The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

What's the boldest company in healthcare? In our last Digital Health Download of the year, Halle and Steve stumble over the answer to this question and break down the latest healthcare headlines and what they mean for our sector.We cover:🤖 Why AI chatbots outperformed doctors in diagnosis - and what it really means for the future of medical practice🚀 Amazon's entry into primary care and what it means for Hims & Hers💊 The latest on GLP-1s: From Walmart's earnings impact to Medicare coverage proposals📱 The extension of telehealth prescribing rules and what it means for digital health companies📊 New evidence showing the ROI of addressing social determinants of health and why politics shouldn't override data🏥 Forward Health's sudden shutdown and what it teaches us about healthcare disruption versus incrementalism (listen to Adrian on the show last year here)---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Technology is transforming genetic testing and bringing hope to families facing rare diseases. In this episode, GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) CEO Katherine Stueland sits down with Steve Kraus to share how AI is being used to crack life's most complex code and speed up diagnosis from years to days.We cover:🧬 The evolution from single-gene testing (remember BRCA?) to whole genome sequencing, and why the Supreme Court's decision to ban gene patents changed everything🔬 How 1 in 10 Americans has a rare disease, yet the path to diagnosis traditionally takes 6-8 years💪 How parents become "honorary PhDs" in their children's rare conditions and how this drives research forward🤖 With only 1,500 medical geneticists nationwide, AI can help bridge the expertise gap💰 The shifting landscape of insurance coverage and why states are starting to see the value of early genetic diagnosis📊 How GeneDx built the world's largest rare disease database (700,000 clinical exomes and counting) and what that means for future drug development👩‍💼 Katherine's journey from communications major to CEO, and why having more women leaders matters in healthcare---Shortcuts:00:00 Introduction and Overview01:29 Advancing Diagnoses for Rare Diseases06:33 The Evolution of Genetic Testing10:44 The Cost and Coverage of Genetic Testing21:55 The Role of AI in Genomics and Genetic Testing29:43 From Communications to CEO: Katherine's Journey35:23 Promoting Gender Equality in the C-Suite---About our guest:Katherine Stueland has dedicated her career to revolutionizing healthcare with patient-centered business approaches. Instrumental in obtaining FDA approval for breakthroughs like the first protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS and pioneering cancer immunotherapy, she champions the integration of genomic data for precision diagnostics in rare diseases and cancer. As President and CEO of GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) since June 2021, she is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through the Company’s industry-leading exome and genome testing. Previously, as Chief Commercial Officer of Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), she elevated the brand to a market cap of over $6 billion.---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

🤗 In this bonus episode, pharmacoeconomist Yoona Kim, co-founder and CEO of Arine, talks about tackling the $530 billion problem of medication mismanagement. She shares her approach to optimizing medication therapy using data science and clinical expertise.We cover:💊 The shocking scale of medication-related problems and their impact on patient health and healthcare costs🛢️ How data silos and time constraints in healthcare contribute to dangerous medication errors🌐 The use of AI and machine learning in predicting and preventing medication-related issues⚖️ Balancing cost optimization with clinical appropriateness in medication recommendations🚧 The challenges of integrating with existing healthcare systems and winning provider trust---About our guest:Yoona Kim is the Founder & CEO of Arine, an AI-driven SaaS platform company focused on medication intelligence that grew 100% last year, and has produced more than 33 million life-improving recommendations for over 15 million patients. Prior to Arine, she was the Head of Clinical Modeling and Analytics at Proteus Digital Health. She was responsible for health economic and clinical implementation activities for Proteus Digital Health. Her team developed health economic value propositions from strategic conceptualization to business case development to actualization in the real-world.Yoona holds a Bachelor's Degree from Stanford University, a PharmD with an emphasis in health policy and management from the University of California, San Francisco and a PhD in health economics and outcomes from the University of Texas at Austin.---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular care has been an overlooked opportunity in digital health. With 1 in 3 Americans facing cardiovascular disease in their lifetime, how can innovation help turn the tide?In this episode, we explore heart health in the digital age with Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and founder/CEO of Heartbeat Health, the nation's largest virtual-first cardiovascular company.We cover:⌚If we can trust cardiovascular data from wearable devices (and what doctors call “Apple Heart Syndrome”)🔢 The difference between “heart age” and “chronological age”🤨 Why he’s skeptical of the remote monitoring market❣️ The impact of stress on heart health and the role of inflammation⚖️ Why he believes GLP-1s are the best heart drugs that have ever existed🩺 Practical tips for listeners to improve their cardiovascular health (including the important but often-overlooked LPA test)---About our guest:Dr. Jeff Wessler is a Cardiologist and the Founder and CEO of Heartbeat Health, the nation's largest virtual-first cardiovascular company. Dr. Wessler graduated from Williams College, received an MPhil in public health and epidemiology from Cambridge University, and his MD from Harvard Medical School.---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Make America Healthy Again?It's official— Trump was elected as our 47th president and plans to use his second term to "go wild on health." For this special episode, Aneesh Chopra, former U.S. Chief Technology Officer and author of Innovative State: How New Technologies can Transform Government, joins Steve to talk about what we can expect in Trump's second term.We cover:🔮 The future of the Affordable Care Act💻 What a privatized version of Healthcare.gov could look like🤝 The potential for value-based care to thrive in a bipartisan environment♀️ The challenges facing women's health and reproductive rights👵 How Medicare Advantage is facing significant financial and outcome challenges🏆 Who will be the winners and losers of the next four years---About our guest:Aneesh Chopra advocates for interoperability and data-driven approaches that help providers, payers, and employers make smarter decisions to succeed in the shift to value-based care.Chopra’s influence and leadership in technology includes extensive experience in the public sector. He served as the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer under the Obama Administration, where he spearheaded initiatives to modernize the nation’s healthcare system using electronic health records and health information exchanges. These efforts strengthened the data infrastructure used in healthcare delivery reform, ultimately helping the industry progress toward a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.Chopra also served as Virginia’s Secretary of Technology under Governor Tim Kaine, where he championed the growth of the state’s technology sector, enhanced educational opportunities through technology, and drove innovation in government operations. As a public servant, Aneesh fostered better public-private collaboration, a theme central to his 2014 book, “Innovative State: How New Technologies Can Transform Government.”Chopra’s significant contributions to the fields of technology and healthcare have cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking leader committed to leveraging technology for the public good. He’s been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare and one of the top 25 "Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers” by Government Technology magazine.Chopra serves on the boards of IntegraConnect, Virginia Center for Health Innovation, and the George Mason Innovation Advisory Council. He earned his master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School and holds a bachelor’s degree in health policy from Johns Hopkins University.---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keep up with healthcare news in under an hour with our monthly Digital Health Download! We can't believe it's already November. In this episode, we cover the biggest headlines of October:📝 Findings from Bessemer's State of Health Tech 2024 Report🤝 Take-aways from the 2024 HLTH Conference📊 New “AI services as software” benchmarks😵‍💫 How election season is causing stress and anxiety⚖️ New data on cost savings for ACOs💊 Walmart plans to deliver prescriptions in as little as 30💻 Oracle replacing Cerner with a new AI health record---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Doctors are not okay. Nearly half of physicians in the United States experienced burnout in 2023, leading to absenteeism, reduced productivity, turnover, and many leaving the profession altogether. In this episode, we discuss the clinician burnout and mental health crises with two expert guests: Dr. Jessie Gold, the first chief wellness officer for the University of Tennessee System and author of "How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine," and Dr. Aparna Atluru, co-founder and chief medical officer of Marvin, a company that provides specialized mental health care for healthcare workers.We cover:😮‍💨 The definition and symptoms of burnout, and if we should add it to the DSM👩‍⚕️ Gender disparities in physician mental health and suicide rates💻 The impact of technology on clinician well-being✍️ Personal experiences with burnout and mental health struggles in medicine💡 Potential solutions and interventions, including specialized mental health care for healthcare workers---You can learn more about Marvin at MeetMarvin.com.You can learn more about Dr. Gold's work and buy her new book on DrJessiGold.com.---🫶 If you're enjoying the show, please leave us a review!---Heart of Healthcare website: https://www.heartofhealthcarepodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-heart-of-healthcare-podcast?Twitter: https://twitter.com/hoh_podSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Approximately one in five American children have a mental health condition, with many more at risk for developing one. In this episode, Halle Tecco and Michael Esquivel dive deep into the youth mental health crisis with Naomi Allen, co-founder and CEO of Brightline.We cover:📲 How technology has worsened the youth mental health crisis and how it can help solve it🧭 Key drivers of the crisis🏡 “Families are comorbid”: Family-centered care approaches in pediatric behavioral health⚕️ The challenge of over-pathologizing vs. providing appropriate care💡 Strategies for parents to manage children's technology use---You can learn more about Brightline at hellobrightline.com. ---🫶 If you're enjoying the show, please leave us a review!---Heart of Healthcare website: https://www.heartofhealthcarepodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-heart-of-healthcare-podcast?Twitter: https://twitter.com/hoh_podSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bryan Roberts, a partner at Venrock and one of the healthcare industry's most illustrious investors, shares insights from his long and successful career in healthcare investing.We cover:💼 The key traits and principles that have contributed to his exceptional success in healthcare investing 🔄 How to navigate investment cycles and make non-consensus decisions 🧬 The story behind Bryan's early, transformative investments in companies like Illumina and Athena Health 📱 His perspective on the current state of digital health and value-based care innovations 🤖 The potential impact of AI on healthcare efficiency and clinical practice 📈 Strategies for exits and IPOs in the current market environment 📉 Valuable lessons from Bryan's biggest investment misses and what they taught him—About our guest:Bryan Roberts is a Partner at Venrock where he focuses on healthcare investments. With over 25 years of experience, Bryan has helped build companies that have transformed multiple areas of healthcare, including genomics, healthcare IT, and care delivery. He has been named to the Forbes Midas List of top technology investors multiple times and serves as a director on the boards of several innovative healthcare companies. Immediately prior to joining Venrock, Bryan received his Ph.D. in Chemistry & Chemical Biology from Harvard University. He received his B.A. from Dartmouth College.—Thanks for listening. Please subscribe and leave us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready for your October digital health download? This month, we discuss:Progyny losing business to MavenThe entire 23andMe board resigningParticle Health suing Epic (and Epic clapping back)A plan to erase $4B in medical debt in North CarolinaThe first at-home nasal spray flu vaccineWeight Watchers losing Oprah and its CEO, can they get on the GLP-1 train?Tune in for all the digital health tea 🫖!"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most influential figures in government today: Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. As the youngest FTC chair to ever be appointed, during her tenure the FTC has pushed to ban non-compete agreements, filed lawsuits against healthcare companies engaging in anti-competitive practices, and strengthened the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR) to protect sensitive health data.We cover:The FTC's role in healthcare and how it compares to other sectorsThe impact of consolidation and vertical integration in the healthcare industryThe agency's efforts to combat rising drug prices, including the recent actions against major PBMsThe controversial "Orange Book" patent challenges and their implications for drug innovationThe nationwide ban on non-compete agreements and its potential effects on doctorsChair Khan's vision for the future of competition law and its application to healthcareSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the election around the corner, Halle and Steve welcome Dan Diamond back on the show to talk about how the election will impact healthcare (and how healthcare impacts voting). Dan is a national health reporter for the Washington Post, focused on accountability, federal agencies, and public health.We cover:Trump's concept of a plan and if he would really repeal the ACAHarris abandoning Medicare-for-allHow reproductive health remains a contentious voting topicMedicaid redetermination leading to millions losing coverageBipartisian issues like Medicare Advantage, drug pricing, and mental health coverageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed best practices for weight loss care and created an opportunity for digital health innovation. In this episode, Steve Kraus sits down with Evan Richardson, founder and CEO of Form Health, to discuss GLP-1s and the virtual medical weight loss care landscape.We cover:- How Form Health differentiates itself in the competitive weight care market- The impact of GLP-1 medications and the challenges of drug shortages- The role of compounding pharmacies and potential regulatory changes- The importance of holistic care and patient adherence for sustainable weight loss- Obesity treatment innovation and the future of healthcare- Advice for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs from his experiences at Castlight Health and Included HealthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco sits down with John Mackey, founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market. Mackey discusses his new venture, Love.Life, that aims to do for healthcare what Whole Foods did for grocery shopping.We cover:His vision for rethinking the healthcare experienceWhat he learned about healthcare running a self-insured employerHow Whole Foods gamified employee healthHis views on healthcare regulation and personal responsibilityWhy he doesn't believe in market researchHis advice for entrepreneurs taking on venture capital fundingAre you enjoying the show? Subscribe, and help us by leaving us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your September Digital Health Download is here! This month, Steve and Halle discuss:TEFCAHow employers are getting sued for mismanaging health plansWhy virtual care is way up in rural AmericaThe TruePill / LetsGetChecked mergerJ&J taking aim at hospital drug-discount programsWhat happens to compounding startups now that the end of drug shortages is in sightTune in for all the digital health tea 🫖!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace, discusses his unconventional journey from vascular surgeon to leading a publicly traded digital health company.We cover:The glass ceiling for physicians, and why people wrongly think physicians can’t run businessesHis run for Lieutenant Governor of New York, and why more physicians should get involved with politicsThe role of online therapy in making mental healthcare more accessible and affordableHow Talkspace is leveraging AI to detect suicide risk, support therapists, and enhance patient careThe challenges and opportunities of running a public company, especially one that went public via SPACHis insights on the future of healthcare and the importance of physician leadership in driving changeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Christine Lemke, co-founder and CEO of Evidation Health, shares how her personal struggles with chronic pain fueled her mission to transform how we measure and improve health outcomes. She shares the company's evolution and innovative approach to generating real-world evidence (RWE) using a global research platform serving millions of people.We cover:- The power of real-world data and understanding health outside the clinic- Lessons from pivots: Evidation's journey to its current focus- How they recruit diverse participants, prioritize consent, and even compensate individuals- Accelerating research and making it more representative of the populations drugs will actually serve- Where the company's unique data platform goes next, and how it could change healthcareSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle speaks with Dave Chase, co-founder and CEO of Health Rosetta, who is on a mission to end the 30-year heist of stolen income from the working middle class. He’s working to popularize a new parallel economy: community-owned health plans (COHPs). Dave explains how these plans aim to transform healthcare from a driver of debt and bankruptcy to a driver of well-being and wealth.We cover:The structure and benefits of community-owned health plans (COHPs)How these plans can reduce healthcare costs while improving care qualityThe role of primary care, including direct primary care models, in reshaping healthcare deliveryChallenges with the current employer-based health insurance systemRecent legal developments pushing for change in employer-sponsored health plansDave shares insights on how community-owned health plans can address issues like misaligned incentives, inefficient spending, and poor health outcomes. He also discusses the potential for these models to redirect healthcare savings into community investments, ultimately improving social determinants of health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we answer listener questions about the current state of the market and share insights for healthcare founders raising VC funding. We also announce the merging of this show with Closing Time Podcast, and welcome our new co-host Michael Esquivel! Michael is an angel investor, a startup lawyer at Fenwick, and a Lecturer at Stanford Law School - we're excited to have him join the show!We cover:The slow recovery of the IPO market and the prevalence of private M&A dealsRealistic revenue targets and deal sizes for Series A rounds in the current marketThe importance of having a platform play rather than a point solutionNegotiation strategies for founders to protect their interests while attracting investorsBalancing time between recruiting, fundraising, and running the business as a founderSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We had lots to cover in this month's Digital Health Download, from a $99 AI companion to if we think PBMs will ever be dismantled.We discuss:- A WSJ report on Medicare Advantage insurers pocketing billions for diseases that were never treated or falsely coded- The FTC's interim report on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on drug accessibility and affordability- Vermont's successful accountable care organization (ACO) program, which led to significant savings and improved care- The launch of "Friend," an AI-powered wearable device designed to combat loneliness and isolation- Post-Theranos progress made by companies working on less painful blood tests- A hospital's new venture into the entertainment industrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Steve Kraus interviews Andy Slavitt, General Partner at Town Hall Ventures and former CMS and UnitedHealth Group executive. We look back on his career-long mission to fix American healthcare's biggest challenges, encompassing roles in insurance, government, healthcare startups, and venture capital.We cover:- The high-stakes mission to rescue Healthcare.gov and implement the Affordable Care Act- His unexpected transition from entrepreneur to executive at UnitedHealth Group- His tenure as the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)- The promise and hurdles of value-based care- Why healthcare is slow to adopt technological innovations- Navigating healthcare policy across changing political landscapesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco talks to Vinod Khosla— visionary venture capitalist, tech entrepreneur, and healthcare investor. Vinod shares his vision for using AI to enable a hundred touchpoints every hundred days with a patient. We discuss making healthcare more accessible, enabling personalized care, and what he worries could go wrong.We cover:Revisiting his 2012 prediction that AI could replace 80% of what doctors do and moreHow AI will enable computers to learn and adapt to humans, not the other way aroundThe potential for AI to replicate expertise, reduce misdiagnosis, and guide patients to the most effective treatmentsHow changing billing codes is key to AI adoption in healthcareReal-world examples of AI in action, from mental health intake interviews to cardiac MRI analysisThe importance of guardrails and being vigilant about unintended consequences as AI advances rapidlyAdvice for healthcare founders on solving hard problems in healthcareShow notes:Vinod’s 2012 article “Do We Need Doctors Or Algorithms?”Vinod’s recent TED Talk: 12 predictions for the future of technologyWSJ article mentioned: Insurers Pocketed $50 Billion From Medicare for Diseases No Doctor TreatedFollow Vinod on X.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marketing and communications play a critical role in securing investment and driving product and service adoption in digital health. In this special two-part episode, Steve Kraus explores the art of storytelling in healthcare with two industry experts: Chrissy Farr, a veteran digital health journalist turned venture capitalist and advisor, and Kate Cronin, Chief Brand Officer at Moderna. They discuss:What makes for a great story in digital healthThe importance of including setbacks and challenges in company narrativesThe undervaluing of marketing and communications rolesStrong digital health brands such as Livongo, PillPack, and BobbieChief Brand Officers vs. Chief Marketing OfficersLessons learned from rapidly scaling Moderna's brand during the COVID-19 pandemicThe importance of internal communications🎂 Please help us celebrate three years of the podcast by leaving us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebrating three years of The Heart of Healthcare, Halle and Steve dive into the latest news and trends in digital health for July 2024.July highlights include:A new Peterson Institute report on digital treatment outcomes for musculoskeletal conditionsThe FDA's guidance on improving diversity in clinical trial enrollmentThe economic impact and legal battles surrounding GLP-1 drugs for obesityWalgreens' pullback from healthcare services and concerns about the sustainability of the current pharmacy modelA Washington state study on utilizing pharmacists to treat minor illnessesThe U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on social media's effects on youth mental healthShow notes:Mural Health effort to increase diversity in clinical trialsThe U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Social Media and Youth Mental Health🎂 Please help us celebrate three years of the podcast by leaving us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco talks to Emily Oster— health communicator, health economist, and bestselling author. Emily shares her journey from academia to becoming an influential health communicator, advocating for data-driven decision making and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health.We cover:Her non-didactic approach to helping people make their own best decisionsHer least favorite types of panic headlines, and how no one would thrive on Doritos® dustPros and cons of the Open Access movementCombating publication biasSpeaking up on controversial topicsAdvice for building trust, combating misinformation, and improving health communicationEmily is on a mission to empower parents by providing the data and tools they need to make confident decisions. After getting a PhD in economics from Harvard, she went on to pursue research in health economics and is now a professor of economics at Brown University. As a mom of two, Emily was inspired by her own pregnancy and the lack of clear information to guide her decisions. She decided to use her expertise in reviewing and analyzing data to help other parents navigate these topics. She is a New York Times best-selling author, whose books include Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm and The Unexpected.Follow Emily Oster on Instagram and X.Subscribe to the Heart of Healthcare and leave us a review! Got an idea for a show? Visit heartofhealthcarepodcast.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Surgeon General's office recently published an advisory report stating "social media can have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents." In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Frances Haugen, former Facebook product manager and internationally recognized whistleblower.Frances provides an inside look into how tech giants prioritize profits over public safety. Her journey from Meta's inner workings to testifying before world parliaments sparked a global conversation about social media's role and regulation - a dialogue now echoed at the highest levels of public health.This episode explores the pressing issues of our digital era that are now receiving official recognition. Learn about the impact of social media on young people's mental well-being, providing context to the Surgeon General's warnings. Frances shares critical concerns and her ideas for safeguards for young people. This is a must listen for anyone with children in their lives!Follow Frances Haugen on TwitterFollow host Halle Tecco on TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Glen Tullman reflects on the biggest changes he's seen in healthcare during his 40-year career in the industry. Glen is the founder and CEO of Transcarent, former founder and CEO of Livongo, and managing partner at 7wireVentures. He discusses:- His early days revolutionizing e-prescribing and electronic health records at Allscripts- Building Livongo into an $18.5 billion digital health success story- Lessons learned as a serial entrepreneur and investor with 7wireVentures- His vision for Transcarent as a consumer-directed healthcare navigation platformSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Zach Reitano, CEO and co-founder of the direct-to-patient healthcare company Ro, talks to host Halle Tecco about the flaws in our traditional healthcare model and how Ro is innovating to make care more convenient and focused on patient goals.We cover:Why the current healthcare system does not incentivize building for patientsHow he ranks the priorities of cost, quality, and accessHow the healthcare system is obsessed with quality, but not equally obsessed with scaling that qualityWhy we can't equate healthcare quality and time spent, and the role of technology to increase access to the highest quality productsAre you enjoying the show? Please leave us a review 🙏See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco and Steve Kraus cover the latest digital health stories for June 2024, including:Cancer drug dosing and pricing challengesThe new South Park movie on obesityThe shortage of K-12 school counselors and telehealth startups’ roleThe failure of SPAC deals in digital health, and the path forwardPharma's DTC marketing efforts, including Pfizer's new platform and updated FTC advertising rulesFlaws in the media coverage of declining total fertility ratesNOTE: July will be the 3 (not 2) year anniversary of the show! If you're enjoying listening, please leave us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clinical notes are one of the more tedious parts of doctors’ day-to-day lives—so much so that they’re often called “pajama time,” since physicians spend 2-3 hours writing them at night. In this episode, Steve Kraus sits down with Dr. Shiv Rao, co-founder and CEO of Abridge, an AI-first healthcare company that’s been in the spotlight for solving this problem. Abridge uses advanced machine learning to structure and summarize medical conversations, creating clinical documentation and structured data while reducing clinician burnout.Shiv traces his journey from a skateboarding rebel to a cardiologist, professor, healthcare investor, and now founder of a pioneering digital health startup. He shares how his passion for scalable impact and exposure to cutting-edge research at Carnegie Mellon led him to start Abridge in 2018.Steve and Shiv discuss:How Abridge differentiated itself early on through AI technology and go-to-market (GTM) strategyThe company’s ROI and anti-burnout metrics, like note quality, pajama time, and cognitive loadClinician-AI collaboration vs. direct-to-consumer applicationsThe surprising parallels between managing an ICU and running a startupThe habits and mindsets that keep Shiv grounded while leading a fast-growing, mission-driven companyAre you enjoying the show? Please leave us a review 🙏See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!In this episode (a replay from Closing Time), David Ko, CEO of Calm, discusses the mental health challenges founders and their teams face. We discuss practical strategies for building resilience, managing the relentless pressure, and why destigmatizing mental health is crucial for startup success. David shares how leaders can champion well-being, creating a workplace where mental health support is the norm, not the exception. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes building a thriving business starts with a healthy mindset.We cover:How resilience is built through learning from mistakes and taking risksWhere stress comes from and if you can really eliminate itHow to lead by example and create a supportive work environmentGenerational shifts in the conversation around mental healthWhy mental health should be normalized throughout the year and not just during Mental Health Awareness MonthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May is Women's Health Awareness Month! In this episode, Kate Ryder, CEO and founder of Maven, the largest virtual clinic for women and families, shares her passion for transforming a traditionally underserved healthcare sector. We explore how Maven Clinic has evolved since her seed pitch in 2016, and what she’s learned along the way.We cover:How Maven has evolved from an online marketplace for women to connect with healthcare specialists to a comprehensive platform for women's and family healthHow language and terminology (even the term “women's health”) can be challengingEmerging trends in women's health including the need for better support for Medicaid members and the growing mental health crisis among teenagersHow egg freezing can contribute to gender equality in the workplaceKate’s wishes for improving the US healthcare system, like Medicaid coverage for new moms and universal pre-K to support working familiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

80% of Americans suffering from eating disorders don’t get the treatment they need. That’s where Equip comes in. In this episode, Steve Kraus sits down with Kristina Saffran, the co-founder and CEO of Equip, a virtual provider transforming eating disorder treatment by making evidence-based care more accessible to patients and families. Kristina shares her personal journey recovering from anorexia and how her experience with the challenges in traditional treatment led her to found a non-profit and ultimately start Equip. She and Steve dive into:Misconceptions about eating disorders and the barriers that prevent the vast majority of sufferers from getting treatmentEquip's virtual, multidisciplinary five-person care team modelThe company's focus on delivering evidence-based treatment while pioneering new research to improve outcomesThe importance of collaborating with insurance payers to improve access and reduce costsKristina's advice for mission-driven healthcare entrepreneursSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Digital Health Download: May 2024In this episode, Halle and Steve dive into the latest headlines in digital health for May 2024, covering topics like surprise billing, AI in healthcare, and the future of primary care. They cover: - A ProPublica investigation into Cigna's claims and prior authorization processes- The FTC's new non-compete agreement ban, and what it means for healthcare- Walmart's decision to shutter its health clinics, and the viability of retail primary care- A new study on using generative AI to draft physician replies to patient messages- Nurses' protests against the rapid adoption of AI technology at Kaiser Permanente- An Atlantic article on the coming revolution in male contraceptivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Too often, those with complex health needs fall through the cracks. Dr. Toyin Ajayi, co-founder and CEO of Cityblock Health, is a passionate champion for health equity determined to change this reality. Her company specifically serves populations with Medicare, Medicaid, or both, often those who have been let down by the traditional healthcare system.In this episode, we cover:Why "one size fits all" healthcare fails our most vulnerable, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and underservedHow Cityblock's community health partners build trust and address health and social needsThe privatization of MedicareWhy she believes in the private sector to help fix healthcareSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a medical school-bound undergrad, Sean Duffy, co-founder and CEO of Omada Health, didn’t initially consider entrepreneurship as a career path. Today, Sean leads a virtual-first care provider for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal disorders. Sean traces his journey from a "techie" upbringing to stints at Google and medical school, and how his early fascination with the potential of digital health ultimately led him to build Omada.Sean and Steve dive into:-The genesis of Omada's "digital DPP" (diabetes prevention program) model-How digital health has matured over the last decade-Omada’s approach to driving successful GLP-1 prescription outcomes-The Peterson report questioning the efficacy of diabetes tech-Sean's advice for aspiring entrepreneursSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like you're lost in the healthcare maze, fighting for answers alone? Turns out, you're not. Patient communities are fueling a revolution that's changing healthcare. In this episode, Susannah Fox, author of Rebel Health, reveals how patients and caregivers are driving innovation that the traditional system can't, or won't, deliver.We cover:The Four Patient Archetypes: Seeker, Networker, Solver, and Champion--which one are you?Why certain populations get ignored, and how to change thatHow founders can leverage patient power to build better, more impactful solutionsThe debate over whether (and how) patients should be compensated for collaborating with companiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco and Steve Kraus discuss the latest news and trends in digital health in April 2024.They cover:Controversial Peterson report about the effectiveness of diabetes management solutions Rock Health's latest survey data on consumer digital health adoptionThe FDA's recent approval of Dexcom's Stelo, the first OTC continuous glucose monitorThe rise of nurse practitioner entrepreneurshipSpecialized and value-based care headlinesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Steve Kraus talks with Joanna Strober, co-founder and CEO of Midi Health, a virtual healthcare platform specifically for women in midlife (ages 35-65). Midi Health is a virtual care clinic created by specialists in perimenopause and menopause to address the massive unmet needs of women in this demographic.Joanna explains why women often lose touch with an OBGYN after child-bearing years but don't get the care they need from primary care physicians. She shares insights on her current company's impressive retention and patient outcomes, plus lessons learned from her previous digital health startup, Kurbo Health, which focused on childhood obesity.As a former investor at Bessemer Venture Partners, Joanna reflects on what entrepreneurs should expect from their investors. As a mother, Joanna discusses the importance of resilience, prioritization, and partnership in enabling women to thrive as parents and professionals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In February, Change Healthcare, the largest processor of medical claims in the U.S., was hit by a devastating cyberattack. Some are even calling it the most significant and consequential cyberattack on our healthcare system in American history. The fallout exposed deep vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure and how healthcare data is protected, highlighting the fragility of a system built on fragmented networks and a patchwork of cybersecurity measures.In this episode, Washington Post national health reporter Dan Diamond helps us understand the fallout of the Change Healthcare hack, digging into the consequences for providers, patients, and the industry at large.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. Allie Sharma shares her expertise on the fascinating topic of using ketamine infusion therapy and other psychedelic treatments to treat mental health conditions.As an experienced psychiatrist and the co-founder of Being Health, Dr. Sharma explains how ketamine, a well-established anesthetic medicine, has shown remarkable promise in treating treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Sharma provides a comprehensive walkthrough of a ketamine therapy session, from the preparation phase to the infusion itself, what it's like for the patient, and the crucial integration sessions that follow.We also explore the latest research and evidence surrounding its effectiveness and other psychedelic treatments being researched. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply someone interested in the fascinating field of psychedelic medicine, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we cover 5 big headlines in digital health from the Change Healthcare disaster to a VC buying a hospital.AND after 2.5 years of going at this podcast alone, I'm excited to now bring on a co-host! Listen to find out who will be joining me to host this show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

February is Cancer Prevention Month. Nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes. The good news is that continued advancements in medical research has led to more people surviving cancer. But what if we could prevent cancer altogether? Is it possible? In this episode, Jody Hoyos, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, discusses cancer prevention and early detection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death in 18-45 year olds in the US, claiming more lives than car crashes and gun violence combined. After Dr. Beth Weinstock lost her son to what she calls “the most devastating health crisis this generation has ever seen,” she decided to do something about it. In this episode, we discuss a harm-reduction approach to protecting young people from accidental fentanyl poisoning. This is a replay from 2022.Learn more about Dr. Weinstock's organization, BirdieLight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David, meet Goliath.In this episode, digital health veteran Stuart Green (SVP and General Manager of the Life Science Business at Veridigm) shares all the secrets of what large incumbents want when working with startups. Stuart offers great insights and advice to founders looking to sell to, partner with, or get acquired by the Goliaths of healthcare.We cover:Understanding the unmet needs of large healthcare companiesHow to best position your company to incumbents for sales, partnerships, or M&AThe role data plays in the pharmaceutical industry, and how this has evolvedImproving the EHR experience for physicians and making it more efficient and user-friendlyFollow Stuart Green on XLearn more about VeradigmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Ali Diab, co-founder and CEO of Collective Health, discusses his journey in building Collective Health and solving the problem of complex and costly healthcare experiences. He also shares advice to founders from his experience scaling Collective Health, which is now a market leader.We cover:- When founders should (and shouldn’t) worry about incumbents- The sales cycle to employers- How to move from an oligarchical healthcare system to a free market one- Why the health insurance industry loves information asymmetry and does not like self insurance- How employers play a crucial role in the healthcare system and can drive positive change- How transparency and interoperability are key to simplifying benefits and improving the healthcare systemFollow Ali Diab on XLearn more about Collective HealthListen to the episode on healthcare costs we mentioned with Dr. Elisabeth RosenthalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest, Brad Kittredge, believes in a world where everyone suffering with mental health can get personalized care, and he knows technology can get us there. Learn how his company, Brightside, is working with the system (not against it) for real change. And how his experiences working at Jawbone and 23andMe helped inform his work this time around.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests Sofia Guerra and Morgan Cheatham from BVP join me in this episode as we dive into 2024 healthcare predictions. From the the exodus of tourist VCs to a renaissance in consumer healthcare, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the intersection of healthcare and technology, offering a glimpse into what 2024 may hold for our sector.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Six imperatives for AI-first companies- BVP 2024 Healthcare and Life Sciences Predictions- Seven Charts That Sum Up U.S. Healthcare In 2023See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a special episode from my other podcast Closing Time.In 2023, digital health M&A was down 23% YoY. How did this compare to the tech sector? What are digital health acquirers looking for today? And what will 2024 have in store for us? We dive into all these questions and more in this episode about M&A.Here is the link to the blog post Selling Your Healthcare Startup that is mentioned in this episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our 100th (!!!) episode of the Heart of Healthcare Podcast, I share a 2023 recap for healthcare, including findings from the latest Rock Health Funding report.The episode delves into the significant changes in Medicaid, with a massive disenrollment impacting vulnerable populations, and discusses the growing privatization of Medicare through Medicare Advantage. It highlights the surge in GLP-1 medication use for obesity treatment and its societal impact, alongside the transformative role of AI in healthcare, exemplified by ChatGPT's performance in medical exams. The episode also discusses how digital health fared in venture funding and the public markets in 2023.Check out my blog for more digital health goodness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.