In this episode of Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist, hosts Brittany Hardaway and Rachael Baumgartner sit down with Dr. Janet Young, Clinical Analytics Advisor at Springbuk, to unpack a growing challenge for employers: the rising costs of diabetes care. 

‍Dr. Young shares that diabetes-related spending has surged by 38% over the past three years—far outpacing other chronic conditions. A major driver? The skyrocketing use of GLP-1 agonists, medications originally developed for diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. 

"More than 40% of members with type 2 diabetes filled a prescription for GLP-1s last year—double the rate from four years ago," she notes. 

While these medications offer powerful benefits, including improved glucose control and cardiovascular protection, their costs continue to climb, creating tough decisions for employer-sponsored health plans.

As employers strategize for the future, Dr. Young emphasizes three key priorities: tracking diabetes trends, proactively addressing prediabetes, and ensuring equitable access to care.

The conversation also explores the expanding role of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) beyond type 1 diabetes patients. These devices, which eliminate the need for fingersticks, are gaining traction among insulin-dependent type 2 diabetics and could have broader applications—potentially even helping prediabetic individuals prevent disease progression. 

Dr. Young also highlights the stark disparities in diabetes treatment based on social determinants of health (SDOH), with more vulnerable populations less likely to access newer medications and monitoring tools. 

Key Takeaways

• Diabetes costs are rising fast – Diabetes spending jumped 38% over three years, driven largely by the rising use of GLP-1 agonists.
• GLP-1 medications are in high demand – More effective than older treatments and linked to weight loss, GLP-1s are now used by over 40% of type 2 diabetics.
• CGMs are expanding beyond insulin users – Real-time glucose tracking is gaining popularity and could play a role in prediabetes prevention.
• Social determinants of health matter – Diabetes rates double in high-vulnerability populations, yet these groups have less access to newer treatments.
• Employers should focus on three things – Monitor diabetes trends, tackle prediabetes early, and reduce treatment disparities.

Stay in Touch!

• Connect with Janet Young on LinkedIn
• Get the complete 2025 Employee Health Trends report and other related resources
• Connect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and Rachael Baumgartner

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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Insights from Employee Health Trends 2025 with subject matter expert Nicole Belles, Sr. VP of Product at Springbuk.

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In this episode of Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist, Rob Lehane, co-founder and CEO of LeapHealth, explores the financial and logistical challenges of specialty infusion therapies—a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of employee healthcare. Drawing on his extensive experience in healthcare and benefits innovation, Rob highlights how LeapHealth is transforming the landscape with a focus on cost-saving and patient-centered solutions.

Rob explains that specialty infusion drugs account for a small percentage of employee use but drive disproportionately high healthcare costs. He shares, "Over half of the specialty drug spend comes from just 2% of employees using infusion therapies." LeapHealth addresses this imbalance by moving care from expensive hospital settings to patient homes, making treatments not only more cost-effective but also far more convenient. 

The episode unpacks LeapHealth’s transparent pricing model, which eliminates drug markups and aligns care delivery with the needs of both employers and employees.

Key Takeaways From the Episode Include:

• Specialty infusion drugs are a major cost driver, often due to inefficient care settings.
• LeapHealth’s in-home infusion model provides a safer, more convenient alternative to hospital-based care.
• Transparent pricing eliminates unnecessary markups, saving employers significant costs.
• Employers can take actionable steps, like exploring site-of-care strategies and direct provider contracts, to better control infusion therapy expenses.
• Supporting employees with chronic conditions enhances productivity, satisfaction, and overall health outcomes.

Stay in Touch!
Connect with Rob Lehane on LinkedIn or Visit LeapHealth

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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In this episode, we break down the broad and powerful world of health analytics, aiming to show how data can improve healthcare outcomes while managing costs. Health analytics goes beyond simple record-keeping to integrate data from claims, biometric screenings, wearable devices, and more. A great analogy in the episode compares it to having a “super-powered health detective” on your team, with predictive analytics that can even foresee risks like diabetes or cardiovascular issues before they manifest. This proactive approach allows employers and advisors to target wellness programs effectively, shifting from reactive treatment to prevention.

Key takeaways include:

• Cost Containment: By analyzing claims, employers can identify overspending patterns and address them without compromising care.
• Predictive Analytics: Using risk data, employers can preemptively support at-risk employees with targeted health programs, gym memberships, and more.
• Machine Learning and AI: These tools enhance analysis by uncovering patterns in vast data, providing insights that guide better decision-making.
• Privacy and Data Security: As this field grows, robust measures and transparency are essential to build trust and protect sensitive health information.
• Future of Personalized Care: The goal is individualized health plans and preventive healthcare, helping people “stay healthy, not just get healthy.”

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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This episode explores the concept of health intelligence, unpacking its complexities and showing how it differs from health analytics. Health intelligence, unlike mere analytics, isn’t just about gathering data but is about turning that data into actionable insights that drive change. A memorable comparison likens health intelligence to a detective piecing together clues: “It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about uncovering the story behind them to improve lives.” For employer benefits leaders and advisors, understanding health intelligence means moving from reactive healthcare strategies to proactive, data-driven interventions tailored to specific workplace needs.

Key takeaways include:

• Defining Health Intelligence: It’s more than data collection—it’s the skill of applying knowledge to improve health outcomes.
• Analytics vs. Intelligence: Analytics provides data; intelligence interprets it to inform meaningful strategies.
• Real-time Data & Forecasting: Essential features for platforms include real-time insights and forecasting to predict and prevent issues before they arise.
• Tailored Interventions: Using data to create targeted health programs, like wellness initiatives or gym partnerships, that cater to unique workforce needs.
• Empowering Proactive Health Management: Health intelligence supports not only addressing existing health issues but also anticipating and mitigating future ones.

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

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In this episode of Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist, hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman talk with Elan Adler, co-founder and CEO of OneImaging, and Melinda Raymond, Senior VP of Sales. The discussion revolves around OneImaging’s innovative approach to reducing healthcare costs through optimized radiology services. Elan and Melinda share their journey in the radiology space, from the inefficiencies they witnessed firsthand to the creation of OneImaging. Elan’s early career exposed him to numerous pain points, like patients being unprepared for imaging due to lack of digital tools. This inspired him to start a company aimed at making radiology more accessible, affordable, and efficient for both patients and employers.

The conversation touches on how OneImaging saves employers significant amounts on imaging costs while improving the employee experience. Melinda highlights the importance of seamless integration within existing health plans, stating that OneImaging’s approach results in a hassle-free process for both employers and employees. One key success metric they share is that OneImaging has saved some employers up to 82% on imaging costs. The episode wraps up with insights into how AI and digital tools will continue to reshape the healthcare landscape in the coming years.

Key Takeaways:

• OneImaging aims to make radiology more accessible, affordable, and efficient.
• The company focuses on integrating into existing health plans without requiring extra apps or steps for employees.
• OneImaging can save employers 60-80% on imaging costs, equating to millions in savings.
• They’ve built a network of over 4,000 accredited centers across 48 states, ensuring fast access to quality imaging.
• The future of healthcare will likely see more consolidation, AI integration, and a shift toward quantifiable ROI.

Stay in Touch!

• Connect with Elan Adler and Melinda Raymond on LinkedIn
• Visit OneImaging
• Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resources
• Get the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resources

Connect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman 

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Dr. Nora Lansen, Chief Medical Officer at Elektra Health, discusses an often overlooked but crucial aspect of women's health: menopause. Dr. Lansen, a board-certified family physician with extensive experience in women's health, sheds light on the complexities of menopause and its impact on women in the workplace. 

Dr. Lansen explains that menopause is not just a moment in time, but a journey spanning 20 to 25 years of a person's life, including perimenopause and post-menopause. The conversation reveals staggering statistics from Elektra's workplace survey, such as "one in three women reported that menopause negatively impacts their work performance" and "20 percent of women have left or considered leaving a job because of menopause symptoms."

Dr. Lansen describes how Elektra Health is working to "smash the menopause taboo" by providing comprehensive, virtual care for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The episode explores various ways employers can support their menopausal workforce, from hosting educational events to offering Elektra's services as a covered benefit. 

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• Menopause is a long-term journey, not just a single moment, affecting women for 20-25 years
• Common menopausal symptoms like brain fog and memory issues can significantly impact work performance
• Many women feel unsupported by their employers during menopause
• Employers can benefit from supporting menopausal employees, who are often at the prime of their careers
• Addressing menopause care can help prevent other health issues that become more prevalent during midlife

Stay in Touch!

• Connect with Nora Lansen on LinkedIn
• Visit Elektra Health 
• Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resources
• Get the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resources

Connect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman 

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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In this episode, guests Tommy Axford and Dr. Natalya Gertsik from Private Health Management (PHM), talk about clinical trials and cancer care. They discuss why employers struggle with cancer-related costs and how clinical trials can be both medically beneficial and cost-effective. The conversation centers on the unique challenges cancer presents as a complex set of diseases rather than a single condition with standard solutions. Dr. Gertsik highlights a story about "Peter," who was given three months to live but achieved complete remission through a clinical trial identified by PHM. As Peter recounts, "It has now been a dozen years that I have been in remission from what was an original death sentence."

The discussion explores barriers to clinical trial access, including the vast number of trials available and various patient, provider, and institutional challenges. With specialty oncology medications averaging $65,000, clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies can offer significant cost savings for employers. Dr. Gertsik, "Most of the benefits employers are putting in place work for 95 percent of their population, but they don't work as well for the sickest and most expensive 5%."

Key Takeaways:

• Cancer's complexity requires sophisticated solutions beyond traditional benefits
• Clinical trials can provide cutting-edge treatments while reducing employer costs
• Major access barriers include provider time constraints and complex qualification criteria
• Solutions need to focus on the 5% of employees who represent the highest healthcare costs
• Employers need partners who can address all cancer types comprehensively

Stay in Touch!

• Connect with Tommy Axford and Dr. Natalya Gertsik on LinkedIn
• Visit Private Health Management (PHM)
• Download PHM’s report on clinical trials and cancer 
• Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resources
• Get the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resources

Connect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman 

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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In this insightful episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Lauren Gums, Executive Vice President of Clinic Services at Transcarent, shares her expertise on the rapidly evolving world of telehealth and virtual care. With over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Lauren offers valuable perspectives on how these technologies are reshaping consumer expectations and transforming healthcare delivery. 

Throughout the episode, Lauren highlights the growing importance of convenience and accessibility in modern healthcare, noting that "90 percent of the U.S. population [has] smartphones, and of those smartphone users, 96 percent prefer text." She explains how telehealth platforms like Transcarent are meeting these expectations by providing "urgency and accuracy" in care delivery.

The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the sustainability of virtual care models, the revolutionary role of AI in healthcare, and crucial factors employers should consider when evaluating telehealth programs. Lauren also addresses the critical issues of data security and privacy in virtual care solutions, emphasizing their importance in maintaining trust and compliance.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• Telehealth usage has stabilized at about 38 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating a lasting shift in healthcare delivery preferences.
• AI is playing a pivotal role in enhancing personalization, improving diagnostic accuracy, and streamlining care delivery in telehealth.
• When assessing virtual care programs, employers should focus on employee engagement, health outcomes, and overall satisfaction.
• Robust security measures, including HIPAA compliance and AI governance programs, are essential for protecting member data in virtual care platforms.
• Virtual care platforms are seen as complementary to traditional healthcare, with Lauren advocating for "an integrated hybrid approach to delivering care."

Stay in Touch!

• Connect with Lauren Gums on LinkedIn
• Visit Transcarent 
• Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resources
• Get the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resources
• Connect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman 

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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Way back in Season 1 of our Healthcare on the Rocks podcast, we talked with Josh Reimer, the Director of Channel Partnerships at Included Health, about many of the challenges of today's healthcare system.  Since then, Included Health has joined the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace, which enables Springbuk clients to see how they can improve care outcomes for members with complex specialty conditions. With the help of Included Health, employers with high-cost claimants can lower costs, provide better outcomes, and improve the satisfaction of their members. 

Listen, or perhaps re-listen, to this encore episode while Josh describes how Included Health leverages its data science and clinical expertise, along with a network of 4,000 leading nationwide experts, for a review of a diagnosis or treatment plan recommendation.  I hope you enjoy this special encore episode.

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at [email protected].

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!

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