Quality is a word we all use in healthcare, but what does it truly mean for patients, clinicians, and systems striving to improve care? In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, Sarah Hudson Scholle, Principal at Leavitt Partners, an HMA company, and a nationally recognized expert in healthcare quality unpacks how quality has been defined and measured over the years, why measurement sometimes gets in the way of improvement, and how digital interoperability will more accurately capture true drivers of quality. Sarah also shares why engaging patients in defining their goals and outcomes is essential to creating measures that reflect what really matters in people’s lives.

Rebecca Nielsen and Alex Rich, co-leaders of HMA’s Strategy and Transformation practice, have been supporting healthcare strategies in an ever-changing environment defined by constant disruption from AI, shifting regulatory policies, and financial strain. With so much change in the air now, many strategic plans are outdated before they ever get implemented. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, they expose the blind spots that sabotage even the most well-crafted strategies and offer a grounded look at what actually works when change is the only constant. They unpack the challenge of the 5-year strategic plan and the risk of trying to do everything at once, explaining why real-time information sharing may be your most overlooked leadership tool. If your organization is struggling to turn strategy into action, this is the clarity you’ve been waiting for.

As Medicaid faces another set of policy shifts, this episode provides a look-back on the many twists and turns Medicaid has faced throughout the years. Jay Rosen, president and chairman of HMA, reflects on his work with states and health plans over the past four decades in their efforts to deliver services to vulnerable populations amidst shifting federal and state priorities, innovative delivery and payment models, and increased private sector involvement. With a sharp focus on policy, equity, and system transformation, Jay offers strategic insights for leaders across healthcare, government, and investment sectors.

Monica Johnson, managing director at Health Management Associates, takes us through her compelling journey from frontline caregiver to national leader in behavioral health policy. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, Monica reflects on the national rollout of the 988 crisis line as one of the most transformative shifts in creating a stigma-free behavioral health system of care that meets people where they are to support whatever crisis they may face. Monica shares personal stories and strategic insights that illuminate why policymakers must ensure these systems prioritize the local needs of patients and providers. We explore the future of crisis care, the enduring need for bold federal-state collaboration, and why it’s time to normalize mental health checkups.

Amy Bassano is a Managing Director at Health Management Associates and a nationally recognized Medicare policy expert. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, we unpack the complexities of Medicare innovation and examine where the program is headed next. Drawing on decades of experience—including her leadership at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation—Amy breaks down what makes value-based care so complex, why scaling successful models is harder than it sounds, and how Medicare Advantage continues to reshape the healthcare landscape. She also discusses how financial incentives, regulatory constraints, and the urgent need for system-wide efficiency are shaping the next chapter of Medicare policy. This conversation offers practical insights for policymakers, providers, and advocates navigating the future of one of the nation’s most essential programs. 

John Eller, managing principal at Health Management Associates, joins Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare to discuss the critical role of resilience in local health services. As communities navigate shifting federal policies, economic uncertainty, and natural disasters, John shares insights on how agencies can remain nimble, collaborative, and innovative. Drawing from his extensive experience in Medicaid transformation, behavioral health, and social services leadership, he highlights the power of community trust and cross-sector partnerships in maintaining stability during turbulent times.

Maddy Shea is a public health leader and passionate advocate for housing as a critical component of community health. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, she shares insights on how housing and healthcare sectors can break down silos to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Drawing from her experience at the CMS Office of Minority Health and her work with health plans, affordable housing organizations, and policymakers, Maddy explores the challenges and opportunities in aligning incentives, leveraging policy tools such as Medicaid waivers, and fostering public-private partnerships. Join us as we discuss innovative solutions to housing instability, aging in place, and how data connectivity can drive better care coordination.

Jennifer Bridgeforth, associate principal at Health Management Associates, dives into the complexities of fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare, examining the blurred lines between inefficient processes and intentional misconduct. The conversation explores how value-based care, provider education, and technology could pave the way for more efficient and patient-centered healthcare. Listen to discover insights on navigating these challenges in a shifting healthcare landscape.

Tom Cochran, partner at 720 Strategies, is a renowned expert in digital communication and healthcare public relations. Tom reflects on the broader impact of digital tools, acknowledging both their potential to connect us and their unintended consequences, such as cognitive overload and societal fragmentation. The conversation highlights practical strategies for navigating transitions in leadership—whether in politics or healthcare—and emphasizes the importance of understanding, listening, and adapting communication strategies to fit the moment. Tom leaves us with a reminder of the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.

Kevin Kirby, managing director at Health Management Associates, gives a closer look at the evolution of Medicare’s drug coverage and the policies that have transformed patient access and affordability. From Clinton era ideas, to the launch of the Medicare Modernization Act and then the Affordable Care Act, Kevin has advised clients as these significant milestones have shaped and reshaped Medicare’s drug benefits. He discusses the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, raising important questions about sustainability and cost control. The episode will explore how these pivotal policies will impact access to treatment and the sustainability of Medicare in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.