists and the importance of advocacy in light of federal Medicaid changes. His insights on strategic planning and embracing change are particularly compelling.

Dennis Laraway, Executive Vice President and CFO at Cleveland Clinic, brings a wealth of experience from top U.S. health systems. He discusses the major trends impacting healthcare strategy, including payment reform and cost transformation. Laraway emphasizes the role of AI in driving efficiency and innovation, detailing partnerships with tech giants like Oracle and Palantir. He argues for collaboration between providers and payers in navigating AI challenges, rather than competing in a race, providing insightful perspectives on the future of care.

Sandeep Rustagi, Chief Data Analytics Officer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, leads AI and analytics in healthcare. He shares insights on high-value AI applications like ambient listening and predictive analytics. Rustagi emphasizes the importance of a strong governance framework for balancing innovation with regulations. He discusses the need for compliance and equitable representation in AI strategies, and highlights that successful AI implementation requires a robust ecosystem rather than simple plug-and-play solutions.

Stephen Tatum, Vice President of Strategic Healthcare Solutions at Orbis Education, dives into the pressing issue of nursing shortages. He highlights the role of academic-healthcare partnerships in creating accelerated programs and innovative learning models. Tatum discusses the financial impact of RN turnover on hospitals and explains strategies to expand access for nontraditional students. He also covers the importance of technology, including AR/XR and simulations, to prepare future nurses for evolving clinical environments.

Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, dives into the significant overhaul of the 340B program, highlighting the potential impacts on safety-net hospitals and the complexities of new pricing models. She discusses the American Hospital Association's concerns about the administrative burdens these changes could impose on communities. Additionally, Laura addresses the ongoing staffing crisis in healthcare, revealing rising labor costs and innovative strategies like AI and educational partnerships to tackle workforce shortages.

Alan Condon, Editor-in-chief at Becker's Healthcare and a keen observer of hospital trends, shares insights on HCA's impressive financial performance. He reveals how disciplined leadership and a focus on outpatient services are driving growth. The conversation also dives into the competitive AI race between payers and providers, highlighting UnitedHealth's extensive use of AI and Cleveland Clinic's success in reducing claim denials. Alan emphasizes the critical need for collaboration to enhance efficiency and lower friction in healthcare operations.

Scott Becker dives into key healthcare developments, including significant changes at Providence and Community Health Systems. The episode explores how pharmacies are becoming essential for managing costs, while the AHA battles proposed 340B rule changes. A spotlight is also cast on a Georgia doctor's guilty plea in a $24 million fraud scheme and the unfortunate closure of a small Oregon hospital. Tune in for insights on these pressing issues shaping the healthcare landscape!

In this discussion, Patrick Vallicky, Chief External Affairs Officer at HaloMD, shares his expertise on independent dispute resolution (IDR) in healthcare. He reveals that providers win IDR cases about 80% of the time, highlighting its power in securing fair rates. Vallicky outlines financial risks for the upcoming year and emphasizes how IDR can improve payer negotiations and reduce arbitration costs. He also warns that many hospitals are underusing IDR opportunities, pointing to its potential to drive growth and stabilize revenue in the healthcare system.

In this discussion, Dan Collard, co-founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group and a seasoned healthcare leader, dives into the significance of enhancing nurse leadership. He shares insights on human-centered leadership and the acquisition aimed at bolstering nurse development. Collard introduces his upcoming book, Genfluence, which tackles leading a multi-generational workforce and building trust. Additionally, he talks about the second edition of Rewiring Excellence, emphasizing the need for continual improvement in healthcare practices.