Nida Shekhani

Dawn Media Group OpEd: In my piece 'Strategic Reset of Pakistan's Healthcare,' I propose that the recent $7B IMF agreement presents a historic opportunity to transform our healthcare system and restore public confidence. The timing is ideal: inflation has cooled to 4.9%, foreign reserves have strengthened to $16.4B, and pilot programs in digital health are already demonstrating 15-20% cost savings. These conditions create a unique window for meaningful healthcare reform. https://lnkd.in/dBzfeiRa Government of Pakistan Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary Shandana Gulzar Khan Tariq Malik Shaza Khawaja Embassy of Pakistan Riyadh, KSA Pakistan Republic Ali Sarfraz Hussain Kashif NazirMiftah Ismail Verified Pakistan Startup Pakistan Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)UNDP Pakistan UNICEF Pakistan UNDPUNICEF Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Ministry of IT and Telecom Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Public Private Partnership Authority

21

1 Comment

Integrating multiple organizations after a merger is a complex affair. On the blog, ECG Management Consultants’ Asif Shah Mohammed and Sean Hartzell share 10 tips for making it work. #ECGMC #marketconsolidation #healthcaremergers https://lnkd.in/dwzjHFBZ

3

What a way to close out the week! It was an absolute privilege to chat to Daniel Beaulieu about what I'm doing in my new role at PATH. I feel like everytime I get the opportunity to explain it, I get a little bit better at finding the words to express what on earth an iNGO can & should be doing in the world of AI4health. In short, it's: 1️⃣ (First in Class): Dreaming big, and pulling together the rag-tag consortium of experts to deliver something that's never been done before. What I used to call 'the mad idea factory' when I was at Wellcome Trust [which is where the Exemplars in Global Health team last interviewed me!]. 🥇(Best in Class): Finding the lumimaries & innovators in the LMICs in which we work, and helping them to do the kind of research and development that you more often hear coming out of Cambridge (I'll let you pick which side of the Atlantic you think I'm talking about) than Nairobi. For example, Robert Korom & Penda Health, who have partnered with us, the University of Birmingham (Xiao Liu, Vaishnavi Menon, and Alastair Denniston), and Ambrose Agweyu (KEMRI - Wellcome Trust), to design THE WORLD'S FIRST RCT of an LLM as a clinical decision support tool in the world. Watch out for the protocol; to be released before Christmas! 🛣 (Infrastructure/Enablers): Crowding in investment and supporting policy makers to design and deliver the physical, digital and human capital foundations which we need to scale AI solutions at the last mile. It's a pretty cool job, I'm not going to lie 😎 Finally... a big thank you to my team for helping pull this interview together (Monica Georges, PhD & Bernard Aryeetey). Without them I would sound significantly less coherent most days. There are a couple fun things they've got planned before the end of year, so more soon! #AI #HealthcareInnovation #HealthEquity #GlobalHealth #AIinMedicine

78

2 Comments

For the past nine years, UCP Merchant Medicine has partnered with health systems to enhance their capabilities, delivering exceptional care experiences through our Modern Urgent Care model, guided by our 11 Features of Modern Urgent Care. These principles, cultivated in the urgent care environment, can be spread across the entire health system, positioning it for broader success. In today's competitive healthcare landscape, patient experience (PX) is more important than ever. It's the key to building trust and loyalty, extending beyond good bedside manner to encompass everything from provider research to appointment booking and follow-up communications. Press Ganey just released their “Patient Experience in 2024” report (link below), based on data from 6.5 million patient encounters across the U.S., provides key insights: 1. Patient experience is making strides, but there's still room for improvement: PX scores surged in 2023, with ambulatory surgery and medical practices hitting five-year highs. However, hospitals and emergency departments are still recovering. At UCP, we think and execute on convenient, consistent hours of operation and minimal patient visit lengths. This enhances the PX and achieves a 34-minute average door-to-door time. 2. Addressing hidden inequities in PX: Underrepresented populations report lower scores in empathy, care personalization, and addressing concerns. Bridging these gaps is critical for equitable healthcare access. UCP's focus on transparent, affordably priced services and safe, excellent care delivery augmented by A.I. ensures we meet these needs, providing high-quality, patient-centered care. 3. Meeting the needs of Gen Z and Millennials: Younger patients have sky-high expectations for a seamless journey, yet report lower perceptions of experience. To meet their evolving needs, UCP prioritizes convenient, comfortable access locations that are integrated virtual care. These features align with the demand for a seamless, efficient care experience, contributing to our Net Promoter Score of 94. By focusing on the consumer and providing what they want in a structured, thoughtful way, UCP Merchant Medicine has consistently delivered outstanding results. These capabilities, born in urgent care, are scalable across the health system, ensuring efficient, effective, and forward-thinking healthcare delivery. #HealthcareInnovation #PatientExperience #UrgentCare #GenZ #Millennials #UCPMerchantMedicine #Anniversary #HealthcareExcellence Intellivisit Solutions

44

Title: Bridging the Gap: Public and Private Healthcare Collaboration On June 11, we hosted a pivotal meeting with key voices from both private healthcare providers and public healthcare regulators and providers. The consensus was clear: collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to create a robust and sustainable healthcare system. Here’s how we can achieve this: 1. Unified Vision:Establish common goals like improving patient outcomes and increasing accessibility. 2. Leverage Strengths:Public systems excel in broad coverage and preventive care, while private providers lead in innovation and efficiency. 3. Data Sharing:Integrate data to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures. 4. Joint Investment:Collaborate on funding for advanced medical technologies and telemedicine. 5. Policy Harmonization:Align policies to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and foster innovation. 6. Public-Private Partnerships: Pool resources to tackle infrastructure and rural healthcare challenges. 7. Continuous Improvement: Regular feedback and communication to adapt to changing needs. Our meeting highlighted the potential of collaboration in transforming healthcare. By working together, we can build a more efficient, equitable, and responsive healthcare system. Let’s commit to this collaborative journey for a healthier future. #UHC #medicalai #health #PPP

18

3 Comments

It was a pleasure to talk with Minalkumar Patel about the distinct needs of ACOs and where we see the biggest opportunities to optimize data to benefit patient health and provider success. I am delighted to share our conversation and look forward to much continued discussion on this important area of innovation for our industry. #valuebasedcare #aco #healthtech

61

2 Comments

As 2024 concludes, healthcare leaders have gained critical insights amidst rapid advancements and challenges. Here's a glimpse of the year's key lessons: 🔍 Data as a Strategic Ally: Harnessing real-time analytics transforms operations and patient care. 💻 Telehealth’s New Era: Virtual care isn't just an option—it's expected. 🩺 Workforce Resilience: Supporting staff well-being is pivotal for quality care. 💡 Personalized Patient-Centered Care: Building trust through tailored approaches ensures loyalty and satisfaction. 📜 Adapting to Regulations: Proactive compliance safeguards growth and quality. 🚀 Tech Integration: Innovations like AI show promise but demand careful execution. 💰 Value-Based Care's Rise: Aligning rewards with patient outcomes reshapes operations. As we step into 2025, the focus remains on resilience, innovation, and care. These takeaways set the stage for a robust and adaptable future. What 2024 lessons resonate most with your healthcare journey? Let’s connect and discuss! #HealthcareLeadership #InnovationInCare #2024Lessons #FutureOfHealthcare

1

1 Comment

Looking forward to sharing recent KLAS Research insights at the upcoming The Millennium Alliance Assembly and learning from attendees their expectations in #digitalhealth for 2025. 🔎 What are the investment priorities of 100 healthcare provider executives and 50 payer executives over the next 2 years? 🔎 How do provider priorities compare to patient expectations? 🔎 What are the current digital health problems that you are trying to solve? 🔎 What digital tools do you plan to add, consolidate, or eliminate? 📢 CHALLENGE FOR THE LINKEDIN COMMUNITY Using 5 words 'What digital health trends do you expect to see in 2025? ' Fun fact: we are about to be 40 years since Marty McFly got in the DeLorean.

22

Shifting the financial model alone is not sufficient for the transition - the care delivery, workforce, and many other pieces of the ecosystem with which PCPs interact also need to adjust accordingly. Funding to allow for the startup costs of transformation must be made available. A comprehensive analysis from The Commonwealth Fund: To encourage participation, practitioners say upfront payments, investment in the primary care workforce, and less emphasis on simplistic quality measures are needed, as well as more support for practices to provide accessible, comprehensive care. #primarycare #integratedcare #teambasedcare #healthcare #healthcareonlinkedin

119

10 Comments

If health systems master the art of delivering a world-class consumer experience in urgent care, they can replicate this success across their entire operation, becoming market leaders and thriving in the long term. This is the core thesis of what we do at UCP Merchant Medicine. For nine years, UCP Merchant Medicine has partnered with 68 healthcare operators, most of whom are health systems, to create internal capabilities that allow them to thrive in consumer experience excellence. This isn’t just about having a world-class urgent care platform, this is about owning the future and the capabilities to expand these experiences across the broader health system. As healthcare shifts towards a consumer-driven model, the need for health systems to adapt is more critical than ever. Patients now have unprecedented freedom to choose their care providers, with 45% researching providers and costs before choosing a health plan, and 44% before making an appointment, according to McKinsey’s consumer Health Insights Survey. These improvements are not just numbers; they're about real people getting better access to the care they need when they need it in a way that they will love. This is what we stand for at UCP Merchant Medicine. Join us as we continue to innovate and lead the way in making healthcare more responsive, efficient, and patient-centric. Together, we can transform the future of healthcare! #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCare #UrgentCare #HealthcareLeadership #UCPMerchantMedicine Intellivisit Solutions

39

2 Comments

What does the future hold for retail medicine and virtual care? Walmart is the latest to announce their health center closure. https://lnkd.in/geZpMTkS. This following Optum news, VillageMD closing in Nevada, Teladoc Health problems, etc. What comes next? This is another in a long line of examples that technology and even consumer willingness are not enough when the reimbursement environment does not support particular care models. Are we getting ready to lose all the lessons painfully learned during the pandemic? Or will new virtual care models emerge following this round of closures?

2

On the newest episode of the #EnablingHealthValue podcast Micky Tripathi, the US National Coordinator for Health IT, dives deep into AI, interoperability, health equity and much more (see detailed breakout below). Topics include: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence and how the HTI-1 Final Rule seeks algorithm transparency. The impact of Generative AI on healthcare delivery. The creation of a trusted exchange network and interoperability governance through TEFCA. How TEFCA will support both public and population health, within the context of VBC. Building network infrastructure to scale interoperability through FHIR APIs. The role of the private sector in driving innovation and investment in interoperability solutions. Updates on the ONC’s 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. Creating more robust SDOH data exchange to prioritize “health equity by design.” Addressing information blocking through the 21st Century Cures Act implementation. Cybersecurity challenges in the healthcare industry and the impact of the Change Healthcare breach.

7

🌐 Key Updates on Telehealth for 2025: What You Need to Know 🌐 As healthcare continues its rapid evolution, keeping up with regulatory changes and leveraging telehealth advancements is critical for patient care and practice efficiency. With the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) introducing new opportunities in telehealth, here’s what to expect and how to prepare. 🩺 Expanded Telehealth CPT Codes New E/M Telehealth Codes: Starting January 1, 2025, 17 new CPT codes (98000-98016) for telehealth E/M services will take effect, including audio-only options for both new and established patients. Virtual Check-In Update: Code 9X091 will replace previous virtual check-in codes, making billing simpler and clearer for telehealth interactions. Digital Therapeutic Services: Updated codes (98975-98978) now include device-based services, enhancing access to tech-enabled therapeutic interventions. 📜 CMS Policy Adjustments for Better Access Frequency Limit Flexibility: Until December 31, 2025, high-acuity telehealth visits can be offered with fewer restrictions, prioritizing timely access to care. Remote Supervision: Telehealth supervision requirements are now met via real-time audio-visual communication, expanding diagnostic and outpatient care options. Telehealth from Home: Practitioners can now bill for telehealth from home under their office address, broadening remote service access. 🔊 Audio-Only Options for Accessibility Beginning January 1, 2025, audio-only telehealth becomes a standard option for patient encounters, addressing technology access barriers. 🏠 New Additions to Medicare Telehealth Services List Proposed additions include caregiver training and home INR monitoring, reflecting a growing focus on patient-centered, comprehensive care. 💰 Financial Adjustments and G2211 Add-On Code The MPFS conversion factor will decrease by 2.8% to $32.36, but the G2211 Add-On Code now applies to preventive services, providing better reimbursement for complex cases. 📚 Virtual Supervision for Teaching Physicians CMS continues to support telehealth as a means of providing virtual supervision for teaching physicians, an important step in integrating telehealth into clinical education. Looking Ahead As these telehealth shifts take hold, preparing for the changes will be crucial for optimizing practice operations, patient care, and financial health. For a deeper discussion on what these updates mean and how to best position your practice, feel free to reach out to any of us tagged here. We're here to help navigate the transition to a more robust, accessible telehealth landscape! #telehealth #medicalbilling #USA #Doctors

14

Now that our HIT industry has spent nearly 40 years figuring out how to effectively pass data between sites, settings, and institutions of care (and while that journey isn't completely over, we're well on our way), we can finally turn and look farther down the road and consider what's next. In my view, advancing process consistency, agility, and change is that horizon. The BPM community is focused on that challenge, and having recently transitioned into HL7 as HL7 BPM, is squarely trying to take this on. With today's press release, HL7 is truly open-for-business in this space. Thanks to the OMG for nurturing this work along and for HL7 for having made our next home for this effort. So much to do! https://lnkd.in/dAF96g3n

48

5 Comments

Nearly 90% of health system executives cite digital and #AI transformation as a high priority. Yet 75% of them are not ready to implement or enact that transformation, either through incomplete planning or financial restraints. This disjoint in mindset and action will set back organizations’ evolution into a technology-integrated business. I understand that there are many challenges to overcome when adopting new technology. However, physician and nurse shortages are going to plague the industry in the future. A technologically-equipped and well-trained workforce is essential for combatting that and doing more with less. If a healthcare entity is to survive in the future and provide impactful human care, digital transformation can’t be a distant thought in the future. It’s time to rip off the band-aid! 🩹 #DigitalTransformation #HealthCare #executiveleadership

14

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙚𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗜 💡 Enjoyed attending Forbes Healthcare Summit to learn and hear from the industry thought leaders: Couple of my key takeaways are here, and no surprise, lots of AI use cases were highlighted: • 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆: For e.g., Tempus CEO highlighted the importance of embedding AI into workflows for seamless usage, while also addressing the need for sustainable reimbursement models for AI adoption. • Example use cases around AI and tech-driven solutions were highlighted around improving sepsis detection, chronic disease management (like COPD and Asthma), and patient outcomes through more accurate, real-time insights. The focus of these solutions seems to be in 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝘀 and improving long-term care pathways for patients. I liked the approach of piloting at a few sites and scaling the solution backed by evidence. • 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Interesting study by a vendor which showed that AI enabled solutions reduces the documentation burden by automating notetaking, showing 23%-time savings per note, and reducing burnout by 30% in pediatric settings. • “𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲”: Interesting talk by NYU Langone CEO about the eight hundred metrics that the Health System was tracking at enterprise level and where AI can help with correlations and meaningful assessments of their patient population.  • Nearly 50% of patients do not follow medication guidelines, which impacts health outcomes and costs. Insightful discussions but it appears with regulations and innovations in PBM space, there is opportunity the improve the status quo. • Interesting use cases around drug discovery especially in 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 of drug discovery that eventually becomes commercialized. For e.g., can AI models be used in enhancing biological validation and clinical trials, which could dramatically lower the risk of failures and bring life-saving drugs to market faster. Thoughts? 👇 #HealthTech #AIinHealthcare #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #FutureOfCare #AI #MedTech #BurnoutPrevention #Pharmacy #DrugDiscovery #PatientCare

7

In a move to streamline care, LA Care Health Plan which managed Medi-Cal and several other plans for low-income Californians is cutting back 24% of its prior authorization requirements. "This change aims to reduce administrative burdens and speed up patient access to necessary treatments," the article explains. This is good to see. Could significantly benefit patient care by removing unnecessary delays in treatment approvals. Devil is in the details but still good progress, particularly for the most vulnerable. Check out the article by Nona Tepper in Modern Healthcare at https://lnkd.in/evVP3eqP

3

To meet CMS’ commitment to have all #Medicare beneficiaries in value-based payments (VBP) by 2030, payers have to dig deeper into #VBP design flaws and explore new strategies like: •Creating a coordinated set of VBP model designs to cut wasteful or inefficient spending without asking one participant to forgo all the revenue. •Introducing real savings requirements for shared savings, or implementing a risk-score growth cap to encourage better care practices. •Leaning into mandatory participation in new VBP programs to help ALL types of Medicare beneficiaries – not just larger-scale organizations. Read more about how these solutions can help accelerate VBP adoption in a recent Health Affairs article I wrote with Amol S Navathe and Daniel Shenfeld (linked in comments) #HealthcareonLinkedIn

21

1 Comment