Amy Ross, MD

Do payer policies significantly impact revenue projections in anesthesia? I'll answer that question and show you how at the Florida Anesthesia Administrators Annual Meeting on June 7, 2024 at the Breakers. If you haven't registered yet, time is running out. Learn more Florida Anesthesia Administrators Association (FAAA)

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Reposting a must-watch discussion on #AI's role in transforming cardiology! Join Dr. Tom C. Nguyen and myself in a compelling discussion on its impact on minimally invasive surgery and structural heart treatments. #Cardiology #Innovation

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🌟 A Shocking Reality Check on Obesity & Ozempic 🌍💊 Yesterday, we had an insightful lecture at Baptist Health South Florida as a part of Jose 'Pepe' Alvarez, MD annual lecture. Dr. Herbert Aronow's presentation on the current landscape of GLP-1 RAs was a true eye-opener. But what really stuck with me was the staggering price differences for Ozempic across the globe. I decided to do some digging into the data myself, and here's what I found: 📝 Countries with higher obesity rates seem to be paying a hefty premium for Ozempic. In the U.S., where obesity rates are the highest, we're shelling out a whopping $936 a month – almost 10x more than countries like the U.K. Why? It all boils down to supply and demand. Higher demand = higher prices. But there's hope on the horizon! The patent for Ozempic expires in 2031. However, until then, we could be stuck with these sky-high prices unless governments step in. The Future of GLP-1 Agonists 📈 The global market for these medications is expected to explode, reaching a staggering USD 133.35 billion by 2030! This means that addressing affordability and accessibility is more crucial than ever. My Challenge to You: As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to advocate for our patients and find solutions to these complex issues. How can we improve access to affordable treatments? How can we address the root causes of obesity on a global scale? What role should policymakers play in regulating drug prices? Let's start a conversation! Share your thoughts, insights, and solutions in the comments below. 👇 #Healthcare #Obesity #GLP1RA #Ozempic #Jyokti #BaptistHealthSouthFlorida Herb Aronow, MD, MPH Barry Katzen, MD Baptist Health CME

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Combining treat-to-target principles and shared decision-making: International expert consensus-based recommendations with a novel concept for minimal disease activity criteria in atopic dermatitis. https://lnkd.in/diEmrs9b

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In his most recent article, the Skeptical Cardiologist, aka Anthony Pearson, M.D., F.A.C.C., gives an introduction to how he found Cleerly, how it compares to coronary artery calcium scoring and why he believes AI-based advanced plaque analysis is "is a big step forward from subjective reader analysis." Give this a read for an insightful perspective. We are looking forward to part two! #yesCCT #AI https://lnkd.in/gCsu8CBh

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Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/gag-3nmd Moffitt Cancer Center prioritizes a patient-centric approach to care. Jilian Manrique, MSN, RN, OCN, Director of Nursing- Infusion Services and MAC Blood Draw Services, at Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses how AI technology helped advance this mission and yield positive outcomes, like a 10% increase in volume without adding more chairs. Jilian also shares valuable insights on change management and best practices for implementing new technologies in infusion care. This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS (https://leantaas.com/). For more information about Becker's Healthcare, please contact Jessica Cole or Scott Becker. #podcast #healthcare #leadership

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"Access Denied: CMS’ Action Hurts Patients With Cancer in Rural America" May 6, 2024 Pankaj Kumar, MD, Stephanie Parker, PharmD, DeShawn Wilbern, MBA The American Journal of Managed Care May 2024 Volume 30 Issue 5 Pages: 206-208 Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eHPdDiGQ https://lnkd.in/ed5RZzyB ABSTRACT In 2020, cancer claimed more than 600,000 lives in the US. Cancer is an unyielding public health crisis. Cancer treatments typically involve multidisciplinary approaches, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and oral medications. For patients, especially those in rural areas, obtaining multiple oral medications can be inconvenient. The adoption of delivering cancer medications from medically integrated pharmacies (MIPs) has become popular in recent years. On May 12, 2023, CMS introduced guidelines restricting MIPs from delivering cancer-specific medications by mail or to oncology satellite offices and also requiring patients themselves to pick up the medications in person. This regulatory change has had a devastating impact on patients with cancer in rural and underserved communities, exacerbating existing health care disparities. This commentary explores the negative impacts of the policy change by CMS in rural America. Am J Manag Care. 2024;30(5):206-208. https://lnkd.in/ep_HdTkc

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Insurer Micromanagement and prior authorization rationing of #medicareadvantage access, diagnostics and treatments increased patients morbidity and mortality (sickness and death) https://lnkd.in/dDhzmTNA #tripleaim #medicare #publicprivatepartnership

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Great work by my colleague Ankur Sethi MBBS FACC, published in Structural Heart and featured in Cardiovascular Business, that highlights the need for timely #TAVR in order to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Key findings: - Delaying TAVR in severe #aorticstenosis (AS) patients increases healthcare costs by $10,000 per year.** - Delays due to incomplete evaluations, referral issues, and systemic barriers lead to higher costs and increased mortality risk. [Cardiovascular Business Article](https://lnkd.in/g8-Fw3bZ.) [Publication] (https://lnkd.in/gJkU96tj) Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital #Cardiology #TAVR #HealthcareEconomics #HeartHealth #StructuralHeart #PatientOutcomes #HeartValveDisease #HealthPolicy #ClinicalResearch #Echocardiography #Medicare

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The best way to reduce maternal mortality rates in the U.S. is to allow physicians to own specialty hospitals for prenatal care, birth and delivery, and postpartum care.

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Reflections on End-of-Life Care in Healthcare: A Call for Greater Focus As a medical professional, I’ve come to realize that while much of our discourse in healthcare centers on extending life and enhancing its quality, there is a significant gap in our approach to end-of-life care. This is particularly evident in how we train our future doctors. In medical school, the emphasis is predominantly on saving lives, with little to no formal education on managing the emotional and psychological complexities of caring for patients at the end of their lives. The Hidden Stress of End-of-Life Care Dealing with death and dying is a common source of work-related stress for medical trainees. Research indicates that while psychological distress related to terminal patient care diminishes as training progresses, there is a lack of literature on how trainees manage their emotions and grief when patients die. This gap in our education system places undue stress on both medical professionals and the families of patients. Insights from Research A recent study highlighted in a thematic analysis of focus group interviews with internal medicine residents and recent graduates from the United Arab Emirates sheds light on this issue. The study identified five major themes in the residents’ experiences with death and dying: emotions, support, education and experience, coping strategies, and finding meaning. Transformational Growth Through Experience As residents advance in their training, they undergo transformational learning and growth. They learn to seek and receive support, improve their end-of-life care and communication skills, and develop effective coping strategies. This growth enables them to find meaning and purpose in providing care to dying patients and their families. Positive role modeling, faith, spirituality, and certain innate personality traits can further facilitate this process. The Need for Reflective Practice and Self-Care Understanding the complex emotions involved in caring for dying patients from the perspective of medical residents is crucial. It is essential for residency programs to foster reflective practice and self-care among trainees and teaching faculty. By doing so, we can create evidence-based educational innovations and policies that support our trainees, ultimately leading to better patient care. Conclusion As we continue to innovate and strive for excellence in healthcare, it is imperative that we also focus on the often-overlooked aspect of end-of-life care. By equipping our future doctors with the necessary skills and support to handle these difficult situations, we can reduce their stress and improve the quality of care for terminally ill patients. Let us commit to fostering a more holistic approach to medical training, one that values life at all stages, including its end. https://lnkd.in/eyRKjxXe

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In policy analysis, differentiating between intended versus actual impact often guides the process. Why would hospitals not favor such policy? “Under TEAM, selected acute care hospitals would be responsible for coordinating and improving care for Medicare patients undergoing certain surgical procedures. This includes ensuring that patients receive high-quality care during and after surgery, and referring them to primary care services to support long-term health outcomes. Hospitals would also be accountable for the cost and quality of care from surgery through the first 30 days after the patient leaves the hospital. The model would be performance-based, with CMS evaluating hospitals by comparing their actual Medicare spending to a target price. CMS would also evaluate quality measures such as hospital readmission, patient safety, and patient-reported outcomes. The model would apply to hospitals paid under the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS), and the performance period would run from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030. Surgical procedures that would initiate an episode include: lower extremity joint replacement, surgical hip femur fracture treatment, spinal fusion, coronary artery bypass graft, and major bowel procedure”.

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Navigating CMS Chronic Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Caregivers

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Thrilled to share that Christie Morrison, one of our Lead Advanced Practice Provider at Oshi Health, participated in a dynamic panel discussion at the Florida Association of Counties Conference (FAC) on June 27th! Christie joined an esteemed group of panelists to discuss the latest advancements in weight management, emphasizing the effectiveness of GLP-1s, and the necessity of a multifaceted approach, addressing components such as digestive health impact. Panelists included: - Dr. Lee Washington, Moderator, Sr. Medical Director, Aetna National Accounts - Michele Polgar, Executive Director, PBM Client Solutions and Commercialization, CVS Health - Jenn Roberts, VP Employer Health Strategy, Hello Heart - Christie Morrison, Lead Advanced Practice Provider, Oshi Health - Dr. Salvatore Docimo, Jr., DO, MS, General Surgeon, Bariatric Endoscopy It’s no secret that GLP-1s significantly impact our digestive health, leading to significant side effects and necessitating comprehensive GI care to support adherence. Key Takeaways: 🔹Fast access: Quick access to clinical support from a licensed multidisciplinary care team is crucial 🔹Patient time & education: Just like GI itself, GLP-1s are complex. Meaningful clinical time with patients is required to get to the root of side effects and any existing comorbidities and to educate patients on a path forward to ensure the effectiveness of GLP-1s.  🔹Longitudinal support: An effective approach to GLP-1s requires a personalized longitudinal care plan, including dietary and mental health support, for sustainability.  🔹Conservative Treatment: This longitudinal care plan should be conservative, leading with lifestyle modifications to avoid costly escalations. The Panel’s insights on integrating a comprehensive approach to weight management are invaluable for employers seeking optimal, cost-effective benefit decisions for their employees and their families. Kudos to Christie and the entire panel for an enlightening session! 🎉 #OshiHealth #FACConference #WeightManagement #GLP1 #GIHealth

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Here’s your recap of last week’s health IT news 🗞️ 👇 🖊️ AI Ambient Scribes • CHRISTUS Health + Abridge: The 15,000 provider Texas health system adopted the ambient scribe enterprise-wide.    • Tampa General Hospital + Nuance Communications DAX Copilot: Over 500 providers at the health system will begin utilizing the AI ambient scribe.    • Texas Oncology + DeepScribe: The statewide oncology practice adopted the AI ambient medical scribe. (ed. note: scribes continue to be hot!) ☎️ AI Contact Center • Clearstep: The AI conversational chat vendor launched a new feature allowing patients to self-schedule specialist visits. 📊 Data & Analytics • InterSystems + CLEAR: The cloud-based patient data service is integrating the identity technology to expedite access to patient records.    • WakeMed + Bamboo Health: The health system is adopting the data interoperability and encounter notification service. 🥼 Clinical Decision Support • University Hospitals + Aidoc: The Cleveland-based health system is implementing the AI clinical decision support platform across 13 of its hospitals and additional outpatient locations. 🧑‍💻 Virtual and At-Home Care • University of South Carolina School of Medicine + Rimidi: The hospital group and an affiliated multispecialty clinic are adopting the remote patient monitoring platform to reduce complications from postpartum hypertension.    • Mount Sinai Health System + HealthSnap: The medical center announced a new remote patient monitoring and chronic care management program in partnership with the virtual care management platform.    • Wheel: The telehealth company released a new AI-driven virtual care platform designed to enhance the patient experience and offer resources to help partners scale their virtual care services. 💬 Patient Engagement • CipherHealth: The patient engagement solution focused on patient rounding released a new AI summary tool.    • DexCare: The care orchestration platform completed a $75M series C funding round 🩼 Durable Medical Equipment • Better Health: The medical device and peer support network completed a $14M funding round. 🧠 Food for Thought: • Silicon Valley Bank released an interesting report on the state of investment in AI in healthcare, including stats on AI usage at healthcare organizations and the impact of leveraging AI on startup valuation. https://lnkd.in/em7AfivT    • The journal Critical Care Medicine published an editorial on an “in clinico” evaluation of a machine learning-based early warning system to predict in-hospital deterioration. We found it to be an interesting look at the actual impact of a model’s deployment on care processes and patient outcomes in a critical care setting. https://lnkd.in/eQhZbVKu

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Pharmacies are not operational and “our workflow has just been really unorganized, chaotic, and at times scary”. . These are the words shared by Kris Fuentes, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, in regards to a recent cyberattack at the large healthcare system. . Ascension is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States with 140 hospitals located throughout the country. . Electronic medical record (EMR) downtime has been in place since May 8th, forcing hospital staff to write notes by hand. . A lack of safety checks with these backup methods in place has introduced countless errors. . Patients have been unable to access portals and phone lines have also been interrupted. . The current situation at Ascension Health has disrupted care, causing lengthy delays and resulting in emergency room patients being transferred to other nearby hospitals. . As of now, Ascension is still operating under “downtime procedures” and without full access to electronic medical records causing significant challenges in the delivery of care to patients. . Ascension has not yet confirmed if patient data was compromised in the incident. . Healthcare data breaches and cyberattacks have been numerous in the last several years, causing growing concern over the safety of protected healthcare information and the operation and the overall function and operation of affected healthcare settings. . ATTORNEYS: what are your thoughts? . HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: have you experienced a data breach at your healthcare system? What was that experience like? . (Source: NPR). . #data #databreach #medicalrecords #hospital #healthcare #nurse #nursesonlinkedin _________________________________ Hi, I’m Lakeisha and I have over 14 years of healthcare experience. I excel at helping attorneys make sense of voluminous medical records by highlighting pertinent details in medical-related cases. . Email me and let’s chat about your needs and how I can help you with your client’s case! . 📧 lakeisha@nextlevelnurseconsulting.com 📞 (858) 250-0570 . https://lnkd.in/gbxvSDi3

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Pssst, it’s not fee for service (ffs) that’s devastated American Healthcare access, outcomes or costs. The Bismarck Healthcare Model used in several democratic capitalistic nations such as Germany, Japan, Switzerland and others enables private insured and private ffs manufactured medical care for all citizens at a fraction of the cost and with better outcomes and access than in America. Bismarck systems have more private hospitals and health insurers COMPETING per capita than in America. This is achieved simply by making health insurers profit-neutralized utilities instead of luxuries. Read about Bismarck: https://lnkd.in/ecUwsHWP

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Amazon's effect on physician consolidation Becker's Physician Leadership Review published this in early April- As physicians migrate to employed models and the healthcare industry consolidates, retail giant Amazon continues to double down on its focus on primary care and other physician specialties.  Amazon has 221 primary care offices in more than 20 markets. In February 2023, it finalized a $3.9 billion acquisition of virtual and in-person primary care company One Medical, which added more than 200 brick-and-mortar physicians offices and roughly 815,000 One Medical members. The One Medical deal has already "changed the landscape" of healthcare and altered the way hospitals do business, health system leaders told Becker's. "The acquisition of One Medical by Amazon should remove any lingering doubt that Amazon is serious about making a real and substantive move into healthcare as well as cementing the notion that any viable healthcare strategy must have at its foundation a robust primary care offering," Richard Zane, MD, chief innovation officer for Aurora, Colo.-based UCHealth, told Becker's.  Amazon has since launched One Medical for Prime, offering Amazon Prime members unlimited virtual visits for $9 a month. In January, Amazon Pharmacy integrated with One Medical to give patients and providers increased access to medication consultations. One Medical provides concierge primary care, with longer appointments and no wait times, as well as 24/7 virtual care for a yearly membership of $199 and has formed collaborations with 19 hospitals. The hybrid primary care company has specialty care referral agreements in the health systems' local markets.  The deals allow specialists from health systems to deliver care to Amazon's primary care patients.  Some of those health systems told Becker's in September the partnership improves access to primary care in their markets.  "This partnership with One Medical is a prime example of Mass General Brigham's commitment to working with world-class partners that complement our strengths," said Lynn Stofer, president of Mass General Brigham Community Physicians, part of the Somerville, Mass.-based health system. "One Medical offers a broad primary care network with tight connections to our entire team of Mass General Brigham specialists, providing outstanding services for our patients and increasing access to care at a time when demand continues to outpace supply." #healthcare #insurance #physicianleadership #disruptor #physicianshortage #ama

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Value analysis professionals, mark your calendars! The Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) Annual Conference and Industry Partner Expo is THE event to stay ahead of the curve in healthcare value analysis. Let's come together to learn, share insights, and drive innovation in our field. #AHVAPConference2024 #HealthcareInnovation

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