EvidenceCare’s Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Walker Keach, Medical Director of Hospital Care Management and Patient Flow at Denver Health.

Dr. Keach shares how his team successfully reduced length of stay (LOS) by launching a multimodal improvement initiative—without compromising patient outcomes. Dr. Keach walks us through the urgent 100-day challenge issued by Denver Health’s CEO, how they targeted specific DRGs, leveraged internal data tools, and changed the cultural conversation around LOS. He also addresses common concerns about readmissions and explains why Length of Stay Index (LOSI) is a more actionable metric than average LOS alone.

Key Takeaways:

• A system-wide LOS improvement can start with executive urgency and a focused timeline to drive alignment and momentum.
• LOSI is a more precise, risk-adjusted benchmark that helps identify where excess days truly exist.
• A deep dive into internal analytics enabled care teams to act quickly and target the right cases.
• Reducing LOS didn’t increase readmissions or worsen outcomes, dispelling a common myth about efficiency efforts.
• Sustaining progress depends heavily on team engagement, transparency, and embedding LOS ownership into everyday workflows.

Dr. Walker Keach Bio:

Joseph “Walker” Keach, MD, is the Medical Director of Hospital Care Management and Patient Flow at Denver Health and an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He led a length of stay research initiative titled, Reducing Hospital Length of Stay: A Multimodal Prospective Quality Improvement Intervention, published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.

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EvidenceCare’s VP of Clinical Strategy, Carol Howard, leads a discussion on mastering change management and process improvement in hospitals. Panelists Candice Powers from USA Health, Jason Metcalf from CommonSpirit, and Ryan Schultz from UAB Medicine share their insights into effectively managing change in complex healthcare environments and the nuances of choosing the appropriate project management methodologies.

The conversation highlights the importance of communication, measurement, and cultural understanding in facilitating successful project implementation and ensuring changes stick.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective change management in healthcare relies on strategic communication, process monitoring, and understanding the "why" behind changes.
• Different project management methodologies such as Scrum, Waterfall, and A3 adhere to specific needs and challenges in healthcare projects.
• Involving frontline workers and other key stakeholders is essential for successful project execution and fostering a culture that embraces change.
• Benchmarking against existing data and industry standards helps identify performance gaps and informs improvement opportunities.

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EvidenceCare’s Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviewed four digital health experts in their respective areas – Dr. Aaron Wilcox from Kaiser Permanente, Meghan Huffman from Novant Health, Dr. Jordan Messler from Glytec, and Dr. Rich Loomis from Elsevier.

In this episode, we cover helpful digital health strategies for hospitals, specific use cases for AI in clinical care, approaches to reducing clinical burden and burnout, and what areas of healthcare our guests most wish to fix.

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of Digital Health – Dr. Aaron Wilcox explores how digital solutions enhance patient care journeys and support health beyond medicine.
• Smart Room Technology – Meghan Huffman shares how Novant Health is using smart room technology to improve patient experience, boost retention, and enable remote capabilities.
• AI in Healthcare – Dr. Richard Loomis highlights the rapid adoption of AI, its role in reducing clinician burnout, and its seamless integration into workflows.
• Improving Diabetes Management – Dr. Jordan Messler discusses technology for safer, more effective insulin management in hospitals, reducing preventable errors.

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In this special episode, guest host, Dr. Rex Hoffman (Providence) facilitates a conversation with Dr. Doug Koekkoek and Dr. Mark Olszyk on how to be a successful hospital Chief Medical Officer.

All 3 of our guests have extensive experience as CMOs and have collaborated together on books and presentations to help other aspiring CMOs to succeed in their positions. Most recently, Dr. Rex Hoffman authored, I Want to be a Chief Medical Officer: Now What?

In this episode, they share some of the insights from that book and their own experiences of leading from the CMO position.

Key Takeaways:

• When and how to transition from a clinical role to Chief Medical Officer, including recognizing the right time and gaining the right experience.
• The essential skills for success, from balancing clinical expertise with leadership to fostering a team-oriented environment.
• How to approach your first 90 days, focusing on relationship-building, understanding organizational dynamics, and setting yourself up for long-term impact.
• Key leadership strategies, including managing relationships with hospital executives, setting clear expectations, and maintaining transparency.
• How to align personal and organizational goals to create meaningful change and leave a lasting legacy.

Dr. Rex Hoffman Bio:

Dr. Hoffman is the Chief Medical Officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He earned his medical degree at Tulane School of Medicine and is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He has served in many clinical leadership roles across Providence Health System for over a decade.

Dr. Doug Koekkoek Bio:

Dr. Koekkoek has served as Chief Medical Officer at Providence St. Joseph Health and as the Chief Physician Executive at PeaceHealth. He received his medical degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University. His clinical practice in internal medicine included inpatient and outpatient care before transitioning fully to Hospital Medicine and then moving into administrative and physician leadership roles.

Dr. Mark Olszyk Bio:

Dr. Olszyk is the Chief Medical Officer and VP of Medical Affairs for Carroll Hospital in Westminster, Maryland. He earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He also wrote the book, The Chief Medical Officer’s Essential Guidebook.

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EvidenceCare’s CEO, Bo Bartholomew, interviews Scott Becker, Founder, Publisher, and Chief Content Officer for Becker's Healthcare.

Scott shares stories and examples of bringing entrepreneurship to large organizations, how clinical leaders can build great teams and avoid burnout, and innovative approaches to some of healthcare’s biggest issues such as physician shortages and rising costs.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Drive: Lessons from Scott's journey from law to healthcare media on using entrepreneurial spirit to innovate within established industries.
• Building Great Teams: Success in any field requires cultivating and working with talented teams; a key theme Scott emphasizes.
• Healthcare Innovation: There is a critical need for innovative thinking in healthcare to address issues such as workforce shortages and rising costs.
• Leadership Characteristics: Effective leaders are not only competent but also likable, striking a balance that helps sustain long-term success.
• Continuous Learning: Scott shares the importance of lifelong learning and adapting, especially for clinician leaders transitioning into executive roles.

Scott Becker Bio:

Scott Becker is the founder, publisher, and chief content officer of Becker's Healthcare, a leading healthcare media company. Scott is also a long-time partner at McGuireWoods.

He hosts the highly ranked Becker's Healthcare Podcast and Beckers Private Equity Podcast. He is also the author of several books, a regular speaker on business and healthcare trends, a proponent of physical and mental health as a foundation to life, and an active investor in private equity and venture capital funds and companies.

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In this episode of The Better Care Podcast, EvidenceCare's VP of Clinical Strategy, Carol Howard, hosts a live panel of experts on regulatory updates and strategies for health systems related to Medicare Advantage and the two midnight rule to assure compliance and optimize revenue capture.

Guests:

• Jackie Kimmell, Senior Director of Strategy Catalyst, The Health Management Academy
• Dr. Adam Fall, Corporate Medical Director of Utilization Management, Erlanger Health System
• Dr. Jeny McNair, President and Chief Physician Advisor, Physician Advisory, Med-Metrix

Key Takeaways:

• Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are set to grow significantly, prompting policy changes to control federal spending, such as the Version 28 HCC Model and adjustments to star ratings.
• Hospitals are encountering increased payer friction, with a significant rise in MA denials and a need for robust strategies to manage Medicare patient classifications.
• Proper documentation and understanding of payer rules, including the CMS two midnight rule, are paramount to minimizing administrative burdens and ensuring appropriate reimbursements.
• The importance of contract negotiations, advocating for shorter contract terms and clear terms regarding the use of AI in care management.
• The potential impact of the Chevron ruling on medical necessity appeals could lead to significant legal and operational shifts in how hospitals manage and appeal payer decisions.

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In this special episode of The Better Care Podcast, EvidenceCare's President & COO, Amy Deaton, engages with industry leaders live at the Nashville Healthcare Sessions conference to discuss the evolving industry landscape. These conversations focus on rural healthcare challenges, integrated mental health services for women's health, and patient-centric solutions in digital innovation.

Guests:

• William Haugh: Division President of Lifepoint Health
• Amy Green: Founder & CEO of Mamaya Health
• Anika Gardenhire: Chief Digital & Information Officer of Ardent Health

Key Takeaways:

• Maintaining local healthcare services and how technology is a pivotal aid in overcoming rural healthcare challenges.
• How improved EHR integration can advance holistic and specialized women's health care from menstruation to menopause.
• Digital innovation as crucial for enhancing healthcare access and operational efficiency, with a focus on community connections and staffing solutions.
• Embracing a culture where failure is part of the learning process which can lead to more effective healthcare innovation.
• The importance of diversity in healthcare leadership and board representation as essential for driving meaningful change and innovation.

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In this special episode of The Better Care Podcast, EvidenceCare's CEO, Bo Bartholomew, brings together a diverse group of healthcare leaders to explore innovation and transformation within the industry. Recorded live from the Nashville Healthcare Sessions conference, the conversations emphasize the importance of collaboration, technology, and strategic partnerships in redefining patient care.

Guests:

• Phil Gibbs: CEO of Care Transformation Studio
• Vic Gatto: Co-founder & Managing General Partner of Jumpstart Capital
• Fahad Tahir: President & CEO of Ascension St. Thomas
• Judith Byrd: Executive Director of the Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association
• Marty Bonick: President & CEO of Ardent Health

Key Takeaways:

• Cross-Industry Innovation: Utilizing technology from non-healthcare sectors, such as adapting solutions from the prison system for patient registration, can improve healthcare efficiency.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Nashville’s healthcare sector thrives due to collaboration across various stakeholders, fostering a community of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Technological Empowerment: Technology is shifting from a burdensome necessity to a transformative enabler, particularly in reducing administrative burdens and improving patient-centric care.
• Healthcare Investment Growth: Nashville is becoming a venture capital hub for healthcare innovations, with significant impacts expected health tech.
• Patient-Centric Approach: The future of healthcare lies in integrating care delivery systems, focusing on simplifying and enhancing the patient experience.

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EvidenceCare’s Co-Founder & CMO, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Melinda Hancock, EVP & Chief Transformation Officer for Sentara Health.

Melinda shares how health systems can use transformation processes to align and balance clinical practices, patient outcomes, and financial sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Healthcare Transformation: How to approach integrating clinical and financial goals, while still focusing on optimizing care delivery and ensuring patient safety and quality.
• Ideation and Innovation: Unique ways to encourage innovation that allows all employees to submit ideas with a robust vetting and prioritization process to ensure impactful projects are implemented.
• Technology and Analytics: Investments in ambient documentation and advanced analytics are crucial in reducing clinician burnout and improving operational efficiency.
• Integrated Delivery Network: The synergy between Sentara’s health plan and care delivery systems allows for a unique, pilot-based approach to enhancing patient care and health outcomes

Melinda Hancock Bio:

Melinda S. Hancock, CPA, FHFMA is Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer for Sentara Health. She oversees several Sentara teams, including Strategy, Growth, Transformation, Integration and Project Management.

Hancock joined Sentara in August 2021 as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Before joining Sentara, Hancock was the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer at VCU Health System, where she made significant contributions to advance the infrastructure of the health system that includes programs and models that improve the patient experience and the health of vulnerable populations. Prior to her time at VCU Health, Hancock was a partner with Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP (DHG) where she helped lead the payment model team to develop products related to the transformation of volume-based reimbursement to value-based reimbursement. Before joining DHG, Hancock was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Virginia market of Bon Secours Health System. Hancock's career prior to Bon Secours included eight years at Culpeper Regional Hospital and experience as a healthcare consultant and auditor with Ernst & Young and Deloitte.

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EvidenceCare’s CEO, Bo Bartholomew, interviews Adam Kaufman, digital health expert and consultant, currently at Baylor Scott & White Health.

Adam and Bo provide insight into the evolution of digital health innovation and economics for healthcare leaders looking to navigate today's complex landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Distribution in Healthcare: They break down how healthcare spending is allocated.
• The Evolution of Digital Health: From early telephonic disease management to today's sophisticated digital platforms.
• Strategic Alignment in Innovation: Learn why aligning digital health initiatives with strategic goals is key to driving operational success in health systems.
• The Future of Healthcare Therapies: The impact of GLP-1 drugs on obesity and how therapeutic innovations are shaping the future of healthcare.

Adam Kaufman Bio:

Adam Kaufman is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and board member providing pioneering leadership in digital health, medical services, and healthy living. For more than two decades he has been a pioneer of digital health and its accompanying transformation of the healthcare industry. He is known for driving organizational improvements through technical advancements as well as defining strategic vision to penetrate new markets, expand product lines, and grow revenue.

Most recently, Adam reorganized Weight Watchers B2B healthcare division while leading the launch of the first dedicated broad WW consumer solution for people with diabetes. He defined a successful go-to-market plan while positioning the product line for significant growth within this new vertical. Previously, Adam has been a startup founder and CEO at Canary Health leading the company through several rounds of financing and growth to a $10M in annual recurring revenue run rate.

Adam has particularly deep expertise in VC and PE backed healthcare companies supporting their digital transformation and entrance into new markets often after growth has stalled or declined in initial strategies. He has worked to redefine value propositions, adjust go-to-market strategies and build and lead marketing and sales teams.

Leveraging a Ph.D. in Applied Microeconomics (with a focus in healthcare) from the University of Southern California, Adam also worked as an Adjunct at USC, teaching healthcare Industrial Organization and Applied Statistics. He served as a Fulbright Scholar at the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico and completed a dual Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.

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