Payer Consolidation, AI Arms Races, and the Future of Prior Authorization with Jakob Emerson

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses consolidation across the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, rising friction between payers and providers over coding and denials, and how AI and upcoming CMS prior authorization rules are reshaping the payer landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Jackie Kissel and Dr. Alvin Choy share how Equitas Health built a streamlined, team based workflow to manage long acting injectable PrEP and HIV treatments, highlighting the critical role of communication, customized tracking tools, and clinical pharmacy expertise in improving patient care.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features James Dover, President and CEO, Avera Health. He discusses Avera’s strategic plan, Luminate, the organization’s approach to AI and technology adoption, and how mission-driven leadership guides innovation, growth, and care delivery across its multi-state network.In collaboration with R1.

In this episode, Solomon Moshkevich, president of clinical diagnostics at Natera, discusses how molecular data, MRD testing, and AI-driven tools are transforming clinical decision making across oncology, prenatal care, and chronic kidney disease. He shares insights on evidence generation, system integration, and the opportunities ahead for more personalized, cost-effective care.This episode is sponsored by Natera.

In this episode, Braheem Santos, US Segment Leader for Healthcare at Schneider Electric, discusses how health systems can better integrate siloed technologies, design smarter infrastructure, and prepare for the next era of AI and facility optimization. He shares key takeaways from a recent leadership workshop and highlights why broader collaboration across departments is essential for future-ready care delivery. Learn more about how Schneider Electric meets healthcare transformation for every moment of care, as well as their Patient Engagement System, here: https://www.se.co/548683ad

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor in Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down key healthcare financial stories including a closely watched Indiana hospital merger, evolving antitrust dynamics, and accelerating consolidation. He also discusses strong performance from major for profit systems like HCA and Tenet Health as outpatient growth and portfolio transformation reshape the sector.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor in Chief of Becker’s Healthcare, shares insights on the 2026 outlook for healthcare providers, including policy shifts, Medicaid changes, consolidation trends, and financial pressures. She discusses why leaders are balancing near term challenges with cautious optimism as they plan for stability, access, and long term transformation.

In this episode,  Byron Glasgow, MBA, Vice President of Finance at Temple University Health System, discusses rising healthcare costs, value based care challenges, and the role of AI in easing administrative burdens. He also shares how Temple Health is pursuing mission aligned growth while serving as a vital safety net for Philadelphia.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features Saad Ehtisham, President & CEO, Atlantic Health. He shares his vision for sustainable growth, clinical excellence, and responsible AI adoption, emphasizing how technology and partnerships can drive efficiency, enhance care delivery, and improve patient outcomes across the system.In collaboration with R1.

In this episode, Alex Lebrun breaks down the shift from soft ROI to precise, measurable financial impact as health systems scale AI beyond pilots. He explains why coding and revenue cycle use cases are leading the way, how end to end AI workflows will change measurement, and why the industry is still in the very early stages of its AI journey.This episode is sponsored by Nabla.