Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Kevin Barron, Deputy VP of Payer Relations at University Health, dives into the complexities of healthcare payer dynamics. He shares strategies for navigating aggressive payer tactics and the importance of effective contract oversight. Barron highlights how aligning contracting with revenue cycle operations has led to better patient care and financial performance. He also discusses the rising demand at a new women’s and children’s hospital, emphasizing their mission-focused approach to healthcare and community service.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Bottros, Clinical Operations Chief and Medical Director for Pain Services at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, dives into groundbreaking non-opioid pain management strategies, including Suzetrogene for acute relief. He emphasizes the industry's shift towards curative interventional procedures over traditional treatments. Bottros also addresses staffing challenges in healthcare and highlights innovative practices improving efficiency in outpatient orthopedic care. His insights paint a hopeful picture for the future of pain management.

Dr. Shirin Towfigh, a Hernia and Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist at the Beverly Hills Hernia Center, dives into the evolution of surgical care, particularly the shift to outpatient settings. She highlights the advancements in robotic surgery and the collaborations necessary for accessibility despite financial hurdles. Dr. Towfigh shares strategic growth strategies for surgical centers, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing patient care and the challenges of adopting innovative technologies. Tune in for valuable insights on leading a top-ranked surgical center!

Raymond Hino, CEO of Southern Coos Hospital in Bandon, Oregon, shares his insights on transforming rural healthcare. He discusses the game-changing implementation of the Epic EHR system, which has notably improved operations and team morale. Hino delves into the challenges of Medicaid instability and highlights innovative strategies, like introducing an outpatient retail pharmacy, to diversify services. He also emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and a supportive culture in retaining talent in the rural healthcare landscape.

Dan Collard, Co-Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group, delves into the essential need for tailored leadership development in healthcare today. He emphasizes the urgency of adapting to a multi-generational workforce, particularly after pandemic-related turnover. Dan advocates for precision leadership training that tailors skill-building to unique individual needs. Furthermore, he discusses his upcoming book 'GenFluence,' which focuses on leveraging generational differences to enhance teamwork and operational success in healthcare.

Andrew DeVoe, Executive Vice President and CFO of Tufts Medicine, has over thirty years of healthcare experience and is known for turning around a $300 million loss to profitability in just over a year. He shares his strategic methods for optimizing labor costs and enhancing revenue management. DeVoe discusses the importance of collaboration with experts for operational success and offers insights into Tufts’ innovations and growth strategies to thrive in a competitive healthcare environment. His vision for adapting to emerging trends, including value-based care, shapes the future of healthcare delivery.

Vidhya Kannan, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Virginia and a seasoned physical therapist, shares her insights from over 15 years of experience. She discusses the impact of structured leadership rounding on patient satisfaction and how this strategy has boosted feedback scores. Vidhya also addresses workforce shortages, detailing innovative talent development programs. Additionally, she highlights the importance of inclusivity and data analytics in enhancing both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency within healthcare.

Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker’s Healthcare, shares his expertise on the evolving payer landscape. He discusses the DOJ's deepening investigation into UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare Advantage billing practices, revealing concerns over fraudulent upcoding. Emerson highlights the implications of the recent One Big Beautiful Bill on Medicaid and the ACA. He analyzes the ongoing dynamics of healthcare legislation, insurance rates, and the future of telehealth services, shedding light on how these changes could impact patient care.

Key insights are shared on the Joint Commission's groundbreaking decision to cut hospital standards by 50%, simplifying guidelines for better compliance. The reinstatement of billions in NIH research funding is also discussed, potentially revitalizing academic medicine while addressing equity concerns. The ramifications of these funding changes pose challenges for research collaborations, showing the importance of monitoring future funding developments closely.

Michelle Silva, Strategic Advisor of Consumer Experience at NRC Health, dives into the unique healthcare needs of midlife women, particularly during perimenopause. She highlights their pivotal role as healthcare consumers and stresses the importance of trust and personalized care. The discussion reveals how midlife women influence healthcare markets and the necessity for systems to earn their loyalty. Silva also explores the rising trend of femtech, advocating for consumer-centered models that address education gaps and enhance healthcare interactions.