Digital MD

Dr. Liz Kwo

Welcome to ”DigitalMD,” where each episode is a new chapter in the story of healthcare’s exciting transformation. Hosted by the trailblazing Dr. Liz Kwo, we peel back the layers of technology’s impact on health, offering listeners a front-row seat to the revolution. Through captivating conversations with industry leaders and deep dives into the digital tools and strategies at the forefront of healthcare, DigitalMD illuminates the path forward for all stakeholders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, innovation, or insight into healthcare’s digital age, this podcast is your beacon in the complex world of medical technology. Tune in to discover how we’re not just talking about the future of healthcare—we’re actively shaping it, one inspiring story at a time. read less
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Episodes

From Legislation to Leadership: A Blueprint for Health System Reform with Rob Andrews
May 23 2024
From Legislation to Leadership: A Blueprint for Health System Reform with Rob Andrews
Did you know that improving preventive care can significantly impact your health plan's star ratings? Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com. 👨‍💼 Guest: Robert E. Andrews, CEO of Health Transformation Alliance Dr. Liz Kwo talks with Rob Andrews, a pivotal figure striving to mend our fragmented healthcare system through innovative solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance. Dive into his remarkable journey from a 24-year tenure in Congress to leading an alliance that’s fundamentally transforming healthcare.   🔑 Key Takeaways: Empathy in Healthcare: Insights into how empathy and trust are foundational to improving patient-provider relationships.Healthcare Economics: Rob advocates for a value-driven approach where outcomes determine compensation, contrasting the current procedure-driven model.Innovative Care Models: Exploring capitated payment models to encourage comprehensive primary care, enhancing patient satisfaction and provider well-being.Data Utilization: Utilizing extensive data analytics to address healthcare disparities and improve employer healthcare strategies. 📚 Book Mention: "Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare" by Dr. Liz Kwo. Pre-order now to explore how technological advancements are reshaping healthcare. Available at Amazon and Dr. Liz Kwo’s Website. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - START01:12 - Personal Influence on Career Choices03:09 - From Congress to CEO: Shaping Healthcare Policy04:09 - Economic Models in Healthcare07:25 - Introducing Capitated Payment Models in Primary Care10:08 - The Importance of Trust and Empathy in Patient Care13:33 - Utilizing Data to Improve Healthcare Delivery16:57 - Strategies for Health Tech Entrepreneurs in the Employer Space26:52 - Effective Decision Making in Healthcare Leadership 🔗 Connect with Rob Andrews: LinkedIn: Rob AndrewsEmail: randrews@htahealth.com 📚 Resources Mentioned: Health Transformation Alliance: HTABook: "Digital MD" by Dr. Liz Kwo
UPDATE: New Insights with Dr. Chinni on the Walmart Health Centers Shutdown
May 9 2024
UPDATE: New Insights with Dr. Chinni on the Walmart Health Centers Shutdown
Welcome back to Digital MD! I'm your host, Dr. Liz Kwo. In this special episode, we're excited to share an exclusive update to our conversation with Dr. Chinni Pulluru, Co-Founder of My Precious Genes and former Chief Clinical Executive at Walmart Health. In light of recent developments following the Walmart announcement to close 51 clinics and shut down its telehealth service, Dr. Pulluru rejoined us to discuss the significant implications for healthcare innovation and patient care. During the original interview, Dr. Pulluru shared insights from her extensive career in healthcare, highlighting her transition from large-scale operations to a startup environment and introducing her new venture in genetic counseling. Now, in this updated interview, she provides her perspective on the Walmart announcement and what it means for the future of healthcare. Key Takeaways from the Updated Interview: Impact of the Walmart Announcement: Dr. Pulluru provides an analysis of the recent Walmart announcement, highlighting the challenges faced in multi-specialty, de novo enterprise healthcare delivery. Career Resilience and Entrepreneurship: Lessons on navigating failure, knowing when to pivot, and maintaining an optimistic outlook. Bridging Gaps in Genetic Testing: Insights into how her new venture, My Precious Genes, aims to address disparities and improve patient outcomes. International Opportunities and Innovation: How Walmart can leverage its global presence to impact healthcare delivery outside the U.S.   Watch the original episode here: https://youtu.be/eTprdSCC1T0   🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. CHINNI PULLURU Email: spulluru@mypreciousgenes.com My Precious Genes Website: https://www.mypreciousgenes.com/    🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/  Email: liz@digitalmd.com
Innovative Leadership in Healthcare: A Journey from Walmart to Startups with Dr. Chinni Pulluru
May 9 2024
Innovative Leadership in Healthcare: A Journey from Walmart to Startups with Dr. Chinni Pulluru
Did you know that improving preventive care can significantly impact your health plan's star ratings? Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves. Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com   In this episode of Digital MD, Dr. Liz Kuo speaks with Dr. Chinni Pulluru, Co-Founder of My Precious Genes and former Chief Clinical Executive at Walmart Health. Dr. Pulluru shares insights from her extensive career in healthcare, highlighting her transition from large-scale operations to a startup environment.  Additionally, Dr. Pulluru introduces her new venture in genetic counseling, aiming to bridge gaps in genetic testing and patient care.   Key Takeaways: Career Transitions: Dr. Pulluru’s career choices were influenced by her early experiences and a desire to increase healthcare access at scale. Leadership and Authenticity: Balancing professionalism with personal authenticity helps in connecting with teams and aligning stakeholders. Startup Challenges: Transitioning to a startup allows for greater flexibility and innovation but requires a deep understanding of customer needs and operational challenges. Healthcare Innovation: Dr. Pulluru emphasizes the potential of technology to improve healthcare delivery and address disparities.   📚 Pre-order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare  👉 Amazon https://a.co/d/gRvCVwe Website https://www.drlizkwo.com/   Timestamps: 00:00 - START 03:09 - Transition to Startup Space 04:31 - Balancing Career and Personal Life 07:17 - Balancing Authenticity and Executive Presence 11:04 - Role at Walmart and Expansion of Clinics 20:11 - The Core Strength of Walmart 21:23 - Overcoming Challenges and Innovating in Underserved Areas 22:23 - Starting a Healthcare Enterprise in a Non-Healthcare Organization 23:36 - Building Processes and Educating on Healthcare Complexity 24:03 - Balancing Innovation and Resource Allocation 25:08 - Long-Term Investment and Leadership Support 26:33 - Using Technology and Focusing on Customer Experience 27:08 - Advice for Healthcare Entrepreneurs 28:05 - Measuring Success and Listening to Customers 29:38 - Transitioning to Genetic Counseling Startup 32:52 - Hot Takes: Career Advice, Life Quote, Overcoming Challenges, Exciting Healthcare Innovation, Superpower   🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. CHINNI PULLURU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinnipullurumd/  Email: spulluru@mypreciousgenes.com 🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/lizkwo Email: liz.kwo@everlyhealth.com   📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED My Precious Genes: https://www.mypreciousgenes.com/
Advancing Health Equity: Strategies for Inclusive Healthcare with NCQA's Dr. Bryan O. Buckley:
May 2 2024
Advancing Health Equity: Strategies for Inclusive Healthcare with NCQA's Dr. Bryan O. Buckley:
This episode is brought to you by Everly Health Solutions, leading the charge in at-home diagnostic testing, making healthcare accessible and convenient for all. Discover more about how they're transforming healthcare at EverlyHealthSolutions.com    Key Takeaways: Health Equity Leadership: Dr. Buckley's approach combines academic rigor and practical application to advance health equity. Community Health Workers: Importance of systematic support for community health workers to integrate them into healthcare processes effectively. Education and Advocacy: Dr. Buckley emphasizes the role of education in empowering BIPOC communities and promoting social capital. NCQA's Role: NCQA serves a broad spectrum in healthcare, influencing not just health plans but the entire health continuum through its equity initiatives.   Timestamps: 00:00 - START 00:56 - Dr. Buckley's Motivation and Career Path 03:38 - Role and Impact at NCQA 05:27 - Typical Day and Strategic Initiatives 08:53 - Specific Projects and Community Impact 22:30 - Measuring Success in Health Equity 33:37 - Closing Thoughts and Future Directions   🔗 Connect with Dr. Bryan O. Buckley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/BryanBuckley    🔗 Connect with Dr. Liz Kwo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/  Email: drlizkwo@gmail.com    📚 Resources Mentioned: NCQA Health Equity Initiatives: https://www.ncqa.org  Community Health Worker Programs: https://connect.ncoa.org/products/engaging-community-health-workers-in-evidence-based-programs Rise to Health Coalition: https://www.risetohealthequity.org
Maximizing Medicare Advantage, STARs Ratings, and AI Innovations with Rex Wallace
Apr 25 2024
Maximizing Medicare Advantage, STARs Ratings, and AI Innovations with Rex Wallace
Summary: In this episode, Dr. Liz Kwo sits down with Rex Wallace, Founder and CEO of RWC, a consultancy dedicated to enhancing healthcare through quality, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement. Rex shares insights on the complexities of the payer ecosystem, focusing on the STARS Rating program which serves as a universal scorecard for Medicare Advantage plans. He discusses the importance of access to care, the integration of AI and telemedicine, and the potential for startups to influence healthcare positively. Additionally, Rex delves into the significance of health equity in Medicare and how various healthcare sectors can leverage technology to improve patient outcomes.   Key Takeaways: STARS Rating Program: An essential tool for Medicare beneficiaries to choose healthcare plans based on quality rather than cost. Access and Trust: Crucial factors in enhancing healthcare delivery and improving patient satisfaction. Innovative Opportunities: AI and telemedicine are pivotal in increasing healthcare access and enhancing patient management. Startup Challenges: Startups need to connect their solutions deeply with healthcare pain points to be effective. Health Equity: Increasingly vital in Medicare, focusing on reducing disparities and enhancing care for all patients.   👉Pre-order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare   Amazon https://a.co/d/gRvCVwe Website https://www.drlizkwo.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - START 00:54 - Overview of the STARS Rating Program 02:26 - Discussing the importance of access to care and trust in healthcare 04:34 - Exploring innovation with AI and telemedicine 06:00 - Challenges faced by startups in the healthcare sector 08:21 - Evaluating different healthcare sectors for technology application 10:26 - How to find and engage with healthcare experts and influencers 12:52 - Strategies for approaching different healthcare markets: Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid 16:00 - The growing importance of health equity in healthcare settings 21:18 - Rex’s advice on leadership and navigating business challenges in healthcare 26:02 - Conclusion and final thoughts   🔗 Connect with Rex Wallace: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexwallace/ Email: rex.wallace@rexwallaceconsulting.com 🔗 Connect with Dr. Liz Kwo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/ Email: info@digitalmd.com    📚 Resources Mentioned: Medicare STARS Rating Program: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-star-ratings#:~:text=The%20Star%20Ratings%20system%20helps,health%20care%20decisions%20for%20them. CMS Website: https://www.cms.gov  RISE Star Ratings Masterclass: https://stars.risehealth.org  SSN Stars and Quality Conferences: https://www.starratingssummit.com    Sponsor: Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves. Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com
The Future of Healthcare: Innovation, Digital Evolution, and Divergent Thinking with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth
Apr 18 2024
The Future of Healthcare: Innovation, Digital Evolution, and Divergent Thinking with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth
Have you ever pondered how leaders in healthcare manage to drive significant changes and accomplish seemingly impossible goals? Today's guest, Dr. Zeev Neuwirth, is a beacon of transformation within the healthcare industry. As a healthcare executive, author, and innovator, Dr. Neuwirth has dedicated his career to enhancing healthcare delivery through innovative strategies, digital transformation, and fostering diverse perspectives. With a mission to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, Dr. Neuwirth has been at the forefront of changing how healthcare systems approach patient care, provider engagement, and community health. This episode dives deep into how Dr. Neuwirth spearheaded these changes, his insights on founding impactful initiatives, and his methods for setting and achieving ambitious goals. Enjoy.   Sponsored by Everly Health. Visit EverlyHealthSolutions.com . Everly Health is revolutionizing healthcare through digital innovation and accessible care, aligning perfectly with today's episode themes.   📚 If you're looking to dive deeper into healthcare innovation and transformative strategies, check out Dr. Neuwirth's books! 👉  Beyond the Walls https://a.co/d/blBw0s Reframing Healthcare: https://a.co/d/54GKVrT  Pre-order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare  👉 Amazon https://a.co/d/gRvCVwe Website https://www.drlizkwo.com/   TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (04:14) The Need for Change in Healthcare (06:56) Adopting Divergent Perspectives (08:02) Strategies for Innovative Senior Care (11:01) New Business Models in Healthcare (14:22) Embracing Digital Transformation (18:26) Valuing Diverse Backgrounds in Healthcare (20:34) The Philosophy of Focusing on Others (23:59) Balancing Missions with Professional Responsibilities (27:48) Dr. Neuwirth's Philosophies for Success   🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. ZEEV NEUWIRTH [Website] https://www.zeevneuwirthhealth.com  [Linkedin ] https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeevneuwirth/  [YouTube Channel] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE-NO0OgzaRIKkOYuQaTdvQ  [Twitter] https://twitter.com/zeevneuwirth?lang=en  🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZ [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/  [Twitter] https://twitter.com/LizKwo  [Website] www.drlizkwo.com  📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED Reframing Healthcare: A Roadmap to Creating Disruptive Change by Dr. Zeev Neuwirt: https://a.co/d/blBw0s  Beyond the Walls: Looking at the Megatrends and Movements Transforming American Healthcare by Dr. Zeev Neuwirth https://a.co/d/54GKVrT
Empowering Healthcare: Career Growth, Cancer Care, and Innovation in Employer Direct Health with Nicki MacManus
Apr 11 2024
Empowering Healthcare: Career Growth, Cancer Care, and Innovation in Employer Direct Health with Nicki MacManus
Did you know that improving preventive care can significantly impact your health plan's star ratings? Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves. Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com   Key Takeaways: Building and leveraging a robust professional network can significantly impact career progression.Transitioning roles within an organization can open up new learning opportunities and pathways for growth.The critical role of mentorship and advocacy in supporting women in healthcare leadership and board positions.Employer Direct Healthcare's innovative approach to managing cancer care through end-to-end patient support.The transformative potential of health tech innovations like generative AI in enhancing healthcare delivery   Pre-order Dr. Liz Kwo's Book: Digital MD, an essential read for anyone interested in the future of healthcare and digital innovations. 📚 Pre-order your copy here:    TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Nicki MacManus and today's topic 01:05 Nicki's background and journey in healthcare 06:21 Nicki's experience and roles at CVS Health 12:05 Discussing the importance of owning a P&L and female leadership in healthcare 19:26 Breaking into boardroom roles and mentorship 22:31 Employer Direct Healthcare's mission and operations 27:14 The ROI of employer-based healthcare programs 33:19 Nicki's views on health tech innovation and future trends 38:22 Maximizing time and personal insights   🔗 CONNECT WITH NICKI MACMANUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickimacmanus/ Employer Direct Healthcare: https://www.edhc.com/solutions-for-organizations/cancer-care-direct/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickimacmanus   🔗 CONNECT WITH DR LIZ KWO Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlizkwo/ Website: https://digitalmd.podbean.com Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com