The Beat

About Kelly Bliss:Kelly Bliss is president of U.S. Group Health. She oversees sales, client management, and client and commercial operations for the business.Ms. Bliss has strong expertise in creating cohesive client-focused organizations. Most recently, she held the position of chief client officer at Teladoc Health. Under her leadership, client services achieved record growth and retention through a focus on delivering value and a best-in-class experience to our clients. Ms. Bliss also built and managed high-functioning, global teams at companies such as Best Doctors and InterSystems. At Best Doctors, she served as chief of staff, leading the organization's key strategic growth initiatives until the eventual acquisition by Teladoc Health in 2017.Ms. Bliss was recognized as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare Software of 2020 by The Healthcare Technology Report and serves as executive sponsor for the Teladoc Health Women's Network. She holds a bachelor's degree in industrial psychology from Nichols College.Things You’ll Learn:Teladoc places a priority on well-rounded growth, giving significant attention to both revenue and profitability.This commitment is supported by a robust balance sheet and substantial investments in research and development.The growing significance of hyper-personalized member experiences and the utilization of multiple artificial intelligence models to enhance outcomes for clients and members.Kelly Bliss's professional odyssey as a "code breaker" involves challenging norms and assembling unconventional teams to optimize and create high-performance team dynamics.The surge of virtual care is evident, with Teladoc's research indicating a growing trend among employers investing in comprehensive virtual care providers.Resources:Connect with and follow Kelly Bliss on LinkedIn.Follow Teladoc on LinkedIn and visit their website.

How do you inspire a community to take ownership of their health?If you ask Kristen Cerf, the secret lies in hiring staff from the community you serve and connecting people with the resources they need to improve their health.Kristen is President and CEO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, where she is responsible for ensuring access to quality care for Blue Shield Promise’s 530,000 Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties.Under Kristen’s guidance, Blue Shield Promise has delivered several initiatives improving access to and availability of person-centered care to California's underinsured, low income and medically underserved populations.On this episode of The Beat, Kristen joins host Dr. Jessica Shepherd to discuss the future of grassroots efforts to promote health care in the community.Kristen explains how Blue Shield Promise helps members navigate the complexities of the Medi-Cal system, leveraging community health advocates to build health literacy and improve patient outcomes.Listen in for insight using data to provide support based on need and learn how Kristen’s team works with providers, community-based organizations and other nonprofits to better serve Blue Shield Promise members.Topics CoveredHow being a nonprofit organization benefits Blue Shield of California Promise Health PlanWhy a grassroots approach inspires communities to take ownership of their healthHow Blue Shield Promise helps members navigate the complexities of the Medi-Cal systemHow Blue Shield Promise’s community health advocates work with providers to improve outcomesWhy so few grassroots community health programs exist in the USHow Kristen’s team uses data to deliver support based on needHow Kristen thinks about translating information obtained from Blue Shield Promise members into dataHow Kristen’s team gets feedback from providers re: Blue Shield Promise patient outcomesWhy Kristen sites the Blue Shield Promise street medicine program among her greatest accomplishmentsConnect with Kristen CerfBlue Shield of California Promise Health PlanKristen on LinkedInConnect with Dr. Jessica Shepherd & Dr. Gautam GulatiHLTHDr. Shepherd on XDr. Shepherd on LinkedInDr. Gulati on XDr. Gulati on LinkedInResourcesCalifornia Advancing & Innovating Medi-CalCalifornia Primary Care Association Annual ConferenceBlue Shield Promise Community Health Centers

In a landscape where resources are scarce, the consequences ripple through healthcare, leading to physician burnout, a crumbling trust between patients and their caregivers, and misinformation and disinformation in the healthcare system. Today's guest, a former Chief Medical Officer at Salesforce, adeptly bridges clinical medicine, business, and digital health, making her a vital advocate in the fight against health misinformation.Join hosts Dr. Gautam Gulati and Dr. Jessica Shepherd as they welcome Dr. Geeta Nayyar or Dr. G, a distinguished rheumatologist, and a recognized leader in health information technology. Her book, "Dead Wrong," delves into healthcare misinformation, drawing from her wealth of experience.Tune in as Dr. Nayyar uncovers the historical roots of misinformation and disinformation in the healthcare realm, shedding light on the evolution of this pervasive issue and the need for regulation during this age of digital technology. Plus, the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the patient-physician relationship.Topics CoveredDr. Nayyar discusses the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age and its impact on healthcareThe significance of trust in the patient-physician relationship and the challenges associated with building and maintaining trust in the healthcare systemHow AI is impacting the patient-physician relationshipWhy there needs to be standardization in healthcare practices to improve patient outcomes How a lack of resources is leading to physician burnout and broken trust with patients.Dr. Nayyar provides insights into the historical context of misinformation and disinformation in healthcareThe critical need for regulation in the healthcare industry in the era of digital technology to combat misinformation and disinformationConnect with Dr. Geeta Nayyar (Dr. G)Dr. Geeta NayyarDr. G on InstagramDr. G on XDr. Geeta Nayyar on LinkedIn   Connect with Dr. Gautam Gulati & Dr. Jessica Shepherd HLTHDr. Gulati on XDr. Gulati on LinkedInDr. Jessica Shepherd MDDr. Shepherd on XResources 'DEAD WRONG' by Dr. Geeta Nayyar

With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, inequities in access to reproductive, sexual health and abortion care have grown.How might telemedicine solve this problem?Kiki Freedman is CEO of Hey Jane, a digital health platform for women she cofounded while at Harvard Business School.Prior to business school, Kiki was an early employee at Uber, where she led the company’s Kenya launch and spearheaded strategy and expansion for Uber Eats in the Middle East and Africa.On this episode of The Beat, Kiki joins host Dr. Gautam Gulati to explain her digital clinic addresses women’s most initial health needs.Kiki walks us through the reproductive and sexual health services Hey Jane offers, describing how patients are paired with a clinician and what the platform does to maintain their privacy and anonymity.Listen in for Kiki’s insight on working in a space that’s under attack and learn about her vision for achieving national protection for abortion access.Topics CoveredHow Kiki’s experience with scaling Uber translates to Hey JaneHey Jane’s role as a digital health clinic for women’s most intimate health needsHow COVID and the overturn of Roe v. Wade affected Kiki’s businessThe other women’s health services Hey Jane offers (beyond abortion care)Kiki’s insight on inequities in access to reproductive and sexual health careHow Hey Jane patients are paired with a clinician and support teamWhat Hey Jane does to maintain patient privacy and anonymityHow Hey Jane patients pay for services through insurance, nonprofit financial assistance and cash on a sliding scaleHow Kiki stays on top of legislation and forthcoming regulationsHow Hey Jane educates women about the telemedicine services it offersKiki’s vision around achieving national protection for abortion accessRecent approval of over-the-counter progestin-only birth controlConnect with Kiki FreedmanHey JaneHey Jane Health on TikTokConnect with Dr. Jessica Shepherd & Dr. Gautam GulatiHLTHDr. Shepherd on XDr. Shepherd on LinkedInDr. Gulati on XDr. Gulati on LinkedInResourcesNational Network of Abortion FundsWomen’s Health Protection Act

About Kathleen Mitford:Kathleen Mitford spent her career crafting strategies and empowering employees to ensure top-notch customer experiences. As the CVP of Global Industry Marketing at Microsoft, she’s proud to work alongside their partner ecosystem to help customers in all industries create the future with solutions across the Microsoft Cloud designed to solve their industry's unique challenges and unlock opportunities. Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more aligns with her own purpose, and she’s thrilled to be part of a company that values inclusivity, empathy, and a growth mindset. She’s a passionate advocate for advancing diversity and equity and promoting greater inclusion of women in science and technology by encouraging diverse perspectives, embracing our differences, and supporting a sense of belonging for all. In her free time, you’ll find her gardening, running, and adventuring with her husband and two kids.Things You’ll Learn:Microsoft is focused on empowering healthcare organizations with the tools and technologies to unlock the potential of their data and harness the power of AI to drive better operational insights and patient care.Microsoft stands apart through its foundation of trust with customers.By prioritizing customer data ownership, security, and privacy, and offering comprehensive solutions, Microsoft is committed to being a trusted advisor in healthcare transformation.Microsoft emphasizes responsible AI practices and supports customers in developing a strong data strategy, foundation, and responsible AI implementation.The power of data in healthcare is unparalleled. Kathleen Mitford highlights how Microsoft's cloud and AI solutions are driving operational insights and improving patient experiences.Resources:Connect with and follow Kathleen Mitford on LinkedIn.Follow Microsoft on LinkedIn and visit their website.

About Bonny Morris:Bonny Morris is currently the Senior Director for Patient Navigation at the American Cancer Society (ACS). Specifically, she is leading the development and implementation of ACS CARES, the first national cancer navigation support program. She’s also in charge of developing ACS LION, their new nonclinical navigation credentialing program, and the enterprise strategy for patient navigation at the American Cancer Society. Bonny uses her diverse skills to approach program development and research from different angles. As an epidemiologist, she focuses on designing and analyzing studies meticulously. Additionally, she embraces the perspective of a social and behavioral scientist, recognizing the impact of community-level social factors and individual-level factors on the cancer experience.Things You’ll Learn:The American Cancer Society excels by smoothly combining research, patient support, and advocacy worldwide, focusing on the needs of people at risk or diagnosed with cancer, as well as their caregivers and families.The ACS has successfully influenced policymakers to recognize the importance of patient navigation, with a recent win in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.The ACS CARES app, available on iOS and Android, offers personalized cancer support, including a 24/7 helpline and a volunteer component for peer support.The ACS CARES app has already surpassed first-quarter goals, reaching users with over 60 different cancer types and demonstrating its effectiveness in catering to a diverse range of people with unique needs.In January, a Spanish version of the ACS CARES app will be launched to support Spanish-speaking individuals facing cancer.Dr. Morris emphasizes the importance of collaboration, inviting partners to engage in conversations to optimize cancer care delivery, and keeping programs cutting edge and relevant to the population served.Resources:Connect with and follow Bonny Morris on LinkedIn.Follow the American Cancer Society on LinkedIn and visit their website.Learn more about the ACS CARES App here.Download the ACS CARES App on the App Store here or on the Google Play Store here.

About Harlan Levine:Harlan Levine, M.D., is president of health innovation and policy.  He also serves as the chair of the board of AccessHope™, a spinout company from the City of Hope that is focused on serving the employer market and making leading-edge cancer care available to all, regardless of geographical location.Prior to the City of Hope, Dr. Levine held executive roles at UnitedHealth Group, Towers Watson, and Anthem Inc. He currently serves as a board member and secretary for BioScienceLA, as a member of the Keck Graduate Institute’s Board of Trustees, and as a board member for Vida Health, Active Life Scientific, and Reimagine Care.  He is on the advisory board for Innovaccer and Laguna Health. For 10 years, he has been a strategic advisor to the founder/chairman of the board of Quantum Health, and now chairs its external clinical advisory board.  In addition, he is a member of the Accessibility and Affordability Working Group for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and a senior fellow for Health Evolution Forum’s New Models of Care Delivery.He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and licensed by the Medical Board of California. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and his medical degree from the University of California San Francisco. He interned at Mount Zion Hospital and Medical Center in San Francisco and completed his residency in internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Health System in Los Angeles.Things You’ll Learn:City of Hope's Distinctive Strategy: Integrating state-of-the-art research with patient-centric care. Their outreach to underrepresented markets and the introduction of a mobile van for prevention and screening empower communities with NCI-level care accessibility.Dr. Harlan emphasized how social determinants of health, including the cost of care, transportation challenges, and insufficient culturally relevant education, contribute to inequalities in cancer care.The importance of collaboration, policy adjustments, and the integration of community and academic oncologists. The initiatives at City of Hope, including the affiliated company Access Hope, aim to provide expert opinions and cutting-edge cancer care to diverse populations.Gain an understanding of the obstacles that create barriers for patients to access the latest advancements in cancer treatment and assess the effects of limited networks on fair access to care.Resources:Connect with and follow Harlan on LinkedIn.Follow City of Hope on LinkedIn.Visit the City of Hope website here.

Would you rather wait in line at the ER? Or have urgent care come to you?There is a growing interest in the hospital-at-home model of care. But how do its outcomes compare to care delivered in a traditional setting?Erin Denholm is Chief Nursing Officer of DispatchHealth, a company that brings the power of the hospital to the comfort of your home.In her role, Erin works to develop and refine the organization's robust care coordination models, focusing on health equity, social determinants of health and virtual care strategies.On this episode of The Beat, Erin joins host Dr. Gautam Gulati to discuss the future of hospital-at-home care delivery models.Erin describes the ecosystem of care DispatchHealth provides and explains why the hospital-at-home model boasts better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction than the traditional healthcare system.Listen in for Erin’s insight on the cost of hospital-at-home care and learn how the DispatchHealth team identifies and closes gaps in social determinants of health for its patients.Topics CoveredWhat’s behind the growing interest in delivering care outside the traditional healthcare systemThe ecosystem of care DispatchHealth provides (including urgent care, diagnostics and risk population support)How patients are referred to DispatchHealth and what the patient journey looks likeHow DispatchHealth partners with hospitals and why it’s not a threat to a hospital’s business modelWhy the cost of hospital-at-home care is at least 20% lower than care delivered in hospitalsErin’s take on why hospital-at-home care boasts better outcomes and higher patient satisfactionHow the DispatchHealth team closes gaps in terms of social determinants of healthThe role AI might play in keeping people out of the hospital systemHighlights from the recent DispatchHealth study on the benefits of hospital-at-home careSatisfaction ratings among caregivers and family members whose loved ones receive hospital-at-home careConnect with Erin DenholmDispatchHealthErin on LinkedInConnect with Dr. Jessica Shepherd & Dr. Gautam GulatiHLTHDr. Shepherd on XDr. Shepherd on LinkedInDr. Gulati on XDr. Gulati on LinkedInResourcesCMS Waiver ProgramResearch by Dr. Bruce LeffDispatchHealth’s Advanced Care White Paper

About Andreas Mang:Andreas Mang serves as the CEO of Equity Healthcare, where he oversees the management of medical benefits spending across Blackstone's portfolio. With two decades of experience in healthcare, Mr. Mang has worked in various capacities in healthcare finance, operations, and strategy.Before joining Blackstone, he was the Vice-President responsible for national provider network operations at CareCentrix, a prominent home health benefit-management company backed by private equity. Earlier, at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, he played a leadership role in identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across the organization and played a key role in designing a new corporate business model. Mr. Mang also worked at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care as the Manager of Strategic Financial Planning and served as a Senior Consultant with Deloitte Consulting’s Strategy and Operations group in Boston.Things You’ll Learn:Healthcare is notably unhealthy in the US.It will take a considerable amount of time for value-based care to be distributed at scale.No problem is too big to solve.Tangible outcomes include lower readmission rates and improved care management for employees going through treatments like chemotherapy.The ease of getting carrier partners on board is attributed to Blackstone's size, scale, and growth trajectory, creating a win-win situation.Resources:Connect with and follow Andreas Mang on LinkedIn.Follow Blackstone on LinkedIn and visit their website.

About David Rhew:Since August 2019, David has served as Chief Medical Officer & VP of Healthcare for Microsoft's Worldwide Commercial Business (WCB). David and his team's main goal is to demonstrate how a large-scale data-driven approach can lead to smarter decision-making, more proactive care, and improved health outcomes, as well as lower costs for patients and populations.Additionally, David is an adjunct professor at the Department of Medicine, Division of Primary Care and Population Health at Stanford University.About Marcella Dalrymple:Marcella is the Associate Director of Strategic Development and Business Partnerships at Duke AI Health. Her goal is to operationalize novel ideas by using big data to achieve the most meaningful results, leading to improved clinical practices.Prior to that role, she was the Commercial Leadership Associate in the marketing sector for AstraZeneca and a project manager for Duke Clinical Research Institute.About Michael Pencina:Michael Pencina, PhD, is Duke Health's Chief Data Scientist and serves as Vice Dean for Data Science, Director of Duke AI Health, and Professor of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at the Duke University School of Medicine. He develops and implements quantitative science strategies for the School of Medicine, co-chairs Duke Health’s Algorithm-Based Clinical Decision Support (ABCDS) Oversight Committee, and co-directs Duke’s Collaborative to Advance Clinical Health Equity (CACHE).Things You’ll Learn:AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare requires a focus on responsible and trustworthy implementation.The collaboration between Microsoft and Duke Health aims to create a Center of Excellence for trustworthy AI.The four principles for trustworthy AI are: prioritize the human person, define use cases, anticipate consequences, and establish governance.Public mistrust of AI in healthcare highlights the need for community engagement and bidirectional communication.Automation in governance processes can streamline AI integration and reduce friction in workflows.Resources:Connect with and follow David Rhew on LinkedIn.Follow Microsoft on LinkedIn and visit their website.Connect with and follow Marcella Dalrymple on LinkedIn.Connect with and follow Michael Pencina on LinkedIn.Follow Duke Health AI on LinkedIn and visit their website.