Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Brett Maxfield, MS, CRNA, is the President and CEO of Maxfield Healthcare Solutions, with a rich background in anesthesia and ASC consulting. In this discussion, he highlights key trends like rising costs and anesthesia shortages impacting ambulatory surgery centers. Brett delves into the transformative potential of AI for operational efficiency and quality assurance. He also addresses the shifts in specialty care from hospitals to ASCs and the challenges of technology adoption due to high EMR costs, advocating for affordable solutions to enhance care delivery.

Dr. Chandler Wilfong and Dr. Edward Cho, both HPV surgeons at OSF Healthcare, discuss their innovative approaches to gastrointestinal cancer care. They delve into the importance of their nursing navigation program and how it simplifies patient experiences. Their efforts are focused on providing world-class expertise locally, especially for pancreatic cancer patients. The duo also shares their excitement about advances in immunotherapy and how these developments contribute to improved survival rates for metastatic diseases.

Kaitlyn Torrence, Senior Director of Innovation at WellSpan Health, brings a wealth of experience from her time at MUSC and Providence. She dives into how WellSpan is leveraging AI, specifically the agent Anna, to enhance patient experiences and ease workforce burdens. Kaitlyn discusses the importance of balancing innovation with governance and preparing for policy changes. She emphasizes the need for patient-centered approaches in tech strategies and highlights the future of telehealth, focusing on operational efficiency and improving care through strategic investments.

Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, dives into the complex world of ACA enhanced subsidies and rising premiums. He discusses the political tug-of-war surrounding President Trump's new subsidy proposal and the split among Republicans on the issue. Jakob highlights the alarming trend of surging marketplace premiums and the increasing need for affordable options due to shifting workforce dynamics. He warns that while subsidies may provide temporary relief, they fail to address the foundational issues of healthcare costs and affordability.

Dr. Stephen Teitelbaum, Senior VP and Chief Medical Finance Officer at Mount Sinai Health System, brings three decades of clinical and leadership insight. He dives into the rich history and scale of Mount Sinai, shedding light on the critical issue of payer influence on clinical decision-making. Teitelbaum reveals how this trend compromises physician autonomy and offers actionable strategies for reclaiming leadership. His emphasis on coalition-building and data use empowers physicians to enhance patient-centered care despite industry challenges.

Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare and a keen analyst on healthcare finance, dives into the latest Q3 financial outcomes for nonprofit health systems. He discusses Trinity Health's impressive 1.2% operating margin and Providence's remarkable turnaround from a $200M loss to a $21M gain. Condon sheds light on CommonSpirit and Ascension’s strategic loss reductions, as well as Essentia's growth through ambulatory services. He also explores WVU Health's ambitious $800M acquisition of Independence Health and its integration challenges.

Chris Carmody, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of UPMC, draws on nearly 30 years of experience to discuss the health system's ambitious journey toward a single Epic instance. He explains the challenges faced during Wave One of the UPMC Bridges project, including integration strategies for newly acquired sites. Chris emphasizes the importance of organizational collaboration beyond just technology and shares insights into the advantages seen from Wave One. He also touches on the integration of Gen AI models that help reduce documentation strain on healthcare providers.

Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, dives into crucial CMS policy changes impacting healthcare delivery. She discusses the three-year phase-out of the inpatient-only list and how health systems are evolving with ASC growth and partnerships. Important shifts toward site-neutral payments are highlighted, aiming to reduce patient copays. Dyrda also navigates the political landscape around ACA subsidies, revealing the implications for hospitals and patients amid growing public support for tax credits.

Dr. Debra A. Wong, a medical oncologist at City of Hope and medical director at AccessHope, shares her insights on enhancing cancer care access. She discusses innovative remote expert-opinion programs that help oncologists in resource-limited areas. Dr. Wong highlights the significant impact these initiatives have on non-urban and disadvantaged patients, often resulting in crucial treatment changes. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human element in care while advocating for tailored solutions and continuous evaluation to support effective cancer treatment.

Joel Vengco, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Hartford HealthCare, discusses innovative strategies for improving healthcare access and quality. He shares insights on building consumer-centered digital experiences and how AI can personalize patient care. Vengco also highlights the importance of a robust data platform and cloud technology in optimizing healthcare delivery. Additionally, he explains how AI can redefine workforce roles, automating low-value tasks and enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare services.