Shows
Curbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 10: Child Psychiatry with Melissa Bowker-Kinley, MDMaineHealth Behavioral Health child psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Bowker-Kinley joins Heather and Mike with tips on supporting pediatric patients with common conditions including anxiety and ADHD. They also discuss current therapeutic approaches, navigating behavioral health referrals and the importance of family involvement in treatment.
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult here or on your f...
2026-02-0225 min
The MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 9: Cardiology with Katie Manning, MDIn the January episode, Dr. Katie Manning focuses on heart failure management and the collaboration between primary care and cardiology. The conversation covers the early signs of heart failure, the importance of primary care in managing these patients, and the challenges of medication access. Dr. Manning emphasizes the need for effective communication and collaboration between healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes, as well as the significance of incorporating goals of care conversations into treatment plans.
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management ...
2026-01-0635 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 9: Cardiology with Katie Manning, MDIn the January episode, Dr. Katie Manning focuses on heart failure management and the collaboration between primary care and cardiology. The conversation covers the early signs of heart failure, the importance of primary care in managing these patients, and the challenges of medication access. Dr. Manning emphasizes the need for effective communication and collaboration between healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes, as well as the significance of incorporating goals of care conversations into treatment plans.
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management...
2026-01-0136 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 8: Telehealth and Virtual Care with Lizzy Mulcahy, FNPLizzy Mulcahy, FNP, vice president for Telehealth and Virtual Care at MaineHealth, discusses how virtual care continues to transform access, especially for rural communities across Maine. The conversation also explores new models for bringing specialty care closer to home and the role AI may play in improving the patient experience.
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist to share their unique insi...
2025-12-0822 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 8: Telehealth and Virtual Care with Lizzy Mulcahy, FNPLizzy Mulcahy, FNP, vice president for Telehealth and Virtual Care at MaineHealth, discusses how virtual care continues to transform access, especially for rural communities across Maine. The conversation also explores new models for bringing specialty care closer to home and the role AI may play in improving the patient experience.
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist to share their unique in...
2025-12-0122 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 7: Adult Psychiatry with Dylan McKenney, MDIn the November episode, hosts Heather Ward and Mike Clark engage with Dr. Dylan McKenney, the medical director of MHACO’s Behavioral Healthcare Program. They discuss the evolving landscape of behavioral health, the integration of mental health services into primary care, and the innovations in treatment delivery, including telehealth and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between primary care and behavioral health providers, emerging therapies, and the potential impact of AI on mental health diagnosis and treatment
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to...
2025-11-0121 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 7: Adult Psychiatry with Dylan McKenney, MDIn the November episode, hosts Heather Ward and Mike Clark engage with Dr. Dylan McKenney, the medical director of MHACO’s Behavioral Healthcare Program. They discuss the evolving landscape of behavioral health, the integration of mental health services into primary care, and the innovations in treatment delivery, including telehealth and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between primary care and behavioral health providers, emerging therapies, and the potential impact of AI on mental health diagnosis and treatment
Curbside Consult is a podcast from the MaineHealth ACO that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to...
2025-11-0121 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 06: Antimicrobial Stewardship with Christina Yen, MDIn this episode, infectious disease physician Dr. Christina Yen discusses the importance of antimicrobial stewardship where antibiotics are prescribed the most: the outpatient setting. She shares insights on the current state of antibiotic resistance, discusses the current thinking on duration of antibiotic treatments and offers practical tips on managing infectious disease. Other topics include “watchful waiting,” rapid diagnostics, collaboration between primary care and specialists and new guidelines and technologies coming to stewardship in the near future.
Curbside Consult is the podcast that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care...
2025-10-0632 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 6: Antimicrobial Stewardship with Christina Yen, MDIn this episode, infectious disease physician Dr. Christina Yen discusses the importance of antimicrobial stewardship where antibiotics are prescribed the most: the outpatient setting. She shares insights on the current state of antibiotic resistance, disusses the current thinking on duration of antibiotic treatments and offers practical tips on managing infectious disease. Other topics include “watchful waiting,” rapid diagnostics, collaboration between primary care and specialists and new guidelines and technologies coming to stewardship in the near future.
Curbside Consult is the podcast that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care...
2025-10-0132 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 5: Obesity Medicine with Peter Amann, MDIn the latest podcast episode from the MaineHealth ACO, Dr. Peter Amann shares the latest from obesity medicine, including the GLP-1 revolution, the importance of treating obesity as a chronic disease and the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions.
Curbside Consult is the podcast that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult here or on your favorite podcast app, or on the M...
2025-09-0331 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 5: Obesity Medicine with Peter Amann, MDIn the latest podcast episode from the MaineHealth ACO, Dr. Peter Amann shares the latest from obesity medicine, including the GLP-1 revolution, the importance of treating obesity as a chronic disease and the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions.
Curbside Consult is the podcast that brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult here or on your favorite podcast app, or on the M...
2025-09-0132 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 4: Oncology with Dr. Gary HochheiserThis month, Mike and Heather sit down with thoracic surgeon and oncologist Dr. Gary Hochheiser to discuss lung cancer screening, early detection and the crucial role primary care can play in reducing lung cancer mortality.
Curbside Consult brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult here or on your favorite podcast app, or on the MaineHealth intranet home page. To stay...
2025-08-0125 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 4: Oncology with Gary Hochheiser, MDThis month, Mike and Heather sit down with thoracic surgeon and oncologist Dr. Gary Hochheiser to discuss lung cancer screening, early detection and the crucial role primary care can play in reducing lung cancer mortality.
Curbside Consult brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult here or on your favorite podcast app, or on the MaineHealth intranet home page. To stay...
2025-08-0125 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult - Episode 3: Neurology with Dr. Megan SelvitelliIn this month’s Curbside Consult podcast from the MaineHealth ACO, neurologist Megan Selvitelli discusses newer migraine treatments that primary care providers can initiate themselves, CMS’s new GUIDE model for dementia care and a common condition that can lead to superfluous neurology referrals.
Curbside Consult brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult on your favorite podcast app, on the Mai...
2025-07-0225 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 3: Neurology with Dr. Megan SelvitelliIn this month’s Curbside Consult podcast from the MaineHealth ACO, neurologist Megan Selvitelli discusses newer migraine treatments that primary care providers can initiate themselves, CMS’s new GUIDE model for dementia care and a common condition that can lead to superfluous neurology referrals.
Curbside Consult brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their unique insights.
Listen to Curbside Consult here on Podbean or on your favorit...
2025-07-0225 minThe MaineHealth PodcastCurbside Consult: Ep. 2 - Pediatric Endocrinology with Mike Dedekian, MDCurbside Consult is a podcast produced by the MaineHealth ACO. In this month's episode, pediatric endocrinologist Mike Dedekian, MD discusses exciting hot-off-the-press innovations in type 1 diabetes treatment, including the use of monoclonal antibodies to delay onset. The conversation also covers the importance of recognizing symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children and the ongoing challenges of childhood obesity and hyperlipidemia.
Curbside Consult brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share thei...
2025-06-1028 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 2: Pediatric Endocrinology with Dr. Mike DedekianCurbside Consult is a podcast produced by the MaineHealth ACO. In this month's episode, pediatric endocrinologist Mike Dedekian discusses exciting hot-off-the-press innovations in type 1 diabetes treatment, including the use of monoclonal antibodies to delay onset. The conversation also covers the importance of recognizing symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children and the ongoing challenges of childhood obesity and hyperlipidemia.
Curbside Consult brings together specialists and primary care physicians to discuss clinical topics, referral management and coordination of care. Each month, family physician hosts Dr. Mike Clark and Dr. Heather Ward welcome a new specialist physician to share their un...
2025-06-0129 minCurbside Consult from the MaineHealth ACOEpisode 1: Pediatric Gastroenterology with Anna Furr, DOWelcome to Curbside Consult!
The MaineHealth ACO has launched Curbside Consult, a new podcast series that connects primary care providers with their specialist colleagues. The first monthly episode, available now, features pediatric gastroenterologist Anna Furr, DO, on improving access to pediatric specialty care and the urgent need for deeper collaboration between primary care providers and specialists.
You will hear strategies to streamline specialty access, including the use of e-consults, accessible referral guidelines, and innovative patient education efforts through social media. Dr. Furr stresses that by working together differently, primary and specialty care teams can help red...
2025-05-0134 min
The MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 66: Insights from Dr. Asaf BittonBACON - FINAL EPISODE #66
Guest: Dr. Asaf Bitton
In this special farewell episode of BACON, Drs. Heather Ward and Mike Clark welcome Dr. Asaf Bitton, keynote speaker for the upcoming MaineHealth ACO Value-Based Care Symposium on May 14. As Executive Director of Ariadne Labs and a leader in primary care innovation, Dr. Bitton shares insights from health care systems worldwide and discusses the evolving roles of primary care and specialists in risk-based models.
This episode marks the final installment of BACON after six years and 66 episodes. But don’t worry—Heather and Mike will be back...
2025-03-0738 min
BACON from the MaineHealth ACOFinal Episode: exploring value and primary care with Dr. Asaf Bitton In this special farewell episode of BACON, Heather and Mike welcome Dr. Asaf Bitton, keynote speaker for the upcoming MaineHealth ACO Value-Based Care Symposium on May 14. As Executive Director of Ariadne Labs and a leader in primary care innovation, Dr. Bitton shares insights from healthcare systems worldwide and discusses the evolving roles of primary care and specialists in risk-based models. Be on the lookout for our new podcast, Curbside Consult, in May!
2025-03-0139 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 65: Statins Help Patients with DiabetesBACON Episode 65
Statins Help Patients with Diabetes
Endocrinologist Stephen Babirak, MD, joins Mike and Heather to discuss how statins can lower cardiovascular disease risk in patients with diabetes, vastly improving their outcomes and extending their lives.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean or listen at our website.
2025-01-1325 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOStatins Help Patients with DiabetesEndocrinologist Stephen Babirak, MD, joins Mike and Heather to discuss how statins can lower cardiovascular disease risk in patients with diabetes, vastly improving their outcomes and extending their lives.
2025-01-0726 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 64: Reducing Readmissions One Patient at a TimeBACON Episode 64
Reducing Readmissions One Patient at a Time
Learn how care managers from the MaineHealth ACO and St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston are collaborating to increase communication between the hospital and primary care practices to reduce 30-day readmission rates.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find past episodes here on Podbean, on your podcast app by searching for “mainehealth,” or listen at our website.
2024-12-1717 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOReducing Readmissions One Patient at a TimeLearn how care managers from the MaineHealth ACO and St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston are collaborating to increase communication between the hospital and primary care practices to reduce 30-day readmission rates.
2024-12-0917 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 63: Reducing MisdiagnosesBACON: Reducing Misdiagnoses
MaineHealth Associate Chief Quality Officer Mark Parker, MD, joins Heather and Mike to discuss a promising care variation reduction project that uses the delivery of timely lab results as a lever to improve diagnosis accuracy.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean, or listen at our website.
2024-09-1720 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOReducing MisdiagnosesMaineHealth Associate Chief Quality Officer Mark Parker, MD, joins Heather and Mike to discuss a promising care variation reduction project that uses the delivery of timely lab results as a lever to improve diagnosis accuracy.
2024-09-0121 min
The MaineHealth PodcastAOD August 7, 2024: Tim Fitzgerald, MD and Jen MooreAndy's Open Door Recording
August 7, 2024
Guests: Dr. Tim Fitzgerald and Jen Moore
Andy’s guests this week were Tim Fitzgerald, MD, Director of MaineHealth Maine Medical Center - Portland's Surgical Oncology Program, and Jennifer Moore, President of MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization, who spoke about the innovative work under way to improve patient outcomes.
Jen described how value-based care aligns with our goals of improving quality, reducing cost, and enhancing patient experience. She highlighted some of the initiatives the ACO is leading or supporting, such as palliative care, care access and navigation, and chronic ki...
2024-08-0850 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 62: Helping Our Patients Age in PlaceBACON: Helping Our Patients Age in Place
Evidence suggests that older adults age more successfully when they’re able to stay in their homes or in their home communities. In this episode of BACON, we talk to gerontologist Dr. Heidi Wierman and healthy aging advocate Jess Maurer to learn how primary care providers can help their patients age in place safely and comfortably. They discuss strategies for working with individual patients and look at ways to engage with, and support, community-based efforts to support healthy aging.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and info...
2024-07-1624 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOHelping Our Patients Age in PlaceEvidence suggests that older adults age more successfully when they’re able to stay in their homes or in their home communities. In this episode of BACON, we talk to gerontologist Dr. Heidi Wierman and healthy aging advocate Jess Maurer to learn how primary care providers can help their patients age in place safely and comfortably. They discuss strategies for working with individual patients and look at ways to engage with, and support, community-based efforts to support healthy aging.
2024-07-0125 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Ep. 61: The Remarkable Benefits of HPV VaccineBACON - Ep. 61: The Remarkable Benefits of HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine has been proven effective in preventing cancer, but our vaccination rates could be higher. MaineHealth's Dr. Melissa Keeport and Caroline Zimmerman discuss new guidelines and the role primary care can play in improving rates.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean or listen at our website.
2024-06-1315 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACORemarkable Benefits of HPV VaccinationThe HPV vaccine has been proven effective in preventing cancer but our vaccination rates could be higher. MaineHealth’s Dr. Melissa Keeport and Caroline Zimmerman discuss new guidelines and the role primary care can play in improving rates.
2024-06-0115 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 60: A Symposium Sneak PeekBACON Ep. 60: A Symposium Sneak Peek
On May 22, the MaineHealth ACO will be hosting the Working Together to Advance Value-Based Care symposium in Freeport, with health policy superstar Dr. Don Berwick headlining as keynote speaker. In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the symposium’s afternoon workshops. Focused on payment bundles for specialty care, the workshop will be led by our two podcast guests, Dr. J. Powers and Sue Seekins.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find past...
2024-05-1428 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOA Symposium Sneak PeekOn May 22, the MaineHealth ACO will host the Working Together to Advance Value-Based Care symposium in Freeport, with health policy superstar Dr. Don Berwick headlining as keynote speaker. In this BACON episode, we take a deep dive into one of the symposium’s afternoon workshops. Focused on payment bundles for specialty care, the workshop will be led by our two podcast guests, Dr. James Powers and Sue Seekins.
2024-05-0328 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 59: A Recipe for Reducing Length of StayBACON - Ep. 59: A Recipe for Reducing Length of Stay
In less than a year, Southern Maine Health Care reduced length of stay by thirteen percent and saved the health system nearly four million dollars. MaineHealth Southern Region Associate Chief Medical Officer Michael Albaum, MD, led the effort and shares his “recipe” for success.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean, or listen at our website.
2024-04-1126 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOA Recipe for Reducing Length of StayIn less than a year, Southern Maine Health Care reduced length of stay by thirteen percent and saved the health system nearly four million dollars. MaineHealth Southern Region Associate Chief Medical Officer Michael Albaum, MD, led the effort and shares his “recipe” for success.
2024-04-0126 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 58: Our New CMO Kendra Emery, DOBACON - Episode 58: Our New CMO Kendra Emery, DO
In this month's episode of BACON, Mike and Heather welcome Dr. Kendra Emery, the ACO's Chief Medical Officer. as they delve into her insights and plans for the organization. Discover how Dr. Emery's vision aligns with ACO priorities and get a sneak peek into upcoming projects, including an exciting event in May.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean, or listen at our website.
2024-03-1417 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOOur New CMO Kendra Emery, DO Dr. Kendra Emery, the ACO’s Chief Medical Officer, providers her insights and plans for the organization and shares how her vision aligns with ACO priorities.
2024-03-0117 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOPalliative Care Insights from Becca HutchinsonMaineHealth Medical Group Senior Director for Palliative Care Becca Hutchinson, MD, provides her unique and inspiring perspective on the role of palliative care in medicine today. Dr. Hutchinson recently helped to establish a stand-alone palliative care outpatient practice in Scarborough and is a leading advocate for increasing access to palliative care in northern New England.
2024-02-0123 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 57: Palliative Care InsightsBACON - Episode 57: Palliative Care Insights
In this episode, MaineHealth Medical Group Senior Director for Palliative Care Becca Hutchinson, MD, provides her unique and inspiring perspective on the role of palliative care in medicine today. Dr. Hutchinson recently helped to establish a stand-alone palliative care outpatient practice in Scarborough and is a leading advocate for increasing access to palliative care in northern New England.
Brief ACO News (BACON) is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean, or listen at ou...
2024-01-3123 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 56: Patient Safety and Care VariationBACON Episode 56: Patient Safety and Care Variation
In this episode of BACON, MaineHeath Medical Group’s VP for Quality and Safety, Natisa Dill, discusses the link between unwarranted care variation and patient safety, and shares the current strategies being deployed to minimize medical errors and improve patient outcomes.
Brief ACO News (BACON) is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find previous episodes here on Podbean, or listen at our website.
2024-01-1114 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONatisa Dill on Patient Safety & Care VariationUnwarranted care variation is often discussed in terms of its impact on cost. But there’s another dimension to care variation that is perhaps more important: its impact on patient safety. In this episode, MaineHealth Medical Group’s VP for Quality and Safety, Natisa Dill, discusses variation’s profound impact on safety and steps to mitigate it.
2024-01-0214 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 55: Improving Primary Care AccessBACON Episode 55: Memorial Hospital Improves Primary Care Access
One of our most popular episodes of the last year featured an interview with Memorial Hospital’s Matt Dunn, DO, discussing his primary care team’s success in increasing patient access. We replay that interview this month, as access remains both a challenge and a priority. Memorial Hospital is located in North Conway, NH, and part of the MaineHealth network.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD. Find past episodes here on Podbean, or listen...
2023-12-2731 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOMemorial Hospital Improves Primary Care AccessOne of our most popular episodes of the last year featured an interview with Memorial’s Matt Dunn, DO, discussing his primary care team’s success in increasing patient access. We replay that interview this month, as access remains both a challenge and a priority.
2023-12-0131 minThe MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 54: MHACO’s Care Variation Reduction StrategiesBACON - Episode 54: MHACO's Care Variation Reduction Strategies
The reduction of unwarranted care variation has the potential to improve quality while reducing cost of care, which aligns perfectly with the principles of value-based care championed by the ACO. Join us as we explore MHACO’s dedicated focus on end-of-life care and transitions of care in our conversation with Carl DeMars, MD, chair of the MHACO board and VP for physician and APP services for MaineHealth’s Coastal Region.
Previous episodes of BACON, along with transcripts and bonus content, can be found on the MaineHealth ACO’s websi...
2023-11-0613 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOMHACO's Care Variation Reduction StrategiesThe reduction of unwarranted care variation has the potential to improve quality while reducing cost of care, which aligns perfectly with the principles of value-based care championed by the ACO. Join us as we explore MHACO’s dedicated focus on end-of-life care and transitions of care in our conversation with Carl DeMars, MD, chair of the MHACO board and VP for physician and APP services for MaineHealth’s Coastal Region.
2023-11-0313 min
The MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 53: Recently Released Performance ResultsBACON Episode 53: MHACO's Recently Released Performance Results
In our latest episode, program manager Emily Levi shares the latest performance results of MaineHealth ACO participants in the MIPS program and MSSP, and the financial implications for MHACO participants.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD.
Previous episodes of BACON, along with transcripts and bonus content, can be found on the MaineHealth ACO’s website.
2023-10-1216 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOThe Latest MIPS & MSSP ResultsThe ACO’s Emily Levi reports MIPS and MSSP results for our participants and the financial implications.
2023-10-0116 min
The MaineHealth PodcastBACON - Episode 52: Introducing MHACO’s 2022 Annual ReportBACON Episode 52: Introducing MHACO’s 2022 Annual Report
MHACO’s President Jen Moore introduces the organization’s recently released 2022 Annual Report, which highlights how ACO participants improved quality, reduced over-utilization, and generated substantial value-based care revenue through collaborative efforts among providers, care teams, administrators, and payer partners.
BACON is the MaineHealth ACO’s monthly news and information podcast, hosted by Mike Clark, MD and Heather Ward, MD.
Previous episodes of BACON, along with transcripts and bonus content, can be found on the MaineHealth ACO’s website.
2023-09-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOIntroducing Our New Annual ReportMHACO’s President Jen Moore introduces ours recently released 2022 Annual Report, highightig how ACO participants improved quality, reduced over-utilization, and generated substantial value-based care revenue through collaborative efforts among providers, care teams, administrators, and payer partners.
2023-09-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOExploring Physical LiteracyPediatric sports medicine physicians Michele LaBotz, MD, and Sarah Hoffman, DO, join us to introduce the concept of physical literacy and share resources that primary care providers can use to assess and improve the physical literacy of their pediatric patients.
2023-08-0114 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOUncovering the Mysteries of HCCsIn the world of value-based care, there’s one set of diagnosis codes that carry much greater weight than all the rest: HCCs. What are HCCs and why are they so important? Scott Williams, MD, joins Heather and Mike with the answers.
2023-07-0119 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOHealth Equity and Cultural CompetenceRyan Polly, MaineHealth’s VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, joins Heather to explore aspects of health equity and the results of a cross-cultural competency assessment completed by hundreds of MaineHealth providers.
2023-06-0115 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOReducing Unwarranted Care VariationReducing care variation is a strategic goal for both the MaineHealth ACO and the MaineHealth system during FY24 and beyond. The ACO’s chief operating officer, Shannon Banks, joins us to introduce initiatives that the ACO board has approved for addressing unwarranted variation in end-of-life care and transitions of care.
2023-05-0112 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOSeeking Gender Equity in Healthcare LeadershipAlthough the healthcare workforce is overwhelmingly female, women are underrepresented in leadership roles. This month, Mike and Heather discuss this phenomenon with Gayle Capozzalo of the Equity Collaborative. A former executive at Yale New Haven Health, Gayle provides insights into the cause of the disparity and offers a leadership pathway for women.
2023-04-0626 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOYes, We Can Improve Primary Care AccessMaineHealth Regional CMO for the Western Region Matt Dunn, DO, shares how Memorial Hospital dramatically increased access to primary care over the last several years, improving both patient and provider satisfaction in the process.
2023-03-0131 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOConfronting Concerns About Medicare AdvantageRecent news coverage has revealed abuses of the Medicare Advantage program and caused some providers to express concerns about participating in it. In this extended episode, LincolnHealth’s Tim Goltz, MD, joins us to discuss the ethics of the ACO’s and MaineHealth’s approach to the program and the sometimes difficult path toward realizing the promise of value-based care.
2023-01-1734 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOExciting Changes to the Quality Heat MapThe ACO’s Laura Larssen joins Heather and Mike to discuss measures that have just been added to the MHACO Quality Heat Map, including a first-ever health disparity measure.
2022-12-0121 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOProvider Wellness & Great ACO PerformanceMaineHealth ACO President Jennifer Moore shares the latest quality and financial results from the ACO’s participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Plus, the MaineHealth Medical Group’s new chief wellness officer, Christine Hein, MD, on current and future efforts to address provider wellness and burnout.
2022-11-0120 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOFunding Innovation with Shared SavingsMHACO Chief Medical Officer Rob Chamberlin, MD, announces the innovation projects that the ACO is funding this year through a special allocation of shared savings. Also, we meet Heather Ward, MD, BACON’s new co-host!
2022-10-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOCommunity Health Workers & a Fond FarewellMarin Johnson, Dr. Katie Sharp and Dr. Renee Wolf join us to discuss the role community health workers are playing in preventive medicine. Also, co-host Julie Grosvenor, MD, reflects on the role of the ACO and the podcast as she prepares to leave the show.
2022-09-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONew AWV Tools & Childhood Obesity PreventionRob Chamberlin, MD, the CMO of the MaineHealth ACO, introduces new tools available to MaineHealth providers and practices to help plan and complete Medicare annual wellness visits. Plus, Carrie Gordon, MD, updates us on the Let’s Go childhood obesity prevention program.
2022-08-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOMA Star Ratings & Precise DocumentationAs the ACO prepares to enter into two-sided risk contracts with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, we bring you two relevant interviews from previous episodes. The first features the ACO’s Lauren Purcell on the intricacies of MA plan star ratings; the second features Brett Loffredo, MD on improving the precision of clinical documentation.
2022-07-0119 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOBBCH Gender Clinic & Annual Synchronized PrescribingMMP's Caitlin Costigan on using annual synchronized prescribing to improve med adherence; Plus, tips on caring for transgender youth and LGBTQ+ patients.
2022-06-0821 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOMHACO Annual Report & Access to CareMaineHealth ACO President Jen Moore provides highlights from the organization’s recently released annual report, showing strong performance in 2021. Plus, Carol Zechman, Kimberly Beaudoin and Kate Herrick join Julie and Mike to celebrate 20 years of MaineHealth Access to Care’s service to Maine’s most vulnerable populations.
2022-05-0216 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOCoding Tips & Medical EducationPrimary care provider Samuel Ferguson, DO, discusses the importance of accurate HCC coding and shares some tips for making improvements. Robert Bing You, MD, and Leah Mallory, MD, introduce Maine Medical Center’s Department of Medical Education, which offers innovative training to providers inside and outside the MaineHealth system.
2022-04-0121 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOToward a New Primary Care Payment ModelMaineHealth ACO Chief Medical Officer Rob Chamberlin, MD, discusses the experiences of Maine practices taking part in the inaugural year of Medicare's Primary Care First value-based reimbursement model.
2022-03-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOACO Performance & Operations UpdateMaineHealth ACO Chief Operating Officer Shannon Banks shares new performance results and introduces a sophisticated new data analysis report. Also, Ansar Hassan, MD, on MMC's Mitral Center of Excellence.
2022-02-0324 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOPhysicians Cope with COVIDPhysicians from across Maine report how they’re dealing with the ongoing and intensifying pandemic, both professionally and personally. Listen for diverse insights from Franklin’s Ross Isacke, DO; MaineHealth Medical Group’s Donald Medd, MD; self-employed provider Kathryn Galbraith, MD; and Waldo’s Heather Ward, MD.
2022-01-0526 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOMH Medical Group President Aileen MickeyOver the past six months, Aileen Mickey, MD, MHA, has been leading the development of the MaineHealth Medical Group, Northern New England’s largest multi-specialty medical group. Aileen joins us to discuss her vision for the group and priorities for the year to come.
2021-12-0123 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONext Day Joint Replacement plus ACA Open EnrollmentMMP orthopedic surgeons George Babikian, MD, and Adam Rana, MD, discuss the remarkable success they’ve had whittling down joint replacement recovery times. Plus, how to help patients enroll in the ACA marketplace health insurance plans.
2021-11-0117 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOClinical Documentation & Pediatric Behavioral HealthAccurate and precise clinical documentation matters now more than ever. Brett Loffredo, MD, tells us why. Plus, Amy Mayhew, MD and Melissa Keeport, MD on a training and consultation project to help PCPs better address pediatric behavioral health.
2021-10-0122 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOSharing in SuccessParticipants in the ACO will receive millions of dollars in shared savings this year. That’s thanks to excellent performance in the Medicare Shared Savings Program. The ACO’s chief operating officer, Shannon Banks, provides the details. Also, Ross Feller, MD, is generating savings of his own by moving hand surgery out of the operating room. We learn how.
2021-09-0118 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOWhat's the Point of an ACO, Anyway?Our summer vacation episode features two popular stories from the past. First, we offer a reminder of what accountable care organizations do and why they do it. Second, we explore the advantages of telescribes with PenBay’s Brad Samojla, DPM.
2021-08-0112 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONew MaineHealth CEO Andy MuellerNew MaineHealth CEO Andy Mueller, MD, shares his first impressions of the organization and his priorities going forward. Plus, Peggy Pennoyer, MD, and Don Endrizzi, MD, reflect on their experiences as volunteer COVID vaccinators.
2021-07-0118 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONat'l Healthcare Policy & Local Primary Care Access ImprovementMaineHealth ACO President Jen Moore talks to federal policy expert Blair Childs about the Biden Administration’s healthcare policy priorities, including telehealth and value-based care. Also, Memorial Hospital CMO Matt Dunn, MD, reports on a successful effort to increase primary care access in the North Conway area.
2021-06-0115 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOA Peek Inside the ACO's New Annual ReportMaineHealth ACO Chief Medical Officer Rob Chamberlin, MD, joins us to reveal some of the fresh data readers will find in the ACO’s newly released annual report. Also, we talk to Andy Russ, MD, LincolnHealth’s VP for Medical Affairs, about his success keeping his regional medical community informed and connected during the pandemic.
2021-05-0117 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOWhy Star Ratings MatterOn the surface, Medicare Advantage Star Ratings simply allow consumers to compare the quality of Medicare Advantage insurance plans. But deeper down, Star Ratings also drive a complex financial system that includes incentives for providers. The ACO’s Lauren Purcell explains. Also, Maine Behavioral Healthcare’s Ted Logan, MD, on adapting substance use treatment to the new pandemic-driven reality.
2021-04-0118 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOThe ACO's Latest Performance ResultsMaineHealth ACO President Jennifer Moore reports on final cost, quality and utilization results from value-based contracts that settled in 2020. Also, LincolnHealth’s Timothy Goltz, MD, on the power of poetry to improve meetings.
2021-03-0115 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACODora Mills Answers COVID Vaccine QuestionsDora Anne Mills, MD, MaineHealth’s chief health improvement officer and former director of the Maine CDC, answers providers’ questions about vaccine availability and distribution in Maine (interview recorded on 1/25/21). Also, we explore a successful effort to establish “age-friendly care” at Maine Medical Center.
2021-01-2932 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONew Clinical Documentation GuidesThe ACO has released Basics and Beyond, a series of clinical documentation guides that provide condition-specific advice on precision coding. In this episode, the ACO’s Eiren Menhennitt introduces the guides. Also, Dr. Scot Remick discusses new opportunities for Maine patients to participate in clinical trials.
2021-01-0113 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOInnovating Primary Care PaymentNext month, more than two dozen primary care practices participating in the ACO will join Primary Care First, a new Medicare program that uses a population-based payment model. Amol Navathe, MD, PhD, a health policy researcher and expert in the model, joins us to discuss. Also, MMC’s Gary Hochheiser, MD, introduces the MATRIx program, an effort to streamline the evaluation and care of patients with lung imaging findings.
2020-12-0123 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOOur Medicare Shared Savings Program ResultsMaineHealth ACO Chief Medical Officer Rob Chamberlin, MD, joins Julie and Mike to explore financial and quality results just in from the 2019 performance year of the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Plus, Maine Behavioral Healthcare’s Mary Jean Mork discusses an innovative partnership between psychiatry and primary care.
2020-11-0114 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOA Medicare Reimbursement IncreaseWith MaineHealth ACO President Jen Moore, Julie and Mike discuss the link between ACO participants’ performance in the Medicare Incentive-based Payment System (MIPS) and a bump in Medicare reimbursement. Also, Julie talks with Rob Doiron, MD, a Sanford native who has returned to his hometown to begin his general surgery career.
2020-10-0116 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOInnovation Grant WinnersWe announce the projects that won innovation grants from the MaineHealth ACO this year and take a close look at one of them, an effort led by Maine Medical Partners dermatologist Elizabeth Seiverling, MD, to train and engage primary care providers in early detection of skin cancers.
2020-09-0108 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOFinding Community Resources & Curbside VaccinationMaineHealth introduces a new searchable database of local socio-economic assistance programs and a LincolnHealth pediatric practice quickly stands up a curbside vaccination program during the pandemic.
2020-08-1113 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACORace and Two Kinds of PerformanceThis episode features commentary from co-hosts Dr. Julie Grosvenor and Dr. Mike Clark on racial inequity, a look at positive utilization performance numbers from the ACO's annual report and an interview with MidCoast Hospital physicians who've been performing together in a rock band for 20 years.
2020-07-0813 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOThe Telehealth GenieCMS Administrator Seema Verma said recently that the “genie is out of the bottle” when it comes to telehealth. So, how will telehealth change the nature of medical practice? How should providers prepare? In this episode, co-host Mike Clark, MD poses those questions and more to telehealth expert Danielle Louder of the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center.
2020-06-0219 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOResuming In-Person CareJoin us to explore how MaineHealth plans to resume in-person care for non-COVID patients with time-sensitive conditions, learn about a new resiliency-building Project ECHO session for providers and hear about new “coding cards” to help specialists increase the precision of their clinical documentation. Guests: Cheryl Liechty, MD; Steve DiGiovanni, MD; Stacey Ouellette; Joel Wirth, MD; Eiren Menhennitt. We’d love your suggestions for news stories and provider profiles. Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2020-05-1122 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOUncertainty and GratitudeTwo primary care physicians share personal reflections on the pandemic in Maine so far – private practices overcoming financial uncertainty, gratitude for colleagues, the impostor syndrome, camaraderie and coming out the other side. With host Mike Clark, MD and guest Rob Chamberlin, MD.
2020-04-0718 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOPatient Experience & Choosing SNFsRecently, the media picked up on a report issued by HealthGrades and MGMA that ranked Maine doctors last in a “patient sentiment” survey. Mike and Julie discuss this finding and other aspects of patient experience with Omar Hasan, MD, MaineHealth’s chief quality and safety officer. Also, Heidi Wierman, MD, introduces the 2020 Skilled Nursing Facility Index, a tool from the ACO to help providers, discharge planners, families and patients identify the most appropriate SNF for post-discharge care. We’d love your suggestions for news stories and provider profiles. Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2020-03-0119 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOBig Changes at the TopIn this special episode, Mike and Julie interview the incoming and outgoing presidents of the ACO. Plus, Kristen Silvia, MD, updates us on MaineHealth’s integrated medication assisted treatment (iMAT) program for patients with opioid use disorder. We’d love your suggestions for news stories and provider profiles. Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2020-02-0117 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOHow We Did in 2019The MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization works with providers to improve the quality and lower the cost of care. So, what kind of success did providers and the ACO see in 2019? Julie and Mike discuss. Also, Amanda Powell, MD applies shared decision making to increasing colorectal cancer screening among diverse patients and Sarah Shepherd, MD compares her roles as ED clinician and improv actor. Hey! We want your suggestions for news stories and provider profiles. Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2020-01-0217 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOWhat's the Point of an ACO, Anyway?Julie and Mike get back to basics and discuss why accountable care organizations exist. Also, Kathryn Galbraith, MD talks about making the most of payer incentives and Janet Fowle, MD, encourages providers to volunteer at one of Maine’s most celebrated summer camps. Have a suggestion for a Meaty Topic? Know a provider who would be good to interview for our Sizzle or Chewing the Fat segments? Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2019-12-0119 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACONovember 2019: Medicare Imaging Regulation, Shirley Frederick, Nicole DonahueJulie and Mike discuss new Medicare rules and procedure for ordering advanced imaging, Sanford primary care physician Shirley Frederick talks about her practice’s pilot to increase screening for early signs of dementia and Franklin Health Pediatrics provider Nicole Donahue introduces her practice’s efforts to directly address food insecurity among patients and families. Have a suggestion for BACON? Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2019-11-0117 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOOctober 2019: Dr. Greg Leach, Dr. Rob Chamberlin, Medicare AdvantageLearn why MaineHealth is getting into Medicare Advantage plans and what it means for providers, hear how an ancient Chinese movement practice is helping patients recover mobility, meet our new CMO. Have a suggestion for BACON? Email us at mailto:bacon@mmc.org.
2019-10-0115 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOSeptember 2019: Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhardt, Dr. Doug Sawyer, Quality MeasuresJulie and Mike respond to provider questions about the ACO’s quality measures, Elizabeth Eisenhardt discusses engaging residents in quality improvement and Doug Sawyer reflects on his role as volunteer cardiologist at the Greater Portland Health community center. Have a suggestion for BACON? Email us at mailto:bacon@mmc.org.
2019-09-0314 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOAugust 2019: Dr. Brad Samojla, Dr. Nicole Cherbuliez, from PHO to ACOThis month's topics range from the joys of telescribes to a brief history of the evolution of the ACO to running the Boston marathon at age 50.
2019-08-0115 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOJuly 2019: Dr. Kate Herlihy, Dr. Patty Cantlin, Where to Go for CareReducing ED utilization is the subject of two segments this month. In our Meaty Topic, Mike and Julie introduce the ACO’s Where to Go for Care infographic designed to help patients decide when to go to the ED. In The Sizzle, Kate Herlihy reviews her successful initiative to reduce pediatric ED visits in western Maine. And, for a little variety, Julie takes us outside to visit Patty Cantlin’s patient garden at Maine Nephrology Associates. Have a suggestion for BACON? Email us at bacon@mmc.org.
2019-07-0115 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOJune 2019: Dr. Eric Worthing, Dr. Rifat Zaidi, Clinical DocumentationA girls’ school in rural Pakistan, hypertension control at LincolnHealth and better clinical documentation: all in this episode.
2019-06-0415 minBACON from the MaineHealth ACOMay 2019: Dr. Rob Merrill, Dr. Dave Johnson, MSSPJulie and Mike discuss the ACO's future with the Medicare Shared Savings Program and impact on providers. Dr. Rob Merrill reveals how he hit all the ACO quality targets in 2018 and Dr. Dave Johnson reports on his medical mission to rural India.
2019-04-2415 min