In this episode of the podcast "Self Funded with Spencer," host Spencer Smith sat down with CJ Brock, the CEO of Better Way Medical Group, to discuss a range of topics related to healthcare innovations and challenges. The conversation covered groundbreaking advancements in heart transplants, the shift of surgical procedures to office settings, and the obstacles faced by healthcare providers.

One of the highlights of the episode was the opening discussion on the revolutionary heart box, a device that keeps the heart alive during transportation. CJ Brock described it as "science fiction to the max." This innovative technology has the potential to increase the success rate of heart transplants by almost 50%, expanding the donor pool and saving more lives, but also costs upwards of $1,000,000!

Better Way Medical Group, founded by hand and wrist surgeons Dr. Chris Bates and Dr. Nathan Leslie, focuses on providing high-quality, low-cost surgical care in the office setting. This approach has not only improved patient care but also increased revenue. By leveraging advances in medicine and anesthesia, procedures can now be performed in a more convenient location, resulting in lower costs and reduced risks of complications.

The podcast delved into the challenges associated with shifting procedures from surgery centers to physician offices. CJ Brock emphasized the importance of embracing change and innovation in healthcare. He highlighted the cost savings achieved through this shift and the positive impact it has had on both physicians and patients. By performing procedures in the office setting, physicians can see more patients, improve their quality of life, and ultimately make more money.

The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by healthcare providers when dealing with payers in the industry. CJ Brock acknowledged that the goal is always to achieve zero revisions, complications, and infections, but he recognized that it is not always realistic. He emphasized the need to reserve surgery for patients who truly need it and explore non-invasive, non-surgical methods for treating underlying conditions.

Throughout the episode, CJ Brock shared his personal journey from being a professional golfer to becoming a healthcare professional. His adaptability and determination were evident as he discussed the importance of problem-solving and embracing change on a daily basis. He quoted a mentor who said, "Life is messy. Change is messy. Organizations have to embrace messy." This mindset allows for incremental improvements and ultimately leads to significant progress over time.

The episode of "Self Funded" featuring CJ Brock and Better Way Medical Group shed light on the innovations and challenges in healthcare. It showcased the potential of groundbreaking technologies like the heart box and highlighted the benefits of shifting procedures to office settings.

The conversation emphasized the importance of considering the impact on patients, physicians, and the healthcare system as a whole when making decisions about healthcare innovations. By embracing change and continuously seeking improvement, healthcare providers can deliver better care, reduce costs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Listen now!

Chapters:

00:00:51 The Revolutionary Heart Box: Expanding Donor Pool

00:07:42 Office-Based Surgery for Hand and Wrist Procedures

00:14:08 Transitioning from Golf to Healthcare: CJ's Journey

00:17:51 Innovative In-Office Hand and Wrist Surgery

00:28:33 Shifting Procedures to Physician Offices

00:33:31 Shift to Physician Offices for Cost Savings

00:39:09 Innovative Solutions for Payer Challenges

00:47:20 Minimally invasive needle treatment for elbow pain

00:52:27 Driving change and innovation in healthcare