In this episode of Digital Pioneers, host Michael O'Toole explores how digital transformation is reshaping healthcare by addressing one of its most persistent challenges: improving patient experience in real time.

Joining the conversation is Bryan Graven, Executive Director and CIO of Waterbury Health and Eastern Connecticut Health Network. Bryan shares how his health systems implemented an innovative text-based patient feedback system to proactively address concerns before discharge—enhancing satisfaction, boosting star ratings, and improving Press Ganey scores.

Key takeaways:

• How real-time patient feedback drives service recovery in hospitals
• The role of technology in bridging gaps between patients and healthcare providers
• Lessons from Waterbury Health’s successful implementation and adoption strategy

If you're a healthcare leader looking for practical tech solutions to enhance patient care, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with trailblazers in digital healthcare innovation!

Welcome to the first episode of Digital Pioneers, a healthcare podcast series presented by Coker, where we explore groundbreaking technological innovations reshaping the healthcare landscape.

In this episode, host Michael O'Toole dives into the transformative world of Virtual Nursing with special guests Stacey McGriff and Grant Reed from Piedmont Healthcare. Discover how Piedmont Healthcare implemented a virtual nursing program across its 23-hospital network in just over a year, addressing critical challenges like staffing shortages and improving patient and nurse satisfaction.

Key takeaways:

·        How virtual nursing supports bedside staff and enhances patient care.

·        Insights into Piedmont's rapid implementation and scaling process.

·        Real-world advice for healthcare leaders considering virtual nursing.

Whether you're a healthcare leader, technology enthusiast, or just curious about the future of healthcare, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes featuring trailblazers in digital healthcare innovation!

In this episode of Coffee with Coker, Gabriel Harry, Vice President at Coker, and Tim Harper, Senior Manager at Coker, sit down with Gary Noseworthy, CEO of Community Health Access Network (CHAN), for an in-depth conversation about CHAN's efforts to modernize health information technology in community health centers. They dive into the collaborative projects they've worked on, reflecting on both the obstacles and successes they've encountered.

The discussion covers key topics such as vendor selection strategies, the critical role of strategic partnerships, and the importance of individual assessments for health centers. Gary also shares how CHAN's team has grown and evolved, offering insights into the transformative impact of their initiatives. He looks ahead to CHAN’s future, envisioning an expansion of participating health centers and exploring new business opportunities.

• 00:32 Background on Community Health Access Network (CHAN)
• 02:08 Vendor Vetting and Selection Process
• 09:48 Implementation and Unique Requirements
• 12:00 Project Success and Team Contributions
• 15:18 Challenges and Lessons Learned
• 29:47 Future Growth and Strategic Partnerships
• 34:38 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Podcast Information 

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting

In this episode of Coffee with Coker, Mark Reiboldt, EVP at Coker, and Vinson Do discuss the impactful role of AI in the business side of healthcare. They delve into how AI is transforming claims processing, medical coding, and healthcare reimbursement.

The conversation highlights real-world examples, such as the AI implementation at Community Medical Centers of Fresno and Mass General Brigham, which have shown significant improvements in reducing denials and enhancing coding accuracy. Ethical considerations and future prospects for AI in healthcare are also examined.

• 00:25 The Role of AI in Healthcare
• 00:53 Introducing Vinson Do and AI's Impact
• 01:51 Understanding Artificial Intelligence
• 04:43 AI in Claims Processing
• 11:37 AI in Medical Coding
• 16:32 AI in Healthcare Reimbursement
• 23:14 Ethical Considerations and Future Prospects
• 30:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Podcast Information

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting

This episode of Coffee with Coker delves into the complex and nuanced topic of Modifier 25, a coding nuance critical for healthcare professionals to understand for billing and documentation.

Hosts Erika and Jaci unpack the definition, significance, and proper application of Modifier 25, emphasizing its opinion-based nature and the importance of clear, detailed documentation. They provide examples from healthcare scenarios, including preventive visits, urgent care, and procedures like cerumen removal, discussing the implications for billing and compliance.

The conversation highlights how insurance companies' interpretations can vary, impacting the application of Modifier 25. Further, they explore the challenges healthcare providers face in ensuring their documentation supports the use of Modifier 25, pointing out common pitfalls and offering guidance on best practices.

This discussion underscores the vital role of accurate coding and documentation in healthcare billing and the ongoing need for education and dialogue among practitioners.

• 00:32 Diving Deep into Modifier 25
• 01:49 Understanding the Definition and Application of Modifier 25
• 05:33 Exploring Real-World Scenarios and Challenges with Modifier 25
• 08:33 Navigating Documentation and Billing Challenges
• 15:04 Specific Cases and Auditing Insights
• 27:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics
• 29:54 Engaging the Audience and Closing Remarks

Links to other resources:

• AMA | Reporting CPT Modifier 25 (https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/reporting-CPT-modifier-25.pdf)
• Podcast covering Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (https://www.cokergroup.com/podcasts/episode-122-understanding-annual-wellness-visits-for-healthcare-organizations/)

In this episode, the discussion focuses on annual wellness visits, IPPE, and their implications for healthcare organizations. The conversation covers the requirements, coding, documentation, and common audit findings related to annual wellness visits. The speakers emphasize the importance of proper documentation, the use of resources, and a team approach to ensure compliance and successful reimbursement.

·        Jaci Kipreos and Erika Fisch discuss annual wellness visits (00:18)

·        Medicare's yearly benefit for beneficiaries called annual wellness visits (01:25)

·        Initial Preventative Physical Exam (IPPE) and annual wellness visits (02:32)

·        Difference between annual wellness visits and preventative physical exams (05:34)

·        Resources for understanding annual wellness visits (08:06)

·        Common audit findings for IPPE and annual wellness visits (14:16)

·        Handling patient refusal to answer questions during the visit (18:57)

·        Separate coding for additional services during the visit (22:58)

·        Screening EKG and its requirements (25:12)

·        Importance of a team approach to ensure proper documentation and billing (28:58)

·        Checking with your MAC for additional requirements or recommendations (32:52)

·        Next episode to cover the 25 modifier (34:55)

Extras

·        Medicare Learning Network – Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/preventive-services/medicare-wellness-visits.html)

·        Medicare Preventive Services Quick Reference Chart (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prevention/PrevntionGenInfo/medicare-preventive-services/MPS-QuickReferenceChart-1.html)

·        Medicare Claims Processing Manual (https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c12.pdf)

·        Streamline Workflow to Perform a Thorough AWV (https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2757861)

Podcast Information

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting

In this insightful podcast for leaders of physician enterprises, we delve into the dynamic landscape of staffing trends within the healthcare sector. The discussion kicks off with a comprehensive exploration of both physician and non-provider staffing trends, providing valuable insights into the evolving workforce dynamics. The conversation then navigates through the intricate factors that contribute to staff turnover, shedding light on the challenges faced by physician enterprises in retaining their crucial personnel.

Episode Synopsis 

The podcast guides leaders in analyzing their physician enterprises with a data-driven approach, offering practical strategies to create staffing targets aligned with the unique characteristics of their practices. As the discussion progresses, listeners gain actionable solutions to common staffing challenges, including addressing salary increases in a declining market and handling healthcare turnover amidst current market conditions. The podcast also explores staff retention tactics and best practices essential for physician enterprise success. 

The latter part of the podcast delves into the impact of various technologies on staffing for physician enterprises, exploring the integration of AI and workforce automation. The discussion concludes by highlighting the crucial link between staffing, ROI, and the overall functionality of physician enterprises, providing valuable insights for leaders navigating the intricate landscape of healthcare management.

·        Physician and non-provider staffing trends (2:05)

·        Factors contributing to staff turnover (4:20)

·        How to analyze your physician enterprise using a data-driven approach (4:50)

·        How certain practice characteristics impact staffing levels (6:30)

·        Create staffing targets that make sense for your practice (7:22)

·        Solutions to staffing challenges (8:14)

·        Addressing salary increases in a declining market (8:30)

·        How to handle healthcare turnover in the current market (11:02)

·        Staff retention tactics (13:39)

·        Best practices for physician enterprise success (16:35)

·        Critical issues plaguing independent medical practices (20:12)

·        Embracing new trends and adjusting to patient expectations (21:30)

·        Other technologies affecting staffing for physician enterprises (23:45)

·        Addressing AI and workforce automation for your practice (25:00)

·        How staffing impacts the ROI and functionality of the physician enterprise (26:40)

Extras

·        Address Community Need with Physician Income Guarantee Arrangements (https://cokergroup.com/physician-income-guarantee-arrangements/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-121&utm_content=physician-income-guarantee&utm_campaign=performance-transformation&utm_source_platform=&utm_creative_format=&utm_marketing_tactic=)

·        Lawmakers Grapple with Artificial Intelligence Regulation as Popularity and Utilization Grow (https://cokergroup.com/lawmakers-grapple-with-artificial-intelligence-regulation-as-popularity-and-utilization-grow/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-121&utm_content=ai&utm_campaign=performance-transformation&utm_source_platform=&utm_creative_format=&utm_marketing_tactic=)

·        Quantifying Patient Access: Utilize Data to Identify Improvement Opportunities and Monitor Performance (https://cokergroup.com/quantifying-patient-access-utilize-data-to-identify-improvement-opportunities-and-monitor-performance/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-121&utm_content=performance-improvement&utm_campaign=performance-transformation&utm_source_platform=&utm_creative_format=&utm_marketing_tactic=)

Podcast Information

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting

Chris Torregosa interviews Louis Sallerson, the CEO of Converse Health, about their generative AI assistant for orthopedic surgery clinics.

Podcast Information

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting

Episode Synopsis

Throughout the interview, Louis shares his passion for the healthcare industry and dedication to improving medical practice operations using generative AI. The heart of their product is communication, and their goal is to streamline patient navigation and communication for orthopedic surgeons.

Click to listen to the episode.

Extras

Learn More about Converse Health (https://www.converse.health/)

In this podcast episode, we delve into the critical topic of patient access and operational throughput. With growing demand for medical services and a looming physician shortage, it's essential to reframe patient access as a pivotal aspect of healthcare production, not merely patient satisfaction.

Episode Synopsis

Join us as we discuss current patient access challenges, highlight key focus areas for effective management, and explore the differentiation between patient access and operational throughput, emphasizing role clarity, optimizing staff utilization, and improving communication.

The episode also delves into trends in patient access management, including the role of Advanced Practice Providers and the strategic integration of technology to enhance access. Patient access has never been more vital, as patient demand is projected to exceed provider supply. We offer practical strategies for healthcare organizations to excel in patient access and operational throughput. 

·        Patient access and throughput in healthcare (0:11)

·        Patient access and physician shortages in U.S. healthcare (4:37)

·        Streamlining patient access and scheduling (9:20)

·        Patient access and appointment metrics (12:01)

·        Improving patient access and organizational performance (15:52)

·        Improving medical practice efficiency (20:15)

·        Improving patient access in healthcare (26:16)

·        Improving patient access and reducing no-shows (32:03)

Extras

·        Overcoming Obstacles with Performance Improvement for Critical Access Hospitals (https://cokergroup.com/overcoming-obstacles-with-performance-improvement-for-critical-access-hospitals/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-119-navigating-patient-demand-and-physician-shortages&utm_content=patient-access&utm_campaign=physician-services&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=blog&utm_marketing_tactic=solution)

·        Quantifying Patient Access: Utilize Data to Identify Improvement Opportunities and Monitor Performance (https://cokergroup.com/quantifying-patient-access-utilize-data-to-identify-improvement-opportunities-and-monitor-performance/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-119-navigating-patient-demand-and-physician-shortages&utm_content=patient-access&utm_campaign=physician-services&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=blog&utm_marketing_tactic=solution)

Podcast Information

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting

This episode delves into the complex world of compensation design within the healthcare industry, focusing on traditional hospital/employed provider models. We explore the common pain points experienced by clients of all types when incentivizing strategic goals.

Episode Synopsis

Join us as we discuss the various considerations hospitals and health systems face, including concerns about provider compensation spending and fair market value. We also examine incentive structures designed to foster growth and meet strategic objectives, all while ensuring that compensation plans remain competitive in the challenging recruitment landscape.

But it's not just about the financial aspect. We'll also explore how compensation design can be a powerful tool, acting as a 'carrot' to drive productivity and achieve organizational goals. And when compensation design isn't enough, we'll delve into the other factors influencing low provider productivity.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the critical intersection of compensation design and healthcare strategy. 

·        Aligning physician incentives with organizational goals (4:25)

·        Designing physician compensation models (8:54)

·        Analyzing audio transcript for insights (14:39)

·        Redesigning physician compensation models (19:48)

·        Designing and implementing fair and equitable compensation (26:30)

·        Physician compensation model design (33:37)

·        Provider compensation and performance improvement (37:15)

Extras

·        Episode 111: The Intersection of Provider Compensation and Value-Based Reimbursement (https://cokergroup.com/episode-111-the-intersection-of-provider-compensation-and-value-based-reimbursement/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=podcast&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness)

·        Case Study: Provider Compensation Misalignment (https://cokergroup.com/case-study-provider-compensation-misalignment/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=case-study&utm_marketing_tactic=solution)

·        Compensation Best Practices for Physician Enterprises (https://cokergroup.com/compensation-best-practices-for-physician-enterprises/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=white-paper&utm_marketing_tactic=solution)

·        Compensation Methodology Best Practices: True-Up Payments (https://cokergroup.com/compensation-methodology-best-practices-true-up-payments/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=blog&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness)

Podcast Information

Follow our feed in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review!

We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. 

·        Please email us: [email protected]

·        Connect with us on LinkedIn: Coker Group Company Page

·        Follow us on Twitter: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Instagram: @cokergroup

·        Follow us on Facebook: @cokerconsulting