Podnosis

There are many complexities and challenges that can lead to inefficiencies and friction among payers, providers, and healthcare consumers in the payments landscape. In this podcast episode, we sit down with Dylan Papa and Michael Bernabe to discuss fresh perspectives for healthcare payers on how to improve claims payments operations, meet digital demands, and enhance the healthcare payments experience for all. Zelis built Zelis Advanced Payments Platform to cleverly address these challenges by managing all payments and communications in one intelligent hub, unlocking efficiencies, ensuring compliance, and delivering the modern and customized payments experience that providers need and members demand – now, and in the future. In this interview, Papa and Bernabe discuss the significance of combining the fusion of centralizing all payment modalities, plus communications and additional advice to payers on how to effectively modernize for the future. To find out more, tune in to the full episode or visit Zelis.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chronic kidney disease is a silent threat. It is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., yet 90% of those affected are unaware they have it. The lack of widespread testing means many, particularly in the Black community, face rapid health deterioration, often landing in dialysis without warning. In this episode, Geoff Martin, CEO of Healthy.io, joins Fierce Healthcare’s Emma Beavins to explore how his company is tackling this hidden crisis and changing the future of chronic kidney disease care.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Healthy.io, National Kidney Foundation team up to promote early disease detection, using tech to reach at-risk people More than half of Americans are unfamiliar with chronic kidney disease, survey finds 'Podnosis': Changing the game on kidney care Humana finds value-based care leads to fewer hospital admissions for kidney patients See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just a month left until the Nov. 5 presidential election, Fierce Healthcare's Heather Landi spoke with David Shulkin, M.D., to gain his insights on the future of healthcare policy. Shulkin, a healthcare executive, served as the ninth Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the Trump administration. Notably, he was the only cabinet member retained from the Obama administration, after serving 18 months as the VA’s Under Secretary for Health. In their conversation, Shulkin also reflected on his time as VA Secretary, including his decision to award Cerner a $10 billion, no-bid contract to replace the VA’s outdated medical records system. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  VA extends EHR modernization contract with Oracle Health for 11 months VA pauses $16B Oracle Cerner EHR deployments indefinitely to address error-ridden early rollout Former VA secretary's latest venture, Override, emerges out of stealth to tackle chronic pain  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Certain cancer rates are on the rise, and outcome inequities remain a major public health concern. Getting into clinical trials is difficult, care is fragmented and treatments can be prohibitively expensive. Meanwhile, research for many cancers is underfunded.  The American Cancer Society is on a mission to end cancer as we know it. Its venture capital and impact investment arm, BrightEdge, invests in early-stage companies developing therapeutics, diagnostics, devices and technologies that share in this goal.  In this week’s episode of “Podnosis,” Fierce Healthcare’s Anastassia Gliadkovskaya chats with BrightEdge’s managing director Alice Pomponio about how the organization leans into its expertise in research, patient support and advocacy when working with entrepreneurs, what it looks for in emerging companies and how it measures their impact.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  What will it take to improve the future of cancer care? Clinicians, patients stress better collaboration and reimbursement American Cancer Society, Color Health team up to boost cancer screenings for employees American Cancer Society, ASCO join forces to create 'credible' online cancer information under one roof See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employers hold significant power in the healthcare industry. About 60% of people under the age of 65 received insurance coverage through their employer last year, according to KFF.  Kim Thiboldeaux stepped into the role of CEO at the Northeast Business Group on Health in early 2024. The organization's members provide coverage for millions of lives. In this week's episode of "Podnosis," Thiboldeaux sits down with Fierce Healthcare Senior Writer Paige Minemyer to discuss her goals at the helm of NEBGH and the healthcare topics employers are watching most closely.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  NEBGH: Here's how employers can support cancer patients in the workplace Employers seek guidance on mental health benefits: survey New NEBGH guide aims to help employers tackle social determinants of health Emergency preparedness lessons for employers from COVID-19 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare worker burnout is a critical issue. Bill Charnetski, EVP of Health System Solutions at PointClickCare, reveals how burnout impacts both patient care and operational efficiency, sharing personal insights from his wife’s experience in skilled nursing administration. He advocates for leveraging health information technology to reduce administrative burdens, enhance job satisfaction, and minimize manual errors. The importance of thoughtful policy-making in supporting healthcare workers and ensuring technology adoption effectively addresses their needs without adding to their workload cannot be underscored enough. A shift in tone towards valuing frontline healthcare heroes and implementing flexible, targeted regulations to improve care and operational outcomes is needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare providers of all sizes are feeling the impact of burnout, time constraints, and burdensome administrative requirements. This is especially challenging for private practices, which often experience resource and time constraints. Managing these challenges can be overwhelming.  How are practice management companies meeting the evolving needs of healthcare providers?  Practice Better is an electronic health record and practice management software that serves independent health and wellness practitioners. In this week’s episode of “Podnosis,” CEO Kim Walsh shares how the company prioritizes value and the different approaches it takes to best serve its customer base.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Practice Better adds new tools, billing integration for mental health practitioners Elation Health rolls out AI scribing tool embedded in its EHR for primary care docs SimplePractice expands into psychiatry with prescription management tool 2024 Outlook: How tech, incentives could push measurement-based care in behavioral health See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Specialty drugs bring new hope to patients with complex conditions, but they also present unique challenges. In this episode of Podnosis, Heath Clendening speaks with Peter Demogenes, Senior Vice President of Product at Optum, about how health plans are adapting to the rapidly changing specialty care sector. Demogenes explains two common strategies health plans use. First, individualized management typically sees issues managed on a case-by-case basis, focusing on medical benefits, and utilizing tools to manage costs independently. Second, holistic management takes a broader view, recognizing the interconnectedness of patients, providers, payers, and stakeholders. The conversation also highlights the role of innovation, featuring Optum’s Specialty Fusion program. Designed to simplify care for patients with complex conditions, this program not only lowers the cost of expensive specialty drugs but also streamlines treatment decision-making for health plans, helping patients start their therapies sooner. For further insights into how these innovations are shaping the future of specialty care, listen to the full episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microplastics are everywhere, including our bodies. Research suggests that ingested microplastics can reduce fertility and increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. However, the full effects of their chemical makeup on human health are not yet known. Plastic has been used in the healthcare setting since the 1900s. The material does have some benefits, like hygiene and lower cost. At the same time, single-use plastics contribute enormously to healthcare waste and pollute the environment, in addition to the body.  In this week's episode of "Podnosis," two experts break down the history of plastics use in the healthcare sector and what it would take for an organization to phase them out.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Breathing better: Hospitals begin to phase out major pollutants in patient care Industry Voices—Collective action is the key to decarbonizing healthcare Hackensack Meridian hospitals first to attain Joint Commission's new sustainability certification Most clinicians believe hospitals should address climate change, Commonwealth Fund survey finds    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of "Podnosis," we dive into a discussion with two founders of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI). They share why both local providers and the federal government must play a role in overseeing AI in healthcare.  Brian Anderson, M.D., CEO of CHAI, and Michael Pencina, Ph.D., COO of CHAI and Director of Duke AI Health, tackle the misconception that legacy tech giants can stifle startup competitors through the assurance lab model. They also share updates on the federal AI assurance lab network, revealed first to Fierce Healthcare.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  CHAI releases draft framework of quality assurance standards for healthcare AI UMass Chan Medical School, MITRE plan to open assurance lab to test healthcare AI HIMSS24: Microsoft, 16 health systems to operationalize AI under new partner network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.