I Don't Care

Private equity and venture capital have been reshaping the healthcare landscape, with $47 billion in related deals recorded from 2019 to 2023. These investments promise innovation and growth in AI, diagnostics, and healthcare delivery. However, they also raise critical questions about aligning profit-driven goals with the mission to improve patient care and system efficiency. At a time when the U.S. healthcare system faces mounting inefficiencies and inequities, this influx of private capital demands a closer look.

What does private equity mean for the future of healthcare? Will it spark meaningful innovation or deepen existing challenges in accessibility, affordability, and patient outcomes?

On this episode of I Don’t Care, host, Dr. Kevin Stevenson,  sits down with Dr. Roy Smythe, a distinguished thoracic surgeon turned venture capital advisor. Together, they explore the impact of private equity and venture capital investments on healthcare systems and physician practices. The discussion uncovers both the opportunities and potential pitfalls of private capital in healthcare.

Episode Highlights:

• Private Equity and Healthcare Systems: Dr. Smythe critiques the influx of private capital in hospitals and physician groups, suggesting that profit motives can conflict with the mission of patient care and systemic improvement.

• Advancements in AI and Proteomics: The discussion delves into how AI can improve efficiency and allow for better clinician-patient interactions, while proteomics offers groundbreaking diagnostic potential by analyzing proteins rather than genes.

• Systemic Inefficiencies and Underinvestment: The U.S. healthcare system remains hampered by a lack of investment in primary care, leading to increased reliance on costly, advanced care. This has perpetuated inequities and inefficiencies despite significant technological progress.

Dr. Roy Smythe is a transformational leader with a diverse background in healthcare innovation, translational bioscience, and medical technology. His career includes executive roles at SomaLogic, Philips, and MD Anderson, where he has driven advancements in diagnostics, AI, and life sciences. With a strong foundation in clinical care and strategic leadership, Dr. Smythe has been at the forefront of bridging medicine and technology to improve healthcare delivery.

Healthcare facilities face significant challenges in procuring and managing medical imaging equipment. These high-cost, high-stakes purchases, such as MRI and CT scanners, can directly impact patient care and financial sustainability. With declining reimbursements and increasingly complex technologies, the importance of expert guidance in making these decisions has never been greater. In fact, in 2022, U.S. hospitals spent an estimated $4.29 billion on service-related expenses for diagnostic imaging equipment, marking a 13.3% increase since 2020.

How can smaller hospitals and healthcare facilities, with limited resources and expertise, navigate these critical decisions to ensure they receive optimal value and service?

This episode of I Don’t Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson dives into these pressing questions with Scott Finkelmeyer, founder of Key Imaging Partners LLC. Together, they discuss the challenges and strategies healthcare providers face when procuring medical imaging equipment, from negotiating contracts to embracing new technologies like AI.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Expert Guidance on High-Stakes Decisions:  Finkelmeyer shares strategies for navigating vendor negotiations, emphasizing the importance of detailed contract reviews and ensuring optimal value for medical imaging equipment purchases.

• The Role of AI in Radiology: AI technology is transforming radiology by enhancing efficiency and doubling imaging capacity, helping facilities avoid costly equipment expansions.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Scott reflects on the importance of strong leadership and mentorship in empowering teams and improving procurement outcomes.

Scott Finkelmeyer is the CEO of Key Imaging Partners, LLC, leveraging over 25 years of experience with top diagnostic imaging manufacturers to assist healthcare providers in optimizing medical imaging technology and service strategies. He previously held leadership roles at Siemens Healthineers and GE Healthcare, where he excelled in strategic sales and account management. His expertise lies in helping healthcare providers optimize imaging technology acquisitions and service agreements. Through his company, Scott helps clients save time and money while increasing purchasing confidence in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. 

Healthcare facilities face significant challenges in procuring and managing medical imaging equipment. These high-cost, high-stakes purchases, such as MRI and CT scanners, can directly impact patient care and financial sustainability. With declining reimbursements and increasingly complex technologies, the importance of expert guidance in making these decisions has never been greater. In fact, in 2022, U.S. hospitals spent an estimated $4.29 billion on service-related expenses for diagnostic imaging equipment, marking a 13.3% increase since 2020.

How can smaller hospitals and healthcare facilities, with limited resources and expertise, navigate these critical decisions to ensure they receive optimal value and service?

This episode of I Don’t Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson dives into these pressing questions with Scott Finkelmeyer, founder of Key Imaging Partners LLC. Together, they discuss the challenges and strategies healthcare providers face when procuring medical imaging equipment, from negotiating contracts to embracing new technologies like AI.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Expert Guidance on High-Stakes Decisions:  Finkelmeyer shares strategies for navigating vendor negotiations, emphasizing the importance of detailed contract reviews and ensuring optimal value for medical imaging equipment purchases.

• The Role of AI in Radiology: AI technology is transforming radiology by enhancing efficiency and doubling imaging capacity, helping facilities avoid costly equipment expansions.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Scott reflects on the importance of strong leadership and mentorship in empowering teams and improving procurement outcomes.

Scott Finkelmeyer is the CEO of Key Imaging Partners, LLC, leveraging over 25 years of experience with top diagnostic imaging manufacturers to assist healthcare providers in optimizing medical imaging technology and service strategies. He previously held leadership roles at Siemens Healthineers and GE Healthcare, where he excelled in strategic sales and account management. His expertise lies in helping healthcare providers optimize imaging technology acquisitions and service agreements. Through his company, Scott helps clients save time and money while increasing purchasing confidence in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. 

Advancements in artificial intelligence are transforming healthcare, and remote cardiac monitoring is at the forefront of this change. With cardiovascular disease impacting nearly 50% of the population at some point in their lives, early detection and efficient diagnosis are crucial. Enter AI-powered cardiac monitors that provide near real-time data, reduce diagnostic errors, and improve access to care. But how exactly does this technology work, and what does it mean for patients and healthcare providers?

Welcome to I Don’t Care. In this episode, Dr Kevin Stevenson sits down with Stuart Long, the CEO of InfoBionic.AI, to explore the transformative impact of AI on cardiac monitoring. From continuous monitoring that detects arrhythmias in real-time to algorithms developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, this conversation addresses a vital question: How can technology redefine the landscape of cardiac care?

Key Points of Discussion:

Continuous Monitoring Revolution: InfoBionic’s device streams data to the cloud, using AI to process millions of heartbeats and prioritize critical information for physicians.

Reducing False Positives: By leveraging advanced AI and signal processing, the company has reduced false positives for atrial fibrillation by over 85%, providing clinicians with cleaner, more actionable data.

Improving Health Equity: With remote cardiac monitoring solutions that eliminate the need for in-person visits, InfoBionic ensures greater access to cardiac care, especially in rural areas.

Stuart Long is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience leading and scaling companies in the medical device and healthcare IT sectors. As CEO of InfoBionic.AI, he has pioneered advancements in AI-powered cardiac monitoring, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. With expertise in enterprise software, medical imaging, and strategic operations, Long also brings a strong background in marketing strategy, honed at Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Women’s health remains a critical issue globally, with alarming disparities in access and outcomes. A new survey from Hologic and Gallup reveals that while nearly 90% of women recognize the importance of health screenings, less than half undergo them consistently due to barriers like cost, time, and anxiety. The stakes are particularly high in underserved communities, where delayed diagnoses can lead to advanced cases of conditions like cervical and breast cancer.

What can be done to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all women, especially in marginalized and rural areas? Can artificial intelligence revolutionize screening and diagnostics to save lives?

On I Don’t Care, host Dr Kevin Stevenson has a chat with  Mia Keeys, Director of Global Health and Innovation at Hologic. Together, they delve into the intersection of equity, technology, and advocacy in women’s health.

Key Takeaways:

• Barriers to Women’s Health Access: Structural challenges like transportation, affordability, and cultural trust hinder consistent screenings, despite widespread recognition of their importance.

• AI’s Role in Healthcare: AI technologies, such as Hologic’s digital cytology for cervical health, enhance efficiency in diagnostics and provider workflows, addressing burnout and improving care.

• Advocacy for Policy Change: Maintaining healthcare access through programs like the Affordable Care Act and expanding support for underserved areas are pivotal in improving outcomes.

Dr. Mia Keeys is a global health expert and director at Hologic, focusing on women’s health innovation and equity. A former chief of staff for Congresswoman Robin Kelly, she has spearheaded health equity initiatives in Congress, at the American Medical Association, and abroad. Her academic pursuits include health policy and artificial intelligence, with field experience in countries like Indonesia and South Africa.

Behavioral health challenges have intensified nationwide, with wait times for care stretching months and access in rural areas remaining inadequate. Telehealth innovations are emerging as a crucial bridge to close these gaps, particularly in behavioral health. The stakes are high and according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in the past year, yet significant barriers to accessing care persist

How can telehealth providers tackle these systemic inefficiencies while expanding access?

This episode of I Don’t Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson features Andy Flanagan, CEO of Iris Telehealth. Flanagan brings his extensive experience in healthcare and technology to discuss how telehealth is revolutionizing behavioral health. The conversation dives into how Iris Telehealth uses innovative tools like AI and machine learning to optimize referral queues, enhance care continuity through embedded EMR systems, and expand access in underserved areas, including rural communities.

Highlights from the Episode

• AI in Behavioral Health: Iris Telehealth is leveraging machine learning to optimize referral queues, ensuring patients at the highest risk receive timely intervention. AI tools assist clinicians by predicting patient needs during encounters and providing actionable insights.

• Tackling Behavioral Health Challenges in Rural Areas: With virtual services across 43 states, Iris Telehealth helps community health centers and hospitals address systemic gaps in behavioral health. Their approach ensures seamless transitions of care and better access in resource-limited settings.

• Collaborative Care Models: Iris embeds its services into hospital EMRs to enhance care continuity, offering everything from emergency department support to outpatient therapy within the hospital’s existing ecosystem.

Andrew Flanagan is an accomplished healthcare and technology executive with expertise in telehealth, cloud software, and medical devices. As CEO of Iris Telehealth since 2020, he leads one of the industry’s top tele-behavioral health service providers, leveraging over three decades of healthcare leadership to foster innovation and improve access to care. A graduate of Cornell University and the University of Michigan, he has held leadership roles at IMRIS, Siemens Healthineers, and SAP, specializing in scaling customer-focused SaaS and enterprise technologies while driving growth in underserved populations through technology-driven solutions.

The evolving healthcare landscape demands that provider networks strike a careful balance between meeting community needs and maintaining financial sustainability. As patient demographics shift and technological advancements, such as telehealth, redefine care delivery, health systems must recalibrate their networks to avoid inefficiencies. A 2024 AAMC study highlights this urgency, projecting a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2036.

How can healthcare systems design provider networks that cater to patient needs, optimize resources, and remain adaptable to future challenges?

In this episode of I Don’t Care, host Kevin Stevenson welcomes Jennifer Moody, partner at ECG Management Consultants. Drawing from her extensive experience, Jennifer shares actionable insights on market sizing, specialty care trends, and the integration of technologies like telehealth and AI. Their conversation unpacks how health systems can design effective networks that adapt to changing demands while staying sustainable.

Key Points from the Episode

• Market-Based Planning: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of understanding market capture and geographic constraints to avoid overbuilding or under-serving specific areas.

• Specialization Challenges: The growing trend of micro-specialization in fields like neurology and ENT has created staffing complexities, impacting both hospital and outpatient care delivery.

• Technology’s Role: Telehealth, wearables, and AI are reshaping provider efficiency and patient access, but their successful integration requires careful planning and execution.

Jennifer Moody is a healthcare strategist specializing in provider network planning, ambulatory strategy, and community health equity. As a partner at ECG Management Consultants, she has led over 450 strategic projects for health systems, focusing on workforce development and operational efficiency. Jennifer is recognized for her expertise in aligning care delivery models with evolving market needs. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer has guided health systems through complex operational challenges, leveraging her expertise in market analysis and resource optimization. She holds advanced degrees in healthcare administration and is a recognized leader in the industry.

The rising cost of healthcare continues to strain employers and employees alike. With premiums climbing at a rate outpacing inflation, many organizations are burdened with high costs and subpar outcomes. Employer-built healthcare models are emerging as a potential solution, enabling organizations to take control of their healthcare systems. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average family health insurance premium reached $23,968 in 2023, underscoring the pressing need for innovative solutions.

How can employers control costs while ensuring quality care for their workforce?

This episode of I Don’t Care delves into this challenge. Host Kevin Stevenson speaks with Carl Schuessler, Managing Principal of Mitigate Partners, about “employer-built healthcare.” The discussion explores how organizations can reclaim control over healthcare costs by addressing inefficiencies, eliminating middlemen, and focusing on patient-centric care.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Six Deficiencies in Legacy Healthcare: Schuessler outlines six critical flaws in traditional healthcare systems, including lack of transparency, embedded conflicts of interest, and the traditional PPO discount model.

• Transformative Case Studies: Mitigate Partners has saved organizations millions, including a Florida school district that cut costs by $65 million over five years while improving access to care for employees.

• Practical Tips for Employers: Schuessler emphasizes the importance of partnering with independent benefits advisors and actively managing healthcare plans to achieve better outcomes.

Carl C. Schuessler, Jr., DHP, DIA, GBDS, is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience specializing in employer-built health plans that reduce costs and improve employee benefits. As the Managing Principal of Mitigate Partners, he has developed innovative solutions like the FairCo$t Health Plan, helping clients achieve significant savings—up to $8.2 million over eight years—while enhancing benefits and ensuring cost predictability. His expertise extends across risk management, employee benefits, and financial planning, with a focus on creating customized, data-driven strategies that retain top talent and improve organizational cash flow.

As healthcare systems continue to consolidate, independent physicians are facing unprecedented challenges in maintaining their viability. Rising operational costs, shifting value-based care metrics, and payer pressures are squeezing independent doctors more than ever before. Nearly 80% of physicians are now employed by hospitals, health systems, or corporate entities, up from previous figures of 60%, leaving fewer doctors practicing independently. This trend has accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the financial stability of private practice

Can independent physicians find a sustainable path forward with these trends gaining momentum? How are organizations like Patient Physician Network (PPN) helping independent doctors compete in this rapidly evolving environment? What strategies are being employed to ensure that these physicians not only survive but thrive?

On this episode of I Don’t Care with Kevin Stevenson, Scott Hurst, President and CEO of Patient Physician Network, dives into the critical role PPN plays in supporting independent practices. The discussion highlights the operational and financial hurdles facing independent doctors today and explores how clinically integrated independent practice associations (IPAs) are providing resources that could be key to their survival.

Main Takeaways:

• Challenges for Independent Practices: Independent physicians face increasing difficulties due to fragmented operational systems and payer-driven cost increases.

• Financial Integration via PPN: PPN helps independent doctors by facilitating financial integration and value-based care opportunities, offering critical access to contracts and credentialing services that help sustain long-term viability.

• Scaling Value-Based Care: Despite the industry's push toward value-based care, independent doctors are finding it challenging to scale these models, as revenue challenges persist.

Scott Hurst is the President and CEO of Patient Physician Network, one of the largest clinically integrated independent practice associations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A former President of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) North Texas chapter, Scott brings a wealth of healthcare leadership experience. His dedication to helping independent doctors thrive in today's competitive healthcare landscape makes him a key figure in driving innovative strategies to preserve the autonomy of independent physicians.

Staffing challenges in healthcare continue to grow, with burnout and workforce shortages creating increasing pressures on hospitals and healthcare facilities. The current staffing solutions are often seen as inefficient, with traditional agencies taking large cuts, and clinicians feeling underpaid. According to the American Hospital Association, workforce shortages remain one of the top challenges for hospital leaders.

But is there a better way to connect healthcare professionals with the organizations that need them?

This episode of I Don't Care with host Kevin Stevenson features a conversation with Ashley McClellan, the founder and CEO of MedCurate, about her innovative platform that is transforming healthcare staffing. MedCurate provides a digital marketplace that allows hospitals to connect directly with credentialed clinicians, cutting out the middleman to reduce costs while increasing pay for healthcare workers. Kevin and Ashley also discuss her career path, leadership journey, and how MedCurate is addressing the critical issue of staffing shortages in healthcare.

Key discussion points:

• Taking Control of Staffing: MedCurate allows healthcare facilities to post staffing needs directly, setting their own rates, while clinicians have the flexibility to choose shifts that align with their qualifications, reducing reliance on traditional staffing agencies.

• Mentorship in Healthcare Leadership: Ashley McClellan shares how mentorship has played a critical role in her career growth, and how she now mentors the next generation of healthcare leaders, emphasizing the importance of leadership traits and diverse experiences.

• Vision for MedCurate's Growth: McClellan envisions expanding MedCurate to all care settings and across every state, with a goal of reducing clinician burnout and turnover by giving healthcare professionals more control over their work schedules and compensation.

Ashley McClellan has built an impressive career in healthcare administration, with leadership roles in some of the largest hospitals in Texas. She holds a dual MBA and MHA and has led several healthcare organizations, including the Women’s Hospital of Texas. Now, as founder and CEO of MedCurate, McClellan is leveraging her vast experience to tackle one of healthcare’s most persistent problems—staffing. Through MedCurate, she aims to create a platform that benefits both clinicians and healthcare organizations by simplifying the staffing process.