Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

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.

Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the U.S., discusses the crucial implications of proposed Medicaid cuts on healthcare for vulnerable populations. She emphasizes the challenges faced by nonprofit healthcare providers and the significant risks to maternal health and addiction services. The conversation also touches on faith-based leadership and the complex political landscape surrounding recent legislative efforts, reflecting on how these decisions affect the common good.

Jill Wiedemann-West, CEO of People Incorporated Mental Health Services, leads a non-profit focused on expanding mental health access in Minnesota. In this conversation, she discusses innovative strategies to engage communities post-COVID and reduce stigma. Jill highlights how the pandemic has increased mental health awareness while revealing the need for more accessible services. She also tackles workforce challenges, sharing initiatives like paid internships and a Pathways Program aimed at nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.

Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, joins Alan Condon to discuss major forces reshaping the healthcare sector. They delve into the implications of contentious health legislation, focusing on Medicare and Medicaid cuts. The conversation also covers strategic moves like Ascension's hospital acquisitions and divestitures for financial stability. Additionally, they highlight the rising influence of ambulatory surgery centers and the growing trend towards outpatient care as health systems adapt to financial pressures.