Ep. 37 - Breaking the Mold: Dr. Diana Barratt Redefines Neurology and Patient Care with Concierge Medicine - 02/04/25
In this episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh speaks with Dr. Diana Barratt, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert who has embraced a non-traditional approach to patient care. Diana discusses her decision to opt out of Medicare and traditional insurance contracts, and the benefits of transitioning to a fee-for-service, concierge model. With rising physician burnout and dissatisfaction with insurance-based systems, Diana shares how this model allows for more personalized, high-quality care. She also delves into how smaller patient panels have improved her ability to address complex neurological and sleep conditions. As the healthcare system evolves, Diana offers insights into the future of concierge medicine, its role in mitigating physician shortages, and the patient-centered care it fosters. Tune in to hear about the challenges, rewards, and transformational impact of non-traditional medical practices in today's landscape. Take risks!
Ep. 36 - Dr. Kate Brazzale Defines Hospice and its Role in our Healthcare SystemWorking HealthcarePlay - 01/28/25
Join Meredith Hirsh for an in-studio interview with Dr. Kate Brazzale. As Chief Medical and Administrative Officer of the Hospice Division of Empath Health, Kate shares how she was drawn to hospice and palliative care. Discover how our American healthcare system manages seriously ill patients' symptoms and quality of life, known as palliative care. Kate discusses when it is time to bring in Hospice and how traditional Medicare and commercial insurances cover this cost. Kate wraps up her interview by sharing her thoughts on physician burnout and enlightening us on what we can learn from millennial doctors. Don’t be spooked!
Ep. 35 - Founders of Anatomy Finance Solve Healthcare’s Payment Posting ProblemWorking HealthcarePlay - 01/21/25
Join Meredith Hirsh as she pulls back the curtain to expose the inner workings of healthcare’s billing world with Anatomy Finance founders Sasha and Callum King. Discover the burdensome revenue cycle management processes medical facilities confront. With Sasha’s bioengineering background and Callum’s business acumen, the Kings are a powerhouse couple who created an innovative company to solve healthcare’s payment posting problems. Learn how they raised millions of dollars in Series A funding to create change within our healthcare industry. Go Kings!
Ep. 34 - Vinay Patel Disrupts the PBM IndustryWorking HealthcarePlay - 01/14/25
Join Meredith Hirsh and visionary pharmacist Vinay Patel as they uncover the complexity of healthcare’s mafia – the pharmacy benefit managers. An entrepreneur who founded MakoRx, Vinay shares how he is disrupting the PBM world. In this episode, Meredith and Vinay dissect the PBM system and the industry’s lucrative money-making schemes. Discover how three PBMs amassed most of the market and continue to shield the public from its pricing tactics. Vinay provides insight into how to revolutionize the PBM industry, hoping that Congress will eventually pass reform. Mark Cuban is not the only innovator transforming the pharmaceutical industry. Be your own disrupter!
Ep. 33 - Executive Coach Nancy Proffitt Imparts Wisdom and Guidance for a Successful Year - 01/07/25
Join Meredith Hirsh as she sits down for an in-studio interview with her executive coach and inner-circle confidant Nancy Proffitt. Learn when to seek a therapist versus a coach and how the latter has impacted Meredith and The Hirsh Center over the past year. From Girl Scouts to CEO, discover why many top female executives were once a troop member. Hear how behavioral assessment tools provide valuable insights into new hires and existing employees. Coach Nancy leverages 30 years of executive management experience and business ownership to assist professionals to create valuable change in their teams and themselves. Can a three-day leadership boot camp be a single solution to great leadership? Kick off 2025 with an inspirational discussion between coach and student and decide if you would benefit from an executive coach. Enjoy and be enlightened!
Ep. 32 - Steffany Moonaz: a Yogi’s Guidance for the New YeaR - 12/31/24
Join Meredith Hirsh as she sits down with yoga therapist, health coach and research scientist Steffany Moonaz to discuss how to take better care of ourselves heading into the new year. Two-time author and Johns Hopkins trained PhD, Steffany shares what inspired her to incorporate yoga into her research. Learn more about yoga teachings and how to integrate meditation into your life – even if you’ve never done it. Steffany offers examples of how to blend traditional medicine with non-traditional, eastern-style approaches to live a centered existence. By incorporating Steffany’s secret sauce, even overachievers can find ways to cope through navigating our chaotic healthcare system. Namaste!
Ep. 31 - Dr. Marc Hirsh Examines Healthcare’s 2024 Triumphs and 2025’s Challenges - 12/24/24
Meredith Hirsh interviews her #1 fan and a Working Healthcare podcast favorite, Dr. Marc Hirsh. In his second episode, the duo breaks down healthcare’s triumphs of 2024 and challenges for 2025. While health insurance is under increased visibility by the American public considering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder, Dr. Hirsh shares his theory behind the killer’s mental state. They then segue into medical breakthroughs and insurance wins of the past year. This is short-lived, as they focus on healthcare’s middlemen – pharmacy benefit managers. Can many of healthcare’s challenges be resolved during Congress’s lame-duck session or will these topics continue into the new year. Listen to what a doctor and healthcare CEO say about the past year and how they are eyeing healthcare’s future. Enjoy!
Ep. 30 - Joe Goldstein Examines Cybersecurity and Technology’s Vulnerability within Healthcare - 12/17/24
Meredith Hirsh sits down with best-selling author and cybersecurity expert Joe Goldstein. With over 30 years of IT experience, Joe shares insights into why patient health data is an enticing target for hackers and then offers tech basics for a healthcare organization to prevail. After discussing the initial goal of electronic health records, Joe gives his prediction on the medical community’s ability to achieve the goal. Joe provides insight into the Change Healthcare cyberattack that is still impacting the healthcare sector and offers advice on how a healthcare facility should approach risk assessment. Don’t miss out on learning the latest cybersecurity trends in healthcare and how to prepare. Enjoy!
Ep. 29 - Dr. Roger Duncan Champions Studying Math and Science to Open Opportunities - 12/10/24
Join Meredith Hirsh in this straightforward Working Healthcare sit-down interview with physician hero Dr. Roger Duncan. An anesthesiologist whose parents promoted education and social justice shares how he contributes to our community. Roger is a champion for children living in low-income neighborhoods by encouraging education as a catalyst for success. Roger explains the need for black and minority medical associations – even in 2024 – and the history behind the National Medical Association’s creation. Tough questions are asked, and Roger answers them with thought, grace and insight. This is a candid interview to better understand a different perspective on racial disparities within our healthcare system. Enjoy and do something great!
Ep. 28 - Dr. Jason Goldman Endeavors to Fix our American Healthcare System - 12/03/24
Join Meredith Hirsh as she sits down for an in-studio Working Healthcare interview with American College of Physicians President Elect Dr. Jason Goldman to discuss the necessary role of organized medical societies. Jason shares how he juggles his responsibilities providing patient care as the sole internist of his independent medical practice and his many leadership roles. Is there a return on investment? While in medical residency, Jason started his advocacy efforts. He reveals the importance of building relationships with the mindset of playing the long game. With a Lame Duck Session of Congress, Jason examines if we can fix the physician fee schedule before the year ends. Jason knows what it takes to fix our American healthcare system – he seems to have ideas. Be inspired!