155. Breaking Barriers: Navigating Health Equity

Explore the dynamic landscape of healthcare and technology with hosts Josh and Sean on the ACO Show. Guests Rosemary Weldon and Ritwik Tewari, from Aledade, share their expertise as they discuss the challenges and innovations shaping the industry, including the advancements in technology that help improve patient care.

Join us for a story tracing the origins and evolution of Community Health Center, Inc. Mark Masselli, president and CEO of Community Health Center, Inc. in Middletown, CT, alongside Charles Barber, Writer-in-Residence at Wesleyan University, guide listeners through the enthralling narrative depicted in  Barber's book, "Peace & Health." Explore the beginnings of the Health Center amidst the backdrop of social upheaval, legislative reforms, and grassroots advocacy, illuminating the transformative power of community-driven health care initiatives. Uncover the pivotal moments and visionary leadership that propelled the center from modest beginnings to a beacon of excellence in health care provision. And learn about the recent partnership with Aledade, exemplifying a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and equitable care delivery. To learn more about the story behind Community Health Center, Inc. and Barber's book "Peace & Health," visit peaceandhealth.com.

Dive into Aaron McKethan's journey from policy nerd to healthcare innovator at Aledade Plus, improving patient care and reducing costs.

Explore the impact and solutions of the Change healthcare cyber crisis with expert analysis and firsthand accounts.

Dive into the world of community health centers and value-based care with Tracy Causey, CEO of Capital Area Health Network in Virginia and Kevin Van Dyke, executive director of Aledade in Virginia. Hear their experience navigating multiple value-based contracts and integrating behavioral health services with primary care. Learn how more accessible patient health data and dynamic support has helped improve preventive care.

Sean and Josh are joined by Dr. Maureen Padden, a family and obesity medicine doctor from Pensacola, Florida, and Dr. Christopher Nunes from Spyglass Primary Care in Melbourne, Florida to discuss how value-based contracts have improved their relationships with Florida Blue, their patients, and their staff. They delve into the benefits and challenges of being independent physicians, the crucial role the Aledade app plays in providing accessible data, and the importance of staff retention on quality patient care.

Sean and Josh are joined by Rachel Lively, Vice President of Community Health Center Operations at Valley Health, to discuss her experience providing substance use treatments to patients in West Virginia. Rachel shares challenges and successes involving decreasing stigma around substance use disorders, the evolution of treatment methods, and the critical role that CHCs can play in providing individualized care to patients on the path to recovery.

Explore the transformative power of ACOs with Nick Phillis from Florida, revealing positive impacts on patient care and healthcare delivery.

Explore tangible initiatives for health equity with Tamara Thomas, VP of Equity and Inclusion at Aledade

Josh and Brian are joined by Wes Edwards, Chief Financial Officer of Med First Primary & Urgent Care in North Carolina. Wes discusses his clinic’s success with value-based care, the financial sustainability of value-based care models, and the crucial link between exceptional patient care and financial outcomes. Plus, a special farewell as Brian says goodbye to the ACO Show.