Nicole Semeraro’s Post

I am thrilled to announce that I have joined the board of MedBridge as an Independent Director. I look forward to collaborating with their exceptional leadership team Donovan Campbell Leah Shlyakhov Sarah Jacob Singh Jeff Logan Joe Brence Andrew Mickus Daniel Valladao and contributing to their growth and vision.   MedBridge is at the forefront of innovation with their new next-generation hybrid digital MSK platform, Pathways. This groundbreaking platform is set to revolutionize care for both patients and clinicians by enabling access to virtual and hybrid physical therapy. Pathways will significantly impact providers and patients by delivering comprehensive MSK care through the existing clinician network with dynamic and engaging progressive care pathways. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions account for a substantial portion of healthcare costs in the US, with an estimated annual spend of $500 billion. MedBridge's Pathways platform is designed to address this significant burden by providing more efficient and effective care in the workflows that patients use every day. By integrating virtual and hybrid physical therapy options, Pathways aims to reduce the overall cost of MSK care, improve patient outcomes, and enhance accessibility for patients across the country. I am deeply grateful to Donovan Campbell and the team at Brentwood Associates—Chris Reekie, Craig Milius —for this incredible opportunity. 

Do you want to know a simple way to take control of your healthcare costs? The number one tip I can give you is to figure out what the CPT code is. CPT codes, or Current Procedural Terminology codes, are the secret language of healthcare billing. They help identify specific medical procedures and services. Now, where do you get these codes? There are a few ways to go about it: From Your Physician's Office ↳ Get the CPT code from your healthcare provider. Cash Pay Price ↳ Call different providers for cash pay prices. Consult Your Insurer ↳ If you're insured, call your insurer with the CPT code and locations. Now, let me take you back to my childhood and a valuable lesson from my mom. My mom had this quirky habit when we went on road trips. She would pass by multiple gas stations, often just a mile apart, to compare gasoline prices. She was on a mission to save those precious five cents per gallon! But here's the thing – she was onto something. We naturally seek out savings in most aspects of our lives. Whether it's using apps to find the best grocery prices or, in her case, hunting for cheaper gasoline, we all have our ways of saving. Now, imagine applying that same money-saving mindset to healthcare. It's not just about the price. It's about your physical health and well-being. It's about making informed choices for a healthier you.

I want to talk about something that's crucial in all of our lives: Making informed decisions when it comes to healthcare referrals. Let's face it: we all want the best care possible. But that doesn't mean we should blindly follow the traditional referral patterns within healthcare. It's about understanding the broader picture and saving both our health and our wallets in the process. Here's an example: You choose a primary care physician within a specific healthcare system, and they recommend an orthopedic specialist within the same system. Seems convenient, right? Well, it might be, but it can also be costly. Studies, like the one conducted by Harvard, have found that services provided within health systems can cost significantly more—up to 26% for physician services and a whopping 31% for hospital-based services. So, what's the alternative? It's simple, really. Take control of your healthcare journey by researching and identifying a shortlist of providers yourself. Use your health insurer's website, Google, or any available resources to find options that suit your needs.

Schools out for the summer and our kids are gearing up to go wild! And while they're having the time of their lives, us parents? Well…. We're often on the verge of a heart attack. But if I had some advice for parents, it would be: Take a pause this summer. Remember the simple pleasures from your own childhood. Watch your kids play in the backyard, and soak in the joy of these moments. They're growing up fast, and these memories? They're the ones we'll cherish forever. To all the working moms and dads out there: Let's focus on what truly matters this summer. Cherish these days, cherish the chaos, and above all, cherish those little smiles that light up our lives.

This is my five-year-old son, Beau. AKA the life of the party. Let me tell you something about this guy, though….he is a five-year-old who’s full-time job is asking questions about all the things, appropriate…and sometimes inappropriate. Why is it this way, Mommy? Are we there yet (to me and the guy Lewis, who we had just met on a 6-hour flight to San Diego….every 5 minutes, true story, thanks for your patience Lewis) Will you marry me, Maya? (A bit young of course) Can I play Nintendo? Why do my brothers get to stay up later? And do dragons actually love tacos, Mommy? It never stops. But what I love about Beau is that he is so curious, and he's not afraid to ask anything at any time. At what point in our life, though, do we stop asking questions with the unabashed curiosity of a child? As we grow up, something changes. We start to hold back, especially when it comes to the most important aspects of our life….such as our health. It often boils down to a few reasons: intimidation, fear, or lack of knowledge. While we're trying to understand what the problem might be or figure out the cost of care. It's important to bring out your inner child and ask the question that may be in your head. So, how do we bridge that gap between the fearless curiosity of a child and the empowered decision-making of an adult? It's simple, really. You have to ask the right questions. My belief is that to become a more informed consumer of healthcare, you start by asking three questions. 1. Do other doctors in the area perform the same service? 2. What is the cost? 3. What is the CPT code? This is the heart of empowered healthcare consumerism, and it will make a huge difference. In the months ahead, we will unpack these deeper with clear actions on the "how" to get the answer you need. In the meantime, I leave you with this. If you could get the same care for half the price, with the same outcome, just by asking the questions ahead… What would you choose? The quality of your decisions is oftentimes determined by the quality of your questions. 

A quick listen with a message on servant leadership, and MedBridge that packs a punch! Donovan Campbell is truly one of the most inspiring, servant hearted leaders I know. Great job!

Today's the Day! My TED Talk is LIVE! What a journey this has been! This isn't just about healthcare. It's about empowerment. It's about taking charge of our well-being with knowledge and confidence. We’ve all had moments of uncertainty regarding health decisions. My mission is to transform that uncertainty into informed, confident action. And my hope is this a starting point for a larger conversation about our rights and roles as health consumers. I'm excited to see how this talk sparks change, driving conversations and inspiring actions that ripple outward! Watch the video at the link below, and let me know what you think! https://lnkd.in/euKv2H-i

In just two days, my TED Talk launches into the world, and I couldn't be more thrilled—or hopeful. In this talk, I share not just a message, but a mission that's deeply personal to me. It's about empowering each of us to become more informed, proactive consumers in our healthcare journeys. I started this journey with a simple, powerful belief: 𝐈𝐟 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. And from there, the impact can ripple out to our families, businesses, communities, and beyond to make true change in the world, and our healthcare system. Whether it’s helping a kindergarten teacher save thousands of dollars for ear tubes for her twins by simply switching to a provider that does surgery at an ambulatory surgery center vs. a hospital, or guiding someone to the lower cost imaging facility for a mammogram to proactively care for their breast health—every single story matters. After stepping off the stage, the response was overwhelming. People approached me with questions, seeking advice, confirming the need for the conversation I sparked about healthcare consumerism and its far-reaching benefits. So, as I countdown to the release, my hope is simple… That this talk reaches and resonates with many, starting with just one person. That it ignites discussions, inspires action, and fundamentally shifts how we engage with our health. Let's start a movement together, where every single person's health journey is seen, supported, and valued starting with the shift to consumers like you being empowered to own your healthcare decisions. Here’s to making a difference—one person at a time. 

One month ago, I closed a significant chapter in my life as the Co-Founder and CEO of Specialist Management Solutions. After a period of deep reflection, I chose to step down to dedicate time to my family and embark on a sabbatical that will prepare me for my next big venture: building my own company. Reflecting on my journey, starting at SCA in 2015, I realize I entered as a leader in pieces but left transformed. I leave rich in experience and wisdom, thanks to the profound investment of incredible mentors and the dynamic teams I've had the honor to work with. Together, we built a thriving company that stands tall in its mission to help people become consumers of surgical specialty care. But beyond our achievements, what I value and hold close are the relationships built on a foundation of gratitude, empathy, and, of course, work-appropriate love. As I pass the baton to the remarkable Harrison Adams, I am confident that with his leadership and that of Grant Henderson, Tiffany Conley, Andrew Sargent, MBA, MSHA, Tyler Compton, Rena Bach, Teresa Yancey JD RN CCM CPHQ, David Huck CSM® and the entire SMS team, the company’s trajectory will only continue upward. Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement about my next chapter, dedicated to my passion for nurturing leadership both at home and in the workplace. I am ready to "visioneer" my future, driven by a commitment to help others find and fulfill their passions and purposes. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported and inspired me on this journey. Here's to new beginnings and to dreaming big!

When I was 22 years old, I met a former Bentley volleyball player, Katy, who was in medical device sales. She was the one who inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Every single day, she expressed how she woke up with the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. For the past 18 years, I've dedicated myself to serving others and making a positive impact in the healthcare industry. This experience has provided me with valuable insights for navigating my own healthcare journey and supporting my family and friends through theirs. As a healthcare consumerism thought leader and advocate, I hope to offer similar support whether you’re: 👉 a college graduate navigating healthcare on your own for the first time 👉 an adult navigating your changing health situation 👉 a first-time parent choosing a pediatrician 👉 or anyone in between My hope is to provide you with the foundational knowledge and, most importantly, the questions you need to ask to take control of your care and maximize your health through informed choices to ensure you have access to quality, affordable care at every turn. Stay tuned for more updates, discussions, and previews of what's to come.