Telemedicine Talks

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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Can you trust an AI that’s writing your treatment plans, or will 2026 be the year clinicians start paying the price for automation?

 In this 2026 compliance predictions episode, Phoebe Gutierrez shares her “love–hate relationship” with AI: it streamlines operations and boosts efficiency, but it cannot be treated as a source of truth. As more practices embed AI into core clinical workflows, the question becomes unavoidable: Who is responsible when AI is wrong? The clinician? The platform? The vendor?

Phoebe explores how regulators are now answering that question. She explains how the FDA, the ONC, and state legislatures are rapidly rolling out rules governing AI-enabled software, clinical decision support, bias testing, audit trails, human oversight, and patient disclosure. With over 250 AI-related bills introduced in 34 states, the landscape is shifting faster than most companies can keep up. She walks through the most common—and dangerous—mistakes she sees digital health companies making, including auto-populating treatment plans without clinician review, failing to track AI overrides, not disclosing AI use in patient encounters, ignoring bias testing, and misunderstanding liability responsibilities between platforms and vendors.

AI isn’t going anywhere—but the way we use it must evolve. This episode gives you the roadmap.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

•  Keep Humans in the Loop—Always: AI can support clinical workflows, but clinicians must verify recommendations, diagnoses, dosing suggestions, and triage outputs. Automation without oversight is now a regulatory red flag.
• Track Every AI Decision and Override: If you can’t show who reviewed the AI output, whether it was modified, and why, you cannot prove safe use or compliance—especially during audits or investigations.
• Build an Internal AI Governance System: Assign ownership, maintain an AI tool inventory, evaluate bias, ensure state-by-state compliance, review vendor claims, and require transparent validation data before deployment.

About the Show

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Host:

• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ 
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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In this solo episode of Telemedicine Talks, Phoebe Gutierrez sounds the alarm: the FTC—not the DEA—is now telehealth’s #1 threat.

Forget clinical protocols—the Federal Trade Commission is laser-focused on consumer protection, and telehealth’s cash-pay subscription model is their new favorite target. It started with Cerebral: $7 million fined—not for bad psychiatry, but for burying the cancel button, auto-renewing without consent, and piping mental-health data straight to Meta. The FTC’s three-pillar hit list?

Auto-renewal transparency (no pre-checked boxes, no fine-print surprises)

One-click cancellation (if signup is online, cancellation must be too)

Zero sneaky data sharing (visiting your addiction-medicine site is PHI the moment the pixel fires)

Phoebe translates ROSCA (Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act) into plain English and hands you the exact checklist 90% of telehealth startups still ignore. 

In this episode, you'll hear why “we’ll just email support” is now a violation, why “non-identifiable” data isn’t a loophole, and why 2026 will see 3–5 new FTC scalps on the telehealth wall.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Run the 5-Minute Patient Audit TODAY: Open an incognito tab, sign up as a fake patient, and time how many clicks it takes to (a) see the price, (b) read the renewal terms, (c) cancel. If any step takes >30 seconds or leaves the app, fix it before bedtime.
• Kill the Pixel Party: Open your Google Tag Manager, search “health”, “mental”, “addiction”, “prescription”—delete every event that could infer a diagnosis. Replace with boring conversion tags that stay HIPAA-safe.
• Print the “Cancel” Button in 72-pt Font: Add a persistent “Cancel Anytime” link in your app footer, dashboard, and every receipt email. Train support to process cancellations in <2 minutes. Bonus: screenshot the flow and email it to your attorney—proof you’re ROSCA-ready.

About the Show

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Host

• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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What happens when the DEA ends pandemic-era flexibilities and telemedicine companies aren’t ready?

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Phoebe Gutierrez delivers a timely and urgent breakdown of the 2026 DEA prescribing regulations that will redefine virtual care. From the expiration of COVID-era telemedicine flexibilities to the new four-tier DEA registration model, Phoebe unpacks what’s changing, who’s impacted, and how digital health companies can prepare.

She explains the layers of the new system — including Telemedicine Prescribing Registration, Advanced Prescriber Rules, Telemedicine Platform Registration, and State-Based Licensure — and why these changes matter for clinicians, startups, and patients alike.

Phoebe warns that companies relying on outdated processes risk shutdowns or investigations, and outlines a practical roadmap for compliance, from auditing prescriptions to automating ID verification and PDMP checks. Her closing message is clear: the DEA is watching, and telemedicine leaders must act now to future-proof their operations.

Three Actionable Takeaways

• Audit Your Prescribing Universe:
  List every medication your company or clinicians prescribe and match them to DEA schedules. This reveals which new registrations you’ll need under 2026 rules.
• Strengthen Oversight Systems:
  Implement automated DEA and license checks, PDMP lookups, and monthly verifications. Build a compliance calendar and assign ownership to prevent lapses.
• Prepare Financially and Operationally:
  Every provider and platform must register in each prescribing state. Plan budgets, staffing, and internal workflows to meet the multi-state, multi-layer registration demand.

About the Show

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Host

• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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Can AI make health insurance transparent and affordable for independent doctors and 1099 workers?

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Samuel Hill discusses his evolution from aspiring dentist and football hopeful to tech entrepreneur co-founding Molly Health Insurance with Wyatt. Inspired by a $900 MRI savings hack, Sam explains how Molly uses AI agents to demystify coverage, predict costs, and empower users with data-driven choices. He offers doctors practical advice on transitioning to startups: embrace vulnerability, network beyond medical circles, and separate clinical expertise from business risk. From failed ventures like Bridge Connector to acquisitions at Stepson, Sam's story highlights the grit needed to solve healthcare's red tape.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Mindset Shift for Doctors: Rewire from risk-averse clinical training to entrepreneurial action—be vulnerable, ask for help, and view healthcare frustrations as solvable problems without threatening your brand.
• Leverage Your MD in Business: Network "doctor hat off" to learn skills, then "hat on" to add clinical credibility; doctors shine on product teams bridging tech and patient needs.
• AI for Healthcare Wins: Start with a problem (e.g., opaque insurance), gather data, query AI for solutions, and build trust via transparency like confidence scores—turning models into proactive personal assistants.

About the Show:

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Guest:

Samuel Hill is a serial entrepreneur, product owner, and AI architect with a passion for disrupting healthcare. Co-founder of Molly Health Insurance, he's spent five years at the forefront of AI models, agents, and APIs, previously contributing to Stepson's acquisition and navigating high-growth (and high-failure) startups like Bridge Connector. A self-described "health guru and status quo disruptor," Sam draws from shadowing his orthopedic surgeon uncle to build transparent, tech-driven solutions for independent workers and physicians.

🔗 Connect with Samuel Hill:
Website: https://www.mollihealth.com

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/samuelgarretthill

About the Host:
Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.

Connect with Leo Damasco:
[email protected] 

https://www.telemedicinetalks.com

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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What’s next for telemedicine as regulatory shifts and legal challenges reshape the landscape?

In this Monthly Update episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Leo Damasco tackle critical developments in the telemedicine industry. They dive into the recent expiration of COVID-era telemedicine flexibilities for Medicare patients, which has reverted care to restrictive pre-COVID rules, requiring in-clinic visits and limiting home-based care. This shift, compounded by a government shutdown stalling potential extensions, threatens access for vulnerable patients, especially in rural areas, and could set back innovations like hospital-at-home programs. 

They also analyze the high-profile fraud trial of Done, a mental health telemedicine startup, where its founder and clinical president face charges over a $100 million scheme involving over-prescription of ADHD medications like Adderall. This case serves as a cautionary tale for physicians in startups, highlighting the critical need for compliance awareness to avoid legal and professional risks. Phoebe and Leo discuss the importance of clinicians educating startups on regulations, sharing their own experiences in product development and compliance navigation. 

They also explore emerging trends, including a shift from direct-to-consumer models to B2B and cash-pay options, as patients grow frustrated with traditional insurance and seek affordable, accessible care. With respiratory season driving demand, telemedicine platforms face new pressures to adapt. The hosts wrap up by previewing upcoming episodes featuring physician assistants in business and a policy expert on payer dynamics, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating this evolving field.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Telemedicine Flexibilities Expired: COVID-era waivers have ended, reverting to pre-COVID rules for Medicare, limiting home-based visits and potentially disrupting care, especially with the government shutdown delaying extensions.
• Done Trial Highlights Risks: The fraud trial of Done's founder and clinical president underscores dangers for physicians in startups, emphasizing the need for compliance and awareness to avoid legal pitfalls.
• Shifting Business Models: Telemedicine is moving from direct-to-consumer to B2B and cash-pay options, with physicians educating companies on regulations and preparing for increased demand in respiratory season.

About the Show

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Hosts:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.
• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 Can telemedicine enhance medicine without compromising quality and altruism? 

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez  discuss with Dr. Manzur Moidunny about early-career hesitations about fully embracing telemedicine, finding a balanced middle ground that aligns with his values. Drawing from his hospitalist experience, he explores the difference between access to care and truly good, holistic care, the importance of leadership in guiding ethical practices, and earning trust to influence change. 

Dr. Manzur shares his passion for the "art of medicine," revealing his new Michigan Longevity Clinic and an upcoming restaurant offering medically tailored meals for conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. 

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Telemedicine Balance: It's essential for future-proofing careers but should complement in-person care to maintain clinical growth and avoid focusing solely on minimums in cash-based systems.
• Leadership and Altruism: Earn a seat at the table through trust, value, and rationale to bring out the caring aspect in discussions often dominated by finances.
• Innovative Expression: View medicine as an art—create models like longevity clinics and food-as-medicine restaurants to address gaps in traditional reimbursement and promote holistic health. 

About the Show:

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Guest:

 Dr. Manzur Moidunny is a hospitalist in metro Detroit with a focus on lifestyle and longevity medicine. Early in his career, he navigates telemedicine while maintaining passion for in-person care, founding the Michigan Longevity Clinic and planning a restaurant for medically tailored meals. He emphasizes food as medicine and holistic approaches to treat chronic conditions. 

📘 Instagram: @lifestylemeddoc.md 

About the Hosts:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.
• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ 
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can high-achieving physicians reclaim their time and live with true freedom?
Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Dr. Anne Tsung as she shares her extraordinary journey—from aspiring astronaut to working in Antarctica's South Pole—to developing her "Five Stages to Time Freedom" framework. Drawing from experiences in extreme environments like NASA and ICUs, she explains how to access flow states on demand, optimize chronotypes, and shift from external validation to intrinsic self-worth.

Tailored for doctors navigating telemedicine and entrepreneurship, the conversation covers overcoming perfectionism, setting boundaries, and using tools like journaling for peak performance. Whether you're battling burnout or seeking work-life harmony, this episode offers actionable insights to transform your productivity and presence.

Three Actionable Takeaway

1. Discover Your Chronotype for Peak Productivity – Use tools like the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to identify your optimal energy windows; Anne advises scheduling high-focus tasks during peak times and protecting non-negotiables like sleep or family to access flow states more easily.
2. Shift from External to Intrinsic Validation – Reflect on self-worth through journaling or coaching to break cycles of overachievement; Anne shares how recognizing her value beyond certifications helped her prioritize timeless moments—start by listing three daily wins unrelated to work.
3. Embrace Mistakes as Growth Opportunities – View failures, like missed diagnoses, as learning moments without self-judgment; Anne emphasizes self-compassion in medicine—practice by reviewing a recent setback with curiosity, asking what it teaches about intentions and knowledge at the time.

About the Show:
Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Guest:

Dr. Anne Tsung is a NASA flight surgeon, triple-boarded in emergency medicine, critical care, and aerospace medicine, and founder of Productivity MD. A certified advisor in Performance Neuroscience by the Flow Research Collective, she developed the Five Stages to Time Freedom to help leaders access flow states and achieve timeless presence. From her work in Antarctica's South Pole to coaching physicians, Anne empowers high-achievers to shift from external validation to intrinsic worth.

Websites: https://zoomann.com

                    https://calendly.com/tsungannmd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-tsung-78541ab2

About the Host:
Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.

Connect with Leo Damasco:
[email protected] 

https://www.telemedicinetalks.com

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can physicians leverage AI and LinkedIn to build their professional brand and open new doors?

 Leo Damasco chats with Al Kushner about his journey from Brooklyn roots to self-employed LinkedIn strategist, driven by a desire for independence. Al shares insights from his book The AI LinkedIn Advantage (published March 25, 2025), emphasizing profile optimization with keywords, AI tools for content creation, and strategic outreach to convert connections into opportunities. 

Tailored for doctors shifting from traditional W2 jobs, the discussion covers avoiding common pitfalls like generic profiles, using AI for personalized messaging, and embracing mistakes as growth steps. Tune in for practical tips on headlines, engagement, and turning LinkedIn into a powerful marketing tool.

Three Actionable Takeaway: 

1. Optimize Your Profile with AI – Use AI to identify keywords and craft compelling headlines that highlight your value (e.g., for physicians targeting telemedicine roles); Al emphasizes starting with a strong "about" section to attract searches and boost visibility.
2. Create Authentic Content Strategically – Post consistently with AI-generated ideas tailored to your audience, like sharing medical insights or polls; Al advises focusing on engagement over sales to build trust and convert connections into opportunities.
3. Embrace Mistakes and Take Risks – Learn from failures to grow, as Al shares from his self-employment journey; for risk-averse professionals like doctors, start small with outreach and use AI for efficient messaging to overcome perfectionism.

About the Show:

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Guest:

Al Kushner is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, podcaster, and sought-after LinkedIn Growth Strategist, renowned for blending AI with digital networking. His best-selling book The AI LinkedIn Advantage (March 2025) offers actionable strategies for optimizing profiles and converting connections. Self-employed since age 20, Al draws from his Brooklyn upbringing and 10+ books to help professionals thrive. His free profile checklist is available on his website, audiobook on Audible and Spotify. 

Website: https://linkedvantage.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-kushner

About the Host:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.
  Connect with Leo Damasco:
  [email protected] 

https://www.telemedicinetalks.com

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if health insurance was transparent and empowering for freelancers? 

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Wyatt Stokesberry, as he recounts his non-traditional path—dreaming of being a chef but inspired by business owners to start ventures young, rejecting a corporate job, and embracing constant uncertainty as a "risk-on individual." He discusses the feast-or-famine entrepreneur mindset, getting 1% better daily, and thriving in discomfort, drawing parallels to physicians transitioning to telemedicine. The conversation dives into Molly's mission: providing control over claims and premiums via AI-driven efficiency, integrating wearable data for better risk profiling, and fostering health improvements. Amid ACA subsidy expirations threatening 26 million uninsured, Molly caps at 1,000 initial members for personalized service. Tangents explore AI's role in healthcare (from auto-denials to navigation tools), generational fears of AI, and rebuilding insurance trust. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and telemedicine pros navigating business risks.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Embrace Uncertainty as Fuel – View discomfort as a growth edge: Capitalize on "famine" periods by preparing to seize opportunities, doubling down when they arise, and committing to 1% daily improvement through consistent effort.
2. Leverage AI for Efficiency – Use AI tools to scale operations (e.g., three engineers matching 20's output) and sift data for insights, but pair with human oversight for ethical applications like transparent claims processing.
3. Seek Transparent Solutions – For freelancers facing ACA sticker shock, join Molly's waitlist at mollyhealth.com to gain control over health plans; share feedback to shape underserved markets and advocate for trust-building innovations.

About the Show:

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Guest: 

Wyatt Stokesberry, CEO and co-founder of Molly, a transparent health plan launching in Q1 2026 for 1099 freelancers, has over five years of health insurance expertise. A risk-taking entrepreneur who rejected corporate life, he leverages AI for efficiency and aims to rebuild trust in insurance. 

Website:  https://mollyhealth.com
Email: [email protected].

About the Hosts:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.
• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ 
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What could happen if key ACA marketplace rules kick in, leaving millions without coverage?

 In this end-of-month recap episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez break down the latest developments in telemedicine and healthcare policy for August 2025. They discuss a Maryland judge's August 22nd decision to temporarily block parts of the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule—set to start August 25th—including a $5 minimum premium, stricter income verifications, and repayment enforcements, which could disenroll over 2 million people. The conversation explores the human impact, especially on low-income individuals just above Medicaid thresholds (e.g., $15,000–$16,000 annually in many states). Shifting gears, they highlight international reports of "digital arrest" scams targeting telemedicine doctors, where fraudsters impersonate officials to extort money via threats of warrants or lawsuits. Leo shares personal stories of similar scams affecting him and his wife, emphasizing the need for vigilance. They also touch on a quirky case of a software engineer caught working 140 hours a week across multiple tech jobs by outsourcing tasks, drawing parallels to telemedicine moonlighting risks and NDAs. Finally, they provide an update on COVID-era telehealth flexibilities expiring September 30th, 2025—including rural restrictions, audio-only coverage, and Ryan Haight Act waivers for controlled substances—urging preparation amid lobbying efforts by groups like the ATA and AMA. This episode is vital for telemedicine practitioners facing potential disruptions in access, reimbursement, and operations.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Verify Policy Changes and Prepare – Monitor the status of ACA marketplace rules and telehealth flexibilities expiring September 30th, 2025. Review your practice's compliance with potential reversions to pre-pandemic rules, like rural-only telemedicine or in-person requirements for controlled substances, and advocate through groups like the ATA.
2. Stay Alert to Scams – If contacted about warrants, lawsuits, or unpaid fees, hang up and verify independently by calling official boards or agencies. Share stories of "digital arrest" attempts to raise awareness, and avoid sharing personal info over unsolicited calls.
3. Balance Moonlighting Ethically – Avoid concurrent work across platforms that could compromise patient care or violate NDAs. Focus on sustainable hours and transparency, especially in telemedicine, to prevent burnout and legal issues.

About the Show:

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Hosts:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.
• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.