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Health systems are constantly struggling with capacity constraints.

But what if they already had all the capacity they needed and just needed to tap into it?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Derek Streat, Co-Founder and CEO of DexCare, shares how health leaders can unlock hidden capacity by using data from patients, providers, and health systems to deliver care more efficiently.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT DEREK STREAT
Derek Streat is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of DexCare, a venture-backed Platform-as-a-Service company that intelligently orchestrates health system capacity and digital demand across all care lines. A seasoned healthcare technology entrepreneur, Derek has co-founded and led six venture-backed companies, including C-SATS (acquired by Johnson & Johnson), where he later served as Vice President of Digital Solutions. In that role, he transformed surgeon training into a digital program that improved patient outcomes and provider efficiency worldwide. Prior to commercializing DexCare as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Providence, Derek co-founded and served on the boards of national healthcare data transparency organizations like PEDSnet and IROC, advancing efforts to improve patient care through data sharing.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT DEXCARE
DexCare is a leading care orchestration platform that simplifies digital care logistics, enabling healthcare systems to manage care delivery more efficiently. By unifying complex datasets, DexCare enhances patient access, optimizes resource utilization, and forecasts demand to reduce operational costs. Since its spin-out from Providence in 2021, DexCare has partnered with top U.S. health systems, reaching over 57 million patients and significantly boosting new patient bookings and downstream revenue. Supported by $146 million in funding, including a $75 million Series C investment led by ICONIQ Growth, DexCare continues to transform healthcare access through innovative solutions like digital discovery, care navigation, and smart scheduling.

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CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media.

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2024 shook up the healthcare world, and 2025 is gearing up to be just as transformative.

With big changes coming from the new Administration, the AI boom taking healthcare by storm, and the rapid rise of GLP-1s, next year is shaping up to be a wild ride.

Join David E. Williams and John Driscoll on CareTalk as they dust off their crystal ball and explore what’s in store for healthcare in 2025!

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

TOPICS
(0:30) Sponsorship
(1:50) Thank You to Our Audience
(2:47) Predictions for GLP-1s
(8:28) The Rise of AI in Healthcare
(12:12) How the New Administration Will Affect Public Health
(15:05) Healthcare on the Defense
(18:54) Boosting Primary and Value-Based Care
(22:06) The Growth of the Healthcare Market

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

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CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media.

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Speech is something many of us take for granted, but for millions in the disability community, it can be a daily source of struggle and frustration.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, such as sign language, are essential for those with speech disabilities to communicate.

What if technology could help give a voice to those in need?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Dougal Hawes, CEO of Smartbox Assistive Technology, explores how their AAC technology is empowering individuals with speech difficulties to communicate and live more independently.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT DOUGAL HAWES
Dougal Hawes brings extensive experience in business development and strategic partnerships across multiple roles and organizations. He began his career in 2007 as a Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive at Prostate Cancer UK before joining Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity in 2009 as an Account Manager for Corporate Partnerships, where he successfully raised over £1 million for key initiatives. Since 2010, Dougal has been with Smartbox Assistive Technology, starting as Managing Director and now serving as Group CEO. In his current role, he leads business growth by driving marketing strategies, launching products, and expanding partnerships with resellers worldwide. His proven track record highlights a strong ability to deliver impactful results and foster strategic growth.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT SMARTBOX
Smartbox Assistive Technology is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that empower people with disabilities to communicate and live more independently. With a focus on developing accessible software, hardware, and tools, Smartbox provides life-changing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology to individuals around the world. Committed to improving lives, the Smartbox team works closely with users, families, and professionals to deliver personalized, high-quality products that help people express themselves and connect with others.

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CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media.

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Administrative hassles and mountains of paperwork remain some of the biggest challenges in healthcare today.

Every day, critical time and resources are diverted from doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to navigate inefficient prior authorizations and overwhelming paperwork.

Isn't it time we find a better solution?

In this episode of CareTalk, David E. Williams and John Driscoll sit down with Anterior Founder and CEO Abdel Mahmoud to explore the burden of administrative tasks on healthcare and how AI can bring clarity and efficiency to the chaos.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

TOPICS
(0:28) Sponsorship
(1:40) Dr. Abdel Mahmoud's Military Experience
(3:05) The Personal Journey of Dr. Abdel Mahmoud
(5:35) Understanding Large Language Models
(7:59) The Journey of Anterior
(10:49) AI's Role in Managed Care
(14:22) How Anterior is Different
(15:52) How Anterior Uses Language Learning Models
(20:27) The Future of Anterior
(22:42) Using AI as Support
(24:01) How Anterior Differentiates from the Competition
(26:15) The Future of AI in Healthcare

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT ABDEL MAHMOUD
Abdel Mahmoud is the Founder and CEO of Anterior, a company revolutionizing healthcare administration through AI-driven solutions. With a background in product development and healthcare innovation, Abdel brings deep expertise in building tools that reduce administrative burdens and streamline workflows for providers. Previously, he held leadership roles at top healthcare organizations, where he focused on improving efficiency and delivering impactful solutions. Passionate about the intersection of technology and healthcare, Abdel is dedicated to using AI to transform outdated systems, enabling better outcomes for both patients and providers.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT ANTERIOR
Anterior is a leading healthcare technology company focused on transforming the administrative side of medicine through innovative AI solutions. By streamlining processes like prior authorizations and reducing paperwork burdens, Anterior empowers providers to focus on delivering high-quality patient care. With a commitment to improving efficiency, lowering costs, and enhancing the healthcare experience, Anterior is redefining how data and automation support better outcomes for patients and providers alike.

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CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media.

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Hernia surgery is one of the most common procedures, but the quality of care and post-op treatment can vary widely.

What’s behind these variations, and how can we ensure better care for patients?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Dr. Michael Reinhorn and Dr. Nora Fullington dive into the challenges of hernia surgery and explain how Boston Hernia is raising the bar with patient-centered care and improved outcomes.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT MICHAEL REINHORN M.D
Dr. Michael Reinhorn is a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, specializing in ambulatory hernia surgery with a focus on inguinal, umbilical, and epigastric hernias. Based near Boston, his practice serves New England with surgical care provided at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston Outpatient Surgical Suites, and the Surgery Center of New Hampshire. With over 23 years of experience and more than 5,400 hernia operations performed, Dr. Reinhorn is a recognized expert in minimally invasive hernia surgery, emphasizing opioid reduction and value-based care. He consults for the American Board of Surgery, co-chairs the opioid reduction task force for the ACHQC, and represents the Americas Hernia Society on the ACHQC board. A dedicated educator, researcher, and volunteer with The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, Dr. Reinhorn is committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing hernia care.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT NORA FULLINGTON M.D
Dr. Nora Fullington is a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, specializing in minimally invasive hernia and gallbladder surgery. With over 2,000 operations performed as a hospital-based surgeon, she joined the practice in 2021 and has since completed more than 1,000 hernia surgeries. Dr. Fullington is an expert in open preperitoneal mesh and non-mesh repairs, as well as laparoscopic techniques for patients who benefit from minimally invasive approaches. A national authority on hernia repair, she has published peer-reviewed studies, delivered lectures on improving patient outcomes, and brings expertise in gallbladder surgery to the practice. Passionate about patient-centered care, she ensures every patient feels heard and valued. Dr. Fullington also demonstrates her commitment to humanitarian medicine through surgical mission trips to Haiti and advocacy for humanism in healthcare.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT BOSTON HERNIA
Boston Hernia is a specialized surgical practice dedicated to providing expert care for hernia and gallbladder conditions. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and patient-centered treatment, the team at Boston Hernia delivers exceptional outcomes through personalized care plans, advanced surgical approaches, and a commitment to reducing recovery times. Serving patients across New England, Boston Hernia is known for its expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to improving the lives of tho

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Primary care is the foundation of a strong healthcare system, but it faces mounting challenges, from workforce shortages to reimbursement struggles.

Is advanced primary care the solution and what would that model look like?

In this episode of CareTalk, David E. Williams and John Driscoll sit down with Dr. Kate Goodrich, Chief Medical Officer of Humana, to explore the critical role of primary care and how it must evolve to meet the growing demands of patients, providers, and the healthcare system as a whole.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

TOPICS
(0:21) Intro
(0:34) Sponsorship
(2:05) The Advantages of Primary Care
(3:51) Understanding Primary Care
(5:06) Why Is Primary Care Struggling
(6:55) The Current State of Primary Care
(7:57) How Primary Care Is Changing
(10:18) The Promise of Care Coordination in Primary Care
(12:51) What Does Advanced Primary Care Look Like
(15:20) Measuring Success in Primary Care
(18:32) What Is Direct Primary Care
(19:51) The State of Medicare Managed Care
(23:43) Why Are Primary Care Physicians Unhappy

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT KATE GOODRICH
Kate Goodrich, MD, MHS, is the Chief Medical Officer at Humana, where she leads clinical initiatives across the insurance and CenterWell businesses, focusing on physician engagement, healthcare research, health equity, and Humana's Bold Goal programs. Previously, she served as Humana’s SVP for Clinical Analytics and Trend, overseeing analytics and rapid learning strategies to improve outcomes while reducing costs. Before joining Humana, Dr. Goodrich was the CMS Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, managing 18 quality and value-based purchasing programs, nationwide quality improvement efforts, and Medicare coverage decisions. A practicing hospitalist and professor of medicine, she continues her clinical work at George Washington University Medical Center, where she previously directed the Hospital Medicine division.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT HUMANA
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a leading health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthy and happy lives since 1961. The company offers personalized healthcare services through its insurance products and CenterWell healthcare services, aiming to simplify the healthcare experience for millions of members across the United States. Humana's commitment extends beyond individual care, as it actively invests in local communities to support and enhance public health initiatives. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, Humana strives to address global health challenges and make a positive impact on the lives it touches.

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We’re living in an era where health data is more accessible than ever.

From lab results to wearable devices like the Apple Watch, there is an overwhelming amount of health information available.

However, the real challenge lies in unlocking the potential of this data to drive transformative health improvements for both patients and providers.

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, guest Richard Kedziora, Co-Founder and COO of Estenda, discusses how they are leveraging health data to uncover patterns and trends that lead to better treatments and improved patient outcomes.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT RICHARD KEDZIORA
Richard "RJ" Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda Solutions, leverages over 25 years of experience in technology to create digital health solutions that improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance patient and provider satisfaction. A results-driven professional, he specializes in leadership, process improvement, software development, and governance, with his work earning multiple awards, including a HIMSS Davies Award, and several patents. RJ holds an MBA from West Chester University and a BS in Computer Science from Duquesne University, where he received the Excellence in Computer Science Award. A frequent podcast guest and speaker at healthcare and technology conferences, he has co-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT ESTENDA
Estenda is an ISO 13485-certified healthcare software development and consulting company that has been advancing the science and technology of digital health since 2003. We collaborate with innovative organizations—commercial, research, clinical, or medical—to invent, design, develop, implement, and research solutions that enhance the health and well-being of individuals. Our services include custom software development, data analytics, AI/ML expertise, and strategic consulting. With a deep commitment to innovation and exceeding expectations, Estenda has successfully delivered numerous digital health projects, applying our extensive experience in healthcare, clinical, and medical systems.

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CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media.

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GLP-1 medications like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic are taking the market by storm.

With demand soaring, many patients are realizing these medications are either not being covered or simply too expensive.

Is this all due to provider greed or is the issue more complicated?

In this episode of CareTalk, David E. Williams and John Driscoll discuss how the growing demand for weight-loss drugs is creating a conundrum for providers, forcing them to decide between avoiding the costs associated with at-risk patients or investing upfront for long-term savings.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

TOPICS
(0:38) Sponsorship
(2:06) Obesity in America
(2:40) The State of Insurance Coverage for GLP-1s
(3:27) Background on Obesity Drugs
(4:45) Formation of GLP-1 Use
(7:20) The Cost Conundrum of Weight-Loss Drugs
(10:16) How Insurance Impacts Weight-Loss Drug Coverage
(11:30) Understanding Adverse Selection
(14:30) How Insurers Prevent Coverage
(15:04) Decisions on Weight-Loss Drug Coverage
(16:07) What Makes GLP-1s Unique for Cost Coverage
(18:00) Will Weight-Loss Drugs Become Cheaper?
(21:22) Medicare's Role in Weight-Loss Drugs
(22:17) Examining Side Effects of Weight-Loss Drugs

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

GET IN TOUCH
Become a CareTalk sponsor
Guest appearance requests
Visit us on the web
Subscribe to the CareTalk News

Support the show

CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media.