Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Dr. Kate Goodrich, Chief Medical Officer at Humana, shares her journey from practicing medicine to shaping healthcare policy. She delves into how clinician engagement is key to improving care quality, particularly for seniors. The conversation covers how ambient AI alleviates administrative burdens, helping reduce burnout. Goodrich stresses the importance of personalized leadership development to empower clinicians and foster their professional growth. Additionally, she addresses the evolving dynamics of healthcare practices and the need for tailored support.

Zafar Chaudry, Senior Vice President and CDO at Seattle Children's, is on a mission to revolutionize pediatric care through technology. He discusses the impact of cloud-based data analytics on reducing opioid prescriptions for children. The conversation highlights the transformative role of AI in healthcare, alongside the challenges of funding innovative solutions. Chaudry emphasizes the importance of active listening in leadership, showcasing how it enhances outcomes and fosters a dedicated caregiving culture within healthcare.

Shrey Kapoor, the CEO of MedSetGo, shares his journey into healthcare innovation while emphasizing AI's transformative role. He discusses the introduction of AI case managers for better patient care during discharge and highlights how integrating healthcare data can enhance AI applications. Kapoor addresses challenges in AI adoption, including privacy concerns, while encouraging leaders to see AI as a tool for operational efficiency. He reveals practical uses for AI in scribing and discharge planning, urging continuous improvement in healthcare.

Explore the latest reforms in prior authorization aimed at streamlining healthcare processes. Discover the financial pressures facing hospitals, especially in rural areas, and the strategic shifts needed for survival. Delve into cutting-edge technologies transforming patient access, from AI to 'hospital at home' initiatives. Learn how innovation is enhancing care delivery and patient experiences while easing operational burdens on health systems. Stay updated on critical Medicaid changes and upcoming industry networking events.

Tiffany Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Yoakum Community Hospital, leads a critical access facility in Texas and shares insights on fostering organizational culture through strong leadership. She discusses overcoming the challenges of transitioning to Medicare Advantage, particularly for rural hospitals. Tiffany emphasizes the need for community education and advocacy. Additionally, she highlights the importance of compassion and human connection within the healthcare workforce as essential to building a resilient, future-ready team.

Kevin Isaacs, Founder and President of Tribunus Health, is committed to improving equitable behavioral health reimbursement. He discusses how personal experiences fueled his drive to assist providers in negotiating better payer contracts. The conversation highlights the importance of data, price transparency, and strategic partnerships in empowering independent organizations. Kevin also addresses the evolving challenges in the behavioral health landscape and the need for fair reimbursement practices to enhance access to quality mental health care.

Dr. Helen Riess, a pioneering psychiatrist and the founder of Empathetics, sheds light on the deep-rooted reasons behind healthcare employee turnover. She reveals that emotional disconnection often outweighs financial motivations in driving employees away. The conversation explores neuroscience's role in trust and workplace engagement, emphasizing the need for genuine connection. Dr. Riess discusses innovative solutions for fostering empathy and improving retention, including the introduction of technology to enhance emotional ties among teams.

Dr. Mike Guertin, a seasoned Professor of Anesthesiology and Chief Perioperative Medical Director at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, shares valuable insights from his extensive career. He discusses his leadership lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects on his transformative MBA experience. The conversation highlights the critical anesthesia shortage, its causes, and the challenges it poses to healthcare delivery. Guertin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, resilience, and having meaningful conversations to prevent burnout and foster growth in the medical field.

Ellington Jones, Chief Administrative Officer of Surgical Specialties at UC San Diego Health, shares his expertise in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape. He discusses expanding services and emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for AI implementation. Jones offers valuable insights into overcoming reimbursement challenges and improving access to care. He highlights how innovation and adaptive leadership are transforming patient care and physician well-being at UCSD Health, showcasing a strong commitment to data-driven decision-making.

Cathy McDowell, the President and CEO of Karen Zupko & Associates, shares her expertise in optimizing revenue cycles for orthopedic practices. She discusses how financial transparency is transforming patient experiences by shifting from simple fee postings to proactive cost communication. McDowell highlights trends in outpatient care and the importance of collaboration among providers. She also explores innovative technologies, like AI-assisted coding tools, that enhance transparency and improve patient-provider communication for better healthcare outcomes.