Bright Spots in Healthcare

Vega Shah, Product Marketing Manager Lead for Healthcare & Life Sciences, NVIDIA, joins Eric to explore the evolution of generative AI in healthcare and how harnessing the technology will transform the future of patient care. She shares examples of how Nvidia’s generative AI tools enhance clinician-patient interactions and streamline human-system experiences. Vega also discusses potential pitfalls and solutions to AI implementation that healthcare organizations should consider when implementing AI.   This episode was recorded live at HLTH 2024.   About Vega Vega leads go-to-market strategies for Healthcare Life Sciences Solutions at NVIDIA, collaborating with a diverse range of partners including cloud service providers, biotech, and digital health companies. Her expertise in biotech software stems from her previous role as a product manager at Dotmatics, where she developed cloud-based tools for research analytics. Her career trajectory also includes shaping product strategies for drug discovery at Benchling, a prominent lab data management company. Outside of her professional life, Vega is passionate about building scientific communities in the Bay Area, and is founder of Techbio Transformers - a community of operators working at the intersection of biology and AI. About Nvidia NVIDIA’s invention of the GPU sparked the PC gaming market. The company’s pioneering work in accelerated computing—a supercharged form of computing at the intersection of computer graphics, high-performance computing, and AI—is reshaping trillion-dollar industries like healthcare and fueling the growth of many others. NVIDIA Clara – a healthcare application framework for imaging, genomics, smart hospitals, and drug discovery – is accelerating the journey to precision medicine.

Doug Henry, PhD, Vice President and Medical Director of Enterprise Behavioral Health at Highmark Health, and Mari Vandenburgh, Vice President of Health Programs and Solutions at Highmark Health, join Eric to share Highmark’s innovative approaches to transforming care delivery through digital and hybrid solutions. Topics include: Post-Acute Care Innovations: AHN At-Home Care program’s multidisciplinary approach integrates mental health support to reduce readmissions and save $600 PMPM in total care costs. Addressing Network and Access Gaps: Highmark’s strategic initiatives to expand access through geo-analysis, virtual-first strategies, and enhanced provider partnerships. Virtual Mental Health: A closer look at Highmark’s partnership with Spring Health to provide personalized, outcome-driven mental health care, achieving symptom remission in six weeks or less for 70% of patients with moderate to severe conditions. Living Health Strategy: Leveraging personalized nudges and integrated digital platforms to boost member engagement, with 79% receiving their first mental health care through the program. Innovation for Loneliness and Beyond: Doug shares groundbreaking grant projects, such as using technology and social prescriptions to address loneliness and improve senior care outcomes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for health plans seeking to close access gaps, enhance member experience, and drive measurable outcomes in mental health and beyond. Tune in to learn from Highmark’s bright spots and discover strategies to replicate their success.   About Doug and Mari Doug is a clinical psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania and California and brings over 20 years of experience in professional applied psychology, including inpatient, outpatient, and administrative assignments. Attracted by the integrated payer-provider model and emphasis on patient-centered treatment, he joined the Allegheny Health Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute in 2017 as vice president. In addition to his role at the enterprise, he continues to serve as a leadership dyad for the Institute. Before joining AHN, Dr. Henry served as clinical administrator at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic for UPMC Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services, the UPMC Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, and the UPMC Center for Eating Disorders. Mari is responsible for identifying and managing best-in-class healthcare solutions to improve Quadruple Aim outcomes related to chronic and episodic clinical conditions and validating multi-year business case value drivers and ROI. She has been with Highmark in various roles since 2005. Mari has a Bachelor of Science from Duquesne and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. About Highmark Health Highmark Health is a $27 billion national, blended health organization with one of America’s largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers and a growing regional hospital and physician network. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Highmark Health’s 44,000 employees serve millions of customers nationwide through the nonprofit organization’s affiliated businesses, including Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, HM Insurance Group, United Concordia Dental, enGen, and Helion.   We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments, suggestions and ideas to [email protected]   Visit our website to learn more about the show! www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com        

Leaders from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CVS Caremark, Independent Health and Vori Health explore how healthcare leaders tackle members’ weight management challenges by creating comprehensive programs that responsibly integrate GLP-1 medications while controlling costs.  Key Discussion Topics: Benefit Design and Prior Authorization Programs: Crafting strategies to balance access and affordability. Integrated, Whole-Person Care: Addressing weight management holistically to improve outcomes. Leveraging Bright Spots: Applying successful approaches from other areas to optimize GLP-1 management. Future Innovations: Exploring emerging opportunities to enhance weight management programs.   Panel:  Ryan A. Grant, MD, MS, MBA, FAANS, CEO and Co-Founder, Vori Health Martin Burruano, Vice President, Pharmacy Services, Independent Health Mark T. Jansen, M.D., Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield Ilona Smith, SVP of Employer, Government and Coalitions, CVS Caremark Bios: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/responsible-glp-1-strategies-structuring-benefits-for-economic-viability-and-proven-member-results Request Whitepaper To request the whitepaper, Integrating GLP-1s into the Future of MSK Care, from our partner Vori, please submit this form: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/request-a-copy-of-the-integrating-glp-1s-into-the-future-of-msk-care/   We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments, suggestions and ideas to [email protected]

Megan Antonelli, Founder & CEO of HealthIMPACT and HealthIMPACT Chairperson Shahid Shah, Publisher & CEO, Medigy, join Eric to give Bright Spots in Healthcare listeners a sneak preview of the HealthIMPACT Forum 25, taking place on January 22-23, 2025, in New York City.    Megan and Shahid share what makes their event different from other healthcare conferences – purposeful content that creates conversations that lead to meaningful connections. They also discuss the theme, Powering the Patient-Led Revolution for Healthcare Anywhere and mention some key things to look forward to at the event, including Keynote Speaker Chelsea Clinton, who will lead a panel discussion on digital innovation.   In addition to Clinton, the conference's speakers include hospital leaders from top health systems, including Atrium Health, Mayo Clinic, Northwell Health, and Oschner Health.   Megan also discusses how HealthIMPACT partners with Road Recovery, which has been changing lives through music since 1998 by combining music industry mentorship with mental health support for young people battling addiction and adversity.    About HealthIMPACT HealthIMPACT isn't just another conference—it's a catalyst for change. For a decade, we've been the no-PowerPoint, no-BS platform where healthcare providers, payers, pharma, and patients converge to drive digital health implementation and adoption because you have to have both to make an IMPACT.   Join C-suite IT and clinical executives at the forefront of healthcare transformation as we explore how to deliver superior outcomes, enhance experiences, and achieve operational excellence in the new era of healthcare anywhere.   To register for the event, go to https://impactnyjan25.healthimpactlive.com/ Use the code BRIGHTSPOTSVIP to receive a 20% discount on the registration fee.   About Shahid Shahid N. Shah is an internationally recognized and influential healthcare IT thought leader who is known as “The Healthcare IT Guy” across the Internet. He is a consultant to various federal agencies on IT matters and winner of Federal Computer Week’s coveted “Fed 100” award given to IT experts that have made a big impact in the government. Shahid has architected and built multiple clinical solutions over his almost 20-year career. He helped design and deploy the American Red Cross’s electronic health record solution across thousands of sites; he’s built two web-based EMRs now in use by hundreds of physicians; he’s designed large groupware and collaboration sites in use by thousands; and, as an ex-CTO for a billion dollar division of CardinalHealth he helped design advanced clinical interfaces for medical devices and hospitals. Shahid also serves as a senior technology strategy advisor to NIH’s SBIR/STTR program helping small businesses commercialize their healthcare applications. Shahid runs three successful blogs. At http://shahid.shah.org he writes about architecture issues, at http://www.healthcareguy.com he provides valuable insights on how to apply technology in health care, at http://www.federalarchitect.com he advises senior federal technologists, and at http://www.hitsphere.com he gives a glimpse of the health-care IT blogosphere as an aggregator.   About Megan A relentless creator and knowledge seeker who brings people together to solve big problems, Megan believes face-to-face meetings give everyone a shared focus, bringing forth new insights, a clearer sense of purpose, and solutions that impact long-term performance.   An experienced event executive with extensive knowledge of healthcare, technology, and corporate management strategy. Developed and managed hundreds of events for health system, physician, health plan, pharmaceutical, digital marketing, and technology executives. A creative and passionate leader interested in how technology is transforming healthcare delivery, the way people work, and global market dynamics.   We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments, suggestions and ideas to [email protected]

This episode was recorded on Monday, October 21, 2024, at HLTH 2024  in Las Vegas   Natalie Davis, co-founder and CEO of United States of Care, joins Eric to share her thoughts on the current healthcare system and how her organization is advocating for a more affordable, dependable, personalized and understandable healthcare system.   In addition, Natalie shares insights from the USofCare’s recent research and the policy solutions her organization is advancing to deliver the healthcare experience people want and ensure our healthcare system works better for everyone.   About Natalie Natalie believes that making our healthcare system work better for everyone has never been more critical. She is dedicated to bringing together leaders and advocates nationwide who can help create meaningful change in our nation’s inequitable health care system. She brings all her personal and professional experiences to the fight for better health care, working to expand access to quality, affordable health care to help people right now while working towards durable federal policies centered on the needs of people to provide real and lasting solutions for everybody.   Natalie Davis has spent nearly two decades shaping American healthcare policy to ensure that all people have access to affordable, quality care. In 2018, she co-founded United States of Care with Andy Slavitt, focusing on a person-centered approach to healthcare solutions and forging partnerships with organizations, advocacy groups, and communities to drive systemic change. Her prior roles include serving as Senior Advisor at CMS, where she supported a major healthcare expansion, and as Director at the Bipartisan Policy Center, where she launched reform initiatives to develop innovative, politically viable healthcare solutions.   About the United States of Care United States of Care is a non-profit organization focused on building a healthcare system that serves everyone. Its mission is to ensure people can access affordable, quality care that meets their needs regardless of their background or circumstances. Working with leaders, communities, and individuals nationwide, the United States of Care focuses on developing innovative, non-partisan solutions to healthcare challenges, emphasizing policy, patient experience, and health equity.  

OSF HealthCare, Providence, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and TytoCare share actionable strategies and best practices to transform hybrid care and offer patients personalized, flexible and accessible care.  Our expert panel also explores how virtual care reduces costs and addresses healthcare challenges like staff shortages.   Key topics include:  Maximizing Hybrid Care Models: Panelists explore how hybrid and home-based care models – supported by technology, are revolutionizing how providers deliver care – making it more accessible, efficient, and impactful. Home-Based Healthcare Innovations: Real-world success stories highlighted how providers make healthcare accessible from the comfort of home, schools, and community centers. Technology-Driven Solutions: Technical tools enable immersive primary care experiences remotely, enhancing connectivity and care delivery for families. Highlights: Providence: Kate Baars shared how remote patient monitoring helps achieve compelling clinical and financial outcomes OSF OnCall: Jennie Van Antwerp walked us through innovations in acute and digital care delivery at OSF. UMass Memorial Medical Center: Dr. John Broach discussed how the medical center utilizes technology to drive efficient responses and care, eliminating ED visits. TytoCare: Tina Nelson highlighted strategic partnerships that enable healthcare access for underserved communities through remote technology. Panelists: Kate Baars, Executive Director, Product Development, Virtual Care & Digital Health, Providence Jennie Van Antwerp, MSN, RN, Director, Digital Acute Care/ Digital Care Division, OSF OnCall (Colleen Reynolds) John Broach, MD, Division Direction for EMS and DIsaters Medicine, UMASS Medical Center Christina (Tina) Nelson, Strategic Partnership Manager, TytoCare   https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/how-providers-are-maximizing-hybrid-care-and-home-based-interventions   This episode is sponsored by TytoCare   TytoCare is a virtual healthcare company that enables leading health plans and providers to deliver remote healthcare to the whole family through its Home Smart Clinic. Combining a cutting-edge, easy-to-use, FDA-cleared device with AI-powered guidance and diagnostic support, the Home Smart Clinic enables the whole family to conduct remote physical exams with a doctor, replicating in-clinic exams for immediate answers from home. TytoCare drives utilization rates that are six times higher than traditional telehealth services; reduces the total cost of care by an average of five percent; diverts ED visits by an average of 10.8%; and has a high average NPS of 83. The Home Smart Clinic includes Tyto Engagement Labs™, a proven framework of engagement journeys designed for the successful deployment and adoption of the solution. To complete its offering, TytoCare also provides the Pro Smart Clinic, for professional settings outside the home to serve rural clinics, schools, workplaces, and more. TytoCare serves over 250 major health systems and health plans in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. For more information, visit us at tytocare.com.

Healthfirst, myPlace Health and Wellsky share their successful strategies for reducing readmissions, improving health outcomes and reducing costs through post-acute and home care.   Topics covered include: Building your provider partnerships beyond the traditional transition of care program Reducing readmissions among higher-risk Medicare Advantage members?  Ensuring members receive high-quality home health care after being discharged from skilled nursing facilities, and what made this approach stand out in terms of impact Susan J. Beane, MD FACP, Executive Medical Director, Health System Transformation, Healthfirst Robert Schreiber, MD, Vice President & National Medical Director, myPlace Health Andy Eilert, President, Payer & Emerging Markets, WellSky Bios: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/how-to-create-more-bright-spots-in-post-acute-and-home-care/   This episode is sponsored by Wellsky WellSky is one of America’s largest and most innovative healthcare technology companies leading the movement for intelligent, coordinated care. Our proven software, analytics, and services power better outcomes and lower costs for stakeholders across the health and community care continuum. In today’s value-based care environment, WellSky helps providers, payers, health systems, and community organizations scale processes, improve collaboration for growth, harness the power of data analytics, and achieve better outcomes by further connecting clinical and social care. WellSky serves more than 20,000 client sites — including the largest hospital systems, blood banks, cell therapy labs, home health and hospice franchises, post-acute providers, government agencies, and human services organizations. Informed by more than 40 years of providing software and expertise, WellSky anticipates clients’ needs and innovates relentlessly to build healthy, thriving communities.

  AmeriHealth Caritas, Health Alliance Plan, Highmark Health and Icario discuss how AI transforms healthcare by creating personalized experiences that drive performance improvements and enhance member engagement. Learn how high-ranking health plans reinvent their approach to member experience to elevate your HEDIS scores, improve health outcomes and streamline data processes.   Guests: Vandna Bhrany, MPH, Vice President, HEDIS Strategy and Analytics, AmeriHealth Caritas  Tracy Saula. Senior Vice President, Chief Product and Experience Officer, Highmark Health  Cory Busse, VP, Strategy, Icario Mike Treash, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Health Alliance Plan   Bios: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/a-new-era-for-consumer-engagement-and-hedis-combining-the-human-touch-with-ai/   This episode is sponsored by Icario Icario serves health plans by using powerful whole-person data, predictive behavioral science, and a proprietary engagement platform to offer personalized experiences that meet members where they are in their health journey. Icario combines the industry's largest member data repository with unparalleled industry expertise to implement health action programs that deliver personalized member engagement, reduce abrasion and encourage positive health behaviors.