The ACO Show

In this season premiere of the ACO Show, hosts Josh Israel and Sean Cavanaugh recount their summer road trip, along with Aledade CEO Farzad Mostashari, visiting primary care practices across America. From camping in Moab to meeting health care leaders in places like Mexico, Missouri, and Salina, Kansas, they explore the diversity of value-based primary care delivery. The episode highlights how communities, large and small, benefit from strong primary care systems and previews exciting episodes for the season ahead.

Join Josh Israel and Sean Cavanaugh in the season finale of the ACO Show, recorded live at Aledade’s North Carolina Value Summit. They engage with three primary care physicians—Dr. Wayne Haga, Dr. Mark McNeill, and Dr. Art Apolinario—about their success in value-based care and how they are using their increased revenue to improve patient care.

Dr. Farzad Mostashari, CEO of Aledade, is joined by Dr. Mark McClellan and Bob Kocher to reflect on the past decade of health care reform, and the early days of Aledade and accountable care organizations (ACOs). Dr. McClellan, director of the Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy at Duke University, discusses the evolution of legislative policy, sharing how bipartisan efforts led to the integration of shared savings models into health care policy and Bob Kocher, chairman of the board of Aledade, shares his thoughts on Aledade’s journey and future direction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a patient-centered approach, and perseverance in navigating the evolving health care landscape.

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 In this episode, Sean Cavanaugh and Dr. Josh Israel sat down with Travis Broome, Aledade’s SVP of Policy and Economics, to understand CMS’ new ACO Flex Model. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply interested in the future of healthcare policy, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the ACO Flex Model's potential to transform care delivery. Travis explains how this new model can drive innovation in healthcare by addressing cash flow challenges and offering upfront payments. We discuss the potential benefits for primary care practices, the importance of integrating care management services, and the broader impact on Medicare's goals. 

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From understanding the fundamentals to exploring new innovations and challenges, join us as Dr. Efrem Castillo, Senior Vice President for Medicare Advantage at Aledade, shares his experience with Medicare Advantage. Dr. Castillo explains the nuances for both patients and providers, including benefits beyond traditional Medicare, network limitations, utilization management, and the STARS program. Dr. Castillo also explores the recent growth in MA and new innovations, while emphasizing that interventions should prioritize improved patient outcomes.

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From navigating insurance barriers to addressing the stigma, this episode dives into timeless issues surrounding obesity treatment, as well as the promise and challenges of new medications like Ozempic. Josh and Sean are joined by Dr. Darrin Menard, a family practice physician in Scott, Louisiana, who shares insights from his personal experience with weight loss alongside his professional expertise. While new drugs offer significant weight loss potential, Dr. Menard underscores the crucial role of behavioral changes, long-term adherence, and nonjudgemental patient care in achieving lasting results.

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Dr. Lonnie Robinson from Regional Family Medicine in Mountain Home, Arkansas explains the challenges surrounding prior authorization faced by both practices and insurance providers, and how this inspired him to become involved in state health policy advocacy. Hear how Dr. Robinson, drawing inspiration from Texas’ “gold card” approach, worked with Aledade’s policy committee and state legislators to pass similar legislation in Arkansas to reduce administrative workloads.

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Join our hosts along with Dr. Farzad Mostashari on this episode as they dive into CMS's update on the Medicare value-based care strategy. From discussing alignment and growth to equity in healthcare, they provide insights and suggestions for the future of accountable care.

Read the update here: Update On The Medicare Value-Based Care Strategy: Alignment, Growth, Equity

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Explore the dynamic landscape of healthcare and technology with hosts Josh and Sean on the ACO Show. Guests Rosemary Weldon and Ritwik Tewari, from Aledade, share their expertise as they discuss the challenges and innovations shaping the industry, including the advancements in technology that help improve patient care.

Join us for a story tracing the origins and evolution of Community Health Center, Inc. Mark Masselli, president and CEO of Community Health Center, Inc. in Middletown, CT, alongside Charles Barber, Writer-in-Residence at Wesleyan University, guide listeners through the enthralling narrative depicted in  Barber's book, "Peace & Health." Explore the beginnings of the Health Center amidst the backdrop of social upheaval, legislative reforms, and grassroots advocacy, illuminating the transformative power of community-driven health care initiatives. Uncover the pivotal moments and visionary leadership that propelled the center from modest beginnings to a beacon of excellence in health care provision. And learn about the recent partnership with Aledade, exemplifying a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and equitable care delivery.

To learn more about the story behind Community Health Center, Inc. and Barber's book "Peace & Health," visit peaceandhealth.com.