Unlocking ROI in Healthcare Operations and the Role of Expenses vs. Investments

On this episode, Bob Berbeco, Chief Information Officer at Mahaska Health, joins the podcast to discuss how technology is enabling closer connections between patients and providers. He explores breakthroughs in AI, including AI scribes, operational efficiencies, and innovations improving care access and patient experience. Bob also shares insights on reducing clinical burden and the critical importance of maintaining cybersecurity in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.

 In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker’s Healthcare,  discusses the financial struggles facing regional nonprofit insurers, the growing dominance of national payers, and the Trump RX initiative aimed at lowering prescription drug and fertility treatment costs.

In this podcast, Natalie Ostas, Associate VP of Finance and Controller at Covenant Living Communities shares how next gen ERP is supporting a finance transformation that helps the organization empower community operators, drive efficiency and savings across the business, and power continued growth. Hear how modern technology including agentic AI can provide a competitive advantage in the senior living market, improving employee experiences and freeing time to do more for your mission.This episode is sponsored by Workday.

In this episode, Braheem Santos, US Segment Leader for Healthcare at Schneider Electric, and Andrew Carréno, Business Development Manager for Healthcare at ASCO, discusses how hospitals can retrofit existing facilities to enhance power resilience, reduce downtime, and improve patient care through collaboration and intelligent infrastructure. Learn more about how Schneider Electric is engineered for every moment of care for your health organization here: https://www.se.com/us/en/work/solutions/healthcare/?utm_source=beckershealthcare&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=2025_oct_us_de_ehealth_beckershealthcare_consideration_directmedia-contentbuy_local&utm_term=octpod&campaign_objective=consideration&mcl_name=ehealth

On this episode, B. Marie Ward, MD, MPH, FACS, Director of Breast Surgery in the Department of Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, joins the podcast to discuss breakthroughs in breast cancer research and awareness, including decreasing mortality rates and improving treatment options. She also highlights the importance of health equity and emphasizes why regular mammograms are vital for early detection and better outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Iman Abuzeid, CEO of Incredible Health, shares how her company is reshaping healthcare hiring through AI innovations like voice agents Gale and Lyn. She discusses workforce shortages, the role of technology in supporting healthcare professionals, and lessons from building a mission-driven, billion-dollar startup.

In this episode, Scott Becker outlines 20 major challenges facing the healthcare industry today, including workforce shortages, payer dominance, flawed payment models, and more.

In this episode, Ryan Spalding, Consulting Partner at Era Group, joins the podcast to share how hospitals and health systems can uncover savings in non-labor expenses through forensic cost reviews, smarter vendor negotiations, and a strategic approach to cost optimization that supports reinvestment in patient care. Learn more here. https://usc.eragroup.com/beckers-healthcare/

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features James Solava, Medical Director of Clinical Informatics at Allegany Health Network, who discusses the transformative role of AI in healthcare. He shares how AI scribes and chatbots have become game changers for day-to-day clinical operations, improving efficiency and patient access. Solava also highlights the importance of telehealth expansion, cybersecurity, and offers key advice for healthcare leaders navigating the digital future.

In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down seven key stories that illustrate the growing financial and operational pressures facing hospitals and health systems today.