InteropNow! Podcast

In this episode, host Sandy Vance explores the critical role of certification in the Health IT industry with John Valutkevich from the Drummond Group. The process of certification not only serves to ensure the correct and efficient functioning of healthcare systems but also helps build trust in the products offered. The Drummond Group aims to facilitate this process by introducing a new certification program for FHIR apps, making it easier for new entrants into the health app marketplace to showcase their capabilities and separate themselves from the competition. Who will benefit from this episode? Healthcare app developers trying to make sense of regulatory guidance Technology Start-Ups looking for tooling and subject matter expertise to streamline and accelerate their product development Healthcare Payers and Providers who want to ensure their apps work for all healthcare payers and providers?  In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the Role of certification in healthcare and how it helps improve app quality and patient safety. Learn about the growing number of startups and new technologies in healthcare and the challenges they face in regulatory compliance. Explore the importance of standardizing data sharing among healthcare apps for seamless interoperability. Find out how you can simplify the vetting process for health IT applications by leveraging the “Drummond Certified” listings Explore the EHR certification services provided by Drummond Group to ensure compliance with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT requirements. Check out Drummond's interoperability certification services, including their work with FHIR APIs, to enhance data-sharing capabilities and enable better clinical decision support. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of app adoption in healthcare, and how Drummond is working to standardize data sharing and improve workflows for clinicians and healthcare providers. Find out how to contact Drummond Group directly for more information or to discuss how their services can support your healthcare technology needs.

 In this episode, host Sandy Vance talks with Viet Nguyen, MD, Health Level Seven International’s Chief Implementation Officer about how HL7 FHIR is enabling better healthcare by convening the industry around technology standards. As the marketplace of healthcare applications explodes, Dr. Nguyen talks about how healthcare benefits from technology standards and why all healthcare stakeholders should get involved. In this episode, you will learn how HL7 Facilitates technology implementations by building implementation guides Improves health equity by helping technology companies get interoperability right Builds better data exchange practices for technology providers by convening industry stakeholders to create implementation guides that accelerate the use of best practices Leads the health tech industry by partnering with other standards development organizations Membership provides access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and contributes to professional development of individuals who participate.

In this episode Sandy Vance talks to Civitas Networks for Health CEO Lisa Bari and Jolie Ritzo, VP of Strategy and Network Engagement about the importance of building alliances across the country to help health information exchange and health improvement networks share resources.  Listen in to hear more about: Join the Civitas’ approach to convening members through work groups and councils to collaborate with members on specific topics of interest, such as social determinants of health, interoperability, and public health. Attend the Collaboratives in Action quarterly public showcase to learn about the work being done by Civitas members and share your own insights. Explore the Health Data Utility framework created by Civitas and learn how it can be implemented in your state, region, and community. Become a member of Civitas Networks for Health to access resources, connect with other health innovators, and contribute to the national interoperability and health improvement landscape. How partnership with the HL7 FHIR Accelerator Gravity Project will advance work on social determinants of health. How you can engage with the Civitas Networks for Health work groups and their upcoming conference.  through their events. Noteworthy, their 2023 Annual Conference kicks off on August 20 in National Harbor, MD.  “We think it's really important to empower uplift, connect, provide resources to these local health innovators who are doing this work at the community, regional, and statewide level.” - Lisa Bari

In this episode, Kristen Valdes, Founder & CEO of b.well Connected Health,  Hon Pak, MD, MBA, Global Head of Digital Health at Samsung and Ryan Howells, Program Manager for the CARIN Alliance share how their partnership will completely transform the way consumers access and utilize their healthcare data. Samsung users will soon have the power to make informed decisions and provide the highest level of care for themselves and their loved ones. Unlocking a world of possibilities in healthcare coordination, these companies expect to go live in 2024. In this episode, you will: Discover how the partnership between Samsung Health and b.well Connected Health is revolutionizing patient care with seamless connectivity and comprehensive health data. Learn why b.well’s data insights are crucial for patients and how it empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. Explore how Samsung is setting out to improve the patient experience and ensure continuity of care. Hear how the CARIN Alliance work has provided underpinning support to ensure the success of this and other patient access projects

In a world where healthcare data privacy is a constant concern, Kristen Valdes has emerged as a champion of compliance and trust. On this episode of the InteropNow! Podcast Kristen talks about a hidden threat to health data sharing that has been lurking beneath the surface. Kristen will share how b.well and other Health IT providers must navigate uncharted waters to protect healthcare consumers.  In this episode, you will be able to: Ascertain the paramount significance of data security and its role in advancing healthcare facilities Grasp the challenge of data fragmentation and the urgency for integrated healthcare solutions Learn the power of engaging consumers in their own data privacy matters Explore the profound implications of efficient data tagging and consent management on healthcare strategies Become familiar with the complex landscape of constantly changing data privacy norms in healthcare.

In this episode of the podcast, Cory Wiegert, Chief Operating Officer at Integra Connect shares his ambition to bring precision oncology and value based care to the forefront.  Corey will share how Integra Connect is navigating the complexities of data aggregation, privacy, and commercialization in order to make better oncology care a reality. “We are about putting the data back to work.” Cory Wiegert is a healthcare industry professional with a passion for advancing oncology care through value-based models. As the Chief Operating Officer of Integra Connect, Cory focuses on operationalizing their interoperability product to help practices succeed in a world of alternative payment model care contracts. Cory has worked with both commercial and non-profit organizations, including IBM on the Watson Health Project. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by oncology care providers, Cory is committed to driving change and improving patient outcomes.

With years of experience in healthcare technology, Carm has been instrumental in developing solutions that allow providers to concentrate on patient care rather than getting bogged down in data. In this episode, Carm discusses Credo's approach to using machine learning models for diagnosis identification, exploring the potential advantages and challenges that come with this technology. Carm's vast knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector make him an indispensable source of information for those looking to enhance their understanding of health data interoperability. Taking inspiration from the recent advancements in large language models by companies like OpenAI and Google, Credo began using machine learning to enhance the experience of their risk adjustment coding team. The goal was to create a structured longitudinal record for patients, transforming unstructured data into accurate diagnoses and coding. Battling challenges presented by hallucinations, gaps in knowledge, and ensuring precision, Credo continues to refine its models with human input. Carm Huntress envisions a future where healthcare is much more efficient, and with Credo's relentless pursuit, that future is just around the corner. In this episode, you will be able to: Gain insights into Credo's utilization of machine learning models for more accurate diagnosis determination. Contemplate the potential drawbacks and hazards arising from machine learning incorporation in healthcare. Examine the progress in healthcare interoperability driven by TEFCA regulatory measures. Discern the obstacles patients may face when obtaining access to their own medical information. Comprehend the significance of streamlined healthcare data management and the usefulness of machine learning technologies.

In this episode host Sandy Vance interviews Bo Holland, an accomplished entrepreneur and the driving force behind AllClear ID, a software company that aims to revolutionize the way application builders handle customer identity and data security. With prior successes in the banking sector, Bo ventured into the healthcare industry to address the challenges of outdated technology and security concerns. His vision for AllClear ID is to create a mobile-first approach that streamlines the authentication process while offering maximum security for sensitive healthcare data. Bo Holland, Founder and CEO of AllClear ID, is an innovator on a mission to revolutionize healthcare with a mobile-first identity platform, and AllClear ID will help your organization overcome the challenges of security, privacy, and adoption to achieve this goal. “Our technology is banking grade, pounded on, scoured by regulators, and proven to provide high security and convenience for users.” In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how Mobile ID technology is transforming the way healthcare data security operates. Learn about AllClear ID's significant role in fostering a connected healthcare ecosystem. Understand the importance of consolidating patient records for smarter medical decision-making. Dive into the world of data interchange standards such as OAuth and OIDC. Stay ahead with groundbreaking approaches to tackling medical identity theft.

In this episode, Todd Crosslin, Industry Principal, Healthcare & Life Sciences shares Snowflake’s unique approach to interoperability. Snowflake uses a unified platform for healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and streamline decision-making processes. By offering a comprehensive solution that addresses all types of data, Snowflake remains an excellent choice for organizations wanting to enhance their ability to efficiently access, store, and analyze patient information. Being a cloud-based platform, Snowflake has made strides in supporting interoperability goals within the healthcare industry, enabling organizations to connect their databases for secure and easy data sharing. In the podcast, Todd Crosslin describes how Snowflake can support healthcare interoperability with its live data sharing feature. This approach eliminates the need for data copying or API interfacing as clients can directly share and access information if they are both Snowflake customers. By making this process seamless, healthcare organizations can effectively collaborate to drive better patient outcomes while maintaining data integrity and security. In this episode, you will: Uncover the transformative potential of Snowflake's live data sharing in enhancing healthcare interoperability. Grasp the significant impact of Odyssey OMOP common data model on healthcare data management processes. Explore how Snowflake ensures a secure space for healthcare data curation and analysis. Delve into the innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence components of Snowflake's platform. Access Snowflake’s hands-on experience to learn more Todd Crosslin is an industry leader in healthcare data solutions, with a passion for making a difference in the lives of patients and healthcare providers. As the industry principal for healthcare and life sciences at Snowflake, Todd works tirelessly to develop innovative live data sharing solutions that allow seamless interoperability between different healthcare systems. With over 30 years of experience in various roles within the healthcare industry, Todd's background as a pharmacy technician, systems trainer, and CIO has given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by healthcare organizations. His hands-on experience and expertise make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve interoperability and optimize data usage in the healthcare sector.

In this episode host Sandy Vance is joined by Viet Nguyen, MD, Chief Standards Implementation officer for Health Level Seven International (HL7). They talk about the FHIR Accelerator community, a collaborative initiative focused on finding innovative ways to apply core FHIR standards across various domains. This model centers around creating a robust networking environment, with a founding group of organizations dedicated to working together to address specific interoperability needs in their respective fields. The goal is to expand and refine the adoption of FHIR standards for improved healthcare data exchange. During our conversation, Viet Nguyen shared his enthusiasm for the Fire Accelerator model as a means to foster collaborative innovation. He asserted that the benefits of this community-driven approach contribute to advancing the adoption and leveraging of FHIR standards across the healthcare industry.   Viet Nguyen, MD is a clinical informaticist and pediatrician who serves as the Chief Standards Implementation Officer for Health Level Seven International (HL7). With his deep understanding of clinical practice and healthcare technology, Viet is well-equipped to lead the development and implementation of HL7 standards, which aim to revolutionize healthcare data exchange. As an expert in clinical informatics, he works closely with policy-makers and industry implementers to improve interoperability for healthcare professionals, ensuring that HL7 standards are both efficient and effective in meeting their needs.   “Having accurate, timely information allows me to work with my patient in shared decision-making.”   In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the significance of healthcare data standards and interoperability in shaping the industry. Learn the benefits of adopting the FHIR standard for smooth and efficient healthcare data exchange. Realize the necessity of cultivating a proficient workforce in line with FHIR implementation and guidelines. Uncover the impact of the FHIR Accelerator community in fulfilling unique interoperability requirements. Recognize the power of HL7 collaborations with policy-makers and industry players for enhanced standards. Find out how to get involved with HL7 and participate in their events, regardless of your background or perspective in the healthcare industry.

Sumitro Sarkar, EY Americas Health Care Data & Analytics Practice Leader and Kirk Anderson – VP and Chief Technology Officer for Cambia Health Solutions  join host Sandy Vance for a robust discussion on the key drivers for healthcare organizations to embark on an interoperability journe. They discuss business ROI, technical implications, compliance and adoption of interoperability solutions. “We need to start redirecting the investments that historically just went into the basic moving data from point A to point B and start to take advantage of higher level technologies and automation and with the machine learning. And pu  our focus into looking at the American healthcare system as a whole.” Kirk Anderson

Carm Huntress, Founder and CEO talks about what it will take for healthcare providers to meet enormous challenges around data quality, retrieval, and readability and how AI and machine learning will be key to the solution. In this episode we talk about How healthcare is finally getting rid of paper and at the point of full record digitization  Why providers should be enabled to focus on their highest skills in patient care instead of sorting through data sets The future of the national networks and the opportunity to create value based care systems

Srinivas (Sri) Velamoor, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President for NextGen Healthcare joins host Sandy Vance to talk about how interoperability takes the friction out of practicing medicine for for providers and delivers better outcomes for patients. Mr. Velamoor talks about NextGen’s focus on interoperability in the areas of advocacy, acceleration, and delivery and discusses NextGen’s approach which includes ,evaluation of  proposed standards and adoption programs, testing new standards as an early adopter & providing the infrastructure to deliver interoperability at scale. 

As the healthcare environment becomes more complex and diverse, many global healthcare organizations are challenged to achieve seamless interoperability. Join Altera Digital Health’s Richard Strong as he discusses some of the most pressing interoperability issues in the industry while highlighting how Altera is tackling these challenges by putting healthcare technology in down-to-earth terms, and designs digital solutions that are simpler to understand and use at every step.

Dr. Paulo Pinho, M.D, Vice President and Medical Director of Innovation for Availity Clinical Solutions talks about completing the value chain with data insights by bringing the Diameter Fusion product to the product suite. Dr. Pinho shares how data upcycling takes patient care to the next level by making sure the time a doctor spends with their patient can be proactive and wellness focused vs reactive and illness focused.

In this episode Kristen Valdes sits down with host Sandy Vance to talk about what consumers want from the healthcare system, why a patient’s right of access could be a show stopper for the success of TEFCA, and how provider organizations will realize a return on their investments in interoperability. Kristen Valdes, Founder & CEO of b.well Connected Health is on a mission to empower consumers with the data and tools to take control of their health care journey.

Wondering why electronic prior authorization is so important? Check out this podcast with MCG’s Raj Godavarthi!

On this episode host Sandy Vance talks t Jason Warrelmann, Global Director of Healthcare and Life Sciences at UiPath about user interface automation. Jason leads the Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice at UiPath, which focuses on transforming the Healthcare landscape and developing capabilities, integrations, and reusable components that make UiPath a healthcare automation platform and not just a tool that works in healthcare.      UiPath is the only end-to-end, enterprise-ready automation platform that can grow with customers on their digital transformation journey. From supply chain to HR and compliance to patient care – Jason shares how partnering with UiPath can remove a lot of the administrative burden to free up the healthcare workforce to do what they do best.

Host Sandy Vance talks with InterSystems' Don Woodlock about how the industry transition to FHIR is enabling technology providers to do more faster because on demand data is now readily available when you invest in the right infrastructure. He also shares his thoughts on the role of regulations across the globe in pushing these initiatives forward, and why proprietary data structures aren't good for anyone.   Don Woodlock is the Head of Healthcare Solutions at InterSystems, and leads global healthcare teams who help customers make the most of their data, enabling stronger analytics, research, care coordination, and workflows. He has made a career out of building customer-focused healthcare software that matters for payers, health systems, public health, and life sciences. Beginning at IDX, then GE Healthcare, he is currently Head of Global Healthcare Solutions at InterSystems and a rock-star drummer!

CEO and founder of Particle Health Troy Bannister talks to host Sandy Vance about the evolution of healthcare data sharing. From fax to integration engine to patient portal - the industry has worked to get better at sharing patient data. Today there is a new way which is fueled by FHIR-based APIs and regulation that gives technology providers access to the data, the Particle Health platform is transforming the way technology providers enable healthcare to get their work done.