PointByPoint

In our third episode of our Hospitals at a Crossroads mini-series, Morgan and Waller partner Jesse Neil are joined by special guests Martie Ross and David McMillan from PYA, a top 100 accounting firm and top 20 healthcare management consulting firm, to discuss the rural healthcare sector as it relates to critical access to care and possible solutions to combat the issues facing small communities and their healthcare systems. 

In this episode of Point by Point, Morgan Ribeiro is joined by Waller's Healthcare Industry Team Co-Chair Eric Scalzo and the President of Logan Growth Advisors, Bob Winder. Eric and Bob draw from their collective industry experience and knowledge to discuss what dental practices should consider when contemplating a sale or capital raise.

In our second episode of our Hospitals at a Crossroads mini-series, Morgan and Waller partners Jesse Neil and Tyler Layne are joined by special guests Jake Aygun and Eb LeMaster from Ponder & Co, a healthcare finance and strategic advisory firm focused exclusively on providing leading capital advisory, mergers & acquisitions, strategic advisory and management consulting services to not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems, to discuss what hospitals should be considering from a financial perspective and how expanding outside of the realm of in-patient care could benefit a hospital system's profitability. 

In our latest episode of Point by Point, we are launching a new mini-series called Hospitals at a Crossroads where Morgan will discuss the current status, challenges and opportunities in the hospital and hospital systems sector with various industry professionals.In this episode, Morgan is joined by Waller partners Jesse Neil and Tyler Layne and former physician and hospital executive Dr. Mike Schatzlein, who now advises on hospital operations. They discuss the current healthcare M&A landscape and how it has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, while discussing case studies of how hospitals and hospital systems have been navigating these shifts. 

In this episode of Point By Point, Morgan interviews Senior Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions at North American Partners in Anesthesia, Dan Gofman, and Chief Administrative and Development Officer at Surgery Partners, Jennifer Baldock. They discuss current trends in healthcare investing, working with strategic versus private equity buyers, and what investors are looking for in the companies in which they invest. 

On today's episode, Morgan interviews Vice President of Compliance and High Reliability at Greeley, Lisa Eddy, Vice President of Bylaws and Governance at Greely, Dr. Mary Hoppa, and healthcare compliance partner at Waller, Jesse Neil. They will discuss the changes made to CMS and Joint Commission regulations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and give practical advice for hospitals and hospital systems to ensure they are complying with new regulations. 

Morgan interviews executive director of Life Science Tennessee's Mentor Network for BioTN, Steven King, and the winner of this year's Life Science Tennessee annual Venture Forum, founder and CEO of Hera Health Solutions, Idicula Mathew. They discuss the evolution of the life sciences industry in Tennessee and what sets Tennessee apart in the life science sector.

Waller healthcare industry team leader Jennifer Weaver and founder and president of Armory Hill Advocates Jon Rawlson discuss their work in assisting clients navigate Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC) audits.

Waller recently welcomed three new attorneys to the firm's government relations and real estate practice. Together Doug Sloan, Jon Cooper and Quan Poole bring nearly 45 years of experience in legal and leadership roles and the metropolitan government of Nashville and Davidson County. These three will boost Waller's experience in the key areas of land use and zoning, corporate relocation and expansion, along with public-private partnerships. In this episode, they discuss having a front-row seat to Nashville's record-breaking growth and their outlook on the city's future.

The Counsel to the Owner series is hosted by Waller partner Chris Dunn, a recognized leader in the U.S. construction industry representing owners and developers in projects across the country. In this continuing series, Chris interviews leading industry figures to provide candid insights on trends and developments affecting the unique interests of the owner-developer community.In this episode, Chris talks with Bill Herbert, the leader of Metro Nashville's Codes department. Taking office in 2018, Herbert has presided over Nashville's recent development boom. Herbert talks about the city's unprecedented growth and how his department has worked to manage this dramatic expansion.

Dr. Michelle Schmerge, DNP, is a doctorally prepared nurse who has spent over a decade working as a front-line provider in post-acute care.  Dedicated to helping change the care paradigm, Dr. Schmerge has focused her recent work on strategies placing the patient at the center of care, driving clinical outcomes and value across the care continuum. She is the CEO and co-founder of Remote Health, which providers a hybrid of virtual primary care and home-based primary care leveraging nursing and physical therapy.

Waller partners Tyler Layne and Jesse Neil are joined by Peter Kaufman, president and head of restructuring and distressed M&A for Gordian Group, and Henry Owsley, CEO of Gordian Group, to discuss what's happening with senior living facilities in the wake of COVID-19.

On this episode of PointByPoint, Dr. Mike Schatzlein, a former executive with Ascension Health, and Waller partner Jesse Neil discuss the “care at home” movement and what it means for providers, payors and patients. Innovative delivery models bring patient care into the home and can change the face of the industry in the near and long-term future. Hear where industry leaders are making progress, where the regulations stand and are heading, which companies are doing it well and much more. 

Trilliant Health CEO Hal Andrews discusses the inaugural 2021 "Trends Shaping the Post-Pandemic Health Economy" report, which reveals several surprising macro trends impacting the $4 trillion health economy post- COVID-19. He is joined by Waller partner MaryEllen Pickrell.

The Counsel to the Owner series is hosted by Waller partner Chris Dunn, a recognized leader in the U.S. construction industry representing owners and developers in projects across the country. In this continuing series, Chris interviews leading industry figures to provide candid insights on trends and developments affecting the unique interests of the owner-developer community.In this episode, William Hastings and Hastings Architecture have been involved in some of Nashville's most recent and recognizable developments, including Virgin Hotels Nashville, Asurion's Gulch hub, Thompson Nashville, the renovation of the Ryman Auditorium, and much more. In this episode, he highlights trends in his industry and explains what's to come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Waller's Catie Lane Bailey provides an overview of the 2021 legislative session in Tennessee, spotlighting topics of importance to the business community.

This is the latest episode in our Women in Healthcare series for PointByPoint. Ashley Johnson is the Chief Development and Integration Officer of QualDerm, a physician practice management company specializing in the dermatology space. Ashley has a decade of experience in healthcare revenue cycle and hospital and physician practice operations and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas. She led many business development initiatives as a hospital COO, and as a woman leading the way for a PE-backed healthcare services company.

On this episode, we take a closer look at Patient Safety Organizations, or PSOs. We look at their benefits for healthcare providers, the formation process and any compliance questions related to PSO formation.Andrea Timashenka is PSO division director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Molly Huffman is a partner in Waller's healthcare compliance and operations group. And she has formed numerous component patient safety organizations for large healthcare entities and works with hospital association-based PSOs and various healthcare providers participant in commercial PSOs as well.

Rural facilities were struggling even before COVID-19 – and while federal funds provided a brief reprieve – big questions still loom about the future of rural healthcare. John Tishler, chair of Waller's healthcare restructuring group, and Rex Burgdorfer, managing director at Juniper Advisory, discuss how decisions made in the next few months could critically impact healthcare availability in rural communities across the United States.

Waller partners Bo Campbell and Chris Dunn discuss the pandemic's impact on the real estate industry with one of Nashville’s most prominent developers, Tony Giarratana. Which sectors were hit hardest? Which are poised for the quickest recovery? Hear what’s next from three heavy hitters in Nashville real estate development.

Late last year, HHS further signaled the shift to a value-based care model with the first major overhaul of both the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute since they were introduced three decades ago. In this episode, Patsy Powers - the co-leader of Waller's healthcare industry team - gives an overview of the changes and what they mean for healthcare providers.

2020 was already expected to be a challenging year for the retail industry and the worldwide pandemic only intensified the underlying troubles. Heading into the year, one estimate projected that 12,000 major chain stores would close in 2020. Today, a number of high-profile brands are in bankruptcy and tenants and landlords alike are struggling to recover from COVID-19 related closures. On this episode, Waller's Steve Kirkham and Mark Taylor are joined by Tracy Pelham, counsel at Genesco, to discuss the retail industry's woes and what options exist for retailers, landlords and lenders moving forward.

Waller's Denise Burke talks with Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, Chief Medical Officer with Axia Women's Health, a fast-growing healthcare company operating more than 150 women’s health care centers and 400 women’s health providers.Dr. Cherot is an established and highly skilled physician with more than 20 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology. In addition, she also completed the Executive MBA at Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business in 2016. She has spearheaded several projects, resulting in promoting best practices and implementing progressive change in an OB/GYN practice.Dr. Cherot completed undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and completed her residency training in OB/GYN at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.

In this episode, Waller's Drew Warth is joined by Brittany K. Barnett, co-founder and director of the Buried Alive project, an organization that has gained freedom for dozens of men and women serving life sentences under federal drug laws.Barnett is an attorney and entrepreneur focused on social impact investing. She has dedicated her career to transforming the criminal justice system and has won freedom for numerous people serving lengthy sentences for federal drug offenses – including seven clients who received executive clemency from President Barack Obama.Her memoir, A Knock at Midnight, was published by The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, on September 8, 2020.Drew and Brittany worked together on the Chris Young case, which involved a Clarksville, Tennessee man who was facing a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. In this episode, they discuss the case - which garnered national attention - and the importance of pro bono work.

As businesses across the U.S. reopen, employers from nearly every industry have expressed deep concern that they will soon be subject to unwarranted litigation despite investing significant costs and efforts to implement protective measures designed to keep their employees and customers safe. Earlier this year, Tennessee became one of the states that passed COVID-19 liability legislation. In this episode, Nicole Watson, an attorney in the firm's Government Relations group, is joined by Bradley Jackson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber to talk about the effort to make this legislation a reality.

The skilled nursing space was facing economic challenges even before COVID-19 hit. Now, the pressures are even greater, and it's anticipated that a number of operators will be forced to make tough economic decisions in the months ahead. In this episode, Waller's Ryan Cochran, the leader of the firm's Finance & Restructuring practice, is joined by Derek Pierce, managing director of Healthcare Management Partners, for a deeper look at the sector.

In this episode, Waller's Kevin Tran - a former Financial Policy Analyst with the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. - discusses the implications of the 2020 Presidential election.He discusses regulatory reforms, departmental leadership and other outcomes that could arise from either a Trump or Biden presidency.

On this episode, we discuss the current state of affairs for banks considering the effects of the pandemic and the fast-approaching presidential election. We focus on a few key areas. First, what is happening in the economy and how that is impacting banks. Second, how banks can embark upon the strategic planning process amid all these challenges and third implementing that plan. Today guests are Wes Scott and Kevin Tran, attorneys in Waller's corporate transactions practice group who work with a variety of financial institutions, and Jim Adkins from Artisan Advisors, a firm led by former bank CEOs that work with clients to navigate an increasingly complex operating and regulatory environment.

On today’s episode, we are talking about financing transactions involving skilled nursing facilities. Lenders in particular have been analyzing the impact of reimbursement changes and stimulus/relief programs for SNFs. But, what can we expect to come in the immediate future as these funds dry up? How is the sector positioned for the future? Today's guests are Daniel Flournoy and Abbey Ruby, partners in the firm’s finance and restructuring practice group, and Tonya Scharf, a partner in the firm’s real estate practice group.

Jason Ruchaber, founder and managing partner of Root Valuation, joins Waller attorneys Eric Scalzo and Morgan Ivey to discuss how healthcare valuations have been impacted by COVID-19 and examine the outlook for the sector - including the potential impacts of the 2020 election.

COVID-19 is having a transformational impact on American workplaces, which has short- and long-term consequences. Waller partners Bo Campbell and Aron Karabel join this episode to address the transformation. Campbell, chair of Waller's real estate industry team, discusses the impacts on commercial leasing and how the work-from-home phenomenon will impact office trends and future development projects.Karabel, who advises clients in employment matters, takes a deeper look at the immediate impact on today's workforce and how employers can better manage their employees.

CMS’ Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program has been a lifeline for healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. But repayment of these loans begins in just a few days on August 1 - adding financial stress for many troubled hospitals. For this episode, we are joined by Denise Burke, a partner in Waller’s healthcare compliance and operations group who advises hospitals and other healthcare clients across the country, and Jordan Shields, a managing director with Juniper Advisory, a Chicago-based firm focused on advising non-profit hospitals and health systems on strategic partnerships.

Given the current environment, employers that sponsor benefit plans are under a unique set of pressures and opportunities. On this episode, we look at the impact of COVID-19, economic uncertainty and other factors on employee benefits. Shannon Goff Kukulka from Waller’s tax practice shares her insight on how companies of all sizes are impacted by compliance obligations, tax implications of new stimulus funds, technical notice requirements and more.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD founder Nathan Kottkamp, a partner with Waller, is joined by Dr. Dan Morhaim, an emergency room physician and long-time state legislator in Maryland, for a discussion about how advance care planning can help healthcare providers improve end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones. Dr. Morhaim's new book "Preparing for a Better End" from Johns Hopkins Press will be available this fall.

In this episode, Don Moody, David Marks and Eric Scalzo, partners in Waller’s Healthcare M&A group, are joined by Jason Porter and Brett Skolnik, managing directors on Baird’s global healthcare team. These dealmakers discuss the dental space and what both providers and investors can expect as it relates to M&A activity and due diligence in the coming months, particularly as a result of COVID and forced closures of practices.

In this episode, Don Moody, David Marks and Eric Scalzo, partners in Waller’s Healthcare M&A group, are joined by Jason Porter and Brett Skolnik, managing directors on Baird’s global healthcare team. These dealmakers discuss the physician practice management space and what both providers and investors can expect as it relates to M&A activity and due diligence in the coming months, particularly as a result of COVID and forced closures of practices.

Over the past decade, transactions involving the acquisition or sale of healthcare organizations include considerations regarding patient privacy, data security and cyber compliance. This is even more true today as we navigate a pandemic and prepare for what the future might look like, including greater usage of technology in the healthcare setting.Beth Pitman, a partner in Waller’s healthcare regulatory compliance practice, joins Baxter Lee, CFO of Clearwater Compliance, and Jon Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at Clearwater Compliance, for an in-depth discussion.

Hospitals and health systems are on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. But, behind the scenes, they are grappling to sustain operations and finances significantly impacted by the state of the economy. In the latest version of our PointbyPoint podcast, Waller’s Ken Marlow and Eb LeMaster, managing director at Ponder, discuss the various factors impacting hospitals and health systems today. They share their insights based on decades of experience advising hospital leaders and look to the future of this healthcare sector.

Safety concerns for employers and customers may be top of mind for businesses now, but it's also important to understand how the actions you take now can impact your brand long-term. Proper messaging to customers, appropriate social media use and protection of your intellectual property and brand status are important, too. Waller's Laura Merritt talks about managing these challenges and offers helpful pointers for navigating this rapidly evolving business environment.

Healthcare M&A was off to a healthy start early in 2020 but that activity ground to a halt in March and April with the onset of the coronavirus crisis. Waller partner David Marks and Brentwood Capital Advisors’ L.A. Galyon and Porter Meadors take a sector-by-sector look at the current state of healthcare M&A and what the future may hold for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. They also offer advice for healthcare providers that may be exploring options to sustain or grow their businesses.

COVID-19 has created a great deal of uncertainly for commercial real estate landlords, owners and tenants alike. It's also left many looking at their contracts and obligations to see what they may or may not be responsible for amid a global pandemic and whether 'force majeure' is applicable. Waller attorneys Joe Watson and Lida Alsobrooks tackle these questions and many others to help everyone understand where they stand with leases, contracts and other agreements.

The situation in the U.S. and global economy is continuing to worsen. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home orders are putting pressure on a variety of industries -- particularly oil and gas, retail, hospitality and healthcare. Waller attorneys Eric Taube, John Tishler and Jesse Vogtle have a wealth of bankruptcy experience and except that several industries will see waves of bankruptcy filings.

As states begin to lift stay at home orders and businesses plan for reopening, OSHA is asking employers to develop response plans and procedures prior to employees returning to work. Aron Karabel, Steve Hawkins and Mike Palmer offer practical tips for companies as they prepare their plans to help employees, customers and clients stay safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and tasting rooms have closed their doors as a result of “stay at home” orders. These businesses have rapidly shifted their business models in order to generate revenue and keep employees working – food and alcohol delivery, curbside pickup, and more. Will Cheek and Rob Pinson, leaders of the firm’s alcoholic beverage team, discuss the changes in licensing and regulations, what’s ahead for restaurants, bars, distilleries and other hospitality clients, and practical considerations as they contemplate the future of their businesses.

As our economy continues to feel the impact of COVID-19, the commercial real estate industry is taking a direct hit. In the near-term, industry leaders are concerned with preserving value and liquidity, keeping tenants and visitors safe, and complying with governmental requirements. Bo Campbell discusses the potential short and long-term impact of the pandemic on the real estate industry; key questions industry players should be asking; and practical next steps.

Like many areas of healthcare, the dental industry has come nearly to a halt for all non-essential or emergent procedures. Against that backdrop, we examine the impact of the epidemic on dental providers and discuss best practices to shore up financial operations and position their organizations for the near-term and long-term.

Many not-for-profit hospitals have faced economic struggles in recent years, but nothing quite like the combined impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the looming economic downturn left in its wake. We look at the prognosis for this sector of the healthcare industry.