Episodios

  • Scaling Innovation at HLTH 2025: A Conversation with Rich Scarfo (episode 1 of 2)
    Sep 25 2025

    In this first episode of a special two-part series, Bright Spots in Healthcare host Eric Glazer sits down with Rich Scarfo, President of HLTH, to explore how one of the most influential healthcare events in the world continues to evolve.

    With HLTH 2025 taking place this October 19–22 in Las Vegas, Rich reveals what’s new this year—from immersive zones on AI and diagnostics, to physician and nurse engagement programs, to the expanded startup pavilions and Investor Connect opportunities. He also shares a blueprint for payers, providers, pharma, and innovators on how to get the most value out of their time at HLTH, including can’t-miss sessions, networking strategies, and hidden gems across the show floor.

    Whether you’re a health plan executive, provider leader, startup founder, or healthcare innovator, this episode offers a practical guide to navigating HLTH 2025 and turning conversations into action.

    Stay tuned for Part Two, where the discussion shifts to how HLTH serves as a growth engine for solution providers.

    Resources:

    Take a look at what’s in store at HLTH 2025 - https://hlth.com/events/usa

    Attend HLTH using discount code H25_BSV for $250 off the General Attendee ticket - https://hlth.com/events/usa/register/

    Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
    If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

    About Bright Spots Ventures:

    Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

    We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

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    28 m
  • Don Antonucci, CEO, Providence Health Plan & Ali Diab, CEO, Collective Health | The Next Frontier in Self-Funded Benefits
    Sep 23 2025

    In this episode of Bright Spots in Healthcare, we explore The Next Frontier in Self-Funded Benefits. Don Antonucci, CEO of Providence Health Plan and Ali Diab, CEO of Collective Health share how their new partnership is reshaping the employer-sponsored benefits landscape.

    The conversation dives into:

    • Why aligning provider and member needs is essential for a truly seamless healthcare experience

    • How transparency and simplicity can unlock smarter healthcare decisions

    • The role of innovation and technology in reducing complexity for both employers and employees

    • How strategic partnerships can accelerate growth and deliver more affordable, high-quality care

    This discussion offers practical insights for health plans, employers, and healthcare leaders looking to design benefits that drive satisfaction, savings, and long-term success.

    Panelist Bios:
    https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/the-next-frontier-in-self-funded-benefits-inside-providence-health-plans-new-partnership-with-collective-health/

    Resources & References

    • Start with Why by Simon Sinek (Book) - https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/

    • How Great Leaders Inspire Action – TED Talk by Simon Sinek - https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

    • Healthcare Models to Explore:

      • Kaiser Permanente (U.S.) – cited as effective at integrating coverage and care into one user experience

      • Israel – highlighted as having a national health service with user-friendly, electronic front doors for care and transparency in costs

      • Japan – also noted for its efficient, transparent national health service with easy access and clear financial responsibility for patients

    Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
    If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

    About Bright Spots Ventures:

    Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

    We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

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    59 m
  • Doubling Down on Medicaid Innovation with Impact Health, HEALI, PHAB, and Vircho
    Sep 16 2025

    In this Bright Spots in Healthcare episode, host Eric Glazer brings together an all-star panel of leaders who are reshaping the future of Medicaid and social care.

    Our guests include:

    • Laurie Stradley, CEO, Impact Health

    • Lori Andrade, EVP, Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI)

    • Joneigh Khaldun, MD, President & CEO, Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)

    • Evan Jones, Chief Strategy Officer, Vircho

    Together, they explore:

    • How community-based organizations (CBOs) are evolving into trusted healthcare partners

    • Practical strategies for bridging healthcare and social care at scale

    • The role of technology, data, and community health workers in building sustainable Medicaid networks

    • Real-world success stories—from disaster recovery in North Carolina to integrated care models in New York and beyond

    You’ll hear how leaders are overcoming compliance, billing, and operational challenges while keeping people, not just systems, at the center of care.

    If you’re looking for bright spots you can replicate to drive innovation, equity, and efficiency in Medicaid, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration.

    Panelist Bios:
    https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/doubling-down-on-medicaid-innovation-in-a-post-obbb-world/

    Download the Episode Guide:
    Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Episode-Guide_Doubling-Down-on-Medicaid-Innovation.pdf

    Resources:

    2025 HRSN Innovations Learning Lab Conference, Oct. 23-24, 2025, Asheville NC

    Guided by Impact Health and the WNC Health Policy Initiative, participants will navigate hands-on workshops, build teams through peer networking, and discover practical paths to success beyond Medicaid—all while connecting with trailblazing experts from across the country. Learn more and register here - https://ihorg.jotform.com/251884444887979

    Check out PHAB’s new podcast In Service of Health with Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, which explores what it really takes to build healthier communities. Learn more and subscribe here - https://in-service-of-health.podcastpage.io/

    Thank you to our Episode Partner, Vircho:

    Vircho partners with health plans, Government, and Community Care Hubs to connect healthcare with the social needs that impact health. Their tools make it easier to deliver community-based services efficiently and improve outcomes for the people we all serve.

    To learn more, visit https://vircho.com/

    Schedule a meeting with Evan Jones, Chief Strategy Officer, Vircho:
    To dive deeper into how social care networks are optimizing capacity and outcomes, schedule a meeting with Evan Jones. Reach out to hkrish@brightspotsventures.com to schedule the meeting.

    About Bright Spots Ventures:

    Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

    We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

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    1 h
  • How Disruptors Defy the Odds with Dr. Imamu “Mu” Tomlinson
    Sep 9 2025

    What does it really take to challenge the status quo in healthcare, and win? Dr. Imamu “Mu” Tomlinson, CEO of Vituity and author of Less Than One Percent: How Disruptors Defy the Odds, joins host Eric Glazer to share hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers.

    In this energizing conversation, Mu discusses:

    • How to turn “you can’t” into the fuel that drives innovation.
    • Why being disagreeable, optimistic, and relentless are the core traits of true disruptors.
    • Lessons healthcare can borrow from sports icons like Steph Curry and leaders in entertainment.
    • Why moments of victory - not defeat - are the best opportunities to spark lasting change.

    You’ll come away with a fresh perspective on leadership, culture, and how to build teams that defy expectations and achieve more.

    About Dr. Imamu (Mu) Tomlinson:

    Imamu Tomlinson, MD, MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer at Vituity, a physician-led and -owned multispecialty partnership. With decades of clinical leadership and practice management experience, Dr. Tomlinson brings deep operational and clinical knowledge to foster Vituity’s mission to be at the heart of better care.

    In his role, Dr. Tomlinson oversees Vituity’s 500+ communities, focusing on clinical and cultural integration, and strategies that improve patient satisfaction and drive operational efficiency. Since his appointment as CEO in 2017, Vituity has doubled its footprint.

    Additionally, during his tenure, Dr. Tomlinson formalized two disciplines within Vituity to support improved patient care: an innovation team, including the appointment of the organization’s first Chief Innovation Officer, and a community impact initiative. He also champions physician engagement initiatives, including fellowship programs and innovation grants, to further empower Vituity’s healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care and collaborate across the care continuum.

    Prior to Vituity, Dr. Tomlinson was the Chief of Staff for the Adventist Health Central Valley Network, where he continues to practice as an emergency physician. He previously served as Medical Director for Adventist Health's Hanford and Selma Emergency Departments. At Adventist Health, he spearheaded an effort to create the network's Department of Emergency and Diagnostic Medicine and later served as the department’s chair.

    Outside of his work at Vituity, Dr. Tomlinson is devoted to making a difference in his local community through the 24/7 Foundation, which works with kids in the Central Valley Youth to inspire mental toughness, athletic competition, and resilience through basketball.

    Dr. Tomlinson is the author of Less Than One Percent: How Disruptors Defy the Odds. In this book, he thoughtfully explores the lives of those who dare to defy the odds and disrupt a world of contradictions. Through vivid narratives and deep insights, he reveals powerful strategies for challenging the status quo and driving transformative change.

    Order your copy today.

    About Bright Spots Ventures:

    Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

    We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

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    34 m
  • The Forecasting Frontier: How AI is Reshaping Risk, Revenue, and ROI
    Sep 2 2025

    Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword, it’s a practical tool transforming how healthcare organizations prepare for the future. From evaluating and pricing risk with greater accuracy to identifying rising-risk members and strengthening long-term financial strategies, AI is reshaping the very foundations of forecasting in healthcare.

    In this episode, leaders from Florida Blue, Premera Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, and Prealize Health share how they’re applying AI across actuarial, clinical, and data science domains to optimize decisions, improve outcomes, and drive organizational sustainability.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How health plans are evaluating and scaling AI models to improve accuracy in forecasting and underwriting

    • Real-world examples of AI identifying rising-risk populations and transforming engagement strategies

    • Why “next best action” models are becoming central to member engagement and population health

    • How generative AI and workflow optimization are streamlining operations and reducing costs

    • What it takes to embed AI into financial planning, provider contracting, and long-term ROI strategies

    Panelists:

    • Romilla Batra, MD, MBA, SVP & Chief Medical Officer, Premera Blue Cross

    • Ratnik Gandhi, Senior Director, AI, Florida Blue

    • Emily Allred, Senior Director & Actuary, Large Group Pricing, Blue Shield of California

    • Dean Noble-Tolla, PhD, Chief Product & Analytics Officer, Prealize Health

    Download the Episode Guide:
    Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. Download here.

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    59 m
  • Closing the Member Engagement Gap with AI-Powered Actions
    Aug 26 2025

    Learn how AI is already working to close the member engagement gap, transforming intent into impact, personalizing care at scale, and creating the connected experiences members now expect. Leaders from Highmark Health, Ovatient, Cigna, and League share proven strategies, bright spots, and lessons learned in applying AI to drive measurable outcomes, lower costs, and improve the member experience.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How AI is turning digital intent into meaningful health actions

    • Real-world examples of personalized engagement that improved outcomes and savings

    • Why the future of digital health is shifting from mobile-first to AI-first

    • What it takes to build a scalable, purpose-built AI platform for healthcare

    • How payers and providers can unite around the member with AI-powered engagement

    Panelists:

    Ian Blunt, VP Advanced Analytics, Highmark Health

    Michael Dalton, Founder & CEO, Ovatient

    Charles DeShazer, MD, Former Chief Quality Officer, The Cigna Group

    Andrew Dubowec, Chief Growth Officer, League

    Download the Episode Guide:
    Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. Download here.

    Resources

    Here’s the podcast Eric Glazer referenced during the show: Acquired/ACQ2 Episode: How is AI Different Than Other Technology Waves? (With Bret Taylor and Clay Bavor), August 18, 2025

    Thank you to League for supporting this episode.
    League is the leading healthcare consumer experience platform, reaching more than 40 million people around the world and delivering the highest level of personalization in the industry. Payers, providers, and consumer health partners build on League’s platform to deliver high-engagement healthcare solutions proven to improve health outcomes. Learn more at www.league.com.

    How to Engage:
    Chat with Us: Share your thoughts with Producer Jessica Tenzer at jtenzer@brightspotsventures.com

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    1 h y 1 m
  • Missed Data, Missed Dollars: The Member Insights That Risk Models Are Blind To
    Aug 19 2025

    With member engagement driving everything from Star Ratings to care gap closures, health plans are rethinking how they connect with members—pairing rich data with human-centered strategies to create real moments of influence.

    In this episode, we explore how payers are:

    • Combining multiple assessments, social risk data, and AI to build actionable member profiles

    • Using empathy-driven outreach and concierge-style service to build trust

    • Leveraging real-time insights to engage members at the right moment

    • Aligning cross-functional teams to accelerate innovation and close gaps

    • Turning clinical, social, and behavioral signals into measurable quality gains

    Whether you focus on Stars, Medicaid quality, or member experience, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to engage more effectively and improve outcomes.

    Download the Episode Guide:
    Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. Download here.

    Download the Episode Notes and KPI’s:
    Get the moderator notes and the Key Points of Interest from the episode. Download here.

    Icario Client Summit Information:
    Additional details about the Icario Summit - Moments of Influence - taking place October 21-23, 2025, can be found here.

    Thank you to Icario for supporting this episode.
    Icario is a leading health action platform that helps payers connect with members in ways that drive measurable results. By combining behavioral science, data-driven personalization, and omnichannel outreach, Icario motivates members to complete critical health actions—closing gaps in care, improving Star Ratings, and reducing avoidable costs—while delivering an experience that feels relevant, human, and engaging. Learn more at www.icariohealth.com.

    How to Engage:
    Chat with Us: Share your thoughts with Producer Nicole Roberts at nroberts@brightspotsventures.com

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    57 m
  • Lights, Camera, Adherence: Using Stories to Drive Star Ratings
    Aug 12 2025

    With adherence measures playing a major role in Star Ratings, Medicare Advantage plans are rethinking how they engage members—moving beyond transactional reminders to personalized, story-driven content that inspires real behavior change.

    In this episode, leaders from Zing Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and SmartStory share how they're using storytelling, data, and behavioral insights to:

    • Improve medication adherence and close gaps at scale

    • Design culturally relevant, human-centered messaging

    • Translate member engagement into measurable Star Rating gains

    • Avoid common pitfalls in content strategy and execution

    Whether you lead pharmacy, Stars strategy, or member engagement, this discussion offers actionable insights to improve performance heading into the 2026 Star Ratings year.

    Download the Episode Guide:
    Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. Download here.

    here. Thank you to SmartStory for supporting this episode.
    SmartStory delivers secure, app-like digital experiences that help health plans improve medication adherence, member satisfaction, and quality performance—without requiring downloads or logins. Learn more at https://www.smartstory.com/

    How to Engage:
    Chat with Us: Share your thoughts with Producer Vekonda Luangaphay at vluangaphay@brightspotsventures.com

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    1 h y 1 m