DexCare CEO Derek Streat shares how his early experiences in a small industrial town and the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household instilled a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. These formative years paved the way for his commitment to making a significant impact in healthcare, a commitment deepened by personal experiences, such as his daughter's serious illness and subsequent kidney transplant. Derek's dedication is further highlighted by his involvement in non-profit initiatives like PEDSnet and IROC, which focus on improving outcomes for children and kidney transplant patients through data-driven solutions.

Listen in as we uncover the origins and evolution of DexCare, a platform initially developed by Providence Health to enhance healthcare accessibility through a unified care experience. Derek discusses the transformative role of former Amazon employees in adopting an "Amazon-style" approach to healthcare, aiming to make services more discoverable and bookable. We address the persistent challenge of untapped capacity within health systems, debunking the myth of hospitals always being at full capacity. Derek explains how better data management and transparency can unlock these resources, enhancing the efficiency and reach of healthcare services.

Finally, we explore the future of healthcare delivery in a post-pandemic world, where virtual and hybrid care models are increasingly prominent. Derek discusses the potential of asynchronous and AI-driven care, especially for low-acuity conditions, and the evolving role of patients as active participants in their healthcare journeys. We also consider how Gen AI can empower patients to make informed decisions and how healthcare systems can optimize capacity and resources by leveraging a broader range of care providers. This episode promises a thought-provoking look at the innovations shaping the future of healthcare.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

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.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. 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.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. 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:

1. 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.)
2. Despite the superiority of the Boston Hernia model, insurance companies and big health systems make it hard for patients to go this route.
3. You shouldn't be scared of mesh as long as your surgeon knows what they're doing
4. Patients are often mis-diagnosed with hernias as a result of medical imaging. A physical exam is the way to go
5. Drs. Reinhorn and Fullington believe their model can be applied more broadly within surgery and beyond

Enjoy the show.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. 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.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. 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.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. 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.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. 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.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.