Turn on the Lights Podcast

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelightsCurious about how we can fix the inefficiencies of the U.S. health care system and ensure better care for all?In this episode, Michael Chernew, the Leonard D. Schaeffer Professor of Health Care Policy at the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School, discussed the challenges and reforms in the American health care system. He emphasized the concept of value-based insurance design, which aims to reduce cost-sharing for high-value services to ensure patients receive necessary care. Chernew highlighted the inefficiencies of the fee-for-service system and the importance of payment reforms, particularly within Medicare Advantage, to improve care quality and control costs. He also explained the complexities of the U.S. health care system, influenced by the balance between market forces and government regulation, leading to opaque pricing and administrative burdens. While acknowledging the potential lessons from other countries' health care systems, he noted that adopting foreign models directly may not work due to the unique economic and social landscape of the U.S.Tune in as Professor Michael Chernew unpacks innovative solutions, such as value-based insurance design and payment reforms, that could reshape the future of health care! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelightsPalliative care aims to treat symptoms and improve patients' quality of life, even if they are not terminally ill, and should be integrated early in the treatment process.In this episode, Dr. Christine Cassel, a pioneer in geriatrics and palliative care, shares her journey from an aspiring philosopher to an influential figure in health care. She discusses her early experiences that ignited her passion for moral philosophy and medicine, leading to her groundbreaking work in end-of-life care and palliative medicine. Dr. Cassel highlights the importance of early palliative care, emphasizing its role in symptom relief and preparing patients and families for the future. She also delves into her current initiative, Bridging Divides, aimed at fostering respectful conversations and reducing polarization within medical schools and beyond, emphasizing the power of curiosity, intellectual humility, and the "exhausted majority" in bridging divides.Tune in to learn about Dr. Cassel's impactful career, the evolution of palliative care, and strategies for promoting understanding and unity in a divided world! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelightsThe U.S. health care system is complex, costly, and often frustrating, but what if we could reimagine it to work better for everyone?In this episode, Andrea Ducas, Vice President of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress, shares how her personal experiences shaped her commitment to creating a more equitable system, criticizing the current model as overly complex, costly, and dependent on employment and insurance status. She explains the historical development of employer-based insurance and government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), highlighting CAP’s role in shaping policy and advising lawmakers. CAP is currently focused on defending Medicaid from budget cuts while also exploring long-term reforms to simplify and improve health care access. Ducas emphasizes the importance of preparing bold, progressive policy solutions so they are ready for implementation when political opportunities arise.Tune in to learn about the challenges of health care policy, the fight to protect Medicaid, and bold ideas for a more equitable future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelightsAnyone can choose leadership, and it requires bold aims, intentional actions, and disciplined responses to challenges.In this episode, Dennis Wagner, Principal and Managing Director of  Yes And Leadership, LLC,  and John Scanlon, partner at Financial Transformations Inc., highlight the key themes of their book Choosing to LEAD, like how leadership is distinct from management, administration, and observation. The book presents 12 essential leadership mindsets and methods drawn from years of experience and insights from respected figures. While the book focuses on health care, its principles apply broadly, showing that effective leadership involves adaptability, teamwork, and positive communication. Ultimately, the discussion encourages individuals at all levels to embrace leadership, as it not only improves organizations and communities but also enhances personal fulfillment and effectiveness.Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of powerful lessons on leadership, mindset, and the choices that drive meaningful impact! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The structure of the U.S. health care system, particularly employer-sponsored insurance, is significantly impacting the economic well-being of most Americans. In this episode, Zack Cooper, Associate Professor of Public Health and Economics for Yale University, examines the drivers of rising health care costs and their impact on individuals and the economy. He highlights the disconnect between Medicare and private insurance spending, the role of provider market power in driving up prices, and the surprising link between health care costs and job losses for lower and middle-income workers. Zack explains that rising health care premiums lead companies to reduce payroll, disproportionately affecting workers earning between $20,000 and $100,000 annually. He argues that employer-sponsored insurance contributes to income inequality and suggests potential policy solutions such as broader insurance markets, eliminating employer-sponsored insurance, and stronger antitrust enforcement in the health care sector. Zack also touches on the debate between single-payer systems and market-based approaches, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency and value in health care spending.Tune in and learn how health care costs are affecting your wallet and the broader economy!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learning health networks offer a powerful, cost-effective approach to improving health care outcomes by fostering collaboration.In this episode, Dr. Peter Margolis, Co-Director Emeritus of the James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Hyman, Principal and Founder of Frontline Quality Solutions, LLC, discuss the learning health network model, which involves communities working together to improve health by sharing information and working together. They cover the history of collaboratives, highlighting the importance of translating evidence into practice and building reliability. Dr. Margolis and Dr. Hyman highlight networks that successfully improved remission rates and reduced harm, such as Improved Care Now and Children's Hospital Solutions. They also touch on the role of patient and family engagement in driving innovation and the potential for applying the learning health network model to adult health care. Finally, Dr. Margolis and Dr. Hyman agree that although the cost of joining a network can be as low as $4000 per year, securing buy-in and budget allocation for learning health network participation is a challenge that needs to be addressed at the organizational level. Tune in and learn how experts agree that learning health networks can transform health care!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The key to improving broken systems lies in identifying leverage points and strategically restacking existing resources.In this episode, Dan Heath, a New York Times bestselling author, discusses how to apply behavioral and systems thinking principles to health care. He emphasizes that health care, despite its challenges, can improve by focusing on successful examples, addressing system bottlenecks, and driving change through collaboration and alignment with existing motivations. Dan stresses the importance of prioritizing changes that are most likely to be adopted and supported. He also underscores the need to shift from a sense of helplessness to a sense of agency by learning from past successes.Tune in and learn how to find your leverage points to drive meaningful change in health care!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How well is the U.S. health care system working, and what is being done to address its biggest challenges?In this episode, Dr. Liz Fowler, former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discusses the progress and challenges of U.S. healthcare reform, emphasizing the impact of the ACA, the shift to value-based care, and the need for systemic innovation to improve access, affordability, and quality. While the ACA has expanded coverage and improved access for individuals with pre-existing conditions, high out-of-pocket costs, care denials, and inefficiencies persist. Dr. Fowler emphasizes the need for mandatory value-based payment models to drive systemic change, focusing on team-based care, predictive analytics, and home-based interventions. She notes that while CMS has the scale to implement reforms, Medicaid innovation remains complex due to state-by-state variations. Driven by real patient experiences, Dr. Fowler remains committed to improving health care access, affordability, and quality through government-led innovation.Tune in as Dr. Liz Fowler shares firsthand insights on the evolution of health care reform, the shift to value-based care, and the ongoing innovations shaping the future of Medicare and Medicaid!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health care institutions can significantly reduce their environmental impact while also saving money and improving community health. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Thompson, former CEO of Gundersen Health System and advisor, discusses his pioneering work at Gundersen Health System in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He explains that by focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources, Gundersen decreased their emissions by 95% while simultaneously saving money, improving local economies, and ultimately benefiting patient health. Dr. Thompson details how they identified simple fixes, such as adjusting air exchange systems, and implemented large-scale projects, such as using landfill methane. He also addresses the need for industry-wide change and recognizes the growing movement of young professionals and health care organizations taking action. Tune in and learn how to make health care more sustainable, economically sound, and beneficial for communities' health! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we tackle deep-rooted health inequities and ensure sustainable change in our communities?In this episode, Dr. Thea James, Vice President of Mission and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Boston Medical Center, and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, talk about the persistent challenges in achieving health equity, even in resource-rich cities like Boston, where structural inequities and systemic racism continue to drive disparities. COVID-19 exposed and exacerbated these inequities, disproportionately impacting communities of color and emphasizing the need for community-focused solutions. Dr. Thea James explains how institutions like Boston Medical Center have taken innovative steps, such as engaging communities to analyze data and co-create solutions, supported by strong leadership and accountability. Dr. Bisola Ojikutu shines a light on how sustaining momentum for health equity requires shifting from a moral to an economic imperative and embedding systemic changes through legislative action, like the Health Equity Compact's proposed reforms. Long-term success depends on creating policies and structures that transcend political and societal shifts, ensuring equity remains a core priority.Tune into this compelling conversation with Boston's leading experts as they unpack the systemic barriers, innovative solutions, and the critical role of policy in advancing health equity!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices