Surviving Healthcare Podcast

Ep. 36: Coordination of care technology with Asif Kahn

In this episode of the Surviving Healthcare podcast, we will continue this month’s discussion of technology and its place in healthcare with a conversation about how technology can help us better coordinate health care. Too often, a lack of coordination between the patient and family and various physicians and specialists can result in a very confusing situation. You’ll hear from Asif Khan who is the founder and CEO of CareMerge. His goal through CareMerge is to “forge meaningful connections between providers, payers, families and seniors seeking to improve communication in today’s complex healthcare environment.” Asif is a leader in the technological revolution that is happening in healthcare. As you listen to our conversation, you will hear about Mr. Khan’s background and why he seeks to improve the communication and coordination aspects of healthcare delivery. You’ll be surprised at how much his experience probably lines up with what many of us deal with and I think you’ll agree with his basic premise. Which is the importance of getting the right information at the right time to the right people. We then talk about care coordination and how technology is helping to solve the problem, especially with seniors. In many cases, there are a great many actors responsible for a patient’s care and each has to know what the others are doing. We discuss what Caremerge does and how it’s changing things to improve health care by freeing healthcare professionals up to do their job more efficiently and more completely. The conversation then turns to the dynamics of the current medical records system and how the technology fits into it. You will hear a discussion of the issue of adoption of this type of technology and the role of the Affordable Care Act in that adoption. His description of the value of technology in helping physicians and others do their job is excellent. Asif describes the benefit to everyone involved at nearly every level of the healthcare system. We also discuss the importance of patient information and data in improving the quality of life for everyone. You’ll then hear his thoughts on the future of healthcare. One of the uses of technology is collecting a lot of useful data that could potentially lead to improved care, but it could also prevent health problems and lead to people leading healthier and more productive lives. We also discuss how technology will make patients more active and involved with their own health care, including those with chronic conditions. As always, this conversation is extremely informative and should give you significant insight as to the importance of technology in moving the healthcare system forward. I think you’ll really enjoy this discussion. Resources: Caremerge Asif Khan on Twitter Asif Khan on LinkedIn

Ep. 35: New models of rehabilitation through technology and gaming with Ted Spooner

In this episode of Surviving Healthcare, you will hear one way technology and health are partnering to achieve better outcomes. My guest for this episode is Ted Spooner. Ted is the co-founder and CEO of Respondwell, one of the best and most-honored physical rehabilitation software companies in the country. RespondWell is a leader in the area of fitness gaming and telerehabilitation. Ted is one of the best possible experts to talk with regarding the use of technology in the healthcare field. As you listen, you will hear a general discussion of Respondwell and how it evolved from a fitness gaming company, making games for the Xbox, to a company that used the knowledge gained from that endeavor to a company that uses modern technology to achieve better outcomes in healthcare. Included in this discussion is the difference between preventive and prescriptive rehabilitation and why both are important. You will also hear a fascinating discussion of the various needs people have for different types of therapy and how technology can make it easier to engage in therapeutic activity that can prevent certain problems from occurring in the first place. That leads to the discussion of the biggest difference between healthcare and other markets. You will hear why the future of healthcare seems to be in the hands of patients more so than physicians and insurance companies, and how that may look in the future. This, the liveliest part of the discussion, demonstrates the learning process that Mr. Spooner and his team have gone through and how they make technology work for both the patient and the physical therapist. We discuss the importance of communication in the rehabilitation process and how the Respondwell facilitates that. We then talk about the various payment strategies available to both the patient and the physical therapist, and which ones are most likely to work best. The discussion then evolves into a more general discussion of them gaming aspects of physical therapy and how that may change in the future. It follows a typical game model, which can include: The need to achieve a goal, based on an engagement model; The need to establish a relationship between the “coach” and the player through “personification” technology; The need to create an ultimate expectation for the therapy and; A reward based on what the user finds important. Ted explains all of this in great detail and I believe you will find it fascinating. We discuss the importance of the interactive abilities of the technology to patients and physical therapists. And that leads to one of the biggest challenges as technology infiltrates healthcare, which is the importance of the data collected The future of healthcare is already here, in many ways, and this episode of the podcast gives us a glimpse of that future and how that may look. Resources Ted Spooner Respondwell

Ep. 34: Preparing for open enrollment with Sally Poblete

Open enrollment for health insurance begins November 1. Which means individuals under 65 that want to change their plan or need to get a plan, now is the time to enroll. With that in mind, for this episode of the Surviving Healthcare podcast, you will hear what factors to look for to get the most out of open enrollment and get the plan that works best for you. Joining me in this discussion is Sally Poblete, who is the founder and CEO of Wellthie, a company with a software platform that is designed to help people understand their options, so that they can choose the right plan. Before that, she had extensive experience at Anthem, which is one of the largest insurers in the country and she has been awarded for her efforts to help transform the health insurance field. I think you’ll agree that she’s a great guest to help us through the health insurance minefield. Our discussion begins with an assessment of the value of education when it comes to choosing a health insurance plan. If you don’t think you are comfortable choosing a health plan, you are not alone. Sally explains why she went into this field and why she started her company, and the reason will make you think. We also talk about the relative health insurance literacy of the nation as a whole, which may astound you, as it did me, and make you realize that, not only are you not alone, but there is a huge need for better health insurance education out there. That is what Wellthie is trying to change. You’ll hear about the effects of technology on the future of health insurance agencies and brokers, and the overall human component of the health insurance industry. We discuss the importance of insurance companies making their products friendlier and the need for better consumer education. You will hear specific details that all health insurance consumers should look for and be aware of, as a rule. Here are some basic things all consumers should know going in: Open enrollment begins November 1 for individuals under 65 There are four levels of plans available Consider the balance between the cost and the coverage you need, without weighing one as more important than the other. Check each health plan’s network and continue to check every year Assess the insurance company’s approach to customer service, especially when it comes to answering questions Remember, you can get a higher deductible plan and find a direct primary care physician using tax favored funds We get into more detail on each of the above (except finding a direct primary care physician). We also discuss “skinny networks” and why it matters that you know the importance and why it’s important to make your insurance company speak to you in plain language, in a way that you understand and to ask a lot of questions. We also discuss in great detail why insurance companies may have a hard time speaking to consumers, historically speaking, and why we think that should change in the future. A lot of things may be changing in the future, and some transformations may be huge, especially with regard to transparency in costs and practices. This episode should provide you with a lot of great information as you prepare for open enrollment beginning November 1. Resources: Wellthie Sally Poblete @wellthie on Twitter Facebook

Ep. 33: Medicare’s annual open enrollment tips and tricks with Danielle Kunkle

In this episode of Surviving Healthcare, you will hear tips and tricks to surviving Medicare’s annual open enrollment period. This happens every year from October 15th to December 7th. This is a very important time of year for Medicare recipients, and this particular show aims to provide you with important information during this time as well as hints that you are on the right Medicare path. You will hear from Danielle Kunkle, who is a founding partner at Boomer Benefits, a Medicare insurance agency that is licensed in more than 40 states and which consistently ranks among the premier national Medicare agencies in the country. She specializes in educating Medicare beneficiaries about their available insurance options, so they can go into the market with eyes open and confidently choose the insurance plan that best fits them and their medical needs. She has written numerous articles on the subject of Medicare benefits and is a frequent speaker on these issues. Our discussion begins by talking about what Medicare open enrollment is, what it means and how it works. Specifically, we talk about the different parts of Medicare and how open enrollment works with each.   Danielle explains how Medigap insurance fits into the picture. She explains the Annual Notice of Change letter, what that means to you and how you should handle it. Next, you’ll hear how changes to your Medicare plan have to be made and why and she gives some great advice for easily making side-by-side comparisons of costs and plan details. During this part of the discussion, she reveals some new legislation being considered in Congress that could be a game-changer. You will also find out what happens when you sign up for a plan during open enrollment and the importance of research before you choose or change a plan and making sure you’re comfortable. There are many choices you should know about and consider. Danielle provides questions everyone should consider when choosing between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan, such as: How do you get your peace of mind? Where do you live during the year? Are you on a fixed income and will the cost of a plan be too much? Does your current plan raise rates every year? There are several things you should know about Medicare’s annual open enrollment and Medicare Advantage plans. Such as: Have you reviewed your Notice of Change packet this year? Are you willing to review search out the best plan for you if your plan changes? Are your doctors are in the network? Do you want co-pays and deductibles or a higher premium? In closing, you’ll hear Ms. Kunkle discuss the importance and the relative advantages of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans overall. This show is a very informative discussion that anyone facing Medicare’s annual open enrollment will find informative. Resources Boomer Benefits Danielle Kunkle Articles at Benefits Pro 1-855-732-9055

Ep. 32: How your business can lower their healthcare costs with Dr Stephen Schimpff

This episode of Surviving Healthcare is a continuation of direct primary care with practical applications. You will hear how business, both large and small, can implement direct primary care to both improve the healthcare of their employees and decrease what they are paying for medical costs. Joining me on the show again is Dr. Stephen Schimpff. Dr. Schimpff is an internist with training and board certifications in internal medicine, medical oncology and infectious diseases. Dr. Schimpff was a clinician, educator and researcher before taking on multiple leadership roles within the University of Maryland Medical System, which is recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious medical systems in the country and even the world. You will hear Dr. Schimpff begin by summarizing direct primary care and immediately dive into how direct primary care is of great benefit to patients by building a stronger, more personal relationship. Additionally, physicians have more time to spend with their patients in this model of care. Dr. Schimpff gives several specific examples to illustrate the potential savings, by using models championed by specific companies. Dr. Schimpff then discusses the new dynamic between the patients, employers and insurance companies. He explains how he envisions the future, which I found very interesting and I believe you will, too. You’ll hear specific scenarios in which companies can convert their current health benefit systems into a direct primary care model, while getting a better handle on care and costs. Specifically, we discuss how this approach gives patients more control over their care and reduces the waste in the system. You will hear how self funded groups as well as fully insured groups can implement this in their business. Dr. Schimpff explains how direct primary care helps “the sickest of the sick” by discussing a company that is doing just that around his area. If the quality of outcomes is better and the cost savings are realized while serving these Medicaid patients, which you’ll hear about, then this model can be applied in your company. The bottom line is, doctors and patients are not getting the time to develop a relationship which is critical to better healthcare. Direct primary care allows a return to relationship medicine and drops the total cost of healthcare and it is a model you can employ as an individual or a company today. Resources: Dr. Stephen Schimpff Medical Megatrends Fixing the Primary Care Crisis The Future of Healthcare Delivery