Could societal pressures and social media be sparking eating disorders in children as young as 10? Join us on Hatching Creativity as we explore this alarming trend with Heather Baker from Prosperity Eating Disorders in Virginia. Heather brings her wealth of experience to our discussion about the early onset of body image issues and the devastating impact of generational diet culture. We promise you'll gain a deep understanding of the multifaceted relationship between trauma, genetics, and societal influences in the development of eating disorders. Heather will also shed light on the comprehensive treatment programs at Prosperity Eating Disorders that help young individuals navigate these complex challenges.

Together, we shatter common misconceptions about eating disorders, such as the misguided notion that those affected simply dislike food. Heather explains how binge eating often stems from a troubling cycle of restriction and guilt, magnified by societal norms and media portrayal. We also discuss the prevalence of eating disorders among both males and females, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the importance of awareness. For parents, coaches, and concerned individuals, we offer invaluable advice on how to communicate effectively with young athletes exhibiting signs of disordered eating. Tune in for resources and guidance from experts like the National Eating Disorders Association and the Academy of Eating Disorders, ensuring you have the tools to support loved ones through their journey to health.

Navigating the treacherous waters of consultant selection can be daunting; let's ensure you're equipped with the know-how to avoid the siren call of cut-rate expertise. Our latest discussion peels back the layers of due diligence necessary for businesses to confidently engage the right professionals. I'll share an eye-opening anecdote about a client nearly lured by the false economy of low-cost services. We dissect the perils of generic solutions, emphasizing the critical need for a consultant's authenticity and dedicated specialty. As we pivot to the healthcare domain, I break down the fee-for-service and value-based care models while underscoring the vitality of cultivating trusted referral networks.

Then, we wade into the nuanced world of retainer contracts through a lens of personal experience. I dissect various retainer arrangements, highlighting the imperative of aligning costs with the substantial value they must deliver. Open dialogue and transparency are the lifelines of these engagements, and I stress how clients should leverage their intrinsic knowledge of their own teams when collaborating with consultants. In a powerful final segment on addiction payment reform, we spotlight the Alliance for Addiction Payment Reform's trailblazing value-based payment system. Their mission to revamp substance use disorder services is not just a financial crusade—their profound vision is to reshape the healthcare landscape for the betterment of society.

Can addiction be treated like chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes? Join us on Hatching Creativity as we sit down with Dr. Annie Peters, a leading expert in behavioral health care and the Director of Research and Education at the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Dr. Peters takes us through her fascinating career, from her impactful clinical work at renowned institutions like Hazelden Betty Ford and Harmony Foundation, to her innovative endeavors with FORCE (Foundation for Recovery, Science, and Education). FORCE is setting new standards in addiction treatment by supporting providers in measuring and improving treatment outcomes through meticulous data collection. Dr. Peters shares key insights from their groundbreaking first report, released in June 2023, which included contributions from 55 treatment providers and detailed plans for future expansions.

Understanding addiction as a chronic illness requires more than treating symptoms; it necessitates a holistic approach to improving health and behaviors over time. Dr. Peters discusses the hurdles in measuring treatment outcomes, emphasizing the subjective nature of success and the critical role of understanding procedural nuances. We also explore how staff satisfaction and client feedback are indispensable tools for enhancing treatment quality. Through tools like staff surveys and net promoter scores, Dr. Peters explains how actively involving staff in data analysis can reflect patient progress, fostering a more engaged and effective treatment environment. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that places transparency, accountability, and innovation at the forefront of addiction treatment.

Ever wonder why used car salesmen get such a bad rap? Join us as we strip away the stereotypes and get to the heart of transparency and trust in sales, diving into an area that's murky for many—where value battles cost in the consumer's mind. We're navigating through the maze of customer belief systems that impact their purchasing decisions, and we're not afraid to shed light on industries that stumble due to a lack of business savvy, like the acute care sector. It's an episode that peels back the layers on why operations need to be sleek, compliance tight, and revenue cycles humming to successfully counteract resistance to change and operational blind spots.

This installment of Hatching Creativity is a testament to our dedication to guiding you ethically through your challenges—whether you're scaling the corporate ladder or bootstrapping your startup—all while keeping creativity at the helm. We're grateful for your continued support and encourage you to share our message. It's not just about this episode; it's about fuelling your journey with knowledge, helping you forge informed decisions, and ensuring that support isn't a luxury, but a staple for all.

In this episode, we speak with Nikki Soda, the Director of Membership and State Advocacy for the National Assocation of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Nikki talks about the association, what they do, and some of the current things going on in Behavioral Healthcare and Substance Use Disorder treatment. We also speak about advocacy, how to approach your lawmakers, and some ideas on helping get your ideas in front of the people who can put them into action. 

Experience a radical shift in the battle against addiction with the Alliance for Addiction Payment Reform's revolutionary strategies. Our guest from the Alliance unveils the potential of the Addiction Recovery Medical Home alternative payment model, a game-changer in incentivizing recovery over relapse for substance use disorder services. This episode is your ticket to understanding how healthcare systems can evolve from a cost-heavy, relapse-focused cycle to a value-based system that rewards positive outcomes and supports lasting recovery.

We're peeling back the layers of the traditional addiction treatment financial model and exposing the roots of its inefficiency. The Alliance's value opportunity calculator emerges as a star player, demonstrating the significant savings that can be achieved by both payers and providers when embracing this transformative approach. We dissect real-world applications of this model, examining tailored implementations across states and its immense impact on Medicaid's approach to addiction treatment. Join us for an insightful conversation that not only highlights the financial benefits but also the profound human impact of restructuring payment systems to foster recovery and well-being.

Get ready to reimagine the intersection of finance and healthcare with Chris, a serial entrepreneur on his seventh venture, who's turning the patient payment experience on its head. Forget about merely ticking off compliance checkboxes; this episode is an eye-opener on how financial transparency and literacy can revolutionize patient care. Chris, with his infectious humor and sharp insights, makes a case for integrating a 'white glove financial experience' into healthcare, ensuring it stands shoulder to shoulder with the clinical side of the service.

This conversation is a treasure trove of anecdotes and hard-hitting truths about why a patient’s last touchpoint—the billing process—can leave a lasting impression, for better or worse. Chris champions the idea that when financial interactions are as outstanding as the medical treatment, patients are more inclined to settle their bills not out of obligation but out of respect and satisfaction. Join us and discover how transforming the necessary evil of payments into a voluntary gesture of goodwill can not only enhance your brand but could very well secure patient loyalty for life.

People talk about being, "Data Driven", but what does that actually mean? 

How can data-driven approaches revolutionize addiction treatment? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Annie Peters, the Director of Research and Education at NAATP, to uncover the power of leveraging data for enhanced treatment efficacy and operational efficiency in addiction treatment centers. Dr. Peters brings a wealth of expertise from her time at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and various academic roles. She also discusses her latest initiative, the Foundation for Recovery Science and Education (FORSE), and how it's setting new standards for applying evidence-based practices in behavioral healthcare.

We also tackle the intricacies of standardizing electronic medical records (EMRs) and the critical need for precise documentation, including gender identity and discharge types. Our conversation highlights a crucial collaboration with Kipu to develop standardized forms that comply with state and accrediting body requirements. Dr. Peters explains how accurate data tracking can significantly improve patient care and inform better policy-making. Don't miss this deep dive into the transformative potential of data in addiction treatment and the leadership required to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

In this episode, we speak with Nikki Soda, the Director of Membership and State Advocacy for the National Assocation of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Nikki also talks about FORSE, and their ambitious objectives, including the urgent need for standardized measurements and making crucial data accessible. FORSE is the program they created to collect and utilize outcomes data to help providers, legislators and payers get a better understanding of the outcomes in Substance Use Disorder treatment. She speaks about the data being collected, and what's being done with it. 

In this episode, we speak with Chris Wolffington, founder of FinPay about inducement and some of the legal risks healthcare providers face. Chris gives advice on navigating these waters and reducing your liability. We discuss federal regulations designed to prevent providers from unlawfully using incentives to influence patient's provider choice. This candid discussion peels back the layers of complexity surrounding healthcare inducements, revealing how the once Medicare and Medicaid-focused laws now impact patients with commercial insurance, reshaping the dynamics of patient care and choice. We also probe into the sensitive areas of behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, dissecting the profound changes due to the Anti-Kickback Statute and what they mean for providers across the board.

 As patient financial responsibilities surge, Chris steps in to help us comprehend how this increase shapes the healthcare landscape, from reimbursement concerns to the importance of solid pre-admission financial agreements. We confront the daunting challenges of payer audits and the potential havoc of claim clawbacks, emphasizing the necessity for healthcare facilities to demonstrate compliance with confidence. Through this dialogue, we reveal how FinPay's services offer a beacon of guidance for providers traversing the intricate compliance and financial management terrain. Whether you're a healthcare professional or just fascinated by the intersection of healthcare policy and fiscal responsibility, this episode promises insights and solutions for the pressing issues facing today's healthcare industry.