Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Bonnie Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of Forest Family Dentistry, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is enabling quicker diagnoses and improving efficiency in dental care. She also shares her perspective on economic uncertainty, its impact on patient spending, and how dental practices can adapt while continuing to provide high-quality care and a positive patient experience.

In this episode, Faraz Ahmad, MD, associate director at the Center for Artificial Intelligence at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, discusses how Northwestern is advancing AI strategy, developing clinical AI tools, and training the next generation of AI-focused healthcare leaders. He also shares insights on implementing AI responsibly through workflow redesign, evaluation, and collaboration.

In this episode, Jason Scalise, MD, Chief Value Officer at Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company, discusses expanding HOPCO’s value-based care platform, building physician-led networks, and improving outcomes across musculoskeletal care. He also shares how analytics, collaboration, and specialty-focused strategies can help bend the cost curve.

In this episode, Akhil Narang, MD, Cardiologist and Director of the Echocardiography Lab at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, and Amogh Karnik, MD, Cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, join the podcast to discuss the operational requirements for successfully implementing AI in cardiovascular care. They also explore the growing role of AI-assisted imaging technology and how it is enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving clinical workflows, and supporting better patient outcomes.

In this episode, Jandel Allen-Davis, CEO of Craig Hospital in Colorado, reflects on her journey from practicing physician to healthcare leader, sharing lessons on purpose driven leadership, patient centered culture, and building trust. She also discusses Craig Hospital's expansion, the importance of staying connected to frontline care, and why relieving suffering should remain healthcare's central mission.

In this episode, Angel Ballew, Head of Pharmacy Clinical Programs and Services at Centene, discusses how the organization approaches GLP-1 coverage across Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace plans while balancing clinical evidence, affordability, and member access. She also shares insights on utilization management, adherence strategies, and preparing for the next wave of indications for these rapidly evolving therapies.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down the latest healthcare industry developments, including health systems exiting the insurance business, hospital consolidation, and growing financial pressures facing independent providers.

In this episode, Scott Becker examines how health systems are responding to financial pressures through service line closures, exiting the insurance business, addressing ongoing nursing workforce challenges, and scaling back employee GLP-1 coverage for weight loss.

In this episode, Meredith Warf, CPA DPT, Former Chief Executive Officer, discusses how healthcare leaders can evaluate new technologies by balancing clinical value, financial sustainability, and patient outcomes. She also shares insights on AI, robotics, revenue cycle innovation, and the future of spine and orthopedic care in the outpatient setting.

In this episode, Richard Barakat, MD, Physician-in-chief & Executive Director at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, discusses expanding access to advanced cancer therapies, integrating AI into oncology care, and driving the future of precision medicine. He also shares insights on improving efficiency, survivorship care, and clinical trial access for all patients.

In this episode, Bob Berbeco, CIO, Mahaska Health, shares how his team is taking a disciplined approach to AI by focusing on workflow improvement, governance, and measurable outcomes rather than chasing trends. He also discusses building internal AI capabilities, reducing clinician burden, and ensuring technology strengthens human connections in healthcare.

In this episode, Jeff Francis, CFO, Nebraska Methodist Health System, discusses how his team is addressing rising payer denials through stronger documentation, coding, and AI-powered revenue cycle tools. He also shares how the CFO role has evolved into a more strategic leadership position and offers advice for the next generation of healthcare finance leaders.

In this episode, Dr. Ken Cohen, Chief Medical Officer at Optum Health, discusses new research on Medicare Advantage, social vulnerability, and how full-risk care models can improve quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. He also shares insights on the infrastructure, technology, and strategies needed to advance value-based care.

In this episode,Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, examines the growing litigation over Medicare Advantage star ratings and the billions of dollars tied to quality bonuses. He also explores how AI is intensifying the coding and claims battle between health systems and insurers, creating new operational and financial challenges across the industry.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses proposed CMS changes to the 340B program, site-neutral payment policies, and what they could mean for hospital and ASC finances. She also shares insights on shifting hospital expense trends, including rising drug and supply costs, and how health system leaders are adapting their strategies.

In this episode, Margaret Anderson, President of Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health, discusses the organization's rebrand, its strategy for deeper integration with Henry Ford Health, and how it's driving growth while improving affordability. She also shares insights on provider sponsored health plans, administrative efficiency, and the growing impact of gene therapies on the healthcare system.

In this episode, Chris Santarsiero, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections Health Solutions, discusses the policy, reimbursement, and community partnerships needed to expand access to behavioral health crisis care. He also shares how crisis stabilization centers, the 988 Lifeline, and coordinated care models are improving outcomes while reducing pressure on hospitals, law enforcement, and the broader healthcare system.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights 5 key healthcare stories, including maternity service closures, rural hospital challenges, hospital layoffs, and more.

In this episode, Joanne Armstrong, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Women's Health and Genomics, CVS Health, discusses how CVS Health is improving access, affordability, and personalized care for women through innovative care delivery models, data-driven strategies, and benefits designed to meet women's evolving health needs.

In this episode, Raymond (Ray) Lowe, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at AltaMed, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is helping create a better patient experience while improving operational efficiency. He also shares insights on strengthening safety and cybersecurity, and reflects on the organization's response to the 2025 California wildfires, highlighting the role of technology in supporting emergency preparedness and continuity of care.

In this episode, Kenneth Nusbacher, DMD, MHA, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Dentistry at UK HealthCare, joins the podcast to discuss the growing impact of student loan debt on the future dental workforce. He also shares why emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall health is essential to improving patient outcomes and advancing more integrated models of care.

In this episode, Ron Gicca, President of Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss leading through change in today's evolving healthcare landscape. He shares his Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital is managing organizational growth and rising patient volumes while maintaining high-quality care, operational excellence, and a strong focus on meeting the needs of the community.

In this episode, Stephanie Hines, MBA, RN, CHCIO, CDH-E, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Valleywise Health, joins the podcast to discuss keeping quality at the forefront of healthcare technology and operational strategy. She shares her perspective on confronting access challenges, leveraging innovation to improve patient care, and ensuring technology investments support better outcomes for the communities Valleywise Health serves.

In this episode, Eric Leroux, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, Eisenhower Health, discusses how his organization is advancing quality, patient safety, and clinical innovation while preparing for the future of healthcare. Read his recent Health Affairs article here: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/hospital-safety-grades-aren-t-keeping-up-technology-here-s-they-need-measure-next

In this episode, Morgan P. Lorio, MD, FACS, joins the podcast to discuss redefining spine care through more personalized and evidence-based treatment approaches. He explores why treatment plans can fail, shares insights from his work on transitional reliability, and explains the importance of establishing clear rules of engagement to improve communication, decision-making, and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Samuel Browd, pediatric neurosurgeon and Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington, Co-CEO & Chief Medical Officer at NeuFluent and co-Founder of the Foundation for Digital Neurosurgery, discusses how AI, data analytics, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces are reshaping neurosurgery. He shares insights on addressing workforce shortages, scaling specialized expertise, and why the next generation of surgeons will play a critical role in driving innovation across healthcare.

In this episode, R. Kannan Mutharasan, MD, MBA, Medical Director of Health Network Development, Sarah Plaskett, PA, Vice President of Operations, and Kaleigh Powers, MSN, RN, Director of Operations at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, join the podcast to discuss the importance of system integration in delivering coordinated cardiovascular care. They also share how AI is supporting clinical and operational teams by improving efficiency, enhancing workflows, and helping create a more connected patient experience.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ben Burch, Spine Surgeon, Atlanta Spine Institute. He discusses adopting new technologies, leading organizational change through a successful EMR transition, and why maintaining a patient first mindset is essential as AI and innovation reshape spine care.

In this episode, Ian Mcnickle, Chief Executive Officer, Icon Dental Partners, discusses the importance of strong partnerships with clinicians, and the strategies driving sustainable growth in dentistry. He also shares insights on leadership, supporting practice success, and preparing for the future of dental care.

In this episode, Alejandro Fernandez, MBA, CMPE, Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Orthopedic Specialists, Inc., discusses his journey in healthcare leadership, the value of physician led organizations, and his vision for building an integrated orthopedic platform that improves care and operational excellence.

In this episode, Jeremy Meller, CIO, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, shares lessons learned from opening a 2 million square foot hospital designed with AI, robotics, and real-time location systems at its core. He discusses how simulation-driven planning, “Cardboard City,” and integrated technologies like autonomous robots and virtual nursing are transforming patient experience, clinician workflows, and hospital operations.

In this episode, Dr. Krista Kappus, Dentist, Private Dental Practice, shares how her practice is navigating rising costs, insurance reimbursement challenges, and the growing role of AI in dentistry. She discusses using AI to streamline insurance workflows, improve practice efficiency, and what dental leaders should prioritize to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Robert Norton, Founding Partner and Spine Surgeon, Florida Spine Associates. He shares how investing in leadership, building high performing teams, and staying adaptable are helping his organization navigate workforce challenges, drive sustainable growth, and prepare for the future of spine care.

In this episode, Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health, discusses how workforce development is reshaping healthcare by expanding debt-free allied health training programs and strengthening employer alignment.

In this episode, Shelby Decosta, SVP and Chief Business Development Officer at Kaiser Permanente, discusses how strategic partnerships are expanding access to value-based care while improving quality, affordability, and patient outcomes.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. John Peloza, Physician, PelozaSpine. He discusses the growth of concierge spine care, performing complex procedures in the ASC setting, the importance of experienced teams and innovative technologies, and why patient outcomes and experience remain the foundation of a successful practice.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, discusses the legal battle over Medicaid work requirements and the evolving rural hospital M&A landscape, including Quorum Health's growth strategy and Banner Health's latest transaction.

In this episode, Paul Testa, MD, Chief Health Informatics Officer at NYU Langone Health, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is being leveraged to create the best possible patient experience. He shares the value of “practicing out loud” to foster transparency and collaboration, and explains why building trust among patients, clinicians, and technology leaders is essential to the successful adoption of AI in healthcare.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Shane Sanborn, Chief Executive Officer, Shoshone Medical Center. He shares how rural healthcare leaders can navigate uncertainty through strong communication, strategic partnerships, and organizational agility while aligning community needs with transformational funding opportunities and long-term sustainability goals.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Clay Dorenkamp, Orthopedic Surgeon, Michigan Orthopedic Center. He discusses leveraging technology to improve patient communication, reduce administrative burdens, and support revenue cycle operations, while emphasizing the importance of leadership alignment and clinician oversight as healthcare organizations adopt new AI-driven tools.