In this episode of The Connected Physician, host Katharina Juenger sits down with Dr. Somi Javaid, founder and CEO of HerMD, to explore how her company is transforming women’s healthcare by integrating virtual and in-person care, pioneering innovative treatments, and using technology to enhance outcomes. From addressing the gaps in gynecologic and menopause care to discussing how technology like AI is improving healthcare delivery, this episode dives into how HerMD is building a more sustainable and patient-centric model of care.

In this episode, Katharina and Dr. Mehta explore:

• The Challenge of Insurance-Based Healthcare: How traditional reimbursement models create financial stress and why integrating cash-based services can ensure clinic sustainability and better patient care.
• The Myth of a Saturated Market: Despite a growing number of women’s health startups, a major gap remains in accessible, high-quality care, especially for menopause and gynecologic services in underserved areas.
• Why Telehealth Alone Isn’t Enough: The necessity of blending virtual and in-person care to comprehensively address women’s health needs, from hormone therapy to biopsies and advanced procedures.
• The Role of AI in Medicine: How AI-powered tools streamline documentation, reduce physician burnout, optimize billing, and improve both patient and provider experiences.
• Innovating in Women's Health: Cutting-edge treatments like incisionless fibroid removal, real-time biopsy visualization, and digital education platforms that empower patients and providers.
• The Future of HerMD: Plans to expand to 50 locations and scale virtual care nationwide while partnering with institutions and employers to broaden access to comprehensive care.
• Bridging the Physician Shortage Crisis: Understanding how decreasing reimbursements and rising costs are driving providers out of the field and identifying what must change to avoid a healthcare access crisis.
• Licensing Education for Broader Impact: HerMD’s plan to scale its provider training platform to institutions nationwide, equipping more clinicians to deliver expert menopause and midlife care.
• The Power of Patient Education & Transparency: HerMD’s focus on educating patients and allowing them to be active participants in their care through visualized exams and innovative diagnostic tools.

Links and Resources:

• Sunbal (Somi) Javaid on LinkedIn

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