The Beat

In this insightful episode of The Beat Podcast, Sandy Vance is joined by two healthcare experts, Dr. Peter Pronovost and Claudia Douglass from Grant Thornton, to discuss a transformative concept in healthcare: the Intelligent Clinical Environment (ICE). This advanced, technology-driven model is revolutionizing the way healthcare systems are addressing critical issues like clinician burnout, labor shortages, and improving patient care outcomes. If you’re interested in the future of healthcare and technology, this episode offers a deep dive into how digital innovations like the Intelligent Clinical Environment are changing the landscape.In this episode, they talk about:The concept of Intelligent Clinical Environment and how it addresses the current clinician labor crisisThe impact on clinician burnout and turnoverThe role do advanced technologies like this play in improving patient care, leadership development, and clinician efficiencyHow the Intelligent Clinical Environment enhances clinical outcomes and patient safetyHow the Intelligent Clinical Environment enhances patient satisfactionSome of the common challenges health systems face when implementing this digital care transformation model The ways the Intelligent Clinical Environment helps health systems meet their financial targets and reduce costsA Little About Claudia and Peter:Claudia Douglass, FACHE, MHSA, PMP, is a Principal and U.S. National Healthcare Growth Leader with 30 years of experience in healthcare strategy and operations. She’s led complex initiatives in strategic growth, digital transformation, operational performance, and population health across large health systems and consulting roles. A recognized thought leader, Claudia regularly speaks and publishes on topics like leadership, virtual care, and value-based care at top industry conferences. Previously, she served as SVP & COO and VP of Strategy in health systems, bringing practical, implementable insights to her clients.Dr. Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, is a leading expert in patient safety and critical care, known for pioneering research that has saved thousands of lives. With over 800 peer-reviewed publications, he gained global recognition for his work using checklists to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. His groundbreaking contributions earned him a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people and a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.” As the Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Dr. Pronovost drives innovation in healthcare across a network of 20 hospitals, 50+ health centers, and over 200 physician offices.

About Adam Mariano:Adam Mariano is the GM and President of LexisNexis Healthcare. Adam is a technologist, nurse, and attorney, deeply invested in helping healthcare companies build better, more equitable, and unbiased products and services through intentional product development, open interoperability, and reduced health disparities. He brings extensive clinical, technical, and legal experience spanning 20+ years. Adam's legal work is focused on equal access, civil rights, and immigration.About Sushma Akunuru:Sushma Akunuru is a strategic technology leader with expertise in healthcare insurance, wealth management, and banking. As CIO at Independence Blue Cross, she drives digital transformation, modernizing business applications and optimizing IT operations. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, leading wealth management technology and automation strategies. With an MBA from Wharton and a background in computer sciences, she excels in IT strategy, product development, and operational excellence, shaping the future of healthcare and financial services through innovation and digital solutions.Things You’ll Learn:80% of clinical outcomes are influenced by factors outside of traditional medical care, like social determinants of health; therefore, a focus on whole-person care and community support is essential for equitable health.No single entity can solve the complex challenges of healthcare disparities. Collaborations between payers, providers, and technology vendors are essential for creating a connected and equitable healthcare ecosystem.Digitalization presents both opportunities and risks. While technology can improve access and convenience, the rapid push toward digitalization can exacerbate health disparities if not implemented thoughtfully, especially for vulnerable populations with limited access to technology or health literacy.Solving large, systemic problems can be easy; healthcare organizations should prioritize achievable improvements to create positive experiences for members.Telehealth is here to stay. The pandemic accelerated its adoption, which now requires careful consideration to ensure that the service remains available to modern consumers. As things return to normal, virtual healthcare or therapy must remain an option.Resources:Connect with and follow Adam Mariano on LinkedIn.Learn more about LexisNexis Risk Solutions on their LinkedIn, Instagram, and website.Follow and connect with Sushma Akunuru on LinkedIn.Discover more about Independence Blue Cross on their LinkedIn, Instagram, and website.Learn more about this episode's sponsor, UST Health, on their website.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Beat, host Sandy Vance is joined by Caleb Manscill, the President of Vyne Medical, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving intersection of AI and healthcare. Caleb shares invaluable insights into how AI and automation are reshaping healthcare workflows, improving operational efficiency, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.As AI becomes increasingly pivotal in transforming industries, its impact on healthcare stands out, particularly in overcoming the persistent challenge of data interoperability. With AI's growing role, ethical considerations around data privacy, transparency, and bias are coming to light. Caleb and Sandy discuss these topics in-depth by exploring how healthcare organizations can navigate the complexities of implementing AI responsibly and effectively.In this episode, you’ll learn:How AI is transforming healthcare workflows and patient care, making processes faster and more accurate.The role Vyne Medical is playing in improving operational efficiency through AI-driven automation.How AI is bridging gaps between healthcare systems, improving data exchange, and supporting better decision-making.Real-world examples of how AI-driven automation is enhancing operational efficiency and patient outcomes for healthcare providers.Key challenges in the implementation of AI, and how Vyne Medical is tackling these to ensure ethical and responsible use.What the next frontier for AI in healthcare looks like, and how it will continue to revolutionize the industry.How healthcare professionals and organizations can prepare for the AI transformation, and what skills or mindset shifts are necessary to thrive in an AI-powered healthcare environmentCaleb’s perspective on how Vyne Medical is contributing to the future of AI in the healthcare sector.A Little About Caleb Manscill:Caleb Manscill is the President of Vyne Medical, where he leads efforts to enhance healthcare communication and operational efficiency through AI. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Caleb has held key leadership roles, including business development at Weave and co-founder and CEO of DentalRay. His career has provided him with deep insights into both clinical and business perspectives, working closely with doctors, radiologists, and healthcare executives. Caleb is also a board member for LymeDisease.org and holds an MBA from Babson College and a BA from Brigham Young University.

About Terri Couts:Terri Couts is the Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at The Guthrie Clinic, an accomplished healthcare technology leader with a passion for driving innovation and clinical care through digital transformation. Terri focuses on creating integrated, patient-centered health systems by leveraging digital health solutions, remote patient monitoring, and telemedicine, particularly in underserved rural communities. With a strategic approach to balancing innovation and sustainability, Terri is dedicated to solving real-world problems and fostering a culture where IT, clinical, and operational leaders co-own transformation initiatives.Things You’ll Learn:The Guthrie Clinic is building a connected, intelligent, and patient-centered health system through innovative care models. Their pulse center allows for real-time patient monitoring and supports virtual nursing and enhanced care transitions.Balancing innovation with sustainability involves building internal capabilities and focusing on solving real problems.Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of digital transformation by taking smart risks and collaborating across silos.AI and virtual care models are poised to reshape healthcare by improving efficiency, addressing workforce shortages, and enhancing population health management.The Guthrie Clinic focuses on internal staffing for virtual care to maintain the connection to its mission and values.Resources:Connect with and follow Terri Couts on LinkedIn.Learn more about The Guthrie Clinic on their LinkedIn and website.

About Rahul Lakhanpal:Rahul Lakhanpal is the Chief of Staff at SpectraMedix. He is focused on driving strategic initiatives and ensuring the company's alignment with market needs in the evolving landscape of value-based care.About Sean Kelly:Sean Kelly is the Senior Vice President of Growth and Business Development at SpectraMedix. He is responsible for leading the company's growth strategies and expanding its presence in the healthcare market.Things You’ll Learn:SpectraMedix focuses on delivering a technology solution for value-based contract administration and management for health plans and health systems.The organization's platform enables different departments to come together, administer contracts, track performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.SpectraMedix differentiates itself by filtering information through the prism of the value-based contract, translating contract terms into actionable activities and measurements for providers.The company's technology helps health plans and health systems manage the increasing complexity of value-based contracts and make data-driven decisions.SpectraMedix emphasizes provider enablement by providing real-time financial incentives and making it easier for doctors to improve quality and reduce costs.Resources:Connect with and follow Rahul Lakhanpal on LinkedIn.Follow and connect with Sean Kelly on LinkedIn.Learn more about SpectraMedix on their LinkedIn and website.

About Chris Caramanico:Chris Caramanico is a growth-oriented CEO, investor, and consultant with a proven track record of driving profitable growth in healthcare technology. With over 20 years of experience, Chris excels in both startups and large corporations, leading successful transformations and delivering results in complex environments. He is adept at anticipating market trends, developing innovative strategies, and building high-performance teams. Chris is a customer-focused strategist with expertise in value-based care and a passion for improving healthcare delivery through intelligence and intervention. Currently, he serves as CEO of Elligint Health, leveraging his expertise to reshape the healthcare landscape.Things You’ll Learn:Elligint Health provides a toolset outside of the electronic medical record to help organizations perform value-based care arrangements.Their solution combines data analytics, care management, and communication tools to proactively identify and address patient needs.The platform aggregates data from various sources to create prospective work lists, enabling targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.Elligint Health emphasizes patient activation, encouraging patients to take a proactive role in their care to improve health outcomes and address labor shortages.The organization is focused on interoperability and is prepared to meet CMS's rulings regarding prior authorization and data exchange.Resources:Connect with and follow Chris Caramanico on LinkedIn.Learn more about Elligint Health on their LinkedIn and website.

About Kevin Ritter:Kevin Ritter is the Executive Vice President of CareInMotion at Altera Digital Health, an experienced digital health leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning electronic health records, population health management, consumer health, and data analytics.Things You’ll Learn:CareInMotion at Altera Digital Health focuses on interoperability, data aggregation, and delivering actionable insights at the point of care.The organization leverages FHIR, generative AI, and national networks to improve data connectivity and usability.AI-enabled search and natural language processing (NLP) are utilized to enhance data retrieval and decision-making.Remote patient monitoring, powered by AI, enables better analysis of patient data from wearables and chronic condition devices.Altera Digital Health serves health systems, physician organizations, and payers globally, providing high-quality data to clinicians within their existing workflows.Resources:Connect with and follow Kevin Ritter on LinkedIn.Learn more about Altera Digital Health on their LinkedIn and website.

About Dr. Stanley Crittenden:Dr. Stanley Crittenden is the Chief Medical Officer at Quantum Health. He is a board-certified nephrologist and internal medicine doctor with an unwavering focus on clinical excellence and a deep passion for improving the healthcare system. He has extensive experience in managed care, having held leadership positions at Humana, Anthem, and Evergreen Nephrology prior to joining Quantum Health.Things You’ll Learn:Quantum Health is focused on human-centered navigation, enhanced by AI, to improve member engagement, operational efficiency, and employer value.The organization utilizes predictive analytics and real-time intercept technology to proactively intervene and improve clinical outcomes.Quantum Health’s premier pharmacy product suite provides pharmacy-trained pharmacists who analyze clinical records to ensure members receive the right care at the right time while being cost-conscious.Quantum Health is helping employers navigate the complexities of GLP-1s by taking a holistic approach that considers the whole person, including their health coaching needs, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.Employers should recognize obesity as a chronic problem and embrace holistic programs that not only control inappropriate utilization but also provide ongoing support for members using GLP-1s.Resources:Connect with and follow Dr. Stanley Crittenden on LinkedIn.Learn more about Quantum Health on their LinkedIn and website.

About Ashish Pamula:Ashish Pamula is the Growth Lead at Samaritan, where he spearheads partnership efforts with Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and health systems to reach more people with stable housing.Things You’ll Learn:Samaritan partners with Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans to provide resources and support to unhoused residents.The organization focuses on incentivized behavioral change, flexible funds for strategic needs, and relational support to help people overcome financial barriers and achieve stable housing and health.Samaritan helps individuals navigate the complex process of finding housing by providing financial assistance for basic needs like groceries, transportation, and access to housing navigators.Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans benefit from partnering with Samaritan through reduced reliance on emergency services and a better understanding of the gaps in addressing social determinants of health.Samaritan aims to serve 100,000 unhoused residents in the next five years by expanding partnerships and reaching underserved rural communities.Resources:Connect with and follow Ashish Pamula on LinkedIn.Learn more about Samaritan on their LinkedIn and website.Email Ashish directly here.

About Dr. Shafiq Rab:Dr. Shafiq Rab is the Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer for Tufts Medicine. He leads the organization's digital transformation efforts and leverages technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency.About Suman Mishra:Suman Mishra is the Chief Technology Officer of Healthcare for GS Lab GAVS. He has extensive experience in healthcare technology and is passionate about using technology to solve complex challenges and improve healthcare outcomes.Things You’ll Learn:AI, data, interoperability, communication, and transparency are key technologies and trends that will impact healthcare over the next five years.Strong governance, change management, and digital workforce development are essential for successful technology implementation in healthcare.Partnerships are crucial for healthcare organizations to drive innovation and improve patient care.Understanding patient needs and preferences is essential for creating a positive member experience.Healthcare organizations face significant economic pressures and must leverage technology and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.Resources:Connect with and follow Dr. Shafiq Rab on LinkedIn.Learn more about Tufts Medicine on their LinkedIn and website.Email Dr. Rab here and call him at +1 (609) 304-5342.Connect with and follow Suman Mishra on LinkedIn.Learn more about GS Lab GAVS on their LinkedIn and website.Email Suman directly here.