In this eye-opening episode of The DocBuddy Journal, host Erik welcomes Shannen Aguayo and Nyleen Flores, hosts of the rapidly growing Credentialing Chronicles podcast. They dive deep into the often opaque world of medical credentialing and enrollment, exploring best practices and alarming stories from the front lines.

The conversation covers crucial recommendations for medical providers managing their credentialing documents, the bureaucratic challenges of getting insurance panel approval, and shocking examples of how credentialing failures can impact patient safety. Shannen and Nyleen don't hold back as they discuss the ethical dilemmas facing healthcare facilities when revenue needs clash with credentialing standards.

The trio also examines the evolving role of AI in healthcare documentation, the frustrations of dealing with insurance company policies, and why greater transparency is desperately needed throughout the credentialing process. 

Listen to Credentialing Chronicles.

Connect with Shannen and Nyleen on LinkedIn.

Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn.

#medicalcredentialing #credentialingchronicles #spillthetea #spillingthetea

In this inspiring episode of The DocBuddy Journal, host Kiera Helms interviews Dr. Peter Daly, an orthopedic surgeon, and his wife Lulu Daly, a pediatric nurse, about their remarkable journey founding One World Surgery. What began as a single act of compassion for a young Honduran girl named Angela has blossomed into a global nonprofit that serves over 27,000 patients annually across Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

The Dalys share how their family-centered approach to medical missions created a sustainable model for delivering high-quality surgical care to those most in need. Through permanent facilities staffed by local medical professionals and supported by international volunteers, One World Surgery has pioneered an ethical approach to addressing the "neglected stepchild of public health" - surgical care in underserved regions.

Listeners will discover how these medical missions not only transform the lives of patients but also reignite the passion and purpose of healthcare providers experiencing burnout. The Dalys explain how anyone—regardless of medical background—can contribute to their mission, and share their vision for expanding education and deepening their impact in the communities they serve.

Learn more about One World Surgery.
Apply to join a One World Surgery mission trip.
Donate to One World Surgery.

In this episode of The DocBuddy Journal, Marc Ryan, Chief Solutions Officer of Lilac Software, provides an in-depth analysis of the current U.S. healthcare landscape. From the complexities of drug pricing and Medicare reimbursement to the challenges facing healthcare providers, Marc offers expert insights into the critical issues affecting patients, providers, and the healthcare system as a whole. 

Discover the potential for systemic reform and the key factors shaping the future of healthcare delivery and affordability.

Connect with Marc on LinkedIn
Follow Liliac Software on LinkedIn
Get Marc's content: The Healthcare Labyrinth

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#healthcare #healthcarepolicy #healthcarepolicyreform #healthcarepodcast #healthITpodcast

In this powerful episode of The DocBuddy Journal, host Kiera Helms welcomes Dr. Stefanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer of The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation. Dr. Simmons shares the foundation's origin story, born from tragedy when emergency physician Dr. Lorna Breen died by suicide during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic after expressing fears about seeking mental health support.

The conversation explores the foundation's three-pronged approach to healthcare worker well-being: advocacy, advancing collaboration, and accelerating solutions. Dr. Simmons discusses their successful efforts to pass federal legislation supporting healthcare worker mental health, their work to eliminate stigmatizing mental health questions from medical licensing applications across states, and their "All In Caring for Caregivers" program.

As an emergency physician herself, Dr. Simmons brings valuable perspective on the unique challenges healthcare workers face when prioritizing their own mental health. The episode highlights the importance of addressing both individual support through coaching and peer programs and tackling systemic issues like administrative burden and EHR optimization. Listeners will learn about concrete resources available through the foundation and ways to get involved in this critical mission to destigmatize mental healthcare for those who care for others.

Links from this show:

• Impact Wellbeing Guide: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/impactwellbeingguide/index.html
• Ambassador Application: https://drlornabreen.org/become-an-ambassador/
• Licensing Board Advocacy: https://drlornabreen.org/contact-boards/
• Credentialing Toolkit: https://drlornabreen.org/removebarriers/
• Donate: https://drlornabreen.org/donate/

In this eye-opening episode of the DocBuddy Journal, host Erik Sunset sits down with John Williamson, founder and CEO of Lockbox AI, to explore the frustrating state of healthcare technology and the revolutionary potential of AI solutions. 

John shares his candid perspective on why EHRs have stagnated despite billions in government incentives, the staffing crisis gripping healthcare organizations, and why the future belongs to integrated AI solutions that deliver outcomes rather than more tools. 

Discover why healthcare needs to embrace the "service as software" approach, how AI can unify fragmented data systems, and why John predicts an iPhone-like revolution that will finally transform healthcare technology by decade's end.

Whether you're a healthcare provider drowning in administrative work or a technology leader seeking better solutions, this conversation offers both validation and a vision for a more efficient future.

Learn more about John's work at LockboxAI
Follow LockboxAI on LinkedIn
Email John john@lockboxai.com

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#healthcarepodcast #healthitpodcast #aiinhealthcare

In this episode, host Erik welcomes back Bill Prentice, President of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA). Bill shares exciting updates on ASCA's initiatives, including their decision to make all virtual education free for members. 

The conversation explores ASCA's key priorities for 2025, including advocating for expanded Medicare-approved procedures, refining quality reporting measures, and improving reimbursement rates that better reflect the value ASCs provide to the healthcare system. Bill also discusses how the new Trump administration presents fresh opportunities for ASC advocacy and cost-efficient healthcare delivery. 

Learn more about and register for the 2025 ASCA Annual Conference taking place in Denver, CO from April 30 - May 3.

In this episode of The DocBuddy Journal, host Erik Sunset sits down with Eric Passon, founder and CEO of Ancore Health. They discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare in 2025, exploring how medical groups can thrive amid fee schedule cuts, staffing challenges, and cultural shifts. 

Passon shares his expertise on building high-performing medical groups through strong physician leadership, transparent performance metrics, and alignment between financial sustainability and organizational mission. 

The conversation covers the transition from RVU-based incentives to purpose-driven operations, the impact of AI on healthcare efficiency, and practical strategies for navigating uncertainty in the new year. Essential listening for healthcare leaders seeking to balance robust fundamentals with transformative purpose.

Follow Ancore Health on LinkedIn.

As always, be sure you're following DocBuddy on LinkedIn, too!

#healthcarepodcast #healthit #healthitpodcast

As an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Steven Gorin, DO, is passionate about helping his patients of all ages at the Institute of Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics maintain active and healthy lives.

In this wide ranging conversation we covered topics like:

• Overcoming payer denials and issues
• Fixing reimbursement
• The importance of independent physicians
• Driving positive culture
• AI in healthcare

Connect with Dr. Gorin:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X (Twitter) 

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn as well.

#healthcarepodcast #orthopedics #orthopedicsurgeon #HealthIT #MedicalSoftware

Dr. John Yaft is a board-certified internal medicine physician that is currently the Chief Medical Officer for the Baylor Scott and White Irving Campus. Dr. Yaft also serves as medical director of Utilization review and holds an adjunct clinical associate professor of medicine for Texas A&M working with residents at the flagship campus, Baylor University Medical Center. 

Dr. Yaft joined the show to discuss big picture ways to fix healthcare in the US, ways to alleviate feelings of burnout, and the provider's experience with Health IT and medical software.

Connect with Dr. Yaft on LinkedIn.

As always, be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn as well.

#providerburnout #physicianburnout #HealthIT #MedicalSoftware

Mark Schroeder is the VP of Growth at Aroris Healthcare.  Aroris improves the viability of private practices and health systems by closing the gap between the value they provide and the revenue they earn.

Get insights into ways your healthcare organization can increase reimbursement through strategic contract negotiations in this episode of the show.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.  Follow Aroris on LinkedIn.  Get in touch with Aroris on their website.

As always, be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn as well.

#healthcarepodcast #healthcare #healthIT #insurance #insurancereimbursement #payernegotiation

In this episode we tackled two main topics:

1. Inflation and ASCs in 5 Numbers via Becker's ASC.
2. The Hidden Cost of ASC Transcription Services which is a new blog on docbuddy.com.

Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn to get our latest news and updates.

#ASC #outpatientsurgery #ambulatorysurgery #surgerycenter #inflation

Dr. Alex Zusman is Chief Medical Officer at The Clinician where he oversees medical governance, develops clinical policies, and collaborates with product teams to ensure safety and compliance.  He’s also a board certified Pediatrician who has provided care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, John Muir Health, and Kaiser Permanente.

Dr. Zusman joined us to discuss the THA/TKA PRO-PM situation that is unfolding for ambulatory surgery centers.

Learn more about Dr. Zusman's work at The Clinician and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn to get our latest news and updates.

#ASC #outpatientsurgery #ambulatorysurgery #surgerycenter #PRO-PM #THA/TKAPROPM

The inimitable Scott Becker joined this episode of the show to cover a wide array of topics including:

• AI in healthcare
• The outlook for 2025
• How to overcome the physician shortage

Get all of the latest healthcare news from the Becker's Healthcare portfolio of sites.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn.
You can also text Scott at  (773) 766-5322.

Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn to get our latest news and updates.

#physicianburnout #providerburnout #healthcarepodcast #healthit #aiinhealthcare

Christine Munna, MSN, AGNP-C is the Director of Quality Assurance and Staff Development with Abode Care Partners.  Christine is also a long time DocBuddy Enterprise power user.

Christine joined us to share expertise on getting high quality documentation from providers, ensuring advance care planning directives are recorded, and actionable strategies she and Abode Care Partners use to reduce the impact of provider burnout.

Connect with Abode Care Partners on LinkedIn.

Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn to get our latest news and updates.

#physicianburnout #providerburnout #healthcarepodcast #healthit

Michael McClain, founder of Left-Coast Healthcare Advisors, LLC, is a broadly skilled executive and operations leader, and ambulatory specialist with over 20 years’ experience in healthcare.

Michael joined us once again to discuss the impact that the CMS 2025 Final Payment Rule will have on ambulatory surgery centers, how to stem the tide of physician and anesthesiologist shortages, and what ASCs need to be doing now to prepare for 2025.

Be sure to connect with Michael and follow Left-Coast Healthcare Advisors on LinkedIn.

Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn to get our latest news and updates.

#outpatientsurgery #surgerycenter #ambulatorysurgery #CMS 

Marc Ryan joined us again to discuss the potential impact the outcome of the 2024 US Presidential Election could have on healthcare.  Get insights on:

• What could happen to healthcare policy with GOP control over the Presidency, Senate, and House.
• The potential fate of the Affordable Care Act.
• How a second Trump presidency may react to the massive amount of consolidation happening in US Healthcare.

Listen to Marc's Podcast: It Is Time For A Permanent Physician Rate Fix In Medicare.  Read What Will Happen In Healthcare With GOP Firmly In Control?

Connect with Marc on LinkedIn.
See his work at Lilac Software.
Get Marc's content from healthcarelabyrinth.com

Be sure to Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#healthcarepodcast #healthit #healthitpodcast

In this episode of The DocBuddy Journal, we analyzed two recent articles shared on Becker's ASC shown below.

There are interesting tie-ins with previous guests Dr. Dan Blumenthal and Bruce Feldman with respect to cardiology procedures moving to the ASC.  Use the search button in your podcast to find those shows!

• The new 'hot ticket' for ASCs
• What trends are ASC leaders tired of hearing about?

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

In this episode of The DocBuddy Journal, we're back with the first solo episode in a while and we discussed:

• Where you can find the DocBuddy roadshow during the rest of 2024.
  • Becker's ASC in Chicago
  • WASCA Annual Conference in Tulalip
• The Becker's ASC Article "ASCs sound alarm on mounting threats."

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

Tim Burney, Founder & CEO of Advantien, joined The DocBuddy Journal for a second time for another insightful conversation!  We covered:

• DocBuddy & Advantien's newly announced partnership and what this news means for ASCs across the country.
• Supply cost trends for 2024 and what to expect in 2025.
• Impacts of AI on case profitability.
• The general direction of AI in healthcare and why the best is yet to come.

Learn more about Advantien and the value they deliver to ASCs here.

Get in touch with Tim via email tburney@advantien.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#healthcarepodcast #healthitpodcast #healthcare #healthIT #surgerycenter #outpatientsurgery #ambulatorysurgery

Sharissa Sebastian Deppen is the CEO of Leadership Mastery Alliance; a company specializing in supporting introverted servant leaders who are women in corporate leadership. She's a leadership and executive coach with an MBA, MSc in Technology Leadership, and has her PCC Certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  Sharissa is also a Myers Briggs Certified Practitioner. She has 15+ years of corporate leadership experience in addition to coaching several Fortune 100 leaders and executives.

Sharissa joined us to discuss how to find and lead from your leadership zone of genius.  Plus she shared insights into topics like:

• How to successfully navigate conflicts and difficult conversations.
• Managing workload for yourself and your team.
• How to maintain a health work / life balance.
• Ways to recognize burnout and strategies to overcome it.

Connect with Sharissa on LinkedIn and see her work on her website.

Be sure to follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#healthcarepodcast #healthitpodcast #healthcare #healthIT #leadership

Marc Ryan is the Chief Solutions Officer with Lilac Software.  Marc has extensive leadership experience across health plans and healthcare technology. Most recently, Marc was a founding executive and President of MedHOK (MHK, acquired by Hearst Health). He has launched and operated multiple health plans and served in senior government positions. Marc is also the author of The Healthcare Labyrinth.

Marc joined us to share big picture thoughts on CMS, Medicare Advantage, prior authorizations, value based care, the state of interoperability and much more!

Connect with Marc on LinkedIn.
See his work at Lilac Software.
Get Marc's content from healthcarelabyrinth.com

Be sure to Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#healthcarepodcast #healthit #healthitpodcast

Dr. Dan Blumenthal is the Chief Quality Officer of Cardiovascular Associates of America.  He is also a practicing board-certified non-invasive cardiologist and an instructor at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Blumenthal joined the show to discuss exciting topics like:

• Cardiovascular procedures in the ambulatory surgery center.
• Patient adherence (not compliance!) in value based care arrangements.
• How GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic) can be a miracle for the right patients under the care of their physician.
• Strategies to lower the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across patient populations while remaining mindful of social determinants of health.

We also covered some of the exciting use cases for AI in healthcare and how they can/will positively impact patient outcomes.

See Dr. Blumenthal's work at CVAUSA, connect with him on LinkedIn, follow him on X, and connect with him directly via email.

Be sure to Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#surgerycenter #ambulatorysurgery #outpatientsurgery #healthcarepodcast #healthit #healthitpodcast

The information provided in this episode should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Lori Griffith MHA RN is a consultant with Corazon Inc. who has over 20 years of surgical services and operations management across all of healthcare and including the ASC.  Her expertise includes cost containment, operations performance, and staff development.  She has held the role of administrator and head of business development for ASCs.

Lori joined the show to discuss how ASCs have evolved since their inception, how to drive efficiency at your facility, and various growth factors for surgery centers.

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and follow Corazon.

Be sure to Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#surgerycenter #ambulatorysurgery #outpatientsurgery #healthcarepodcast #healthit #healthitpodcast

Kyle Swarts is the President of aiHealth where he oversees operations, client success, business development, marketing and strategic partnerships. He joined the show to discuss:

• Strategies to prepare and engage your organization for future AI advancements.
• How rev cycle leaders increasingly using AI to enhance workflows amidst staffing challenges.
• The projected impact of AI in healthcare over the next three years.

aiHealth is a partner of DocBuddy.  Learn more about how we're bringing technology to the traditionally analog operative report and coding process by reading our press release.

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn.
Visit the aiHealth website.

Be sure to Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!

#ai #aicoding #outpatientsurgery #healthcarepodcast #healthit #healthitpodcast

Jessica Walker is the Founder and CEO of Care Sherpa.  Her background is in hospitality, healthcare, and tech-enabled services, and she’s led Care Sherpa to boost new patient consults by 26% and increase consult to treatment conversion by 32%.

In this episode we discussed:

• How elevating the patient experience can improve your healthcare organization's bottom line.
• Why the front desk is a revenue generating position.
• That sales shouldn't be a dirty word in a medical practice.

We also covered some shocking statistics about marketing spend and how so many practices are wasting their budget by not having the right processes in place.

Learn more about Care Sherpa
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn
Email Jessica at jessica @ caresherpa.com

Be sure to Follow DocBuddy on LinkedIn!