Shows
How Health Systems WorkTodd Nova: Aligning 340B Optimization with Health System StrategyIn this episode of How Health Systems Work, Jim Burke and Steve Pratt talk with Todd Nova, a nationally recognized attorney at Hall Render and one of the foremost legal experts on the 340B drug pricing program. Todd brings his two decades of experience advising hospitals, health systems, and safety-net providers to help unpack the complex reality of 340B — its origins, its current pressures, and how health systems can navigate it responsibly and strategically.The conversation spans a wide range of topics, including how 340B savings impact financial sustainability, why program participation is often mi...
2025-12-1731 min
How Health Systems WorkAbigail Kaericher John Williams: Inside DC, What Hospitals Need to KnowFrom cyber‑risk and patient privacy to post‑shutdown policy drama — this episode brings together regulatory insight from a privacy lawyer and legislative specialists to help health systems anticipate what’s next.
2025-11-2634 min
How Health Systems WorkMark Swearingen: Protecting Patient Data in a Digital WorldAs healthcare becomes more digital and data-driven, the risks around privacy and cybersecurity grow.In this episode, privacy and security attorney Mark Swearingen joins Jim Burke and Steve Pratt to unpack how health systems can protect themselves from breaches, ransomware, and vendor risk — while navigating the next frontier of data use in AI and analytics.
2025-11-1330 min
How Health Systems WorkFrom Bedside to Boardroom: When Caring Becomes LeadershipHow does a small rural hospital maintain five-star performance for six straight years?In this episode, Carthage Area Hospital CEO Ada Bair joins hosts Jim Burke and Steve Pratt to share how strong culture, creative workforce strategies, and deep community partnerships are helping rural health systems not just survive—but thrive.
2025-11-0528 min
How Health Systems WorkPamela Jones: Managing Risk, Reimbursement, and Real-Life CareIn this episode of How Health Systems Work, Jim Burke and Steve Pratt sit down with Pamela Jones, Vice President & General Counsel at Reed Health and former long-time GC at Franciscan Health. Pamela brings a unique blend of legal insight, rural health experience, and a deep commitment to community-driven care.Pam shares the challenges and opportunities she’s tackled moving from a large, urban hospital system to a rural one—where recruitment, behavioral health, and reimbursement dynamics are persistent headwinds. Among other topics, she talks about:How Reed Health is a...
2025-10-1634 min
How Health Systems WorkDoug Long: From Law Firm to General Counsel, lessons from SSM Health's Legal LeadershipFormer SSM Health General Counsel Doug Long joins hosts Jim Burke and Steve Pratt to discuss the economic pressures reshaping healthcare today. From AI implementation and behavioural health challenges to hospital-at-home services and new Medicare payment models, Doug shares insights from leading legal operations at a $12 billion health system. The conversation covers essential leadership lessons for healthcare CEOs and practical advice for in-house counsel navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
2025-09-2528 min
How Health Systems WorkUnlocking Value-Based Enterprises in HealthcareIn this episode, Jim Burke and Steve Pratt discuss the intricacies of Value-Based Enterprises (VBEs) in healthcare, focusing on their regulatory framework, key components, and practical applications. They explore the differences between Stark Law and AKS Safe Harbor, the importance of risk models, and how to effectively engage physicians in these initiatives. The conversation also highlights common mistakes in implementing VBEs and emphasizes the need for credible data and physician leadership to ensure success.
2025-07-3032 min
How Health Systems WorkGwen Sandefur: Rebuilding Trust by Listening to PatientsIn this episode of How Health Systems Work, hosts Jim Burke and Steve Pratt sit down with Gwen Sandifer, interim president at Henry Ford Genesis Hospital and founder of Loud Minds. Gwen brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare administration and a deeply personal perspective shaped by her upbringing in a small rural town.She shares powerful stories—from a near-paralyzing injury in high school to her mother’s struggles accessing mental health services—that inspired her mission to improve healthcare systems. Gwen discusses how the sector has evolved, what’s stayed the same, and why...
2025-07-1624 min
How Health Systems WorkAndrew Dick: What Health Systems Need to Know About Real Estate TodayIn this episode of How Health Systems Work, Jim Burke and Steve Pratt are joined by Andrew Dick, a healthcare real estate attorney with 18 years of experience helping hospitals and health systems navigate complex property decisions.Andrew breaks down why real estate strategy is no longer just about buildings—it’s about survival. From the explosive growth of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) to the shifting role of nonprofit ownership, Andrew explains how health systems can strengthen their financial position, improve patient access, and avoid costly pitfalls.The conversation explores:
2025-07-0227 min
How Health Systems WorkDr. Larry Bucshon: Public Health Policy and the future of healthcare in AmericaIn this conversation, Dr. Larry Bucshon shares his extensive experience in healthcare, discussing the evolution of payment systems, the impact of government regulations, and the importance of collaboration between physicians and hospitals. He emphasizes the need for alternative payment models, the role of data in improving healthcare quality, and the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare. Dr. Bucshon also highlights the significance of physician leadership in reform discussions and the implications of immigration policies on the healthcare workforce. The conversation concludes with insights on the path forward for healthcare reform, focusing on transparency, regulatory review, and consumer involvement.
2025-06-2527 min
How Health Systems WorkJames Junger: Using Healthcare Regulations to Protect Safety Net ProvidersIn this episode, Jim and Steve talk with James Junger, a healthcare attorney at Hall Render who works with hospitals and health systems to strengthen their operations through strategic compliance and data-driven decision-making.Drawing from his work with safety-net providers, James explains how health systems can better leverage programs like 340B and provider-based rural health clinics, not just for compliance, but as essential tools for sustainability. He discusses how claims data, payment analysis, and regulatory alignment can uncover new opportunities for financial stability in even the most resource-limited environments....
2025-06-1123 min
How Health Systems WorkBain Farris: How Strong Physician Partnerships Shape Better Health SystemsIn this episode, Jim and Steve sit down with Bain Farris, a veteran healthcare executive with decades of leadership experience across hospitals, health systems, and payers. Bain shares what he learned over a career spent building stronger partnerships between hospital leadership and physicians—and why real engagement is key to meaningful change.From the early days of physician-hospital collaboration to today’s push toward ambulatory and home-based care, Bain discusses what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what future leaders need to understand about how healthcare delivery is shifting. Along the way, he reflects on the t...
2025-06-0430 min
How Health Systems WorkMike Greer: What Healthcare Leaders Need to Know About Antitrust and IntegrationIn this episode, healthcare attorney Mike Greer from Hall Render joins the show to help health system leaders understand how federal antitrust enforcement is shifting—and what it means for provider networks, hospital partnerships, and managed care contracts.With deep experience advising systems, hospitals, and physicians, Mike breaks down the key changes happening at the FTC and DOJ, including the withdrawal of prior guidance, the use of new merger guidelines, and what triggers scrutiny in today’s regulatory climate. He also unpacks how clinical integration, managed care contracting, and network formation can be structured to a...
2025-05-2824 min
How Health Systems WorkAnthony Long: The keys to success in Value-Based CareIn this episode, Jim and Steve talk with Anthony Long, partner at Pinnacle Healthcare Consulting, about one of the most critical challenges facing healthcare organizations today: the growing disconnect between system leadership and frontline teams.Anthony shares what he’s seeing inside hospitals and health systems across the country—from strained physician relationships and stagnant strategies to the gaps in communication that derail progress. He makes the case for shared governance, stronger physician engagement, and the kind of operational discipline that turns big goals into practical results.Drawing on deca...
2025-05-2127 min
How Health Systems WorkAmy Mackin: Inside the Rules of Healthcare ContractingIn this episode, healthcare attorney Amy Mackin joins us to unpack what’s changing in the world of healthcare contracting. From shifting payer dynamics to negotiating under tighter regulatory scrutiny, Amy offers practical insights for health systems and providers navigating today’s complex environment.Amy Mackin’s practice focuses on healthcare regulatory law for hospitals, health systems, clinical laboratories, and other providers. She brings deep expertise in managed care contracting, advising providers on negotiations with both commercial and governmental health plans. Her work spans reimbursement models like capitation and pay-for-performance, contract disputes, out-of-network transitions, and co...
2025-05-1424 min
How Health Systems WorkBrian C. Betner: Understanding Success and Failure in Quality InitiativesThis podcast episode features a discussion on the evolving landscape of healthcare, focusing on the importance of quality in patient care and the challenges of aligning physician incentives with quality goals. The guests share insights on how healthcare delivery is influenced by reimbursement policies and the need for a collaborative approach to improve patient outcomes. In this conversation, Brian Betner discusses the critical gaps in clinical leadership and the importance of understanding success and failure in quality initiatives. He emphasizes the need for cultural change within healthcare organizations and the role of Value-Based Enterprises (VBE) in redefining physician engagement...
2025-05-0630 minHow Health Systems WorkMeet Steve PrattIn this episode, we introduce Steve Pratt, co-host of How Health Systems Work. Steve shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of healthcare, from shifting payment models to the challenges and opportunities ahead for hospitals and providers. Join us as we set the stage for what’s to come—real conversations, expert insights, and a deep dive into how healthcare systems navigate change.
2025-02-2508 minHow Health Systems WorkMeet Jim BurkeIn this introductory episode of 'How Health Systems Work', host Jim Burke outlines the purpose and vision of the podcast, emphasising the importance of sharing insights from leaders in the healthcare sector. He discusses his background in healthcare consulting and leadership, and the need for innovative ideas to address the challenges facing health systems today. The podcast aims to provide listeners with practical stories and strategies from industry leaders, fostering a community of change-makers in healthcare.
2024-09-2503 min
I Love SplatterSplattercast episode 15: Buffy the Vampire SlayerIn which Amie & Adrienne discuss BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (1992), Directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui! Featuring slapstick humor, 90’s spandex, many parade floats, DREAMY LUKE PERRY, and the funniest vampire death sequence ever.
AMC Backstory: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nki7Ed-hHsw
Buffy's' Gnarly Date With Destiny - Los Angeles Times
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-07-31-ca-4213-story.html
Ben Affleck On That Time He Was In Buffy The Vampire Slayer | 8 Days
https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/hollywood/ben-affleck-on-that-time-he-was-in-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-12500700?redir=1
2021-09-261h 33