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Interoperability has long been a buzzword in healthcare 

In an ideal world, our healthcare system would exchange timely, high-quality data to empower patients, improve clinical quality, and keep costs under control. 

How close are we to making this a reality?

In this episode of the HealthBiz Podcast, host David E Williams talks with Dr. Donald Rucker, Chief Strategy Officer at 1upHealth, about how their health data management platform is transforming the way healthcare organizations access, share, and leverage patient data to improve outcomes, enhance efficiency, and drive more personalized care.

TOPICS
(0:25) Introduction
(0:52) How Dr. Donald Rucker Got Into Healthcare
(2:54) Rucker's Educational Path and Career
(11:14) What Does 1upHealth Do?
(21:13) Why Are CMS APIs So Important?
(25:15) How Do APIs Affect Prior Authorization?
(31:37) Book Recommendations from Dr. Donald Rucker

🎙️⚕️ABOUT HEALTHBIZ PODCAST 
Healthbiz is a CareTalk podcast that delivers in-depth interviews on healthcare business, technology, and policy with entrepreneurs and CEOs. Host David E. Williams — president of the healthcare strategy consulting boutique Health Business Group — is also a board member, investor in private healthcare companies, and author of the Health Business Blog. Known for his strategic insights and sharp humor, David offers a refreshing break from the usual healthcare industry BS.

🎙️⚕️ ABOUT DR. DONALD RUCKER
Dr. Donald Rucker is the Chief Strategy Officer at 1upHealth and a nationally recognized leader in health IT. As National Coordinator of Health IT at HHS from 2017 to 2021, he led the development of the ONC’s 21st Century Cures Act Interoperability Rule, which standardized FHIR APIs and advanced patient access to electronic health data by enforcing the ban on information blocking.

A board-certified physician with experience at Kaiser Permanente, Beth Israel Deaconess, and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Rucker has made significant contributions to clinical informatics. He co-developed the first Microsoft Windows-based electronic medical record and designed a computerized physician order entry module that won the 2003 HIMSS Nicholas Davies Award. He holds degrees from Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford.

🎙️⚕️ ABOUT 1UPHEALTH
1upHealth is revolutionizing healthcare data interoperability by enabling seamless access, exchange, and analytics through modern FHIR-based technology. Founded with a mission to bridge the gap between payers, providers, and app developers, 1upHealth empowers organizations to unlock the full potential of their health data, driving better outcomes and efficiency.

With a focus on simplicity, scalability, and compliance, 1upHealth delivers cutting-edge solutions that transform healthcare operations. By leveraging standardized FHIR APIs, the company ensures secure and actionable data sharing, making healthcare more connected, patient-centric, and innovative.

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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A New York doctor has been indicted for prescribing abortion pills to a patient in Louisiana, sparking a legal showdown between the two states.

Now, New York is striking back with a law to shield physicians. 

Which state will prevail?

In this episode of CareTalk, hosts David E Williams and John Driscoll unpack the fight over abortion pill prescriptions and what it means for the future of reproductive rights across the country.

TOPICS
(0:20) Introduction
(0:35) Why Did Louisiana Indict a Doctor from New York?
(2:04) The Impact of Political Strategy on Healthcare
(3:29) The State's Role in Abortion Policy
(6:48) How New York and Abortion Advocates Are Striking Back
(7:28) Understanding Laws Protecting Providers
(10:09) How Trump Will Influence Abortion Policy
(11:23) How Pharmacies Are Reacting to Conflicting Policies
(13:22) Hope for the Future of Healthcare in America

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy. 

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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Artificial intelligence is destined to play a big role in the pharmaceutical industry in 2025.

With this rapid growth, what specific changes can we expect in patient support and pharmaceutical marketing?

And how will that impact healthcare costs and patient experience?

In this episode of the HealthBiz Podcast, guest William Grambley, CEO of AllazoHealth, discusses how artificial intelligence and patient-level data can lower operating costs, improve medication adherence, and create tailored solutions for patients at every stage of their journey.

TOPICS
(0:23) Intro
(1:02) Background on William Grambley
(2:34) How Naval Service Shaped William Grambley
(3:23) The Role of Experience and Work History
(6:38) What Brought William to AllazoHealth
(9:05) Understanding Compliance, Persistence, and Adherence
(10:36) Examining Low Levels of Adherence
(12:28) How Issues with Medication Adherence Have Changed Over Time
(15:00) Distinguishing Between Adherence and Therapy Initiation
(17:32) The Importance of Personalization
(20:35) The Future of Pharma and AI in 2025
(25:02) Dynamic Change and Personalization
(27:36) GLP-1s and Adherence
(30:30) Book Recommendations from William Grambley

🎙️⚕️ABOUT HEALTHBIZ PODCAST
Healthbiz is a CareTalk podcast that delivers in-depth interviews on healthcare business, technology, and policy with entrepreneurs and CEOs. Host David E. Williams — president of the healthcare strategy consulting boutique Health Business Group — is also a board member, investor in private healthcare companies, and author of the Health Business Blog. Known for his strategic insights and sharp humor, David offers a refreshing break from the usual healthcare industry BS.
🎙️⚕️ABOUT WILLIAM GRAMBLEY
William Grambley is the CEO of AllazoHealth, where he leads efforts to improve medication adherence and patient support programs, driven by his passion for personalizing the patient experience. He joined AllazoHealth as Chief Operating Officer before stepping into the CEO role as the organization expanded. Previously, William held leadership roles at CVS Health, including Vice President of Strategy and Product Management, where he delivered industry-leading clinical programs like the award-winning Pharmacy Advisor. A U.S. Navy veteran, William earned his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and held roles at Bain & Company and EMC before CVS Health.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT ALLAZOHEALTH
AllazoHealth is a pioneer in AI-powered personalization, dedicated to enhancing therapy initiation, medication adherence, and health outcomes. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, AllazoHealth delivers truly personalized communications based on identified patient data, utilizing over 500 behavioral predictors to determine the optimal content, channels, timing, and cadence for each individual. This approach enables pharmaceutical companies and patient support programs to create one-to-one patient health journeys, resulting in improved engagement and outcomes. Founded by experts from leading organizations such as CVS Health and Boston Consulting Group, AllazoHealth combines cutting-edge AI technology with deep industry knowledge to drive sustainable progress in healthcare.

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No doubt 2025 will be a wild year for healthcare.

But what can we expect from AI, GLP-1s, and a second Trump administration?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, host David Williams dives into his predictions for 2025, looking at the coming changes to the biggest stories in healthcare.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT HEALTHBIZ BRIEFS
HealthBiz Briefs is a short-form CareTalk podcast that features brief, focused one-on-one conversations with healthcare business leaders. Host David E. Williams—president of the healthcare strategy consulting boutique Health Business Group —is also a board member, investor in private healthcare companies, and author of the Health Business Blog. These quick episodes deliver bite-sized insights into the trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the industry.

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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Opioid makers and distributors are paying over $50 billion to settle lawsuits with states and cities.

But how is this settlement money being spent?

And is the opioid crisis nearing an end?

In this episode of CareTalk, David E. Williams and John Driscoll explore the impacts of recent opioid lawsuits and whether they could finally put an end to the crisis.

TOPICS
(0:30) Examining the Opioid Settlement
(2:50) The Difference Between the Opioid and Tobacco Settlements
(4:47) What Are the Settlement Funds Being Used For?
(7:09) What's the Impact of the Opioid Settlement?
(8:40) What Should States Do With Their Settlement Money?
(9:06) The Waves of the Opioid Epidemic
(12:50) Combating Waves of Fentanyl and Stimulants
(13:53) The Pitfalls in Opioid Addiction Treatment
(16:08) Preventing Opioid Addiction
(18:27) The Role of Mental Health in Opioid Addiction
(20:44) Avoiding Fentanyl With Test Strips

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

GET IN TOUCH
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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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Health systems are constantly struggling with capacity constraints.

But what if they already had all the capacity they needed and just needed to tap into it?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Derek Streat, Co-Founder and CEO of DexCare, shares how health leaders can unlock hidden capacity by using data from patients, providers, and health systems to deliver care more efficiently.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT DEREK STREAT
Derek Streat is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of DexCare, a venture-backed Platform-as-a-Service company that intelligently orchestrates health system capacity and digital demand across all care lines. A seasoned healthcare technology entrepreneur, Derek has co-founded and led six venture-backed companies, including C-SATS (acquired by Johnson & Johnson), where he later served as Vice President of Digital Solutions. In that role, he transformed surgeon training into a digital program that improved patient outcomes and provider efficiency worldwide. Prior to commercializing DexCare as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Providence, Derek co-founded and served on the boards of national healthcare data transparency organizations like PEDSnet and IROC, advancing efforts to improve patient care through data sharing.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT DEXCARE
DexCare is a leading care orchestration platform that simplifies digital care logistics, enabling healthcare systems to manage care delivery more efficiently. By unifying complex datasets, DexCare enhances patient access, optimizes resource utilization, and forecasts demand to reduce operational costs. Since its spin-out from Providence in 2021, DexCare has partnered with top U.S. health systems, reaching over 57 million patients and significantly boosting new patient bookings and downstream revenue. Supported by $146 million in funding, including a $75 million Series C investment led by ICONIQ Growth, DexCare continues to transform healthcare access through innovative solutions like digital discovery, care navigation, and smart scheduling.

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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2024 shook up the healthcare world, and 2025 is gearing up to be just as transformative.

With big changes coming from the new Administration, the AI boom taking healthcare by storm, and the rapid rise of GLP-1s, next year is shaping up to be a wild ride.

Join David E. Williams and John Driscoll on CareTalk as they dust off their crystal ball and explore what’s in store for healthcare in 2025!

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

TOPICS
(0:30) Sponsorship
(1:50) Thank You to Our Audience
(2:47) Predictions for GLP-1s
(8:28) The Rise of AI in Healthcare
(12:12) How the New Administration Will Affect Public Health
(15:05) Healthcare on the Defense
(18:54) Boosting Primary and Value-Based Care
(22:06) The Growth of the Healthcare Market

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

GET IN TOUCH
Become a CareTalk sponsor
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Visit us on the web
Subscribe to the CareTalk Newsletter

Support the show

⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

Send us a text

Speech is something many of us take for granted, but for millions in the disability community, it can be a daily source of struggle and frustration.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, such as sign language, are essential for those with speech disabilities to communicate.

What if technology could help give a voice to those in need?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Dougal Hawes, CEO of Smartbox Assistive Technology, explores how their AAC technology is empowering individuals with speech difficulties to communicate and live more independently.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT DOUGAL HAWES
Dougal Hawes brings extensive experience in business development and strategic partnerships across multiple roles and organizations. He began his career in 2007 as a Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive at Prostate Cancer UK before joining Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity in 2009 as an Account Manager for Corporate Partnerships, where he successfully raised over £1 million for key initiatives. Since 2010, Dougal has been with Smartbox Assistive Technology, starting as Managing Director and now serving as Group CEO. In his current role, he leads business growth by driving marketing strategies, launching products, and expanding partnerships with resellers worldwide. His proven track record highlights a strong ability to deliver impactful results and foster strategic growth.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT SMARTBOX
Smartbox Assistive Technology is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that empower people with disabilities to communicate and live more independently. With a focus on developing accessible software, hardware, and tools, Smartbox provides life-changing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology to individuals around the world. Committed to improving lives, the Smartbox team works closely with users, families, and professionals to deliver personalized, high-quality products that help people express themselves and connect with others.

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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Administrative hassles and mountains of paperwork remain some of the biggest challenges in healthcare today.

Every day, critical time and resources are diverted from doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to navigate inefficient prior authorizations and overwhelming paperwork.

Isn't it time we find a better solution?

In this episode of CareTalk, David E. Williams and John Driscoll sit down with Anterior Founder and CEO Abdel Mahmoud to explore the burden of administrative tasks on healthcare and how AI can bring clarity and efficiency to the chaos.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

TOPICS
(0:28) Sponsorship
(1:40) Dr. Abdel Mahmoud's Military Experience
(3:05) The Personal Journey of Dr. Abdel Mahmoud
(5:35) Understanding Large Language Models
(7:59) The Journey of Anterior
(10:49) AI's Role in Managed Care
(14:22) How Anterior is Different
(15:52) How Anterior Uses Language Learning Models
(20:27) The Future of Anterior
(22:42) Using AI as Support
(24:01) How Anterior Differentiates from the Competition
(26:15) The Future of AI in Healthcare

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT ABDEL MAHMOUD
Abdel Mahmoud is the Founder and CEO of Anterior, a company revolutionizing healthcare administration through AI-driven solutions. With a background in product development and healthcare innovation, Abdel brings deep expertise in building tools that reduce administrative burdens and streamline workflows for providers. Previously, he held leadership roles at top healthcare organizations, where he focused on improving efficiency and delivering impactful solutions. Passionate about the intersection of technology and healthcare, Abdel is dedicated to using AI to transform outdated systems, enabling better outcomes for both patients and providers.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT ANTERIOR
Anterior is a leading healthcare technology company focused on transforming the administrative side of medicine through innovative AI solutions. By streamlining processes like prior authorizations and reducing paperwork burdens, Anterior empowers providers to focus on delivering high-quality patient care. With a commitment to improving efficiency, lowering costs, and enhancing the healthcare experience, Anterior is redefining how data and automation support better outcomes for patients and providers alike.

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.

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Hernia surgery is one of the most common procedures, but the quality of care and post-op treatment can vary widely.

What’s behind these variations, and how can we ensure better care for patients?

In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Dr. Michael Reinhorn and Dr. Nora Fullington dive into the challenges of hernia surgery and explain how Boston Hernia is raising the bar with patient-centered care and improved outcomes.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT CARETALK
CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT MICHAEL REINHORN M.D
Dr. Michael Reinhorn is a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, specializing in ambulatory hernia surgery with a focus on inguinal, umbilical, and epigastric hernias. Based near Boston, his practice serves New England with surgical care provided at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston Outpatient Surgical Suites, and the Surgery Center of New Hampshire. With over 23 years of experience and more than 5,400 hernia operations performed, Dr. Reinhorn is a recognized expert in minimally invasive hernia surgery, emphasizing opioid reduction and value-based care. He consults for the American Board of Surgery, co-chairs the opioid reduction task force for the ACHQC, and represents the Americas Hernia Society on the ACHQC board. A dedicated educator, researcher, and volunteer with The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, Dr. Reinhorn is committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing hernia care.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT NORA FULLINGTON M.D
Dr. Nora Fullington is a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, specializing in minimally invasive hernia and gallbladder surgery. With over 2,000 operations performed as a hospital-based surgeon, she joined the practice in 2021 and has since completed more than 1,000 hernia surgeries. Dr. Fullington is an expert in open preperitoneal mesh and non-mesh repairs, as well as laparoscopic techniques for patients who benefit from minimally invasive approaches. A national authority on hernia repair, she has published peer-reviewed studies, delivered lectures on improving patient outcomes, and brings expertise in gallbladder surgery to the practice. Passionate about patient-centered care, she ensures every patient feels heard and valued. Dr. Fullington also demonstrates her commitment to humanitarian medicine through surgical mission trips to Haiti and advocacy for humanism in healthcare.

🎙️⚕️ABOUT BOSTON HERNIA
Boston Hernia is a specialized surgical practice dedicated to providing expert care for hernia and gallbladder conditions. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and patient-centered treatment, the team at Boston Hernia delivers exceptional outcomes through personalized care plans, advanced surgical approaches, and a commitment to reducing recovery times. Serving patients across New England, Boston Hernia is known for its expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to im

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⚙️CareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.