How can healthcare become simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone?

In this episode of Sound Track, Dr. Romilla Batra, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross, joins us to discuss how technology and collaboration are transforming the way patients, providers, and health plans work together.

Dr. Batra, a board-certified internist and former chief medical officer at SCAN Health Plan, leads clinical strategy, quality, and equity initiatives that serve over 2.5 million Premera members across the Pacific Northwest.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why prior authorization became such a critical topic in healthcare and how it’s being reimagined
• The voluntary AHIP pledge to simplify care approval and reduce delays
• How automation and AI are helping Premera say “yes” faster—20% of authorizations now happen in real time
• What streamlined systems mean for small businesses and employees
• How these innovations support health equity, reduce costs, and improve outcomes

Dr. Batra also shares lessons from her 20-year journey in medicine and leadership—from the exam room to the executive suite—and why she believes compassion and evidence must always guide innovation.

🎙️ This episode is proudly sponsored by Premera Blue Cross — always in your corner.