In the Digital Health Transformers podcast, host Nicole Guevara welcomes Joshua Liu, CEO of SeamlessMD, an innovator in healthcare. Joshua shares his journey from medicine to technology, highlighting the challenges of early adoption in digital health. He introduces SeamlessMD’s platform, aiming to reduce hospital readmissions and enhance patient experience through digital care journeys. Discussing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) 2.0, they explore transitioning from device-based to device-less solutions, emphasizing scalability and patient engagement. Addressing the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems, they underscore the significance of digital innovations in improving healthcare outcomes. This insightful conversation underscores the transformative potential of technology in healthcare.

KEY MOMENTS

Introduction

• The speaker discusses the evolution of technology in healthcare, focusing on the transition from paper maps to GPS systems.
• Introduction to the Digital Health Transformers podcast series and the guest, Joshua Liu, CEO of SeamlessMD.

Joshua Liu’s Journey

• Joshua Liu’s background as a physician and his transition to becoming a digital health entrepreneur.
• Recognition and awards received by Joshua for his work in digital health and patient care.

Challenges in Career Transition

• Challenges faced during the early stages of building SeamlessMD, including skepticism towards technology in healthcare.
• The importance of resilience and enthusiasm in overcoming barriers as a young entrepreneur in the digital health space.

SeamlessMD Platform

• Analogy of patient care journey to a GPS system, emphasizing the need for digital guidance and support for patients.
• Explanation of how SeamlessMD’s platform empowers patients through various care journeys, improving outcomes and reducing readmissions.

Remote Patient Monitoring 1.0 vs. 2.0

• Definition of traditional device-based remote patient monitoring (RPM 1.0) and its limitations in reaching a larger patient population.
• Introduction to RPM 2.0, focusing on deviceless solutions and scalable digital care journeys for all patients.

Challenges of Traditional RPM

• The shift towards digital care due to changing patient expectations and the need for scalable solutions in healthcare.
• Addressing staff shortages, clinician burnout, and the demand for higher quality care through RPM 2.0.

Deviceless Solutions Impact

• Leveraging existing technologies for remote patient monitoring without additional devices or sensors.
• The importance of patient-reported data and the accuracy and reliability of capturing patient data through software applications.

Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability

• Studies showing high agreement between patient-reported data through technology platforms and information shared with healthcare teams.
• The potential for technology to capture more sensitive data and improve patient engagement and outcomes.

Closing Remarks

• Joshua Liu emphasizes the importance of investing in people and processes alongside technology for successful healthcare innovation.
• Discussion on the impact of digital care journeys and the need for continued dedication to advancing digital health technology.

Amanda Wilson, CEO of NorthStar Care, shares insights on healthcare innovation in the Digital Health Transformers podcast. Established in 2020, NorthStar pioneers personalized treatment for alcohol use disorder using advanced technologies like telehealth and virtual reality. Wilson emphasizes brain health support, backed by extensive scientific research, and highlights NorthStar’s success in improving cognitive function and reducing alcohol consumption. The program integrates peer support and remote monitoring, enhancing patient outcomes. Notably, NorthStar’s innovative approach includes drink substitution therapy, offering non-alcoholic alternatives tailored to patients’ preferences. Wilson also discusses the accessibility of virtual reality resources and the effectiveness of reward-based apps in supporting addiction recovery. She encourages seeking help and shares NorthStar’s commitment to empowering patients through comprehensive, accessible care.

KEY MOMENTS

Introduction

• Telehealth has proven to be a viable and effective method for delivering mental health and substance use services, inspiring the creation of telehealth programs like Northstar Care.
• Technology enables care to be provided in the home, overcoming challenges such as limited access to clinics and benefiting from day-to-day engagement with patients.

Amanda Wilson’s Background and Innovation

• Amanda Wilson, CEO of Northstar Care, has a background in addiction treatment and founded innovative telehealth solutions for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
• Northstar Care offers personalized care through cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality, wearables, and pharmacogenomics, revolutionizing treatment outcomes.

Leveraging Technology for Addiction Recovery

• Wilson’s career shift from hospital medicine to addiction treatment was inspired by the impact of medication treatment on patients’ lives.
• Telehealth enables patients to receive care at home, addressing challenges like geographical limitations and stigma associated with addiction treatment.

VR and Remote Monitoring in Addiction Recovery

• Northstar Care utilizes VR technology to provide anonymous peer support groups and personalized care, enhancing patient engagement and treatment outcomes.
• Remote monitoring tools like breathalyzers and genetic testing help track patient progress and tailor treatment plans for optimal results.

Personalized Care and Treatment Outcomes

• Northstar Care’s approach is based on personalized nutrient plans, genetic testing for medication efficacy, and peer support, resulting in improved brain health and treatment outcomes.
• By combining medical and behavioral support with VR technology, Northstar Care achieves an 86% success rate in alcohol use disorder treatment.

Benefits of Telehealth and VR in Addiction Treatment

• Telehealth and VR technology provide a safe and anonymous space for patients to engage in treatment, overcoming stigma and geographical barriers associated with traditional in-person care.
• VR allows patients to engage in activities, peer support groups, and therapeutic experiences, fostering rapport and enhancing the treatment experience.

Accessing Northstar Care and Seeking Help

• Individuals seeking addiction recovery support can reach out to Northstar Care through their website or by calling the provided phone number.
• Northstar Care offers personalized care, utilizes insurance coverage, and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support for addiction recovery.

SUMMARY

In this episode of Digital Health Transformers, Bryce leads a riveting discussion with Brandon, an experienced entrepreneur reshaping the mental healthcare landscape. Brandon’s journey, from law to co-founding Very Health, showcases his unwavering commitment to innovation.

Reflecting on pivotal moments such as nearly purchasing a restaurant and his involvement with Papa John’s, Brandon highlights his entrepreneurial mindset and dedication to upholding company integrity. Emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing mental healthcare accessibility, Brandon underscores the need for personalized support and community-building to address treatment gaps.

The conversation explores the challenges of tackling eating disorders and mental health stigma, revealing Brandon’s passion for leveraging digital tools to reach and assist individuals in need. As the dialogue progresses, Bryce and Brandon delve into the transformative potential of virtual care, underscoring technology’s crucial role in enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes. With Brandon’s distinct perspective and Bryce’s insightful questions, the episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and mental healthcare transformation.

KEY MOMENTS

Introduction

• Brandon Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Very Health, embarked on a transformative journey from a disadvantaged upbringing in Kentucky to spearheading groundbreaking virtual eating disorder treatment.
• Motivated by personal experiences and a profound passion for revolutionizing mental healthcare, Johnson’s trajectory is marked by resilience and innovation.

Personal Experience Impact

• The speaker delves into a poignant narrative surrounding their brother’s battle with alcoholism, navigating the arduous path to recovery.
• This personal odyssey catalyzed the speaker’s mission to leverage software solutions to aid individuals in recovery and provide vital support for those grappling with eating disorders.

Community Creation

• Embracing the imperative of fostering a supportive community, the speaker delineates strategies for preventing relapse and promoting recovery.
• By bridging the chasm between clinical data and mobile app development, the speaker underscores the significance of diligence and commitment in the startup landscape.

Workforce Efficiency

• Highlighting the detrimental effects of ‘dead weight’ employees, the discourse emphasizes the pivotal role of streamlined workflows and strategic technological partnerships.
• In regulated markets, finding the right technology ally is paramount, ensuring tailored solutions that optimize efficiency and propel success.

Tool Development

• Delving into the innovative realm of software development, the discussion centers on the creation of a transformative tool tailored for individuals grappling with eating disorders.
• This tool facilitates comprehensive tracking of food intake and emotional well-being, offering timely nudges to mitigate harmful behaviors and foster a path towards recovery.

Insurance Challenges

• Navigate the labyrinthine landscape of insurance challenges, with particular emphasis on reimbursement rates and their impact on Medicaid patients’ access to care.
• Striking a delicate balance between business sustainability and serving the underprivileged underscores the pivotal role of insurance providers in the healthcare ecosystem.

SUMMARY

Irma Rastegayeva, co-founder of eVira Health, shares her remarkable journey from software engineering to becoming a healthcare leader and patient advocate on the Digital Health Transformers podcast. She emphasizes the critical importance of trust in healthcare technology, which can be established through reputation, storytelling, and a solid track record. Rastegayeva sees emerging technologies such as AI, VR, and 5G as powerful tools that empower individuals to take charge of their health. Specifically, she discusses how AI has the potential to alleviate physician burnout and improve healthcare workflows. Furthermore, her company, AA Health, assists startups in developing compelling narratives and utilizing social media to increase visibility and connect with their target audience.

KEY MOMENTS

Introduction

• The speaker has a background as a patient advocate and a healthcare industry leader, emphasizing the importance of trust in healthcare technology.
• Technologies like 5G, AI, and VR are seen as empowering tools for individuals to take control of their health.

Irma Rastegayeva’s Background

• Irma has a diverse background in software engineering, patient advocacy, and digital storytelling.
• She co-founded eVira Health, a company focused on boosting brands in the health tech sector through social media marketing.

Role of AA Health

• AA Health has a massive reach with over 550,000 direct followers and a 30 million organic audience, aiding startups in gaining visibility.
• The company focuses on creating content that resonates with the health and tech community to shape the future of health tech.

Leveraging Technology for Startups

• Irma emphasizes the importance of understanding technology and product development to help startups communicate their message effectively.
• Startups should focus on delivering value, engaging with the audience, and building a community to increase their online presence.

Impact of Patient Engagement

• Patient engagement is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and leads to a more patient-centered approach in the industry.
• The movement towards patient empowerment and involvement in healthcare decisions positively impacts the quality of care.

Future of Healthcare Technology

• The adoption of new technologies in healthcare is hindered by regulations and workflow challenges, emphasizing the need for smart design and integration.
• Consolidation in the health tech sector is expected, focusing on solutions that deliver value and fit seamlessly into existing workflows.

SUMMARY

The podcast episode features Gregg Forsyth, managing director at Cardiac RMS, discussing chronic care management with remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology. He highlights the challenges clinics face with the influx of data and the importance of overcoming resistance to technological changes in healthcare. Forsyth emphasizes the potential of RPM in transforming chronic care delivery, addressing healthcare disparities, and improving patient outcomes. Successful interventions, like RPM, can proactively manage chronic conditions, reducing hospital visits and enhancing patient well-being.

KEY MOMENTS

Overcoming Information Overload

• Remote patient monitoring inundates clinics with constant data, posing challenges.
• Need for effective strategies to manage the overwhelming influx of health information.

Bridging Generational Gaps in Healthcare Technology

• The aging population and tech-savvy younger generation present unique challenges.
• Addressing fears of technology in the elderly while meeting expectations of younger patients.

Revolutionizing Chronic Care Management with RPM

• Discussion on RPM technology and its impact on chronic care management.
• Greg Forsyth shares insights on improving patient experience through remote monitoring.

Navigating Career Challenges in Healthcare

• Greg Forsyth recounts their career journey and the challenges faced in large corporations and startups.
• Emphasizes alignment of personal growth with organizational objectives.

Adapting to RPM Technology Challenges

• Remote monitoring introduces overwhelming data influx to clinics.
• Creation of third-party solutions like cardiac RMS to assist clinics in managing data effectively.

Addressing Fear of Change in Healthcare

• Changes in healthcare technology can evoke fear among both patients and providers.
• Importance of dispelling myths and ensuring a smooth transition to new technologies.

Future Predictions for Digital Health

• Anticipation of growth in digital health and its impact on patient care.
• Balancing technological advancements with patient comfort and physician engagement.

Overcoming Healthcare Disparities with RPM

• Discussion on obstacles hindering chronic care, including healthcare disparities.
• Importance of reliable internet access and patient buy-in for successful RPM implementation.

Eliminating Healthcare Disparities through RPM

• RPM technology offers the potential to bridge healthcare disparities.
• Emphasizes patient benefits and cost-effectiveness of RPM solutions.

Success Stories in Chronic Care Delivery

• Anecdotal evidence of RPM’s success in transforming patient lives.
• Example of a patient experiencing improved health and reduced hospital visits through RPM intervention.

SUMMARY

On the Digital Health Transformers podcast, Jay Nanduri, CTO of Truveta, discusses leveraging technology to tackle health disparities. Truveta employs AI to analyze healthcare data, offering real-time insights for researchers and policymakers. Nanduri shares his personal motivation for entering the healthcare technology field, underscoring the role of data in enhancing patient care. Despite pandemic challenges, Truveta remains committed to providing timely data for informed decision-making while upholding privacy, security, and fairness standards. Through AI models, Truveta aims to minimize bias and provide transparent healthcare data analysis, ultimately striving to bridge disparities and promote health equity.

KEY MOMENTS

Real-Time Data Solutions for Healthcare Challenges

• Amidst the pandemic, the need for fresh, real-time data in healthcare became apparent.
• Traueta’s focus on providing real-time and precise data revolutionizes healthcare decision-making.

Leveraging AI for Unbiased Healthcare Insights

• AI technology ensures unbiased insights by analyzing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured healthcare data.
• Traueta’s AI model extracts accurate insights, overcoming biases in traditional data collection methods.

Addressing Health Disparities with Advanced Language Models

• Traueta’s specialized language model enhances understanding of medical documents with high accuracy.
• By focusing on structured and unstructured data, Traueta provides researchers with comprehensive insights, mitigating biases and improving healthcare equity.

Accelerating Healthcare Research with Near Real-Time Data

• Traueta’s near real-time data platform enables rapid healthcare research, leading to timely insights and improved patient outcomes.
• Collaborations with healthcare systems ensure consistent data availability, facilitating groundbreaking research in record time.

Ethical Data Practices in Healthcare Analytics

• Traueta prioritizes responsible and equitable data capture and use in healthcare analytics.
• The platform upholds privacy, security, and ethical standards, ensuring patient confidentiality and supporting fair data utilization.

SUMMARY

Richard Palarea, the CEO of Kermit, shares insights into improving efficiency in healthcare supply chains. He emphasizes the importance of both saving costs and leveraging data effectively. Palarea founded Kermit with the goal of aiding hospitals in managing their expenses related to medical equipment and supplies. He understands that when hospitals save money, they can allocate more resources to patient care. Kermit employs advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimize operations and ensure accurate and reliable data. Palarea mentions ongoing efforts to enhance data management, including integrating hospital electronic medical records (EMRs) for seamless information flow and analysis.

KEY MOMENTS

Introduction

• Richard Palarea, CEO of Kermit, shares how Med device reps would sell devices during surgeries, highlighting inefficiencies in the healthcare supply chain.
• Surgeons and hospitals have different interests, leading to cost efficiency and patient care challenges.
• The need for a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare supply chain is emphasized.

Kermit’s Inception and Mission

• Richard discusses the pivotal moment when former Med device reps inspired him to start Kermit, focusing on transforming the procurement of implantable medical devices.
• Kermit aims to revolutionize spend management in healthcare by introducing technology to streamline processes and reduce costs.
• The importance of introducing technology into the healthcare space to address fundamental inefficiencies is highlighted.

Challenges in Healthcare Supply Chain

• The complexity of the healthcare supply chain involving hospitals, surgeons, and patients is discussed.
• Surgeons prioritize patient outcomes, leading to resistance towards cost-saving measures.
• The role of data analytics in optimizing supply chain efficiency and cost reduction is explored.

Data Analytics in Healthcare Supply Chain

• Richard emphasizes the significance of empirical data in engaging surgeons and driving cost-saving initiatives.
• A specific example is shared where data analysis revealed wasted implants, prompting corrective actions and significant cost savings.
• The importance of leveraging data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making in the healthcare supply chain is underscored.

Cost-Saving Strategies and Impact

• Kermit’s approach to cost reduction through consulting and software solutions is explained.
• The impact of optimizing procurement processes and utilizing data analytics in saving costs for hospitals is highlighted.
• A successful cost-saving strategy involving bid negotiations and data analysis at a hospital is showcased.

Innovative Approaches in Healthcare Supply Chain

• The importance of innovation and efficiency in healthcare supply chain management is discussed.
• Challenges in bid negotiations and the need for streamlined processes to ensure fair competition among vendors are addressed.
• The role of artificial intelligence and integrations in enhancing data accuracy and efficiency in healthcare operations is emphasized.

Future Projects and Integration

• Kermit’s future projects focus on integrating hospital enterprise systems and leveraging AI for data analysis.
• The importance of clean data and efficient integrations in optimizing healthcare supply chain operations is highlighted.

Rick Heller, the President of Wello Inc., delves into their groundbreaking strategy for workplace wellness, with a primary emphasis on halting the spread of infections. He provides valuable perspectives drawn from his evolution as an engineer venturing into healthcare, underlining the pivotal role of measurement in health advancements. Wello’s cutting-edge solutions, such as Wello Station X and Sky Wello, harness sophisticated technology to oversee temperature levels and thwart spreading illnesses such as Ebola and COVID-19. Heller underscores the critical nature of precise temperature surveillance in detecting contagious individuals and deploying impactful preventive protocols within workplaces.

KEY MOMENTS

Workplace Wellness Transformation

• Rik Heller discusses the evolution of workplace wellness, emphasizing the importance of consistency and innovation.
• He introduces Wello’s mission to combat hospital-acquired infections through innovative technology.

Journey from Engineering to Healthcare

• Rik Heller shares his transition from engineering to healthcare, driven by a passion for health and academic disciplines.
• He reflects on the role of measurement in shaping his approach to projects and understanding epidemiology.

Impact of Temperature Measurement in Healthcare

• Heller highlights the significance of temperature measurement in healthcare, particularly in preventing hospital-acquired infections.
• He discusses the development of technologies like Sky Wello to monitor temperature in hospital environments.

Leveraging Technology to Combat Infections

• Heller explores the role of technology, specifically temperature monitoring, in identifying and preventing the spread of infections.
• He emphasizes the importance of early detection and the challenges in implementing effective healthcare technologies.

AI-Powered Solutions for Workplace Health

• Heller introduces Wello’s AI algorithm integrated with temperature monitoring stations to identify potentially contagious individuals.
• He discusses the effectiveness of targeted interventions, such as mask mandates for high-risk individuals, in reducing disease burden in the workplace.

The conversation with Dr. Jeff Dobro delves into the transformative impact of personalized healthcare and technology on patient care. Dr. Dobro highlights the importance of tailoring healthcare experiences to individual needs and leveraging digital tools for various health purposes across all age groups. He emphasizes the growing role of AI in healthcare, from patient engagement to drug discovery, foreseeing a future where AI becomes integral in decision-making and diagnostics. Personalized healthcare technologies, including home-based testing and monitoring devices, are poised to empower patients, allowing them to take a more active role in managing their health.

The podcast transcript features an interview with Lawrence Gerrard, CEO and founder of FruitStreet, discussing his journey in healthcare, specifically focusing on diabetes prevention through telehealth. Gerrard explains how his interest in medicine and nutrition led him to found FruitStreet to prevent lifestyle-related conditions. He emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and highlights the role of telehealth in providing accessible healthcare. Gerrard also discusses the challenges and potential of AI in chronic care management and shares insights on emerging preventative technologies. Overall, the conversation delves into the significance of preventative care and technology in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

KEY MOMENTS

Revolutionizing Diabetes Care

• Laurence Girard shares his journey from identifying preventable conditions in emergency rooms to founding Fruit Street, an online telehealth platform focused on diabetes prevention.
• Discusses the importance of prevention through telehealth and the digitization of the diabetes prevention program.

The Vision of Fruit Street

• Laurence Girard explains the primary vision of Fruit Street, which aligns with the CDC’s diabetes prevention program.
• Highlights the platform’s aim to promote a healthier lifestyle through telehealth and digital health technologies.

Challenges and Opportunities in Chronic Care Management

• Girard discusses the challenges in managing chronic conditions and the importance of preventative care in addressing the steady increase in chronic diseases.
• Emphasizes the role of telehealth, reimbursement issues, and the need for behavior change in chronic care management.

The Role of AI in Chronic Care Management

• Explores the potential impact of AI in managing chronic conditions, including instant feedback on diet and lifestyle choices.
• Discusses how AI can assist in behavior change and provide quick recipe suggestions based on available ingredients.

Future of Preventative Technologies

• Girard shares insights on the future of preventative technologies in managing chronic conditions, including monitoring technologies like wireless scales and blood pressure cuffs.
• Discusses the potential of AI in analyzing electronic medical records to detect diseases early and the emergence of at-home devices for early detection.

Innovations at Fruit Street

• Highlights Fruit Street’s focus on leveraging simple yet powerful diet and lifestyle changes to prevent chronic diseases.
• Discusses ongoing efforts to integrate CGM technology into wearable devices for broader health monitoring.