Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Guest Dr. Carla Goulart Peron is the Chief Medical Officer at Philips, specializing in the integration of technology and AI in healthcare. Joining her is Dr. Sheila Martins, a stroke neurologist and former president of the World Stroke Organization, known for her work in stroke policy. They tackle the challenges in stroke awareness and hospital readiness, emphasizing the need for public education. The duo also discusses innovative solutions like telemedicine and AI, highlighting effective collaborative models that bridge gaps in stroke care globally.

Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, dives into the complexities of healthcare leadership against a backdrop of evolving federal policies. She highlights the importance of developing resilient leaders who can navigate uncertainty effectively. Dyrda also discusses the promising role of AI in enhancing operational efficiencies and patient care, emphasizing the need for clear ROI and governance. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted exchange about baseball, showcasing Dyrda's engaging personality beyond her expertise.

Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, dives into pressing healthcare issues and trends. He discusses the implications of the ACA subsidy extension and the federal spending package, revealing how they will affect federal employees and agency funding. Alan also analyzes Ascension's ambitious $3.9 billion acquisition of AMSURG, emphasizing its potential to reshape the outpatient surgery landscape. He touches on the strategic realignment within Ascension and the future of ambulatory care, providing insights into industry consolidation.

Dr. Ken Grubbs, Executive VP and Chief Nursing Officer at The Joint Commission, shares his insights on transforming healthcare quality. He introduces Accreditation 360, a new, data-driven approach focused on improving patient outcomes. Grubbs discusses how the initiative reduces administrative burdens while maintaining rigorous standards, cutting requirements from 1500 to 700 for clarity. He highlights future national performance goals and the SAFESt program, emphasizing a collaborative approach to elevate patient safety and care.

Garrett Olin, MBA, is the Chief Information Officer at Shasta Community Health Center, bringing a decade of healthcare IT expertise. He shares insights on AI adoption in clinical documentation and the balance between using live scribes and ambient AI. Olin discusses the importance of establishing governance for ethical AI use while ensuring patient transparency. He also addresses the significance of vendor security in data exchanges and reflects on how recent legislation impacts healthcare IT strategies. Preparation and proactive planning are key themes for future technology demands.

Dr. Shlomit Schaal, Executive VP and Chief Physician Executive at Houston Methodist, is a seasoned clinician-scientist and retina surgeon. She shares insights on enhancing patient care, emphasizing safety, quality, and innovation. Dr. Schaal discusses utilizing AI to improve patient access and streamline scheduling. She highlights initiatives aimed at physician well-being, including innovative technology to reduce burnout. Plans for future growth focus on expanding clinics and fostering a culture of integrity and compassion among healthcare providers.

In a revealing discussion, Scott Becker analyzes the dramatic stock declines for major health insurers amid potential changes to Affordable Care Act subsidies. Oscar Health, Centene, and Humana are particularly affected, while others have mitigated risks by distancing themselves from certain Medicare Advantage markets. Year-to-date performances highlight contrasting fortunes, with UnitedHealthcare down significantly, while CVS Health thrives. The episode delves into how insurers specializing in Medicaid and Medicare are facing the toughest challenges.

Shari Johnson, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer at Alameda Health System, brings 25 years of experience in healthcare and a Lean Six Sigma black belt to the conversation. She dives into how AI and automation are revolutionizing revenue cycle management, enhancing patient care, and reducing denials. Shari highlights the impact of Medicaid cuts and shares her strategy for fostering staff engagement through data empowerment. Discover her insights on balancing automation with analytics and leading organizational change with lean principles.

Join Steven Ringel, CEO of the Kazuna Foundation and Gnome Therapeutics, as he dives into the transformative power of AI in personalized medicine. As an advocate for ultra-rare diseases, he shares his journey from patient to innovator. Discover how AI is revolutionizing custom gene therapies, the latest trends driving personalized treatments, and practical advice for aspiring leaders in healthcare. Ringel emphasizes the importance of passion and self-care in making a meaningful impact—an inspiring listen for those interested in the future of medicine!

Kathleen Fear, Senior Director of Digital Health & AI at the University of Rochester Medical Center, discusses her role in shaping AI strategy to enhance patient access and operational efficiency. She shares compelling use cases driving measurable ROI, such as scheduling improvements and care gap identification. Kathleen highlights how generative AI tools empower staff and how regulations shape innovative, responsible solutions. She advises healthcare leaders to stay optimistic yet cautious as they navigate this transformative era in healthcare technology.