Kevon Saber

Mandatory bundles in surgery are a bi-partisan objective, and (in)ability to optimize cost/quality will dramatically impact hospital P&L. Regular insights from granular data , and AI-based decision support are the only way to systemically reduce unwanted variability and be both profitable and high quality.

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Last week I had the pleasure of being on The Exit, which is hosted by Steve McGarry and presented by Flippa.com. In this episode, I talk about my exits from MeMD and NextCare. At the end of the episode, I discuss how I time my ventures and how I live life as a serial entrepreneur. #businessexit #exitstrategy #entrepreneur #businesstips #healthcareleadership

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I used to spend 2-3 hours daily on clinic notes, skeptical of AI scribe technology. However, I've been impressed with RevMaxx, a generative AI company transforming clinical note creation by listening to physician-patient conversations and automatically generating comprehensive notes. This platform accurately captures crucial ICD-10 codes, saving valuable time ⏰. 👉 Why This Matters: - **Reducing Physician Burnout:** Administrative tasks are a significant contributor to physician burnout. Innovations like RevMaxx alleviate this burden effectively. #HealthcareInnovation #AI #PhysicianBurnout #MedicalDocumentation #HealthTech #RevMaxx

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"More than $12.5 billion has been bet on digital behavioral health in the last five years, according to Rock Health. Funding peaked in 2021, with $5.7 billion spent that year alone." As investors and innovators, I believe we need to broaden our focus in the behavioral health space from just expanding access to care, to effectively measuring the quality of that care. As we continue to encourage individuals, employers and plans to increase their spending and focus on behavioral health, we need reliable tools for measuring the long-term efficacy and impact of behavioral health services.

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The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of patient care. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ambar Bhattacharyya, Co-Managing Partner at Maverick Ventures, on the latest episode of The Full Ratchet. Ambar has partnered with numerous billion-dollar companies like hims & hers, Cityblock Health, Devoted Health, and ConcertAI. His unique journey from rural America to becoming a prominent figure in venture capital offers invaluable insights into the future of healthcare and technology. We discuss his investment strategy at Maverick Ventures, the megatrends shaping healthcare, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of integrated care. Ambar also shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in healthcare investment, offering a comprehensive view of what lies ahead. Check out TFR Episode 438 to catch our conversation. You'll be glad you listened.

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$1.6 billion. That's what UnitedHealth Group projects as the total earnings impact in 2024 of the February Change Healthcare #ransomware attack. This includes both direct response costs (e.g. platform restoration and increased medical care expenditures) and business disruption impacts (e.g. lost revenue). The figure is now so large that it shows up in the net earnings calculation as part of the first-quarter 2024 financial results announced on Tuesday. And remember that UnitedHealth hasn't yet disclosed the amount of personal #data breached in the hack - it needs to do this within 60 days of learning about the breach, and that time expires next week. The damage could get even worse. More needs to be done to detect and prevent ransomware. 10-figure costs should not become the norm. If you're a #founder working on a new idea, please reach out! Reuters Article: https://lnkd.in/gXBQ5pwb P.S. In case you're wondering, I have lots of thoughts on Lacework/Wiz but waiting for a little more information before sharing a post. Rumors are just rumors.

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According to the latest report from Rock Health, digital health funding in Q1 2024 totaled $2.7B across 133 deals, with an average deal size of $20.6M. It doesn’t break out device-related investments, but most medtech founders I meet these days are being forced to chase tiny rounds made up of endless little checks, consuming valuable energy and slowing their progress. The benign neglect of this next generation of diagnostic and therapeutic devices is counterproductive and surprising. Given the crowded virtual care market, for example, I’d expect more such companies would be exploring medtech partnerships, investments or acquisitions that'd enable them to back integrate into delivering sharper, and more differentiated, care and treatment. This is exactly what Maverix Medical is doing from the other direction: Reshaping the entire spectrum of lung cancer care by integrating more advanced + effective approaches to screening and diagnosis, treatment and therapeutics, and even palliative care…And putting it all to work through an innovative provider network. One notable investor exception is Y Combinator partner Surbhi Sarna who’s been backing great teams like Selera Medical (YC W24) doing foundational work on ambitious medical devices. Without more support from investors like her, we’re going to increasingly find ourselves stuck with the incremental portfolio improvements from the incumbents, and that’s just not nearly enough.

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Walmart is exiting healthcare. This doesn’t surprise me. Walmart was never designed for healthcare, it was designed for retail. Everyone wants a piece of the $4T pie, but it’s a pie full of indigestible ingredients that would make the biggest companies choke. Especially companies that were never built for healthcare. - fee-for-service doesn’t work, especially with very low fees - relying on legacy payors doesn’t work - using insurance for primary care doesn’t work - not paying providers enough doesn’t work - having a clinic next to gardening supplies doesn’t work Throwing millions at healthcare doesn’t automatically work with a large base that comes to you for something else. I believe a properly built and well-executed healthcare startup that “thinks differently”, will eventually move the needle on improving the American healthcare experience. It’s coming, and will surprise everyone.

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Still trying to make sense of Walmart pulling back from healthcare delivery? 3 quick thoughts: 🏥 Healthcare delivery is hard, even for companies where it's a primary focus. Navigating reimbursement and competition is extremely challenging. 💸 The patient may be a customer, but they are never the payer. 📊 No matter a company's stature, cooperation and reimbursement from health plans—both nationally and locally—are still critical for building profitable businesses. For a deeper dive, check out our full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/eXTeugKD

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A whirlwind of activity last week at the America's Physician Groups conference. Lots of solid insights shared by health system leaders. Some notable thoughts: +++ Artificial intelligence is intelligent in different ways: By now, we all know ai has a diverse set of use cases, incorporated in different applications and tools. But there are fundamental differences in how the intelligence itself is brought to life. Examples include: - Predictive AI, used to forecast future outcomes by leveraging historical data. Shout out to UCLA’s CKD/ESRD early intervention protocol (Joycee Berin) and Diagnostic Robotics’ intelligence care post-dicharge journeys (Kira Radinsky) - Protocolized AI, used to automating a user’s administrative load by using a set of detailed, pre-defined rule sets. Thanks to ARC for sharing their experience using Elaborate 's automated outpatient lab summaries (Manish Naik) - Generative AI, used to create new content. Great overview of ambient documentation at MGB as well as Cedars’ Sinai talking through its medical ontology model powering acute triage (Caroline Goldzweig) Across system leaders and experts, there was clear agreement that the first step to implementing intelligence intelligently is defining the ‘jobs to be done’. That way, internal and external stakeholders are clear on what they're solving for when they architect the solution.  +++ Scaling AI takes time and rigorous observation: Market leaders describe a phased pilot approach that allows clinicians to build confidence and system leaders to measure ROI before deploying systemwide. Loved hearing Rebecca Mishuris outline MGB’s novel approach of piloting two solutions against one another, to pressure test implementation, workflow, and value creation. +++ Proving ROI continues to be challenging: Lots of vendors using lots of different metrics to prove value, but the majority of leaders agreed that estimating the ROI of these new tools today is part science, part art. Demonstrating the ROI of the “soft” metrics around provider burnout and retention seemed to be a big opportunity, especially for investment in more efficient primary care and PCP wellbeing. After all, PCPs drive referrals to specialty-level care (and higher reimbursements) for health systems. Appreciated Anurang Revri's overview of how working team setup can also impact ROI estimates. +++ Value-based care = tools + humanity: VBC will require not only implementing tools to support clinical documentation, risk capture, upcoding, etc, but also humanizing interactions to engage patients. Countless examples, but one that made me smile was a depression focused chat bot responding in the following interaction: - Context: post-discharge check in Bot: Hi Freida, how are you feeling today after your surgery?  Patient: I’m having a tough time, am in a lot of pain.  Bot: Well, it can’t be that bad, I’m sure it will get better with a positive mindset!    🤣 🤣 🤣 Can't wait for next go-around!

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🚀 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬! 🚀 Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and Moovit, shares invaluable lessons in his book “𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮, 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.” Key takeaways include the importance of passionately embracing the problem you’re solving, the necessity of customer retention as a marker of product-market fit, and the strategic use of pitch deck slides. He also emphasises the significance of hiring and firing correctly and observing user behaviour to refine your product. These principles can transform your startup journey, ensuring resilience and growth. 🌟 #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship #ProductMarketFit #Innovation

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I'm thrilled that today, we announced a significant milestone for Clover Health: the launch of Counterpart Health. Our innovative Clover Assistant (CA) platform is now available to all Medicare Advantage payors and providers under the new brand name Counterpart Assistant. Why am I so excited about this? This move is a strategic leap forward in our mission to improve healthcare for everyone. With Counterpart Assistant, we're not just expanding our reach—we're leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning capabilities that have already proven to make a real difference in patient care. The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, and the need for advanced, data-driven tools has never been greater. Medicare Advantage plans, in particular, are under pressure to improve patient outcomes while managing costs. That’s where Counterpart Assistant comes in. By bringing our technology to more providers, we're empowering clinicians with the tools they need to deliver high-quality, personalized care. What makes Counterpart Assistant special? First, we’re broadening our impact by allowing providers outside of Clover Health's Medicare Advantage plan to benefit from our technology. Our hybrid SaaS and shared-savings model aligns financial incentives with health outcomes, ensuring flexibility and scalability. CA’s AI-driven insights enhance clinical decision-making, and are associated with earlier diagnosis and better management of chronic diseases. Plus, we've built a robust support system to ensure seamless integration and ongoing assistance for all users. Clinicians using CA have seen significant improvements in Medical Cost Ratios and patient outcomes. The timing couldn't be better. The healthcare industry is ripe for transformation, and our technology is poised to lead the way. By expanding the use of Counterpart Assistant, we’re not just keeping up with the changes—we’re driving them. Join us on this exciting journey. Visit our website for more details. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to bring high-quality healthcare to everyone on Medicare. #HealthcareInnovation #AI #MedicareAdvantage #ValueBasedCare #CloverHealth

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Walmart Exits Healthcare Market: RPM Steps Up to Fill the Gap... Walmart's departure from the healthcare market, including its virtual health care services, will leave a void in care services for underserved communities. While hospitals and primary care providers (PCPs) remain the backbone of our healthcare ecosystem, their resilience is rooted in the trust relationships they've built with patients. This trust is a cornerstone of effective care, and RPM can help hospitals and PCPs extend their reach. RPM uses digital technologies to monitor patients' vital signs, health data, and other relevant information remotely, enabling healthcare providers to deliver timely interventions and preventive care. By leveraging RPM, we can: - Increase access to care for underserved communities - Detect health issues early, preventing complications - Deliver personalized care plans - Reduce healthcare costs - Empower patients to take a more active role in their healthcare As we move forward, RPM can help address the disparities in healthcare access and ensure that everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their zip code or background. Let's harness the power of RPM to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare ecosystem! #RemotePatientMonitoring #Telehealth #DigitalHealth #HealthcareAccess https://lnkd.in/eD7CcaEm

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Imagine this… You're a physician. Your patient needs urgent care. But the digital system you rely on is down. You're left navigating through paper records, backup processes. It feels like stepping into the stone age. Let's talk about the elephant in the room - 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, a major US healthcare provider. The aftermath? Services disrupted, patient records inaccessible, and a complete switch to 'downtime procedures'. The villain in this plot? 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩,  potentially impacted over 𝟯𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 and disrupted care for countless patients across 𝟭𝟵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀. This isn't a one-off event. Remember the Change Healthcare mess back in February? They faced a whopping $22 million ransom demand, potentially exposing medical data for millions of Americans. As a healthcare provider, you don't have to become a cybersecurity expert overnight. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤! Share your experiences and fears in the comments below! #𝐀𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 #𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 #𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 #𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

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Absolutely, great insights Rock Health. Focussing on what you're best at can be key. Optum and Walmart have struggled because they tried to do too much. Pure-play virtual health providers, like Amazon in retail, could excel by specializing and creating their own space. It's like playing to your strengths rather than spreading yourself too thin. Pure play may be the winners ultimately. Tele health is here to stay. Devicharan R. Neelam Sharma Balaji Prasad Goli

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✅Our healthcare report and market map are finally live✅ Over the past several months, I have shared with anyone who would listen that Michael Cardamone and I were in conversation with innovation executives across four of the top healthcare systems in the U.S. including Mayo Clinic Ventures, Hackensack Meridian Health, Cone Health Ventures, and University Hospitals Ventures to understand current strategies and priorities in order to hone in on our investment thesis. The goal was to arm healthtech founders with the inside perspective on the critical investment areas for US hospitals to help establish product-market fit and solve the industry's most pressing challenges. Links to download the report, check out the market map, and submit your company are all in the comments. Thank you to our contributing experts Shai Ran Sapir, Technology Development Manager at Mayo Clinic Ventures, Sandra Powell-Elliott, Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, David Heenan, Managing Director at Cone Health Ventures, and Matthew Zenker, Director of Deal Flow and Investments at University Hospitals Ventures. #healthcare #innovation #healthtech #earlystage #healthtechfounders #healthcarestartups

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The digital health rhetoric these days seems to be quite polarizing. While acknowledging the pivotal role of technology in enhancing health, we are still in the early innings for healthcare tech as it relates to the transformative impact many had expected to come to fruition. I sat down with my long-time friend and colleague, Mona Siddiqui, MD, MPH, MSE, leader Highmark Health to put together our thoughts on how to truly create scale in healthcare through technology. The TL/DR: 💻 1. Scalability requires greater connectivity, diving into the integration of technology in clinical settings. 💵 2. Payer reimbursement models need to catch up to the changing care delivery landscape 🧠 3. There is real potential for AI and machine learning but it doesn't replace care 💢 4. The future of digital health scalability relies on a multifaceted approach. Highlights include some of the key players leading the way like 7wireVentures portfolio companies NOCD, Jasper Health, GroundGame.Health, as well as Waymark, Author Health, and more. Read more of our thoughts in our latest MedCity piece below! https://lnkd.in/gYSvdPgC

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Here’s your recap of last week’s health IT news 🗞️ 👇 💼 Administrative • Pager + League: The care orchestration solution will be embedded into the patient engagement platform for maternity care.    • Veradigm®: The ambulatory care solutions vendor has announced that it is exploring a merger, sale, or other transaction.    • Kyruus Health: The provider search and scheduling solution said it would add MEDITECH to its list of EHR partners which already includes Epic , Oracle (Cerner), athenahealth , and others.   🥼 Clinical • Clover Health: The physician enablement technology company launched its previously internal-facing clinical decision support tool via its subsidiary Counterpart Health as a standalone solution for external Medicare-focused payers and providers.    • Children's Minnesota + ShiftMed: The pediatric health system is partnering with the on-demand workforce tech platform. 🤝 VBC • Innovaccer: The VBC data & analytics company launched its quality management and reporting platform for health plans. 🤖 AI • Plenful: The AI workflow automation company focused on streamlining pharmacy operations announced a $17M Series A.    • SamaCare: The AI prior auth platform announced a $17M Series B. 💡 Things We Found Interesting • In our view, there’s not enough discussion about why technology pilots in health systems fail. So we appreciated this perspective from Justin R. Brueck at Endeavor Health, on three of the most common reasons he sees things go awry. https://lnkd.in/eKBZ_g2N    • We’re continuing to see stories illustrating both the promise and perils of leveraging generative AI in the practice of clinical medicine. Given the pace of progress, it seems clear that AI will play a significant role in clinical care sooner than later. Lots of thorny questions to work through in a short amount of time. (Here are a couple examples from Yudara Kularathne MD, FAMS(EM) and Graham Walker, MD we appreciated: https://lnkd.in/ePUr2SgE, https://lnkd.in/ej9UpfYg)    • On that note, we’re always interested to read the latest research on how AI solutions are performing in the field. One recent study published in JAMA found that AI scribes significantly reduced time spent in the EHR. Researchers of another, however, cautioned that providers must remain vigilant when using GenAI, based on the fact that Chat-GPT produced different outputs when asked to simplify radiology reports for patients of different races. https://lnkd.in/emNi-_Ai, https://lnkd.in/ejH4KHsq  

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