Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

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.

Roberta Schwartz, PhD, is the Executive VP and Chief Innovation Officer at Houston Methodist, with extensive experience in healthcare innovation. In the conversation, she tackles the hurdles of adopting new technologies in a world of information overload. She explores the decline of telehealth post-COVID and discusses AI's role in healthcare, particularly in triaging patients. Roberta highlights the need for transparency in tech adoption and the impact of reimbursement changes on innovation, emphasizing efforts to bridge care access gaps in underserved areas.

Dr. Randy Robbins, a seasoned anesthesiologist and founder of Valiant Anesthesia Associates, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of anesthesia post-COVID. He discusses the workforce strain and how public policy impacts anesthesiologists, as well as the need for improved physician communication. Robbins highlights the shift in compensation dynamics and the importance of strong physician engagement for better outcomes in operating rooms. He also addresses the generational leadership gap and outlines a growth strategy focused on quality partnerships amid staffing shortages.

Joey Seliski, Director of Digital Health Strategy and Operations at Allegheny Health Network, shares his journey from pediatrics to tech leadership. He tackles pressing issues like clinician burnout and workforce shortages, advocating for AI solutions to ease administrative tasks. Joey dives into hybrid care models and the importance of improving patient experiences. He emphasizes investing in AI literacy and the need for cultural readiness to ensure technology thrives, rather than fails, in healthcare settings. Tune in for insightful perspectives on the future of healthcare technology!

Scott dives into the latest healthcare news, highlighting modest rate increases from CMS for outpatient hospitals. He explores how Trinity Health is navigating challenges in the sector. Meanwhile, large health systems are expanding while many smaller ones face financial troubles. The podcast also discusses a concerning trend with 91 hospitals implementing job cuts. Additionally, there's a preview of an upcoming major healthcare meeting featuring nearly 800 speakers. Tune in for insights on the ever-evolving healthcare landscape!

Kyle Benoit, the Executive Vice President and COO at Bayhealth, discusses the vital challenge of improving access and affordability in healthcare. He dives into innovative strategies like tech optimization and telehealth to redefine care access. Benoit touches on the looming impact of Medicaid cuts and outlines operational changes to enhance patient flow. He also shares ambitious plans for ambulatory growth and a master facility overhaul aimed at transforming care by 2030, ensuring high-quality outcomes in an evolving landscape.

Matthew Cantonis, Senior Vice President and COO at USF Tampa General Physicians, dives into how leadership culture impacts patient access in healthcare. He discusses the transformative power of centralized scheduling and AI agents that can handle calls to streamline the appointment process. Matthew emphasizes the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration and transparent leadership to engage staff effectively. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where connected, digital solutions enhance patient-centered care while fostering a seamless integration of academic and community health.

Joining the discussion is Patrick Garman, Executive Administrator at Spartan Health Surgery Center, who brings over 20 years of ASC experience. He dives into the key growth drivers for ASCs, emphasizing how physician-led initiatives and CMS shifts facilitate more procedures. Patrick also highlights the critical role of technology, particularly the transition from paper to electronic records. However, he raises concerns about the soaring anesthesia costs and their impact on sustainability, advocating for partnerships that prioritize physician needs.