HealthBiz with David E. Williams

The HealthBiz podcast is moving to the CareTalk: Healthcare Unfiltered Channel. From now on, when you want to listen to HealthBiz, head over to one of these links:Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6ZApple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcastCareTalk website  https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ I launched the Health Business Blog exactly 20 years ago, on March 1, 2005 to provide my perspectives on healthcare business and policy. I wrote thousands of posts and started sprinkling in audio interviews with healthcare CEOs in 2007 –long before the podcast boom.  My blog became very popular and as a result I even switched the name of my healthcare consulting firm to Health Business Group to take advantage of the blog’s brand equity.The biggest podcast highlight of that era came in 2014, when I interviewed all 9 candidates for Governor of Massachusetts about their plans for healthcare. It was my goal to help elevate the political debate.In 2017, I started co-hosting the CareTalk podcast with John Driscoll, then CEO of CareCentrix and now Chairman of the UConn Health System. We recorded monthly, in-person and experimented with a variety of formats.When the pandemic arrived, John and I switched to remote recording and began taping weekly. There was so much to discuss about COVID-19 and we made the most of it. Our producer, Vincent Grippi masterfully built up our show to one of the top few on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Meanwhile, I also shifted the Health Business Blog to an all-podcast format in September 2020, about six months into the pandemic, with Dafna Williams taking over as producer. I called it the HealthBiz podcast and we released a new episode every week on all the major audio channels plus YouTube. We’re now well over 200 episodes.In 2024, we tested out the idea of melding HealthBiz and CareTalk by adding HealthBiz Briefs to the CareTalk channel. The experiment was a success, generating substantial engagement.In 2025, we’re going all the way by moving all of HealthBiz over to CareTalk. You can listen or subscribe using the links in the show notes.You’ll now have the chance to experience HealthBiz along with a bunch of great CareTalk content, including one -on-one shows with John and me, plus John’s own interviews with executives and policy leaders.So that’s it for the first 20 years of the Health Business Blog and HealthBiz Podcast. I’d like to thank you, my listeners and viewers, and my producer, Dafna Williams.I’m looking forward to the next podcast chapter. I hope you’ll join me for it.Meet me on CareTalk! https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

Dougal Hawes, Group CEO of Smartbox Assistive Technology shares his inspiring journey from growing up in the English countryside to leading a company that empowers people with communication disabilities. Dougal's story is deeply intertwined with his father's dedication to empowering the disabled, a passion that began with a chance encounter in a hospital and evolved into a lifelong commitment. This familial influence not only shaped Dougal's understanding and empathy but also paved the way for his career in creating innovative communication devices for those with speech difficulties.Explore the evolution of communication technology for disabilities, from the early days of personal computing to today's sophisticated augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Discover how companies like Smartbox have leveraged advancements in consumer technology to create comprehensive tools tailored to the unique needs of individuals with communication challenges. The conversation highlights the critical role of software and hardware integration, offering insights into the complexity and necessity of providing personalized communication solutions for people with diverse requirements, whether from birth or due to acquired disabilities.Gain insight into the global landscape of AAC technology, as we discuss the significant need for these solutions and the efforts to expand accessibility worldwide. We examine the transformative impact of technologies such as eye-tracking for individuals with conditions like ALS, and how AI and voice cloning are poised to revolutionize the field further. The episode underscores the importance of combining technology with expertise and training, addressing distribution challenges, and the potential for AAC to be integrated as essential medical devices. Hear about the ripple effect of increased visibility in AAC, encouraging more people to recognize its benefits, and the role major tech firms play in advancing accessibility features.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

Derek Streat, Co-founder and CEO of DexCare, shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to healthcare innovation. His commitment arises from personal experiences, including advocating for his daughter’s health. He discusses DexCare’s mission to enhance healthcare accessibility and debunks myths about hospital capacity. Derek also highlights the transformative impact of data-driven solutions in pediatric care and kidney transplants, and explores the future of virtual and hybrid care models in a post-pandemic world.

What if scheduling a doctor's appointment was as easy as booking a table at your favorite restaurant? Join for an enlightening discussion with Jeff Gartland, CEO of Relatient, as we unlock the complexities of patient scheduling in healthcare. Jeff shares his unique perspective, drawing from a childhood influenced by behavioral psychologists and a career spanning top healthcare technology firms like McKesson, Ciox, and Elevance. Together, we explore how patient scheduling is much more than a tech challenge; it's about transforming human interactions in healthcare. From understanding the nuances between "new" and "existing" patients to creating a seamless, consumer-centric referral system, Jeff offers invaluable insights into reshaping the way we engage with medical practices.Discover how cutting-edge technology can bridge the gap in appointment scheduling while boosting  patient access and satisfaction. Jeff explains the paradox of how long waits for appointments can coexist with underutilized clinical time, offering solutions that hinge on sophisticated scheduling systems and automated waitlists. We discuss the significance of a portal-free experience that simplifies the referral process and enhances convenience for patients. Whether it’s aligning scheduling rules to meet patient demand or ensuring operational precision without sacrificing accessibility, this episode provides a roadmap to boost patient engagement for a better healthcare experience.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

RJ Kedziora, co-founder and COO of Estenda,  shares his  journey from a tech-savvy childhood in the 70s to becoming a leader in healthcare innovation. RJ reflects on his early fascination with computers, starting with the IBM PC Junior, and his academic pursuit of artificial intelligence. His career path has traversed the evolution of software development, consulting, and the Internet boom of the late 90s. With a unique blend of empathy and technical expertise, RJ emphasizes the importance of understanding the end user's perspective, particularly in healthcare, where technology like electronic medical records was just beginning to take shape in the early 2000s. His insights highlight the transformative potential of healthcare technology and the importance of effective communication.Listen in as we explore the integration of large language models in healthcare and the delicate balance of harnessing technology while preserving human skills. RJ shares his thoughts on the potential benefits of AI tools, such as ambient listening for note-taking, which could allow physicians to focus more on patient care. We also touch upon the significance of balancing productivity and wellness, drawing from RJ's personal experiences as a triathlete and his journey from baking vegan cakes to writing his upcoming book, "A Productive Harmony Framework." RJ offers valuable perspectives on managing energy over time, understanding one's chronotype for optimal productivity, and maintaining a vibrant life. Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, AI technology, or personal wellness, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

I had a great experience with my inguinal hernia surgery this summer, so I just had to invite my doctor, Nora Fullington and her  partner, Dr. Michael Reinhorn from Boston Hernia onto the podcast!  A few takeaways:The vast majority of hernia repairs are performed by general surgeons in hospital operating rooms. But better outcomes, lower cost, and greater convenience are possible if you can find a specialized practice like I did and go to an ambulatory surgery center. (Only 3% of inguinal hernias in Massachusetts are repaired in ASCs, which is nuts.)Despite the superiority of the Boston Hernia model, insurance companies and big health systems make it hard for patients to go this route.You shouldn't be scared of mesh as long as your surgeon knows what they're doingPatients are often mis-diagnosed with hernias as a result of medical imaging. A physical exam is the way to goDrs. Reinhorn and Fullington believe their model can be applied more broadly within surgery and beyondEnjoy the show.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

Advance Care Directives are great in theory, but often fail in practice. The result: patients' wishes aren't respected and their families end up fighting. Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi has built a whole medical practice and business around Advance Directives. HIs company, MIDEO enables patients to create video-based plans either with or without a physician's help.I went through the process myself in preparation for this interview and learned a lot about the nuances of what to put in the directive to reflect my goals. The topics of resuscitation after cardiac arrest and mechanical ventilation were really insightful.We also talked about more mundane matters like insurance coverage and how to make sure the directive is accessed and respected when you need it.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

Bradley Bostic, the visionary CEO and founder of hc1, shares his journey from the plains of South Dakota to the cutting-edge world of healthcare data innovation. We explore how a childhood fascination with technology and a stint on the football field at Indiana University laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking work in healthcare. Our conversation uncovers Bradley's early career experiences at Ernst & Young, where he first glimpsed the complex inner workings of the healthcare industry, ultimately fueling his passion for transformative change.Discover the pivotal role that hc1 plays in optimizing diagnostic testing, a cornerstone of effective healthcare. We examine the inefficiencies in current lab testing practices and how personalized diagnostics can lead to more accurate and cost-effective outcomes. With the power of machine learning and AI, HC1 is leading the charge in predicting patient outcomes, tailoring care plans, and identifying risks for chronic conditions like kidney disease or cognitive decline before they manifest.In our broader discussion on the U.S. healthcare system, Bradley and I delve into the perplexing inefficiencies that plague even the most prestigious institutions. We explore potential solutions like value-based care and the cautious integration of technology to enhance patient experiences without detracting from them. Tune in to gain insight into the intersection of healthcare, business, and policy, and to hear about the exciting ventures on the horizon as we continue to explore the transformative power of healthcare innovation.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

Hadassah Backman, founder and CEO of GuardDoc Health shares her personal story, from growing up in New York as a family caretaker, influenced by her father's illness and her grandmother's survival of the Holocaust, to her initial career in literature and writing. Discover how her path took a pivotal turn after a personal caregiving experience, leading her to pursue nursing. As a single mother, Hadassah navigated the challenges of nursing school and built an impressive career at Northwell, gaining invaluable experience in various medical units.We explore Hadassah's transition from bedside nursing to compliance consulting. Her passion for genuine patient care, coupled with experiences in hospice care, inspired a shift toward risk mitigation. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reignited her dedication to hands-on patient care, even as she faced the complexities of systemic issues in healthcare. Hadassah's story highlights the resilience required to navigate personal and professional transitions, especially during crises, while striving to make a meaningful impact.Finally, we delve into the realm of technology and healthcare compliance with Hadassah's move to Tel Aviv, where she spearheaded the development of innovative solutions at Guardoc Health. Learn about her collaboration with her sister to improve long-term care documentation and her determination to create user-friendly software for nurses worldwide. With key investors backing her vision, Hadassah's goal is to set the gold standard for CMS compliance, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of nurses. This episode offers valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of healthcare, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of innovation in nursing and healthcare.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.

Explore the fascinating journey of Bo Holland, a pioneering figure in healthcare innovation. Growing up in Houston and Austin, Texas, Bo was inspired by his family's entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to pursue an entrepreneurship program at Baylor University. From running small businesses to becoming a pivotal player at Citrix Systems, Bo shares his early experiences and the lessons he learned along the way. We uncover how his ability to recognize opportunities and his passion for technology paved the way for his current venture, AllClear ID, where he is dedicated to empowering patients to take control of their medical records.Discover how different countries approach digital identity management, with a focus on the stark contrast between high-trust environments like Norway and the more privacy-tolerant cultures of the US and UK. Bo recounts a personal healthcare crisis that highlighted the inefficiencies in healthcare information systems, sparking his drive to improve data sharing using secure digital infrastructure. Despite the healthcare sector lagging behind in digital transactions, recent advancements and laws offer hope for a transformation akin to the seamless operations of digital banking in Norway.Listen in as we discuss the revolutionary changes underway in healthcare data management. We explore innovative solutions aimed at creating a comprehensive "health bank" that empowers patients with complete control over their medical data. Drawing inspiration from the open banking model in Europe, Bo envisions a future where medical data follows the patient, enabling seamless care and facilitating research. We highlight the strategic insights of Health Bank One, a notable entity in the industry, and how it promises to reshape the landscape of healthcare by breaking down traditional barriers and optimizing patient care.As of March 2025 HealthBiz is part of CareTalk. Healthcare. Unfiltered and can be found at the following links: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2GTYhbNnvDHriDp7Xo9s6Z Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caretalk-healthcare-unfiltered/id1532402352 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CareTalkPodcast CareTalk website https://www.caretalkpodcast.com/ Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Episodes through March 2025 were produced by Dafna Williams.