Episodios

  • Episode 21: What Hospitals Really Want from Their Vendors

    Episode 21: What Hospitals Really Want from Their Vendors
    Aug 27 2025
    In this episode of CarePoints, Bill Mundt, Deputy CIO of University Health in San Antonio, shares what makes healthcare IT partnerships succeed. He emphasizes that trust, transparency, and responsiveness are essential to building lasting relationships with hospitals. Cybersecurity remains a top concern, as leaders balance innovation with the risks of ransomware and other threats. Mundt stresses that vendors must provide not only technology but also expertise and accountability. At the core of every partnership is patient care, and the best vendors never lose sight of that mission. This Episode’s Guest Bill Mundt Bill Mundt is the Deputy Chief Information Officer at University Health in San Antonio, where he leads strategic initiatives that align technology with the mission of advancing patient care. With more than 37 years of IT leadership experience across both military and civilian operations, he has deep expertise in healthcare IT, enterprise infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Known for his crisis management skills and pragmatic problem-solving approach, Bill has overseen the implementation of complex technology solutions that improve organizational efficiency and clinical outcomes. He is recognized for fostering strong vendor partnerships built on trust, transparency, and long-term reliability. At the core of his leadership philosophy is a commitment to ensuring that every technical decision supports the clinicians, staff, and patients who depend on University Health. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Once trust is broken, it’s nearly impossible to repair, making transparency and reliability critical for long-term partnerships. Hospitals need vendors who bring strong service teams, not just polished sales pitches, to build credibility with clinicians and leadership. New solutions must balance innovation with rigorous security standards to protect patients, staff, and hospital systems. Quick, clear communication from vendors strengthens trust and ensures alignment in fast-paced healthcare environments. Every IT decision affects clinicians and patients directly, meaning the best vendors act as true partners in delivering safer, more effective care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.
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    1 h
  • Episode 20: Empowering Employees - The Future of Lone Star Communications

    Episode 20: Empowering Employees - The Future of Lone Star Communications
    Aug 14 2025
    In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications founder and CEO, Ray Bailey, to explore the company’s future following its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). From longtime employees who’ve been part of the journey since day one, to strategic decisions and Bailey’s personal mission, discover what truly sets Lone Star apart as a leader in the industry. This Episode’s Guests Ray Bailey Ray Bailey, founder and CEO of Lone Star Communications, brings decades of experience in healthcare communications to the company’s foundation. Before launching Lone Star in 1991, Bailey spent five years as a district manager at Rauland, a leading provider of integrated communication and safety solutions for healthcare and education. Thirty-four years ago, Bailey drafted the mission statement that continues to be Lone Star’s guiding light: “We will deliver the right products to our customers on time, the first time, every time, with no exceptions.” He has served on the board of directors for the National Systems Contractors Association since 2003 and is an accomplished pilot, having flown over 200 Angel flights. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Lone Star Communications is now proudly employee-owned through an ESOP. This transformative move gives employees a direct stake in the company’s success and helps preserve its leadership and values for the long term. Lone Star has grown into a trusted industry leader with 285 employees. It continues to make a meaningful impact across healthcare, education, and commercial industries by focusing on safety, communication, and service. Employee empowerment is central to Lone Star’s culture and future. Through smart management and technology, the company fosters leadership at every level and ensures employees can make a real impact—and benefit from it. Rather than being acquired, Lone Star chose to expand strategically on its own terms. With multiple acquisitions and a focus on schools and hospitals, the company is poised to double in size and grow its national influence in the coming decade. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.
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    34 m
  • Episode 19: Future of Healthcare Technology: Balancing Needs, Wants, and Data

    Episode 19: Future of Healthcare Technology: Balancing Needs, Wants, and Data
    Jul 11 2025

    In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff sits down with healthcare technology leader, Steve Tyler, to discuss why less is more when it comes to clinical communication tools. Learn how aligning technology with real clinician workflows—not just adding more features—can reduce alert fatigue, improve staff efficiency, and enhance patient safety. From the importance of user-centered design to the role of AI and data integration, this episode breaks down what it takes to build healthcare technology that truly supports care teams and drives better outcomes.

    This Episode’s Guests

    Steve Tyler

    Formerly CTO at Vocera and Extension Healthcare, and VP at TigerConnect, Tyler specializes in building scalable, user-centered tools that support clinicians and improve care delivery. Passionate about aligning technology with real-world needs, Steve helps organizations design solutions that make healthcare safer, smarter, and more efficient.

    Connect: Website

    Key Takeaways

    1. Effective healthcare technology should align with clinician workflows, not just add more features—tools must reduce burden and improve patient outcomes.

    2. Feature overload is often fear-driven, leading to unnecessary alerts and inefficiency; instead, solutions should be based on real problems and situational awareness.

    3. Strong infrastructure is essential, as reliable networks and seamless integration form the foundation for successful clinical tools.

    4. User-centered design and product integrity are key, ensuring solutions are built with direct clinician input and only include features that truly add value.

    5. AI and data tools hold promise, but must be thoughtfully integrated to support—not replace—clinicians, relying on high-quality data and real-world testing to be effective.

    Connect with Lone Star Communications

    ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

    ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com.

    CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.
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    49 m
  • Episode 18: The Future of Fall Prevention with Predictive Monitoring

    Episode 18: The Future of Fall Prevention with Predictive Monitoring
    Jun 27 2025

    In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with the CEO of Ocuvera, Steve Kiene, about the future of fall prevention in hospitals. Learn how predictive technology, staff workflow integration, and solid infrastructure are helping reduce unassisted bed exits by over—and what it means for the future of safer care.

    This Episode’s Guests

    Steve Kiene - CEO for Ocuvera

    With a background spanning software, computer vision, hospital tech, and product development, Steve brings both technical expertise and a patient‑centered perspective. His leadership helped build the largest proprietary video dataset of patient room behavior, enabling Ocuvera’s AI to achieve significant reductions in falls and real outcomes for hospitals, caregivers, and patients.

    Connect: LinkedIn

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ocuvera’s AI-enabled technology identifies patient movements that signal a likely unassisted bed exit, helping staff intervene before a fall occurs.

    2. Successful adoption depends on involving frontline staff early, integrating alerts into existing workflows, and providing ongoing training to build trust and reduce resistance.

    3. Predictive tech needs more than just hardware; it relies on strong Wi-Fi, integrated nurse call systems, and proper alert routing. A solid infrastructure is key to reliable performance.

    4. Hospitals using predictive systems have cut unassisted bed exits by 60% and saved millions by reducing sitter costs and fall-related penalties, while also boosting staff satisfaction.

    5. Ocuvera’s platform has potential beyond fall prevention, including pressure injury prevention and rounding compliance. This is just the beginning of smarter, safer care delivery.

    Connect with Lone Star Communications

    ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

    ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com.

    CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 34 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

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    51 m
  • Episode 17: Why Real-Time Access and Smart Devices are the Future of Healthcare Safety

    Episode 17: Why Real-Time Access and Smart Devices are the Future of Healthcare Safety
    May 23 2025
    Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Kassaundra McKnight-Young about how technology is transforming healthcare with real-time data, wearable devices, and innovative solutions. Together, they explore how these advancements improve patient safety, speed up care, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. This Episode’s Guests Kassaundra McKnight-Young Healthcare CNIO Industry Principle for Zebra Technologies With 30 years of experience in healthcare, Kassaundra is committed to driving nursing excellence through technology integration, championing patient safety, staff empowerment, and healthcare innovation. Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving skills, she thrives in dynamic environments where innovation meets real-world application. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Advancements in technology now allow healthcare professionals to access real-time data, enabling quick responses to patient needs. This ensures faster decision-making and improved care delivery. Wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor health metrics like heart rate and sleep patterns. These devices provide valuable insights into a patient’s health, allowing for proactive interventions before issues escalate. Telehealth and virtual consultations are growing rapidly, expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas. These solutions allow patients to receive medical attention without the need for travel, saving time and reducing healthcare costs. Automation tools and predictive analytics are being implemented to streamline hospital operations, from scheduling to resource management. These technologies enhance efficiency and contribute to better patient outcomes. By integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis, healthcare systems are becoming more accurate in diagnosing conditions and predicting potential risks, leading to better patient safety and long-term health outcomes. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.
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    39 m
  • Episode 16: StarCare CX: Experience Excellence, Every Time

    Episode 16: StarCare CX: Experience Excellence, Every Time
    Jan 3 2025
    Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Donna Montgomery and Kevin Henderson about the company’s new StarCare CX program, which focuses on evolving customer experience based on ever-changing industry needs. They discuss how Lone Star is shifting from transactional service to a collaborative, results-driven approach, with an emphasis on proactive support, continuous improvement, and aligning technology with providers' goals. This Episode’s Guests Donna Montgomery Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at Lone Star Communications Through advanced healthcare technology solutions, Donna leads initiatives to improve patient care and outcomes. She is passionate about addressing key healthcare challenges and is committed to driving continuous improvement in healthcare organizations through her leadership in Lone Star's customer experience programs. Connect: LinkedIn Kevin Henderson Chief Operating Officer of Lone Star's Arkansas region Kevin is focused on fostering long-term partnerships with clients through proactive engagement and continuous support. He plays a key role in Lone Star's customer experience initiatives, driving the adoption of tailored solutions that improve healthcare workflows, enhance patient care, and deliver measurable results for clients. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Lone Star’s StarCare CX program shifts the company from a transactional model to a more collaborative, results-driven approach. This evolution involves proactive support to ensure solutions align with evolving customer needs and optimize workflows. The program strongly emphasizes understanding and aligning with customer goals, moving away from merely selling products. Lone Star works closely with clients to deliver tailored technology solutions that directly improve organizational outcomes. Key healthcare challenges, such as improving patient experience and reducing falls, are central to the StarCare CX program. Through advanced technology like bed exit alarms and upgraded nurse call systems, Lone Star helps clients meet critical metrics that impact patient care and reimbursement rates. Lone Star’s “high-touch” service model ensures customers receive continuous, hands-on support. Frequent communication and in-depth understanding of client challenges enable Lone Star to provide solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs. The program focuses on continuous improvement, with an emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes. This approach ensures that Lone Star stays engaged with clients, making adjustments as needed to improve customer care and operational efficiency. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.
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    31 m
  • Episode 15: Optimizing Tech Utilization in Hospitals

    Episode 15: Optimizing Tech Utilization in Hospitals
    Oct 30 2024
    Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Patti Artley and Amy Ricords about the challenges and successes of hospital technology adoption. They emphasize involving frontline staff in tech decisions, bridging gaps between purchasing and implementation, and the importance of thorough planning and ongoing education. The episode also explores the potential of data integration and AI in enhancing patient care and hospital efficiency. This Episode’s Guests: Amy Ricords Vice President of Customer Relationship Peak Outcomes Amy’s expertise lies in understanding client challenges and ensuring that technology solutions enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, she is dedicated to balancing technological advancements with streamlined processes to improve outcomes for both patients and clinicians. Connect: LinkedIn Patti Artley Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions Patti’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to evidence-based practices and the advancement of healthcare quality through innovative solutions. She is a strong advocate for enhancing data integration within healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with health information experts to drive meaningful improvements in patient care and clinical workflows. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Involving frontline staff in identifying challenges and solutions is crucial for successful technology adoption, as it ensures the tech addresses real needs. Clear communication between purchasing and implementation teams prevents disconnects that can hinder success. Dedicating significant time to planning (60%) over implementation (10-20%) leads to better outcomes and smoother rollouts. Continuous training and collaboration with vendors are essential for effective, sustained technology use. This ongoing partnership helps adapt to updates and ensures tech solutions remain beneficial long-term. Establishing clear metrics before implementation is critical for tracking ROI and assessing effectiveness. Better data integration optimizes patient care and operational efficiency by allowing systems to work cohesively. Involving health information experts can enhance interoperability, maximizing technology’s potential. Technology alone doesn’t transform healthcare; effective integration and thoughtful utilization are what drive meaningful change. By focusing on strategic use, hospitals can maximize technology’s impact on patient care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation
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    34 m
  • Episode 14: Failing on Falls: The Race to Make Hospitals Safer

    Episode 14: Failing on Falls: The Race to Make Hospitals Safer
    Sep 30 2024
    Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Guy Meger, Elaine Bridge, and Tim O’Malley about the challenges of implementing new at-home technologies to prevent falls in elderly patients. They discuss the critical need for seamless integration of these technologies into daily routines and the importance of training patients and caregivers to maximize their effectiveness. The conversation also highlights the role of data analytics in monitoring patient safety and the ongoing evolution of fall prevention strategies within healthcare settings. ### This Episode’s Guests Guy Meger Vice President and Head of the Vayyar Care Business unit, Vayyar Focusing on leveraging data analytics and wearable technologies, Meger has led initiatives that transform healthcare practices through continuous monitoring and predictive insights. His work aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical healthcare applications, enhancing both patient outcomes and operational efficiency in clinical settings. Connect: LinkedIn Elaine Bridge Principal Consultant, Over the Bridge Consulting, LLC She has dedicated much of her career to improving patient care, focusing on safety, quality, and operational efficiency in healthcare settings. Her passion for patient advocacy and nursing excellence has shaped her approach to leadership, driving her efforts to create better outcomes for both patients and healthcare staff. Connect: LinkedIn Tim O’Malley Vice President and Division Manager of TPC Systems healthcare unit, TPC Systems With extensive experience in leading health tech organizations, O'Malley has been instrumental in developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions that improve clinical workflows, patient care, and overall hospital efficiency. He is dedicated to using technology to enhance healthcare delivery and drive more effective, patient-centered outcomes in clinical settings. Connect: LinkedIn ## Key Takeaways By utilizing wearable devices, telemonitoring, and advanced AI algorithms, healthcare providers aim to reduce fall risks for patients, particularly those in high-risk groups like the elderly. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring and predictive analytics, providing real-time insights that can inform fall prevention strategies.Successful implementation of these technologies requires more than just equipment—it hinges on proper staff training and ensuring patient education. When staff members understand how to use technology effectively, and patients are informed about its benefits, fall prevention efforts are significantly enhanced. Proper adoption across both ends is key to maximizing the effectiveness of tech-driven interventions for safety improvements.Challenges like infrastructure limitations and alarm fatigue can hinder the efficacy of these technologies. Many healthcare facilities may not have the resources to support the integration of advanced systems, and constant alerts can overwhelm staff, reducing the response to critical events. Finding a balance between technological integration and operational feasibility is critical to success. Collaborations between tech developers, healthcare providers, and data scientists are essential for refining these systems. By leveraging real-world data and continuous learning from AI algorithms, healthcare teams can create a more targeted, responsive approach to fall prevention. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.
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    33 m