Healthcare, Patient-Centered Care, Healthcare Leadership, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Value-Based Care, Musculoskeletal Health, Risk-Based Models, Medicare Advantage, Care Coordination, Population Health, Digital Health, TailorCare, Healthcare Economics, Rachel Winokur

Roy Bejarano sits down with Rachel Winokur, CEO and Founder of TailorCare, to discuss how her risk-based musculoskeletal care model is reshaping patient-centered care. With a background in healthcare investment, payer strategy, and care delivery, Rachel shares her journey from Aetna and Bright Health to launching TailorCare, a company dedicated to optimizing MSK treatment pathways for better patient outcomes and lower costs.

This conversation dives into how care coordination, data-driven decision-making, and provider-patient engagement are essential for success in risk-based healthcare. Rachel also highlights the limitations of existing value-based models, the role of predictive analytics, and the future of innovative therapies like GLP-1s and stem cells.

• [00:01] Introduction to Rachel Winokur and her career spanning Aetna, Bright Health, and TailorCare
• [04:47] The evolution of risk-based musculoskeletal care and why it remains an untapped opportunity
• [08:12] Challenges in Medicare Advantage and value-based models – misaligned financial incentives and fragmented care
• [14:36] The importance of real-time data access and claims transparency in patient management
• [22:57] How TailorCare’s risk-based navigation model improves patient outcomes and reduces unnecessary procedures
• [33:18] The role of predictive analytics and provider quality data in care coordination
• [39:09] How musculoskeletal care impacts patient mobility, function, and behavioral health[45:32] The potential impact of GLP-1s and stem cell therapies in orthopedic care

• Risk-Based Care Requires Smarter Coordination – TailorCare bridges payer incentives and provider decision-making to create cost-effective, high-quality MSK care pathways.
• Predictive Analytics is a Game Changer – Using claims data, patient history, and utilization patterns, TailorCare proactively navigates patients toward optimal treatment options.
• Care Fragmentation Leads to Poor Outcomes – Without structured guidance, MSK patients often go through unnecessary imaging, procedures, or delayed interventions, increasing costs and worsening health.
• Patients Need More Engagement & Support – TailorCare’s licensed physical therapists act as navigators, providing evidence-based guidance to ensure better outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Website: TailorCare

LinkedIn: Rachel Winokur

Rachel Winokur is a healthcare entrepreneur and executive with deep expertise in payer strategy, risk-based care models, and healthcare investment. She has led major initiatives at Aetna and Bright Health, driving value-based care adoption and primary care integration. As the Founder & CEO of TailorCare, she is revolutionizing musculoskeletal care by optimizing treatment pathways, improving patient engagement, and reducing unnecessary medical spend.

Roy Bejarano sits down with Victor Schmerbeck, CEO of Emerus, to discuss the evolution of neighborhood hospitals, how health systems are shifting their care models, and the role of private equity in modernizing healthcare delivery.

In this episode, Victor explains how Emerus has partnered with 12 major health systems, developing 40+ neighborhood hospitals to improve patient access, care coordination, and efficiency. He shares insights on why hospitals are decentralizing, the financial structure of these partnerships, and why smaller hospitals reduce costs while improving outcomes. This discussion is essential for healthcare executives, payers, and investors looking to understand the future of hospital-at-home models, outpatient expansion, and MSO partnerships.

• [00:02] Introduction to Victor Schmerbeck and his leadership journey at Emerus
• [01:53] The evolution of Emerus – from emergency care to health system partnerships
• [05:02] Neighborhood hospitals vs. micro-hospitals – the shift to community-based care
• [12:56] How neighborhood hospitals act as hubs, improving patient flow and referrals
• [18:17] Why only 150+ neighborhood hospitals exist today and the case for expansion
• [24:46] Hospitals are shifting towards performance-focused, cost-effective care
• [33:13] The role of payers & value-based care in small-format hospital success
• [44:10] How private equity supports hospital MSO partnerships and future growth

• Health Systems Are Decentralizing – Large hospitals are shifting to smaller, community-based neighborhood hospitals to increase access, lower costs, and improve care coordination.
• MSO-Hospital Partnerships Drive Efficiency – Through white-label partnerships, Emerus helps health systems operate efficient, high-quality neighborhood hospitals, reducing readmissions and length of stay.
• Neighborhood Hospitals Fill a Critical Gap – Positioned between urgent care and tertiary hospitals, these facilities reduce ER overcrowding and streamline specialty referrals.
• Private Equity Is Fueling Healthcare Innovation – Investors like Welsh Carson play a key role in funding operational improvements, driving focus, and expanding care models.

Website: Emerus

Victor Schmerbeck is the CEO of Emerus, the nation’s largest operator of neighborhood hospitals. With extensive experience in healthcare investment, operations, and system partnerships, he has led Emerus’ expansion to 40+ hospitals in collaboration with 12 major health systems. Under his leadership, Emerus has helped health systems increase access, reduce costs, and modernize acute care delivery.

Healthcare, Health System Partnerships, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Value-Based Care, MSO Strategy, Neighborhood Hospitals, Acute Care, Population Health, Private Equity in Healthcare, Emergency Medicine, Healthcare Economics, Care Coordination, Hospital-at-Home, Victor Schmerbeck,

In this episode of the Scale Community Technology & Innovation in Healthcare Series, host Jason Schifman sits down with Kyle Frye, CEO of Cortex AI, to discuss healthcare leadership and groundbreaking healthcare innovations in AI-powered imaging technology. Kyle shares how Cortex AI is revolutionizing brain care and oncology by introducing quantitative imaging, giving neurologists and radiologists the ability to track and analyze patient conditions like never before. Tune in to explore the healthcare trends shaping neuroimaging, AI in diagnostics, and the future of brain health.

• [02:00] – The evolution of Cortex AI from neurology to oncology: How AI is transforming healthcare industry insights.
• [05:30] – From black-and-white imaging to AI-driven data: The rise of quantitative imaging in healthcare leadership.
• [14:00] – Overcoming barriers to adoption: How AI-driven imaging integrates seamlessly with existing workflows.
• [22:45] – Case study: Using AI to detect traumatic brain injuries missed by traditional imaging.
• [32:30] – The future of preventative healthcare: Can AI-driven brain scans become as routine as blood tests?
• [42:00] – Expanding globally: How Cortex AI is bringing healthcare innovations to new markets.

• AI Enhances, Not Replaces, Radiology – Cortex AI provides neurologists and radiologists quantitative imaging that complements existing workflows, improving speed and accuracy.
• Data-Driven Brain Health is the Future – AI-based brain scans help detect dementia, tumors, and brain injuries earlier, improving healthcare industry insights and patient outcomes.
• Preventative Imaging is on the Rise – The adoption of full-body and brain scans as preventative healthcare trends is growing, potentially making AI-driven diagnostics routine.
• Global Expansion & Healthcare Accessibility – Cortex AI is working to improve imaging access worldwide, especially in regions where wait times for scans are long.

Website: https://www.cortechs.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-frye-18843119/

Kyle Frye, CEO of Cortechs.ai, a market leader, and innovator in medical technology solutions. Discover how the Company is transforming neurology, radiology, and oncology with state-of-the-art medical imaging, leveraging clinical data and machine learning to empower physicians in making more accurate and timely diagnostic decisions.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, AI in Healthcare, Neuroimaging, Cortex AI, Medical Technology, Radiology AI, Kyle Frye,

In this episode of the Scale Community Technology & Innovation in Healthcare Series, host Jason Schifman sits down with Bruno Piquin, CEO of Ensure Data Solutions, to discuss healthcare leadership, value-based care, and healthcare innovations in data analytics. With over 30 years of experience in the payer market, including roles at UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Amerigroup, Bruno shares insights into healthcare industry trends, payer-provider collaboration, and how healthcare data analytics is reshaping the value-based care landscape. Learn how Ensure Data Solutions is providing healthcare industry insights that drive healthcare innovations for payers, providers, and ACOs.

• [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Bruno Piquin, CEO of Ensure Data Solutions
• [02:00] How data analytics is driving healthcare innovations and improving patient care
• [06:30] The impact of value-based care and shifting reimbursement models in the healthcare industry
• [12:00] Regulatory changes and their influence on healthcare trends
• [18:00] The role of interoperability and technology in healthcare leadership
• [30:00] Looking ahead: The future of healthcare industry insights and healthcare innovations

• Data analytics is revolutionizing healthcare leadership: Bruno Piquin highlights how Ensure Data Solutions helps providers navigate data complexity, improving patient care and financial outcomes in the healthcare industry.
• Value-based care is reshaping healthcare trends: The transition from fee-for-service to value-based models is changing the way providers and payers approach healthcare innovations.
• Regulatory shifts impact healthcare industry insights: New risk-adjustment policies and CMS guidelines are driving major changes, influencing the financial sustainability of the healthcare industry.
• Interoperability is key to healthcare leadership: The future of healthcare innovations relies on seamless data exchange between payers, providers, and healthcare technology platforms.

Resources:

Website: https://www.ensuredatasolutions.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruno-piquin-3723741/

Bruno Piquin, a 25+ year executive in the healthcare payer and value-based care markets, and the current CEO of Ensure Data Solutions, a company that specializes in value-based care analytics.

In this episode, Roy Bejarano speaks with Elizabeth Fowler, former Deputy Administrator of CMS and Director of CMMI (Innovation Center). We dive into the healthcare industry insights surrounding the evolution of value-based care, healthcare leadership, and how regulatory shifts impact healthcare innovations. Elizabeth shares her perspective on healthcare trends, including the successes and challenges of Medicare Advantage, coordinated care, and efforts to bend the cost curve. Elizabeth shares firsthand insights on healthcare innovations that have transformed healthcare industry insights and what must happen next to create a more equitable system.

• [00:00] Introduction to Elizabeth Fowler, her role in healthcare leadership, and her work with CMS and CMMI
• [04:00] The success and challenges of the Innovation Center in advancing value-based care
• [10:30] The impact of healthcare regulation on healthcare industry insights and provider incentives
• [18:00] Examining U.S. healthcare trends vs. global healthcare models
• [30:00] The role of data, analytics, and interoperability in healthcare innovations
• [45:00] Future outlook on value-based care, Medicare, and the policy roadmap ahead

• The Innovation Center has driven major shifts in healthcare trends:Elizabeth Fowler explains how CMMI has reshaped value-based care, encouraging better patient outcomes and cost savings.
• Healthcare leadership must address equity and access: Despite healthcare innovations, disparities persist in access to care, requiring further policy efforts.
• Healthcare industry insights reveal evolving reimbursement models: Regulatory changes impact provider payments, requiring adaptation and strategic planning.
• U.S. healthcare is not broken, but requires continuous innovation: Data-driven solutions and policy shifts will shape the future of healthcare leadership and sustainability.

Resources:

Website: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/elizabeth-fowler

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liz-f-b5612749

About the Guest:

Elizabeth Fowler is an American lawyer who is Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. She previously served under President Barack Obama at the National Economic Council. In 2022, she was included by Stat News on their list of leaders in the life sciences and she was elected a Member of the National Academy of Medicine.[1]

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Medicare Advantage, Value-Based Care, Coordinated Care, Healthcare Disparities, Elizabeth Fowler, CMS, CMMI,

In this episode of Analyzing Healthcare, host Roy Bejarano sits down with Senator Richard Burr, former Chair of the HELP Committee and a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to explore healthcare policy, public health, and national security. With over 30 years in Congress, Senator Burr played a pivotal role in crafting the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and led healthcare leadership efforts to strengthen U.S. biodefense and pandemic preparedness.

The conversation covers the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on the healthcare industry, the financial sustainability of Medicare and Medicaid, and the rise of AI-driven medical innovation. Senator Burr also shares insights on public health strategies, intelligence policy, and national security concerns related to healthcare infrastructure, pandemic response, and medical advancements.

• [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Senator Richard Burr
• [03:30] The role of Congress in shaping healthcare leadership and healthcare trends
• [10:30] Pandemic preparedness: Lessons from COVID-19 and future healthcare innovations
• [24:30] The Affordable Care Act (ACA): Successes, failures, and the path forward
• [39:00] Medicare sustainability, Medicaid expansion, and healthcare industry insights
• [56:00] The rise of AI and healthcare data analytics in value-based care

• Healthcare needs investment, not just cost-cutting: Senator Burr emphasizes that funding healthcare innovations is essential for better patient outcomes and system efficiency.
• Medicare sustainability requires reform: While Medicare Advantage has seen growth, adjustments are needed to ensure financial stability for the healthcare industry.
• AI and healthcare data analytics will revolutionize patient care: Artificial intelligence and healthcare industry insights will shape the future of value-based care and coordinated care models.
• The ACA had mixed results: While healthcare disparities decreased, regulatory challenges still impact payer-provider relationships and reimbursement models.

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richard-burr-73b015272

Senator Richard Burr, the longtime senator from North Carolina, is renowned for chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee, co-authoring the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), opposing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), advancing medical innovation, and strengthening U.S. biodefense, healthcare, and intelligence policies, leaving a significant legacy in public health and national security.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Medicare Advantage, Value-Based Care, Coordinated Care, Healthcare Disparities, Senator Richard Burr, HELP Committee, Affordable Care Act, enate Intelligence Committee, Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, PAHPA, ACA, medical innovation, U.S. biodefense, healthcare policy, intelligence policy, public health, national security,

Host Roy Bejarano welcomes Dr. David Katz, a globally recognized expert in preventive medicine, nutrition science, and public health. Dr. Katz shares his journey from traditional medicine to becoming a pioneer in lifestyle medicine, advocating for diet-based disease prevention and healthcare innovations that prioritize nutrition, exercise, and behavioral change over reactive treatments.

The conversation covers healthcare industry insights on the obesity epidemic, processed foods, nutrition policy, healthcare leadership, and the economic sustainability of healthcare. They discuss the intersection of healthcare policy, intelligence policy, and public health, and how food industry regulation, AI in healthcare, and national security threats impact healthcare trends in the U.S.

• [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. David Katz
• [02:00] How a cardiologist’s son became a global leader in preventive medicine and nutrition science
• [06:30] The obesity epidemic: How the U.S. food industry manipulates diet and public health
• [18:00] The science of food addiction and the role of ultra-processed foods in chronic disease
• [30:00] Public health vs. healthcare policy: Why the U.S. system focuses on disease care instead of prevention
• [45:00] The role of government and regulation in curbing the influence of Big Food and Big Tobacco
• [55:00] AI, medical innovation, and the future of healthcare leadership in preventing chronic disease
• [1:10:00] Addressing misinformation in healthcare: How distrust, AI, and media distort public health efforts
• [1:30:00] The biggest healthcare challenge of the future: Preventing disease through better knowledge, not just better medicine

• Healthcare needs to shift from disease care to prevention. Dr. Katz explains how the U.S. healthcare industry profits from treating chronic disease rather than preventing it. Nutrition, exercise, and behavioral health should be primary, not secondary, concerns in healthcare leadership.
• The food industry profits from poor health. Ultra-processed foods are scientifically engineered to be addictive, leading to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Better regulation and public health education are critical to reversing this trend.
• AI & technology could revolutionize healthcare – or make it worse. AI-driven healthcare innovations can personalize preventive care, but misinformation and commercial interests must be addressed to ensure true healthcare industry insights.
• Public health and national security are connected. The U.S. healthcare system is at risk of economic collapse due to rising chronic disease rates. Preventive healthcare isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a public health and intelligence policy issue.

Resources:

Website: https://davidkatzmd.com/

Website: dietid.com/

Website: truehealthinitiative.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidlkatz/?hl=en

LinkedIn- linkedin.com/in/david-l-katz-md-mph-4798667

About the Guest:

David L. Katz, MD, is a specialist in Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine/Public Health, and Lifestyle Medicine – globally recognized for expertise in chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and nutrition. He has roughly 250 peer-reviewed publications and has authored 19 books.

Healthcare,...

In this episode of Analyzing Healthcare, host Roy Bejarano sits down with Anthony Milonas, CEO of Ascend Aesthetic Partners, to discuss the evolution of plastic surgery, medical aesthetics, and healthcare leadership in the private equity-backed MSO space. As one of the largest national plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine platforms, Ascend Aesthetic is transforming the industry through physician-led growth, data-driven decision-making, and patient-focused innovations.

Anthony shares healthcare industry insights on operational excellence, patient acquisition strategies, digital marketing innovations, physician recruitment, and AI in healthcare. He also explores the synergy between Med Spa and plastic surgery services, the importance of patient engagement, and how Ascend is reshaping the future of aesthetic healthcare through strategic partnerships and technology.

• [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Anthony Milonas, CEO of Ascend Aesthetic Partners
• [02:00] The journey from healthcare distribution to leading a national plastic surgery MSO
• [06:30] Why private equity is fueling the transformation of plastic surgery and Med Spa practices
• [12:00] Patient demographics: Understanding the 35-65 age group and the rise of younger Med Spa clients
• [18:00] The role of data analytics, AI, and digital marketing in scaling aesthetic healthcare
• [24:30] Why traditional plastic surgery practices struggle with marketing and how Ascend is fixing it
• [30:00] Med Spa and Plastic Surgery: Are patient acquisition costs decreasing with integrated services?
• [40:00] Recruiting challenges in plastic surgery: How Ascend is attracting top surgeons with partnership models
• [50:00] AI, predictive analytics, and the future of patient experience and healthcare trends in aesthetics
• [1:00:00] Looking ahead: Where is the plastic surgery and Med Spa industry heading in the next 5 years?

• Plastic Surgery is Entering a New Era of Consolidation. With private equity investment and physician-led MSOs, the industry is shifting from independent practices to scalable, tech-enabled platforms.
• Data & AI Will Define the Future of Aesthetics. Advanced analytics, AI, and predictive modeling will drive marketing, patient engagement, and clinical decision-making for plastic surgery and Med Spa businesses.
• The Synergy Between Plastic Surgery & Med Spa is Powerful. While anecdotal evidence suggests cross-referrals reduce patient acquisition costs, Ascend Aesthetic is working on data-driven proof to quantify the impact.
• Recruitment & Retention in Plastic Surgery Requires a New Model. Competitive compensation, student loan support, and clear partnership pathways are key to attracting top talent in aesthetic medicine.

Resources:

Website: https://www.ascendaestheticpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony1care/

About the Guest:

Anthony Milonas is the CEO of Ascend Aesthetics Partners, a company involved in the aesthetics industry, particularly focusing on medical aesthetics and skincare. Ascend Aesthetics Partners partners with practices in the aesthetic sector to help them grow and optimize their operations. Under Milonas's leadership, the company seeks to leverage expertise and resources to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency for its network of medical aesthetic practices.

Milonas has extensive experience in leadership roles, particularly in areas like healthcare and business development. His background includes working in senior positions in various healthcare-related