Advance Care Directives are great in theory, but often fail in practice. The result: patients' wishes aren't respected and their families end up fighting.

Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi has built a whole medical practice and business around Advance Directives. HIs company, MIDEO enables patients to create video-based plans either with or without a physician's help.

I went through the process myself in preparation for this interview and learned a lot about the nuances of what to put in the directive to reflect my goals. The topics of resuscitation after cardiac arrest and mechanical ventilation were really insightful.

We also talked about more mundane matters like insurance coverage and how to make sure the directive is accessed and respected when you need it.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Bradley Bostic, the visionary CEO and founder of hc1, shares his journey from the plains of South Dakota to the cutting-edge world of healthcare data innovation. We explore how a childhood fascination with technology and a stint on the football field at Indiana University laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking work in healthcare. Our conversation uncovers Bradley's early career experiences at Ernst & Young, where he first glimpsed the complex inner workings of the healthcare industry, ultimately fueling his passion for transformative change.

Discover the pivotal role that hc1 plays in optimizing diagnostic testing, a cornerstone of effective healthcare. We examine the inefficiencies in current lab testing practices and how personalized diagnostics can lead to more accurate and cost-effective outcomes. With the power of machine learning and AI, HC1 is leading the charge in predicting patient outcomes, tailoring care plans, and identifying risks for chronic conditions like kidney disease or cognitive decline before they manifest.

In our broader discussion on the U.S. healthcare system, Bradley and I delve into the perplexing inefficiencies that plague even the most prestigious institutions. We explore potential solutions like value-based care and the cautious integration of technology to enhance patient experiences without detracting from them. Tune in to gain insight into the intersection of healthcare, business, and policy, and to hear about the exciting ventures on the horizon as we continue to explore the transformative power of healthcare innovation.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Hadassah Backman, founder and CEO of GuardDoc Health shares her personal story, from growing up in New York as a family caretaker, influenced by her father's illness and her grandmother's survival of the Holocaust, to her initial career in literature and writing. Discover how her path took a pivotal turn after a personal caregiving experience, leading her to pursue nursing. As a single mother, Hadassah navigated the challenges of nursing school and built an impressive career at Northwell, gaining invaluable experience in various medical units.

We explore Hadassah's transition from bedside nursing to compliance consulting. Her passion for genuine patient care, coupled with experiences in hospice care, inspired a shift toward risk mitigation. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reignited her dedication to hands-on patient care, even as she faced the complexities of systemic issues in healthcare. Hadassah's story highlights the resilience required to navigate personal and professional transitions, especially during crises, while striving to make a meaningful impact.

Finally, we delve into the realm of technology and healthcare compliance with Hadassah's move to Tel Aviv, where she spearheaded the development of innovative solutions at Guardoc Health. Learn about her collaboration with her sister to improve long-term care documentation and her determination to create user-friendly software for nurses worldwide. With key investors backing her vision, Hadassah's goal is to set the gold standard for CMS compliance, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of nurses. This episode offers valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of healthcare, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of innovation in nursing and healthcare.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Explore the fascinating journey of Bo Holland, a pioneering figure in healthcare innovation. Growing up in Houston and Austin, Texas, Bo was inspired by his family's entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to pursue an entrepreneurship program at Baylor University. From running small businesses to becoming a pivotal player at Citrix Systems, Bo shares his early experiences and the lessons he learned along the way. We uncover how his ability to recognize opportunities and his passion for technology paved the way for his current venture, AllClear ID, where he is dedicated to empowering patients to take control of their medical records.

Discover how different countries approach digital identity management, with a focus on the stark contrast between high-trust environments like Norway and the more privacy-tolerant cultures of the US and UK. Bo recounts a personal healthcare crisis that highlighted the inefficiencies in healthcare information systems, sparking his drive to improve data sharing using secure digital infrastructure. Despite the healthcare sector lagging behind in digital transactions, recent advancements and laws offer hope for a transformation akin to the seamless operations of digital banking in Norway.

Listen in as we discuss the revolutionary changes underway in healthcare data management. We explore innovative solutions aimed at creating a comprehensive "health bank" that empowers patients with complete control over their medical data. Drawing inspiration from the open banking model in Europe, Bo envisions a future where medical data follows the patient, enabling seamless care and facilitating research. We highlight the strategic insights of Health Bank One, a notable entity in the industry, and how it promises to reshape the landscape of healthcare by breaking down traditional barriers and optimizing patient care.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Shan Sinha is confronting the urgent issue of workplace violence in healthcare. Delving into the alarming rise of aggression against healthcare workers, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, Shan discusses pioneering solutions like Canopy's wearable safety buttons that empower staff with connectivity and protection.

Shan shares his extraordinary journey through the fast-paced world of technology and innovation. We embark on a captivating exploration of Shan's upbringing in Texas, his academic pursuit at MIT during the pivotal shift from Microsoft's reign to Google's ascension, and his leap into the startup ecosystem influenced by the dot-com boom. Shan's experiences highlight the challenges and triumphs faced by children of immigrants, shedding light on their vital contributions to technological advancement and healthcare innovation.

We trace the transformative evolution of cloud-based collaboration tools, punctuated by the early dominance of Amazon S3 and the emergence of Dropbox and Box. Shan recounts his bold decision to leave Microsoft, paving the way for his startup's critical role in shaping Google Drive, and reflects on Google's prescient embrace of hybrid work and video conferencing well before the pandemic. The journey through Shan's entrepreneurial ventures culminates in a successful acquisition by Dialpad, underscoring the dynamic interplay between technological growth and societal demands.

This episode challenges us to rethink how we safeguard our essential healthcare workers, drawing insights from Numbers on't Lie, by Vaclav Smil. It's a thought-provoking book on exponential growth and innovation that offers hope for addressing today's pressing issues, from energy to food waste.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

In this episode I welcome back Mohan Giridharadas, CEO and founder of LeanTaaS, who shares his journey in revolutionizing healthcare capacity through AI and prescriptive analytics. Mohan provides insights into LeanTaas's evolution since pivoting to healthcare in 2015, tackling pressing challenges such as increased demand, financial pressures and staffing shortages. With innovative solutions now optimizing a third of the U.S. chemotherapy capacity and enhancing 15% of the nation's surgical capacity, LeanTaaS is transforming the landscape of healthcare efficiency. Our discussion highlights the strides made in optimizing infusion centers, operating rooms, and inpatient beds.

We explore the intricacies of improving hospital flow using predictive AI. Mohan and I discuss the similarities between hospital bed management and hotel room turnover, offering insightful comparisons. By employing algorithms to predict bed shortages and prioritize discharges, hospitals can improve patient flow and efficiency. The conversation extends to interconnected issues like ambulance capacity and post-acute care constraints, emphasizing the potential of predictive analytics to revolutionize hospital operations and patient care.

Finally, discover how LeanTaaS is harnessing the power of generative AI with their innovative iQueue products. Mohan discusses the challenges of preventing AI hallucinations and the importance of human oversight in decision-making processes. We also touch on LeanTaas's cybersecurity measures and the critical need for robust data protection in healthcare. Additionally, Mohan shares his excitement about a newly released book and reflects on the company's growth, including reaching a billion-dollar valuation.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Join me in exploring value-based care with George Aloth, co-founder and CEO of Chamber. George shares his inspiring journey from his upbringing in Baltimore to his pivotal role in shaping healthcare. With a unique educational background in accounting and law, he honed his expertise in Medicaid and Medicare through early career experiences at CMS and Cigna. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a Medicaid insurance startup and eventually become CEO of CareFirst's Medicaid division. George reflects on his tenure at Somatus, a kidney value-based care company, which sparked his passion for transforming specialty care, specifically cardiology, into a value-based model.

In our conversation, we tackle the pressing issues of cardiology access and equity, emphasizing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations reliant on Medicaid. The discussion highlights the economic decisions cardiology practices must make amidst high demand and limited supply. We explore strategies to enhance efficiency and ensure equitable treatment for all patients, regardless of insurance status. Drawing insights from the book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, we underscore the importance of building a strong team during rapid growth phases. Don't miss this enlightening discussion with George Aloth as we envision a future of improved access and quality in cardiology care.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

As a physician and healthcare CEO, Russ Richmond already knew a lot about healthcare. But when a bad accident put him into the hospital for three months he developed a much more profound understanding of caregiving.

In particular, he learned that many of the nurses and therapists who provided him with such great care were thinking of quitting their jobs!

Once he was released he did some research and discovered that a root cause of burnout was a lack of effective management and high administrative burden. He zeroed in on a solution: support for frontline nurse managers.

These insights formed the basis for the founding of Laudio, an intelligent platform that streamlines work for frontline leaders to drive large-scale change.

Before talking about Laudio, we also discuss Russ's earlier career, including a stint leading APS, where I had previously been chairman of the board. I'm grateful to Russ for growing and exiting that business.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.