Relentless Health Value – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 508 is the first Ask Me Anything installment of Relentless Health Value, where Stacey Richter and Lee Lewis (Chief Strategy Officer and GM Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance and host of Broken Benefits) address a question from benefits procurement leader Sarah Monroe about why executives rarely take bold action on health benefits despite large opportunity. 

Lewis describes three false C-suite "dogmas" that lead to "stay in the herd and keep it quiet": health benefits are a fixed expense, saving money hurts people (via cost shifting, low quality, or narrow networks), and fixing healthcare isn't worth the risk or disruption. They also discuss external deterrents including CEOs' proximity to health system leaders, "balance of trade" retaliation threats, vendor-provided personal incentives, and executives' limited empathy for deductibles/costs faced by lower-wage employees. 

Lewis offers de-risking tactics (same-network TPAs, carrier-enabled vendor changes, narrow pilots, mid-year tests) and advises CEOs to encourage bold action, tie bonuses to plan performance, and staff benefits teams with diverse skills.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  

https://cc-lnk.com/EP508

📺  Visit Lee's YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@brokenbenefits

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00:00 Introduction to this episode.

00:43 Ask Me Anything Question 1: Why don't more self-insured executives take bold action toward their benefits strategy?

03:09 A summary of the three dogmas covered in the following conversation.

05:53 A look ahead at next week's episode.

06:36 An introduction to today's guest, Lee Lewis.

08:23 Why there is an aversion to digging into health benefits for some executives.

09:43 The first dogma: Healthcare costs are fixed expenses.

09:56 The second dogma: Saving money in healthcare hurts people.

12:01 The third dogma: Fixing healthcare is never worth the effort.

12:26 How these dogmas trickle down to HR teams.

13:47 Anecdote: One company that turned down saving $50 million and why.

16:28 A quick reminder about the context behind where CEOs' mindsets are.

17:10 The kinds of employers HTA seeks out.

19:20 EP500 with Stacey.

20:03 The power of C-suites in health systems.

21:33 EP466 with Vivian Ho, PhD.

21:36 EP404 with Suhas Gondi, MD, MBA.

21:42 Why a CEO may pull the plug on health plan/health benefit improvements.

22:37 An anecdote about Lilly cancelling their health plan.

23:21 Items that CEOs need to be thinking about.

24:33 EP506 with Jerry DiMaso.

26:07 EP501 with Ivana Krajcinovic, PhD.

26:32 A summary of why CEOs should care about their health benefits costs now.

29:02 How do personal incentives play into CEOs' decisions about health benefits?

30:44 Another quick reminder about C-suites.

31:53 Why perverse incentives make it difficult for C-suites to accept change.

33:11 LinkedIn post by Patrick Moore.

33:28 Why the salary gap plays into health benefit decisions in a perverse way.

34:58 EP488 with Mark Cuban and Cora Opsahl.

36:13 Lee Lewis's advice to people in benefits who are aligned to the mission.

40:06 Lee Lewis's advice for CEOs.

Lee Lewis of @HTACOOP discusses #benefitsstrategy for #selfinsuredemployers on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #financialhealth #commercialpayermarketplace #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation

Recent past interviews:

Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode!

Stacey Richter with 15 experts (EP507); Jerry DiMaso; Dr Ahilan Sivaganesan; Ryan Jacobs; Stacey Richter (INBW46); Ryan Wells, Dr Leo Spector, and Adam Stavisky; Brian Machut; Ivana Krajcinovic

In this episode of Relentless Health Value, Stacey Richter summarizes 4 core concepts for getting highest-value healthcare and we hear from 15 experts who weigh in on the following concepts: 

(1) "Buy healthcare," not insurance, by focusing on unit prices and avoiding administrative extraction like spread pricing and layered fees, illustrated by examples from Jonathan Baran, Cynthia Fisher, Mark Newman, and Justin Leader; 

(2) avoid the "myth of less expensive care," emphasizing that price often doesn't correlate with quality and that better, safer care can cost less, with support from Elizabeth Mitchell, Dr. Sam Flanders, Shane Cerone, Jerry DiMaso, and Ivana Krajcinovic, plus transparency-file rate disparities; 

(3) consider direct contracting and collaboration between plan sponsors and clinicians (and pharmacies), including centers of excellence, to reduce middlemen and align incentives, with clips from Krajcinovic, Ryan Jacobs, Adam Stavisky, and Ryan Wells; and 

4) buy true value—outcomes over cost—measured across the care journey and grounded in patient goals, with Dr. Mick Connors, Dr. Siva, and Dr. Kenny Cole. 

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP507

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
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Featured Experts by Core Concept

Concept 1: Buy Healthcare, Not Insurance

Jonathan Baran, CEO, Self Fund Health (EP483)

Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman, PatientRightsAdvocate.org; co-founder and chairman of Power to the Patients (EP457)

Mark Newman, co-founder and CEO, Nomi Health (EP496)

Justin Leader, founder and CEO, BenefitsDNA (EP433)

Concept 2: Avoid the Myth of Less Expensive Healthcare

Elizabeth Mitchell, president and CEO, Purchaser Business Group on Health (EP436)

Sam Flanders, MD, senior advisor, Kada Health (EP490)

Shane Cerone, CEO, Kada Health (EP492)

Jerry DiMaso, co-founder and CEO, Payerset (EP506)

Ivana Krajcinovic, PhD, former vice president for healthcare delivery (retired), UNITE HERE HEALTH (EP501)

Concept 3: Consider Direct Contracting

Ivana Krajcinovic, PhD, former vice president for healthcare delivery (retired), UNITE HERE HEALTH (EP501)

Suhas Gondi, MD, MBA, chief medical officer, HealthStrategy (EP404)

Ryan Jacobs, senior vice president of health plan strategy and partnerships, Marathon Health (EP504)

Komal Bajaj, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (EP458)

Adam Stavisky, business advisor, Stavisky LLC (EP503)

Cristin Dickerson, MD, founder and CEO, Green Imaging (EP485)

Stan Schwartz, MD, chief medical officer, ZERO.health (EP486)

Leo Spector, MD, MBA, CEO, OrthoCarolina (EP503)

Ryan Wells, founder and CEO, Health Here (EP503)

Concept 4: Buy the Highest-Value Healthcare

Mick Connors, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician, Dayton Children's Hospital (EP495)

Ahilan Sivagenesan, MD, neurosurgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery; Head of Quality and Value, Mishe Health (EP505)

Kenny Cole, MD, System VP, Clinical Improvement, Ochsner Health (EP473)

00:00 Introduction to this episode and guests.

01:38 The four core concepts to buy or deliver highest-value healthcare: a summary.

06:01 An exciting show announcement.

07:32 Core Concept 1: Why buy highest-value healthcare, not "best" coverage?

11:28 Core Concept 2: Will employers fall victim to the myth of inexpensive care?

13:00 Why better-quality care vs. more affordable care is a false choice.

17:09 Core Concept 3: Direct contracting.

17:58 Why demand curve matters in healthcare cost.

22:08 How Centers of Excellence play into all of this.

22:54 Core Concept 4: How do you conceive of and buy high-value healthcare?

23:48 The value equation in healthcare.

25:35 What is value?

28:20 What whole-person care looks like.

30:24 Relentless Health Value Chatbot sneak peek announcement.

32:14 Coming up: looking at the episodes ahead.

In the milestone Episode 500 of the 'Relentless Health Value' podcast, Stacey Richter reflects on the significant influence and community formed around the platform. Initiated by a conversation with Cora Opsahl, the episode transforms into a heartfelt ode to the listeners — healthcare entrepreneurs, executives, and change-makers, whom Stacey refers to as 'the tribe.'

Featured contributions from several listeners highlight themes such as moving from theory to practical transformation, the power of collective momentum, and 'unplugging from the Matrix' of opaque healthcare practices. 

Notable testimonials underline how the podcast has guided real-world decisions, fostered community connections, and provided actionable insights that have tangibly influenced the healthcare sector. The episode concludes with gratitude for the tribe's effort toward transforming the healthcare system and a forward-looking encouragement to remain relentless in their mission.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP500

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
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🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
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🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
✭ Threads  https://www.threads.net/@relentlesshealthvalue/
✭ Bluesky   https://bsky.app/profile/relentleshealth.bsky.social
✭ X   https://twitter.com/relentleshealth/

00:00 Introduction and episode 500 announcement.
00:22 The origin of episode 500.
01:49 The LinkedIn post and its impact.
02:43 Celebrating the Relentless Health Tribe.
07:55 Clip from Michelle Bernabe and how EP373 gave her a framework to model off of and understand that the failures in healthcare weren't personal failures.
10:08 Theme 1: Moving From Theory to Practical Transformation.
10:38 Clip from Ken Wosczyna and the episodes that have led to consistently good decisions in his work.
11:27 The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
12:55 Examples of tribe members changing and improving their corner of healthcare after being inspired by RHV episodes.
13:54 Clip from Mark Weber.
14:54 Clip from Alex Sommers, MD, and how EP391 and EP462 changed his work
16:13 Clip from John Lee, MD, and how RHV helped him realize that "gaming the system" can also be used for good.
18:42 Theme 2: The Power of the Tribe and Collective Momentum.
19:28 Clip from Justin Leader.
21:45 Why being a "good villager" is so important to the overall outcome of healthcare.
23:22 Clip from Cristin Dickerson, MD, and how she draws inspiration from various RHV episodes.
25:21 Clip from Andrew Gordon.
27:39 Theme 3: Unplugging From the Matrix of Healthcare Opacity.
28:32 Clip from Andrew Tsang.
29:29 RHV episodes that cover better value out of health benefits.
32:15 Clip from Sergei Polevikov.
34:11 What tech needs to do in order for healthcare to succeed and improve.
35:06 Clip from Bryce Platt, PharmD.
36:01 More RHV episodes on unplugging from pricing opacity.

Episode 443 of Relentless Health Value pays tribute to the late Marshall Allen, an investigative journalist dedicated to exposing injustices within the American healthcare system. Hosted by Stacey Richter, the episode features Dave Chase, founder of Health Rosetta, who shares memories and insights into Marshall's tireless work in investigative reporting.

The episode highlights Marshall's impact on healthcare legislation, his significant contributions to ProPublica, and his book 'Never Pay the First Bill,' which empowers patients and employers to fight back against corrupt billing practices.

The episode also includes an earlier interview with Marshall, focusing on his perspective as an investigative reporter, the exploitation within the healthcare system, and the importance of patients and employers demanding transparency and fairness. The episode encourages listeners to continue Marshall's legacy by subscribing to the Marshall Health Academy and purchasing access for employees.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP443

🔗  Healthcare Industry Acronyms and Terms
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/healthcare-acronymns

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
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🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
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📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

🎤  Listen on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id892082003?ls=1

🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
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09:28 What's the point of view that Marshall is coming from with his investigative reporting?

09:57 "How does this affect the people who are paying for it and the people who are undergoing the care?"

10:49 "There's a lot of good people working within this very messed up system."

11:03 Why are patients considered outsiders in the healthcare system?

11:45 "What's happened in healthcare is that the stakeholders treat each other more as the customer."

13:45 What is upcoding?

17:18 "These are schemes that have been created within the industry to increase revenue."

17:46 "This system is not set up for the benefit of the patient."

18:13 "On the financial side, the industry is actually oppressing the American people."

19:14 "We have been expected to pay whatever aggregate sum is thrown at us."

20:21 Why have patients been so passive toward this crooked healthcare system so far?

22:05 What's the difference between making a profit and profiteering?

29:45 What are the first-order and second-order consequences of what's happening in health care right now, and which of these consequences will actually drive change?

30:45 "When you tell the truth about what's going on … they become so ashamed … that they change their behavior."

32:00 "The patient … is not their most important customer."

32:50 "The sleeping giant is the employers."

In Episode 442 of 'Relentless Health Value,' host Stacey Richter shares an intriguing outtake from a previous episode featuring Andreas Mang, senior managing director at Blackstone, discussing the critical issue of cost management in oncology side effect treatment.

The conversation delves into the inefficiencies and patient harms caused by inadequate side effect management, particularly dehydration due to chemotherapy, and the resulting financial burdens on employers, taxpayers, and patients. 

Stacey explores the importance of a value-based mindset in drug purchasing, integrating oncology care, and the potential financial and health benefits of better side effect management. She highlights various expert opinions and studies supporting these points, encouraging listeners to reconsider their approach to healthcare cost structures and patient care protocols.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP442

🔗  Healthcare Industry Acronyms and Terms
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/healthcare-acronymns

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

🎤  Listen on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id892082003?ls=1

🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
✭ Threads  https://www.threads.net/@relentlesshealthvalue/
✭ Bluesky   https://bsky.app/profile/relentleshealth.bsky.social
✭ X   https://twitter.com/relentleshealth/

01:12 Andreas Mang on oncology medication side effect management.

03:12 Mark Lewis, MD's Tweet.

03:39 Celena Latham's response.

04:22 How integrative oncology can save money and what it looks like.

04:47 EP157 with Ethan Basch, MD.

06:20 Why PBMs saving money doesn't necessarily mean savings for employers and payers.

07:36 EP435 with Dan Mendelson.

08:20 EP372 with Cora Opsahl.

08:40 EP331 with Al Lewis.

09:50 Stacey's second rumination.

10:19 Why having a value mindset when purchasing is a thing.

10:42 Stacey's third rumination.

12:03 EP370 with Erik Davis and Autumn Yongchu.

13:07 Why FFS does not pay or pay adequately for side effect management.

14:31 Stacey's final rumination.

17:08 Summarizing Stacey's four ruminations on this topic.

In this episode, Abby Burns from Radio Advisory interviews Stacey Richter, host of the Relentless Health Value podcast, during the Raising the Bar Value Summit. They discuss the complexities of defining and creating value in healthcare, focusing on the roles of various stakeholders including patients, providers, and payers.

Stacey shares insights on the challenges and tensions in the healthcare system, such as the fragmentation of care, financial toxicity, and the cultural norms that inhibit progress. The conversation also highlights practical examples and potential strategies to drive value and sustain positive changes within the industry.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP441

🔗  Healthcare Industry Acronyms and Terms
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/healthcare-acronymns

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

🎤  Listen on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id892082003?ls=1

🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
✭ Threads  https://www.threads.net/@relentlesshealthvalue/
✭ Bluesky   https://bsky.app/profile/relentleshealth.bsky.social
✭ X   https://twitter.com/relentleshealth/

03:33 Stacey's journey and mission.

04:16 The story of Scott Conard, MD (EP391).

09:28 Why it's important not just to drive change but to sustain it.

12:23 Heart Failure: A Case Study in Value.

14:13 EP438 with John Lee, MD.

15:07 Why patient positive value often fails instead of succeeds.

18:07 How financial toxicity has become clinical toxicity in healthcare.

19:44 How cultural norms have evolved into healthcare challenges.

23:38 The story of Mike Tuggy, MD, in Washington.

25:13 Looking at the four tensions in measuring value as continuums.

25:37 Why timeline is important in creative value in healthcare.

27:52 Finding Allies by Michael Leavitt.

28:34 What are the four ways to measure value in healthcare?

29:27 How do payers and providers collaborate to align on value metrics?

31:26 Why will proven versus experimental treatments become more important in the next few years?

34:54 Stacey's manifesto (EP400) and values for personal integrity in healthcare.

38:55 Stacey's parting advice.

In Episode 440 of 'Relentless Health Value,' host Stacey Richter engages with David Muhlestein to explore the optimal size for a medical practice, concluding that 10 to 20 physicians supported by a capable team provide the best balance of economies of scale and community integration. The conversation transitions into the challenges large healthcare systems face, particularly the Diversification Discount.

This diversification often impedes patient care and operational efficiency by misaligning values with business practices. The episode delves into the paradox of optimizing primary care while still supporting specialty care, reflecting on how organizational values impact healthcare outcomes. Muhlestein suggests implementing business units or decentralized models to realign with patient care values and efficiencies.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP440

🔗  Healthcare Industry Acronyms and Terms
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/healthcare-acronymns

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

🎤  Listen on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id892082003?ls=1

🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
✭ Threads  https://www.threads.net/@relentlesshealthvalue/
✭ Bluesky   https://bsky.app/profile/relentleshealth.bsky.social
✭ X   https://twitter.com/relentleshealth/

08:12 From a business and patient/better outcomes standpoint, what does an optimal provider practice look like?

11:48 EP412 with Robert Pearl, MD.

13:06 Why isn't the current landscape what David considers optimal?

14:53 What leads to the "crisis of autonomy"?

15:13 How do medical practices get to the phase of delegation?

17:39 EP438 with John Lee, MD.

18:55 EP437 with Brian Klepper, PhD.

20:53 EP432 with Kate Wolin, ScD.

20:55 EP421 with Jodilyn Owen.

23:48 Medicare Meet-Up podcast with Mai Pham, MD.

24:45 What metrics should boards of directors also be held accountable for?

28:48 Why is an efficiency-focused business not necessarily the best at managing population care?

31:13 What is the "diversification discount"?

32:49 Pivot podcast with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, MBA.

35:53 What can primary care doctors do to optimize their practices?

36:48 Why do we need to shift the mindset from "bigger" and "more"?

In Episode 439 of 'Relentlessly Seeking Value,' host Stacey Richter discusses the convoluted issues surrounding generic drug pricing with pharmacy consultant Luke Slindee.

They delve into the ways traditional Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) exploit the system to make immense profits, often leading patients to pay more even with insurance. The conversation explores various solutions, such as the removal of "Usual and Customary Prices" from PBM contracts, the advantages of bypassing insurance, and giving patients direct payment tools like health savings accounts.

Luke Slindee, with his extensive background in pharmacy and consulting, provides valuable insights into rebalancing the generic drug market to benefit patients, pharmacies, and plan sponsors alike. Additionally, the broader implications of these dysfunctional systems on pharmacy operations and staff conditions are discussed.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP439

🔗  Healthcare Industry Acronyms and Terms
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/healthcare-acronymns

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

🎤  Listen on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id892082003?ls=1

🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
✭ Threads  https://www.threads.net/@relentlesshealthvalue/
✭ Bluesky   https://bsky.app/profile/relentleshealth.bsky.social
✭ X   https://twitter.com/relentleshealth/

08:12 Where do cash prices fall when pharmacies have contracts with PBMs?

08:39 What is a usual and customary price?

12:14 How is the usual and customary price affected by PBMs?

16:49 Should pharmacies be allowed to have two sets of cash prices?

17:14 Where does GoodRx fit into this because of the pharmacy/PBM dilemma?

19:06 What's happening with Amazon and the anticompetitive contract lawsuit, and how does it relate back to pharmacy contracts with PBMs?

20:38 EP395 with Brennan Bilberry.

21:05 EP420 with Ge Bai, PhD, CPA.

23:27 Why is there a new wave of cash-only pharmacies?

24:02 EP418 with Mark Cuban and Ferrin Williams, PharmD, MBA, from Scripta.

25:41 What would allow the generic market to return to normal competitive pricing?

26:39 How does this dysfunction create a negative downstream effect?

In this episode of Relentless Health Value we dive into the concept of Cognitive Dissonance in the healthcare industry with Dr. John Lee, an ER physician and chief medical information officer. We explore how healthcare professionals navigate the conflict between their beliefs and actions, especially in large healthcare organizations. Dr. Lee shares practical advice on celebrating small wins, incremental improvements, and fostering a supportive culture among colleagues.

This conversation sheds light on the challenges and solutions for those striving to deliver better patient care despite systemic obstacles. 

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
https://cc-lnk.com/EP438

🔗  Healthcare Industry Acronyms and Terms
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/healthcare-acronymns

✉️  Enjoy this podcast? Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

🫙  Support the podcast with a small donation to the Tip Jar:
https://relentlesshealthvalue.com/join-the-relentless-tribe

📺  Subscribe to our YouTube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@RelentlessHealthValue

🎤  Listen on Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id892082003?ls=1

🎤  Listen on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/6UjgzI7bScDrWvZEk2f46b

=== CONNECT WITH THE RHV TEAM ===
✭ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/company/relentless-health-value/
✭ Threads  https://www.threads.net/@relentlesshealthvalue/
✭ Bluesky   https://bsky.app/profile/relentleshealth.bsky.social
✭ X   https://twitter.com/relentleshealth/

The Unseen Influence of the RUC on Healthcare

This episode of 'Relentless Health Value' features a discussion with Brian Klepper, a healthcare analyst and former CEO of the National Business Coalition on Health, about the powerful yet obscure RUC (RBRVS Update Committee) and its significant impact on the economics of primary care and the broader healthcare system. The RUC, a committee within the American Medical Association, plays a critical role in determining the relative value of medical procedures, which directly influences Medicare payments.

The episode reveals how the RUC's composition—dominated by specialists over primary care physicians—skews the financial incentives in healthcare, affecting the viability of primary care practices and mental health services. The discussion also explores the flawed assumption that the financial value assigned to healthcare services by the RUC equals their true value to patients, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the inner workings of American healthcare to address its shortcomings.

=== LINKS ===
🔗  Show Notes with all mentioned links:  
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00:00 Introduction

02:29 Unpacking the RUC: The Power Behind Healthcare Economics

04:26 The Financial Impact of the RUC on Primary Care

07:43 Exploring the Value of Healthcare Services

10:29 The Real-World Consequences of RUC Decisions

12:50 Debunking the Equivalence of Value and Money in Healthcare

15:09 Final Thoughts and How to Stay Informed