The Gist Healthcare Podcast

Optum will acquire the financially troubled Steward Health’s national physician group. The Supreme Court signals skepticism over arguments made challenging the FDA’s approval of a key drug used in medication abortions. And, Change Healthcare says its largest clearing house is operational after a February cyber attack. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congress unveils its $1.2 trillion spending bill with funding for the Department of Health and Human Services. New reports highlight errors with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Oracle’s deployment of its electronic health record system. And, a new study finds that a majority of new physicians have faced sexual harassment. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early last October, Providence Health unveiled Praia Health, its fourth, incubated technology. Praia utilizes what the Digital Innovation Group calls a digital flywheel to keep patients engaged with their care by personalizing individuals' health journeys and seamlessly connecting them t  o the right services, products and resources. On today’s episode, we hear the second half of JC’s conversation with Sara Vaezy, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Digital Officer for Providence, where they talk more about Praia’s value proposition to hospitals and the future of the health system’s digital strategy. This conversation originally aired on October 16, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October, Renton, Washington-based health system Providence unveiled Praia Health, its latest incubated technology. Praia is a platform-as-a-service developed for health systems to increase patient engagement by personalizing individuals' health journeys and seamlessly connecting them to the right services, products and resources. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, we revisit host J. Carlisle Larsen’s conversation with Sara Vaezy, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Digital Officer for Providence. She joined the podcast to talk more about Praia Health, including its goals and the issues it aims to address. This conversation originally aired on October 9, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers press the Department of Health and Human Services over its response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Medicare Part D plans can cover the popular–and expensive–weight loss drug Wegovy for beneficiaries with heart conditions. And, VillageMD sells 11 clinics in Rhode Island to Arches Medical Partners.  That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CMS launches a new model that aims to increase primary care participation in Medicare ACOs. The U.S. Senate releases a military report flagging risks in the nation’s drug supply chain. And, the CDC releases new guidance for hospital CEOs to mitigate burnout in the healthcare workforce. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

National supermarket chain Kroger plans to sell its specialty pharmacy business to Elevance Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a new health alert as measles cases continue to climb. And, the number of abortions nationwide increased in the first year following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, according to a new report. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services extends Medicaid payment flexibilities amid the ongoing Change Healthcare outage. President Biden signs an executive order to expand research on women’s health. And, another drugmaker caps prescription asthma inhaler prices at $35 per month amid lawmaker scrutiny. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ongoing healthcare workforce shortages have prompted hospitals and health systems to expand educational and internship programs to better engage young people in pursuing careers in healthcare. For the past two weeks, Gist Healthcare Daily has highlighted initiatives underway at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio to attract high school students to the healthcare industry. Today, host J. Carlisle Larsen speaks with Zach Fleitman, founder and CEO of Workup Health, to learn more about how the talent pipeline management platform works with health systems– including University Hospitals– to help them track and evaluate the impact of their youth outreach programs. You can find JC’s two-part conversation with Celina Cunanan of University Hospitals at the links below:How University Hospitals in Cleveland Engages with Youth in its Communities to Build its Talent Pipeline (March 4, 2024)Continuing the Conversation: Celina Cunanan of University Hospital about the importance of talent pipeline development, diversifying the provider workforce (March 12, 2024) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The federal government will investigate UnitedHealth Group following the Change Healthcare cyber attack. Diabetes and weight loss drug Ozempic was found to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients, according to a large-scale clinical trial. And, drugmaker Eli Lilly partners with Amazon to deliver its weight loss drug Zepbound, directly to consumers’ homes. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A U.S. Circuit Court rules against a pharmaceutical lobbying group in the ongoing fight over 340B drug discounts. Corvallis Clinic asks Oregon for an exemption from the state’s oversight process to merge with Optum. And, the healthcare industry remains the top target for cyber criminals. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal officials offer emergency funding to providers as the Change Healthcare outage stretches into its fourth week. President Biden releases his proposed 2025 budget, which includes some big ticket healthcare items. And, the Food and Drug Administration says that the weight loss drug Wegovy can be prescribed for heart problems. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For three years in a row, workforce and personnel issues remain the top concern for healthcare leaders across the country, according to a recent survey published by the American College of Healthcare Executives.On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, we listen to the second half of host J. Carlisle Larsen’s conversation with Celina Cunanan, Chief Diversity, Equity & Belonging Officer at Cleveland, Ohio-based University Hospitals, about how diversifying University Hospitals’ talent pipeline–and by extension, its workforce–benefits both the system and the community as a whole. You can listen to the first half of their conversation here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Biden calls for expanding the number of drugs Medicare can negotiate prices on. Cigna strikes a deal with drugmakers to cap the cost of popular obesity medications for employer-sponsored health plans. And, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs inks its first health system partnership. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announces provider flexibilities in the wake of the ongoing challenges associated with the recent Change Healthcare cyber attack. The White House announces a new federal task force to investigate healthcare costs. And, Opill–the first over-the-counter birth control pill–will hit shelves later this month. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nation’s two largest retail pharmacy chains will begin dispensing the drug mifepristone, which can be used in a medication abortion. A growing number of physicians are employed by private equity groups, according to a new study. And, a CMS report outlines a drop in quality measure performance at hospitals during the first two years of the pandemic. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Change Healthcare opens a backup pharmacy system as outages continue following a cyberattack late last month. Hospitals and physicians may see some relief in a newly proposed federal spending deal. And, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drops its five-day isolation guidance for COVID-19 infections. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bloomberg Philanthropies recently announced it would partner with major health systems and invest $250 million dollars to launch healthcare-oriented high schools to address an expected shortage of workers within the industry. But many hospitals and health systems have educational programs today that aim to get young people interested in healthcare careers. Celina Cunanan, Chief Diversity, Equity & Belonging Officer at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, joins the podcast to talk more about how her health system engages with young people in its communities as part of its workforce development efforts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northwell Health and Nuvance Health announce plans to merge. VillageMD plans to close all of its clinics in Illinois. And, antidepressant prescribing for young people increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Department of Justice launches an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group. Colorado regulators force U.S. Anesthesia Partners to end exclusive contracts at some hospitals in the state. And, hackers are reportedly looking to sell data from a recent breach at a children’s hospital. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Measles cases are on the rise in several states across the country. Healthcare settlements tied to the False Claims Act reached $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2023. And, a New York City medical school receives a $1 billion donation to make tuition free for students. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Optums says it expects outages related to a cyber attack against Change Healthcare to continue for at least another day. Colorado becomes the first state in the nation to set a drug price ceiling. And, nearly 40 state Attorneys General are asking Congressional lawmakers for federal legislation to regulate pharmacy benefit managers. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data sharing platform Health Gorilla surveyed more than 1,200 consumers to gauge their opinion about the privacy of their health data and which companies should be allowed to access it. It found a vast majority of respondents expressed concerns about data breaches affecting their medical records. Steven Lane, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Health Gorilla, joins the podcast to talk more about the survey, patient privacy, and the role of interoperability. You can find Health Gorilla’s State of Patient Privacy report here. This episode originally aired on September 5, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walgreens plans to shutter all of its VillageMD locations in Florida amid ongoing cost-cutting measures. Mississippi considers a Medicaid expansion…but with job requirements. And, a cyber security attack disrupts UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare operations. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medicare Advantage enrollment is up as payers worry about higher MA costs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalizes a rule for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. And, nearly half of newborns in the United States received protection against respiratory syncytial virus.That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration launches a probe into how the business practices of hospital purchasing groups and drug distributors may impact shortages of drugs. The number of surprise billing disputes heading to arbitration remains well beyond original federal estimates, according to new data. And, a popular vitamin may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent Washington Post article found that seven companies allegedly submitted around $2 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare for intermittent urinary catheters that were not ordered, wanted, or received by patients. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Washington Post national health reporter Dan Diamond speaks with host J. Carlisle Larsen about the story. You can read the Washington Post article here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nonprofit health insurers SCAN Health and CareOregon call off their proposed merger. Federal lawmakers are reportedly considering a slight Medicare pay increase for physicians. And, a new report outlines the states with the biggest share of adults with medical debt. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal judge throws out a lawsuit challenging Medicare’s drug price negotiation process. The CDC is expected to change its isolation guidelines for COVID-19 infections. And, employer-focused primary care providers Marathon Health and Everside Health plan to merge. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The University of Minnesota strikes a deal with Fairview Health Services to buy back its flagship academic medical center, after selling it more than 25 years ago. The Biden Administration wants more oversight of healthcare accrediting organizations. And, a new study finds that popular weight loss drugs may improve some mental health conditions. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthcare M&A activity was up in 2023 following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from Kaufman Hall. Last Monday, Anu Singh, Managing Director and Leader of the Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions Practice at Kaufman Hall, spoke with host J. Carlisle Larsen about how financial distress was the main driver of many of the smaller-to-medium sized hospital deals last year. In the second half of their conversation, they discuss how more financially stable health systems are considering less traditional, strategic M&A deals and what kinds of conversations are happening right now in C-suites. You can listen to the first part of our conversation here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leaders of three major pharmaceutical companies testified on Capitol Hill this week about the high cost of prescription drugs. The Biden Administration outlines how Medicare Advantage insurers can use AI. And, Walgreens taps a new executive to lead its healthcare business. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A House panel passes a key PBM reform for health insurance for federal employees. Amazon will lay off hundreds of employees across its healthcare division. And, healthcare jobs grew at the fastest rate since the early 1990s. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Optum plans to purchase Oregon-based multi-specialty medical group The Corvallis Clinic. Medicaid’s net enrollment is down by about 10 million midway through the continuous enrollment unwinding process. And, Walgreens partners with pharmacy schools to address workforce shortages. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration finalizes telehealth flexibilities for opioid treatment programs. Novo Nordisk’s parent company will buy a US-based facility reportedly to ramp up production of its blockbuster weight loss drugs. And senior-oriented primary care provider Cano Health files for bankruptcy. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were 65 hospital and health system M&A deals announced last year, an increase from 53 in 2022. The rise  reflects a growing momentum following a pandemic-related slow down, according to a recent report from Kaufman Hall. Anu Singh, Managing Director and Leader of the Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions Practice, joins the podcast to talk more about how financial distress was a driving factor in smaller deals, as well as how other systems looked for more strategic partnerships. Upcoming webinar: Navigating Strategic Options in a Transformed Operating Environment. (February 26, 2024 at 2:00pm-CT) Register here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biogen will stop selling its Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm, amid controversy. The Biden Administration makes its initial offers to drug companies on the first ten drugs to be negotiated through Medicare, as courts weigh lawsuits brought by pharmaceutical companies challenging the negotiation process. And, participation in Medicare accountable care organizations is up. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cigna officially offloads its Medicare Advantage business to Health Care Service Corporation. The Biden Administration will negotiate on behalf of states to provide a groundbreaking gene therapy for Medicaid beneficiaries with sickle cell disease. And, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute is issuing corrections and retracting some research papers amid falsification allegations. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fitch Ratings says lower operating margins at nonprofit hospitals may be here to stay. The Biden Administration wants stakeholder input on making Medicare Advantage more transparent. And, a new study examines a small number of transmissible Alzheimer’s cases tied to a medical treatment that’s no longer used. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal regulators sue to block Novant Health’s purchase of two Community Health Systems hospitals in North Carolina. Insurers say that the No Surprises Act prevented 10 million surprise bills for patients in the first nine months of 2023. And, North Carolina says it will no longer pay for popular–and costly–weight loss drugs for state employees. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congressional lawmakers established a new arbitration process when they passed the No Surprises Act in December 2020. Since April 2022, payers and providers have been able to have a third-party settle payment disputes over out-of-network claims. However, the process has been bogged down by exceedingly high caseloads and legal challenges. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Matthew Fiedler, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins the podcast to talk more about how the process has fared overall since its launch.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration releases voluntary cybersecurity goals for healthcare providers. It was a record-breaking year for health plan enrollment on the Affordable Care Act exchanges. And, a majority of rural hospitals have had to cut labor and delivery services for pregnant people. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walgreens is reportedly exploring a sale of its specialty pharmacy business, Shields Health. Instacart expands its reach into the home care sector. And, the mortality rate among hospital-at-home patients is low, according to a recent study. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bloomberg Philanthropies will invest $250 million to launch healthcare-focused high schools to address workforce shortages. Younger people are being diagnosed with cancer at higher rates, according to recent studies. And, funding for digital health projects is at its lowest point since 2019. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Intermountain’s Saltzer Health faces a shutdown if it can’t find a buyer. Physicians at two Allina Health hospitals get the green light to unionize. And, disproportionate share hospitals will continue to receive payments–temporarily–as Congress averts another government shutdown in the short term. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hospitals and health insurers were more compliant with price transparency laws and regulations in 2023, according to healthcare price data company Turquoise Health. Carol Skenes, Principal Strategist at Turquoise, joins the podcast to talk more about what this data means for consumers and the healthcare industry.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the last 15 years, ZocDoc has connected physicians and other healthcare professionals to patients seeking care through its tech-enabled online marketplace. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, Oliver Kharraz, MD, Founder and CEO of ZocDoc, joins the show to talk about how the company looks at the evolution of patient acquisition.You can check out ZocDoc’s white paper on patient acquisition here. This episode first aired on May 8, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venture capital firm General Catalyst’s healthcare arm plans to purchase Akron, Ohio-based Summa Health, and turn it into a for-profit system. CMS issues a final rule that aims to streamline health insurer prior authorizations. And, the FDA approves a groundbreaking CRISPR treatment for a second blood disease. That’s coming up on today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jarrard’s second survey in its “Beyond Burnout” series examines how nurses are feeling overall about their job satisfaction and career calling, as well as the level of trust they have in the organizations and leadership. On today’s episode of Gist Healthcare Daily, we hear the second part of JC’s conversation with David Jarrard, Executive Chair of Jarrard Inc., where they talk more about how onboarding can make or break nurse retention. You can find Jarrard's second part of the “Beyond Burnout” survey series here. You can also find the first part of JC’s conversation with David Jarrard about the nurse survey here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent survey published by strategic healthcare communications consulting firm Jarrard Inc. finds that job satisfaction among nurses is increasing, with roughly two-thirds saying they plan to stay in the field. Today, David Jarrard, Executive Chair of Jarrard Inc., joins the podcast to talk more about the survey. You can find the second part of Jarrard’s “Beyond Burnout” survey series here. You can also find JC’s conversation with David Jarrard about the firm’s 2023 physician survey here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.