HITea With Grace

In this episode of HITea, recorded live at the ViVE conference, we learn from Teri Thomas, CEO of Volpara Health — a leader in AI-powered breast health solutions. The conversation centers around the future of autonomous readings of mammograms and how this technology is shaping the next era of early detection and precision care. Teri shares her insights into the growing role of AI in radiology, the need for scalable and consistent screening tools, and how automation can improve clinical outcomes and reduce disparities in women’s health. With global experience, Teri provides valuable perspective on how AI implementation differs across regions and what’s needed to support broader adoption. Whether you’re in digital health, radiology, or women’s health innovation, this episode offers a timely look into where the industry is headed — and why autonomous mammogram readings are a key part of that future.

As care delivery shifts beyond traditional hospital settings, how do we ensure patient safety, cybersecurity, and equitable access to high-quality care? In this episode of HITea at the ViVE conference, we sit down with Laura Rogers, Senior Director, Healthcare Strategy at SHI International, to explore how the "Care Anywhere" model is transforming healthcare. We discuss the driving forces behind home-based care, the IT infrastructure needed to support it, and the biggest challenges—from cybersecurity risks to reimbursement hurdles. Plus, we dive into how this shift impacts women, who often juggle their own health alongside caregiving responsibilities. What cutting-edge innovations are making Care Anywhere a reality? And what’s still standing in the way? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer at Progyny, the first billion-dollar women’s health benefits company. Dr. Choi shares her journey to Progyny and her insights on the systemic lack of focus on women’s health—how it has shaped today’s healthcare landscape and where the biggest opportunities for change lie. We discuss the growing demand for better access to infertility care, comprehensive benefits, and experienced providers, as well as the role of employers in providing and improving women’s health benefits. Dr. Choi also breaks down the return on investment for businesses, the impact of disjointed care on families, and how a big-picture approach to women’s health can drive better outcomes for both individuals and organizations. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of women’s health, the power of early action and prevention, and what it takes to build a more seamless, supportive system for families!

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Antonelli, Founder & CEO of HealthIMPACT Live events and powerhouse host of Digital Health Talks to discuss how she creates healthcare technology events that are filled with purpose and drive meaningful conversations forward. Megan shares her unique approach to event planning—bringing patients, caregivers, and care partners onto panels and keynotes in addition to the usual leaders in technology to ensure their voices are heard in a space where they’re often overlooked. We also dive into the biggest trends emerging from the discussions at her events, the challenges and opportunities shaping health IT today, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how the right conversations—and the right people—can push the industry forward!

In this episode, Dr. Terri Dolan, Chief Dental Officer at Overjet, spills the tea on AI in dentistry, sharing her insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming patient care, provider workflows, and even dental education. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Dr. Dolan reflects on how the patient experience has evolved since the 1980s and what AI can—and shouldn’t—do in the dental space. We also dive into pressing issues like provider burnout, trust in dentistry, and the complex payer-provider relationship. Plus, we explore how institutions like the University of Florida are using AI to shape the future of dental education and research. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation on the intersection of dentistry and innovative technology!

This week on HITea, we’re diving deep into the history of healthcare interoperability with Bevey Miner, EVP of Healthcare Strategy at Consensus Cloud Solutions. Join us as we chat about her inspiring career journey, the industry’s progress on TEFCA and FHIR standards, and the critical role interoperability plays in post-acute care. We’ll explore the challenges providers face, the impact of CMS regulations, and the surprising insights from a recent survey of healthcare CIOs. Grab your tea and tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about the past, present, and future of interoperability and its role in advancing care and equity.

In today’s episode of HITea with Grace, I’m honored to welcome Deborah Lafer Scher a powerhouse in healthcare leadership and an advocate for veterans’ health. With a remarkable career that spans her role as an Executive Advisor at the VA to serving on the advisory board of EnableComp, Deborah brings valuable insights into how we can improve healthcare access for those who served our country. We’ll explore the biggest challenges veterans face in accessing timely care, how streamlining claims and reimbursement impacts health outcomes, and the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change. Plus, Deborah shares her vision for innovative solutions that could further reduce administrative barriers and improve healthcare benefits for veterans. Join us for a conversation packed with actionable takeaways for healthcare leaders, policymakers, and anyone looking to make a difference for our nation’s heroes. P.S. Stick around to hear about a new buzzword in the healthcare tech space — Context Augmented Generation (CAG) — and why it could be a game-changer in streamlining processes!

*** Great news! HITea listeners who are interested in pursuing DiME accreditation can use the discount promo code: HITea25. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Olympian Jennifer Goldsack, CEO of DiME (the Digital Medicine Society), who’s pioneering efforts to set new standards and build trust in the digital health space.  With over 400,000 health apps on the market, health systems, clinicians, and patients face a daunting challenge in selecting trustworthy digital health solutions. The new DiME Seal platform helps simplify this choice by evaluating products based on security, usability, and clinical value. Jen discusses the challenges health systems and healthcare consumers face in vetting digital tools, often relying on lengthy processes that strain resources and lead to serious gaps in care. She explains how DiME’s platform streamlines these evaluations, helping both providers and patients make confident, informed decisions. The DiME Seal, created with input from industry leaders and health experts, addresses essential standards, from privacy and security to equity and accessibility, building a robust foundation of trust in the products that achieve it. Throughout our conversation, Jen emphasizes the importance of rigorous standards in a field that’s evolving quickly and shares how DiME’s approach ensures safe, reliable, and effective digital health solutions. Join us as we uncover how DiME’s new evaluation framework is paving the way for swifter digital health adoption and innovation.