Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Dr. Michael Verdon, a community neurosurgeon and spine specialist from Dayton, Ohio, shares insights on delivering high-quality spine care amidst workforce challenges and resource constraints. He highlights the role of AI in clinic efficiency and documentation, showcasing innovative tools like a triage algorithm that significantly improved patient throughput. Verdon also discusses the shift in care models towards value-based systems and the importance of owning clinical data to enhance patient outcomes and standardize care across regions.

Brenda Fernández, Chief Financial Officer of Puerto Rico ASC Holding, brings her expertise in financial stewardship and operational efficiency to the forefront. She delves into strategies leveraging technology and AI to enhance ambulatory surgery centers. Brenda highlights the factors driving ASC growth, such as payer incentives and patient preferences. She also shares insights on joint ventures and the importance of financial literacy and disciplined cost management for sustaining innovation and collaboration in the healthcare landscape.

John Mallia, the Interim CFO at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, brings extensive experience in healthcare finance to the conversation. He dives into the pressing financial challenges that health systems face today, from rising labor costs to payer pressures. Mallia shares insights on the organization's strategic partnerships with Ensemble Health and investments in Epic, highlighting how these initiatives improve automation and patient experiences. He also discusses the evolving role of CFOs in storytelling and leading through uncertainty.

Dr. Denise J. Jamieson is an accomplished obstetrician-gynecologist and the Dean of the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa, previously serving at the CDC. She shares insights from her impressive journey in healthcare, discussing Iowa's commitment to serve over 3 million residents. Key topics include addressing physician workforce shortages through targeted training initiatives and loan forgiveness efforts. Jamieson also highlights the importance of mentorship in developing future medical leaders and touches on the evolving landscape of regional health systems.

Nancy Beale, PhD, RN, NI-BC, FAMIA, is the Chief Nursing Information Officer at Catholic Health, boasting over 40 years in healthcare. In this discussion, she highlights how AI is revolutionizing patient care, from automated messaging to boosting provider efficiency. Beale emphasizes a strategic approach to virtual care and the urgent need for advocacy amid changing telehealth legislation. She shares insights on preparing for future tech advances, urging leaders to stay ahead of industry changes and avoid investing in outdated technology.

Patrick O'Shaughnessy, President and CEO of Catholic Health, shares insights on embracing AI for enhanced care delivery and patient experiences. He discusses community health initiatives, the rapid adoption of AI in the industry, and innovative technology partnerships while cautioning against creating a 'Frankenstein' tech stack. O'Shaughnessy highlights the importance of governance in AI decisions and the ongoing challenge of payer denials, all while remaining committed to serving communities amid fiscal pressures.

Marcus Perez, President of Altera Digital Health and a West Point graduate, shares insights on the vital role of trusted data for AI adoption in healthcare. He highlights that 97% of healthcare data remains unused, stressing the need for effective governance. Topics include ambient documentation via their Note Plus product and the promise of value-based care through data-driven outcomes. Perez advocates for a gradual approach to AI adoption, ensuring it aligns with clinician workflows to foster sustainable change.

Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, dives into the intricate world of payer dynamics. He discusses the growing trend of consolidation among Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, as insurers unite to compete with larger entities. Jakob sheds light on the rising AI arms race between payers and providers which intensifies coding and denials. He also reveals insights on upcoming CMS rules for prior authorization and critiques the inefficiencies of automated administrative battles, calling for a redesign in the system.

Dr. Jackie Kissel is the Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Equitas Health, while Dr. Alvin Choy manages the Long-Acting Injectable ART Program there. They delve into the challenges faced when launching long-acting injectable PrEP, emphasizing the importance of streamlined communication to avoid chaos. They discuss their innovative patient tracking system that enhances medication access and administration. The duo also highlight the clinical risks of missed injections and the life-changing benefits that injectables offer to patients.

James Dover, President and CEO of Avera Health, leads a vast health system across four states and brings decades of healthcare executive experience. In a lively discussion, he unveils Avera's Luminate strategic plan and emphasizes cautious adoption of technology, especially AI's transformative potential in healthcare. James highlights the importance of vendor intent, the need for robust cybersecurity against AI threats, and his vision of using AI to assist clinicians in prioritizing patient care. His mission-driven leadership is set to steer Avera into a new era of innovation.