Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Chris Gay, CEO of Evry Health, focuses on enhancing patient experience and advancing population health through technology. He discusses recent commitments from insurers to simplify prior authorization processes, aiming to tackle barriers in healthcare access. Gay addresses public misconceptions about the insurance industry's role and the importance of education in bridging gaps in understanding. He emphasizes the potential of digital transformation to create a more patient-centered system, highlighting technology's significant impact on improving health outcomes.

Tammy Smittle discusses the challenges of rising case acuity in Ambulatory Surgery Centers and the crucial role of workplace culture in retaining staff. She highlights the importance of teamwork for patient safety during complex procedures. The conversation also delves into evolving orthopedic practices, showcasing innovative treatments like peripheral nerve stimulation. Additionally, she explores strategic partnerships between physician-owned facilities and hospitals, emphasizing their impact on improving patient care.

Dr. Nigam Shah, Chief Data Scientist at Stanford Health Care, specializes in applying data science to improve patient outcomes. He delves into the Green Button Project, emphasizing the integration of AI for real-time reporting in outpatient care. Shah discusses how ambient AI can transform patient-physician interactions, allowing for more meaningful engagements. He also tackles the technical challenges faced when scaling these innovations, ultimately highlighting AI's potential to streamline processes and enhance patient engagement across healthcare systems.

Kourtney Witten, Area Vice President Network Managing Partner Wisconsin at Advocate Health, shares insights on innovative healthcare strategies. She discusses the power of data and technology in reducing costs and enhancing patient care. Witten emphasizes the necessity of relationship-based care and preventive wellness for better health outcomes. The conversation dives into how patient engagement and satisfaction can drive quality care, and highlights advancements like virtual care that are transforming healthcare delivery.

Doug Henry discusses innovative strategies to enhance accessibility and quality in behavioral health care. He shares insights on partnerships with teletherapy providers aimed at engaging first-time users. The conversation shifts to the importance of shared risk models, debunking misconceptions about investing in mental health. Henry argues that proactive care not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces overall healthcare costs, advocating for a transformative approach to integrate mental health as a core aspect of total health.

In this insightful discussion, Shooa Mohammadi, Practice Manager at Northwest Suburban Pain Associates, explores the evolving landscape of healthcare management. She sheds light on how rising insurance influence affects treatment decisions and the growing importance of regenerative medicine. Shooa also shares strategies for workforce retention to combat staffing challenges, all while ensuring timely, patient-centered care. Additionally, she highlights innovative billing practices that boost efficiency and patient satisfaction, key to thriving in today’s healthcare environment.

Ekta Vyas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Keck Medicine of USC, leads transformative HR changes in healthcare. She discusses her pivotal role in launching a centralized business center designed to boost employee experiences. Vyas highlights the importance of preparing the workforce for a rapidly digital and inclusive environment. She also addresses the challenges the industry faces, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in response to evolving healthcare demands.

Dr. Brett Shore, President and CEO at Shore Orthopedics, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a keen focus on hips. In a lively discussion, he delves into the migration of orthopedic procedures to outpatient settings, highlighting the boom in minimally invasive techniques. He emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships with payers to enhance value and tackle the staffing challenges in anesthesia care. Additionally, he sheds light on the implications of Medicare policies for surgical centers, painting a picture of the future of orthopedic care.

Dr. Tait Shanafelt, Chief Wellness Officer at Stanford Medicine, focuses on tackling physician burnout and improving clinician well-being. He discusses effective strategies for creating healthier work environments, emphasizing the need for organizational changes to combat administrative burdens. With a forward-thinking approach, he highlights the role of ambient AI technology in reducing burnout and the importance of flexibility in healthcare workflows. The conversation underscores that a supportive work culture not only boosts physician morale but ultimately enhances patient care.

Jacob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, sheds light on the turbulence in the payer industry stemming from recent legislative changes. He analyzes the political fallout of the GOP reconciliation bill, discussing alarming potential cuts to Medicaid and the ACA. Emerson raises concerns about millions potentially losing insurance coverage and the challenges that insurers like Centene and UnitedHealthcare face. The conversation navigates the complexities of Medicaid reform and its looming impact on vulnerable populations and healthcare access.