Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

John W. Gachago, Vice President of Digital Innovation at Parrish Healthcare, champions digital transformation aimed at rural and underserved communities. He emphasizes the need for responsible AI governance and the balance between innovation and patient-centered care. Gachago discusses the pivotal role of telehealth and AI in improving healthcare access and outlines exciting tech priorities like ambient clinical tools and digital twins. His key advice focuses on building trust through governance and enhancing digital literacy for better patient engagement.

Discover the latest in healthcare as major topics unfold. Hospital closures are on the rise, with New Jersey facing a shutdown but keeping emergency services open. Job cuts loom for 89 health systems, while 33 move away from Medicare Advantage due to payment issues. Henry Ford Health explores a direct-to-care model, and Mayo Clinic unveils an innovative AI platform. Leadership changes are noted, including Dr. Stephen Corwin's retirement announcement. The recent troubling incident at Montefiore St. Luke's brings attention to security in healthcare.

Chris Harrison, CPA and CEO of Quorum Health, leads a 12-hospital network focused on rural healthcare. He shares insights on Quorum’s ambitious growth plan and the vital role of AI in enhancing clinical efficiency and patient care. Harrison discusses strategic partnerships over vendor relationships to foster innovation and improve experiences for patients and providers alike. He highlights the use of AI for administrative tasks and proposes exciting technology like delivery robots to alleviate clinician burdens, ensuring a brighter future for rural healthcare.

Shannon Libbert, a Senior Partner at Kingsley Gate and seasoned HR strategist with 25 years in healthcare, shares her insights on navigating modern workforce challenges. She discusses the critical skills for healthcare leaders, emphasizing the importance of change management and trust-building. AI is framed as an enabler rather than a threat, enhancing caregiver interactions while streamlining processes. Shannon also underscores the need for cultural alignment and soft skills within organizations to foster transformation and resilience.

In this discussion, Erin Hodson, MSN, the Vice President of Revenue Cycle at Inova Health, brings her extensive expertise in navigating complex revenue cycle operations. She dives into how AI tools are transforming denials management and operational strategies. Erin highlights the importance of developing team skills in critical thinking and adapting to new patient financial needs. Additionally, she explores the potential of AI agents in handling denials and discusses the future of revenue cycle management as healthcare evolves.

Edwina Bhaskaran, MSN, RN, is the Chief Clinical Systems and Informatics Officer at Mayo Clinic, focusing on health IT and digital tools. Joined by Henry Stokman, Principal at ECG Management Consultants, they dive into how health systems can adopt AI while balancing innovation and risk. Topics include successful AI pilot strategies, vendor evaluation for sustainability, and Mayo's achievements with automation. They also discuss the importance of ethical considerations in AI use and the challenges of decommissioning outdated systems.

Aaron Mursky and Cordell Mack, Managing Directors at VMG Health with extensive experience in healthcare consulting, dive into the rapid growth of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). They discuss key drivers like technology advancements and changing patient preferences. Aaron highlights the necessity of aligning health systems with physicians, while Cordell emphasizes tailoring ASC strategies to local market conditions. They also address challenges like execution speed and physician supply, predicting a rise in specialty-focused ASCs and shifts in managed care.

Dr. Amro Alsaid, a cardiologist and Medical Director of Advanced Cardiac Imaging, and Dr. Karim Al-Azizi, an interventional cardiologist and Medical Director of the Catheterization Laboratory at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital, delve into the game-changing role of AI in coronary care. They discuss the limitations of traditional CAD detection and how advanced imaging technologies enhance procedural planning. The conversation also covers improving workflow efficiency and the crucial integration of CT data to optimize patient outcomes and treatment strategies.

Kathleen Hickman, RN, BSN, MS, CASC, is the Administrator and Clinical Director of Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center, boasting 25 years in the ASC industry. She delves into the exciting growth of ASCs with higher-acuity cases, the transformative impact of new CMS codes, and the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiencies. Kathleen shares her enthusiasm for cardiology expansion, discusses the challenges of consolidation, and emphasizes the importance of culture and innovation in the future of surgical care.

Eric Huckins, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy Business Development at Lumicera Health Services, dives into the evolving landscape of specialty pharmacy. He discusses trends in high-cost infusions and direct-to-consumer models, stressing the importance of transparency in lowering drug costs. Huckins also highlights how to prepare for the Inflation Reduction Act's impacts, emphasizing data analytics' role. He shares insights on the integration of AI and technology in pharmacy workflows and the growing trend of home infusion solutions, reinforcing the value of partnerships in healthcare.