Podcasts about CMS

In this episode of HIPcast, Brendan Keeler, shares his experience participating in the CMS RFI listening session focused on advancing interoperability, patient access, data exchange, and the digital health product ecosystem. We learn how CMS is leading this effort under the current administration and engaging many agencies and stakeholders to identify priorities. #HIPcast with Shannan and Seth. Follow Brendan Keeler on Social:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-keeler/ Twitter: https://x.com/healthapiguyHIPcast brought to you by Enterprise Social RecordShow Sponsor:MROLearn more at www.mrocorp.com

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Is churn currently a problem with your agency clients? Are you aware of the reasons they decide to leave? It may be time to think hard about your onboarding process, client communication, and generally the ways you're ensuring client satisfaction. The difference often comes down to positioning: are you operating as a trusted advisor or simply completing tasks? Today's special guest knows that agencies that prioritize client satisfaction, embrace accountability, and focus on becoming trusted advisors rather than mere task completers are the ones that create truly loyal clients. As our Agency Scale Specialist, Darby Copenhaver, has closely observed the growth trajectories of numerous mastermind members and constantly communicates with them in their journeys. In this conversation, he and Jason get into the importance of strong communication and transparent onboarding processes to combat buyer's remorse and build trust. They also address the strategic use of AI to enhance efficiency and results, stressing that while AI can automate tasks, human connection and understanding clients' evolving needs remain paramount for long-term partnerships. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to prevent your clients' buyer's remorse. Your onboarding might be the problem. Stop ignoring current clients. Your secret retention weapon: ongoing discovery. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Why Your Clients Might Not Love You (Even if You're Getting Results) Ever feel like you're crushing it for clients, but then they ghost you or churn unexpectedly? There are several reasons why this could be happening and ways to stop it before it kills your momentum. Here's the truth: buyers remorse sets in immediately after a client signs. It's your job to kill that remorse with rock-solid communication and a frictionless onboarding experience. Most agencies think they're good communicators because they answer emails. But clients want more than tasks checked off. They want to feel seen, understood, and confident they made the right decision. If you're not proactively communicating wins (and misses), or if you let your PMs control the narrative without your oversight, you're setting yourself up for churn, no matter how “good” your delivery is. Your Onboarding Might Be Pushing Clients Away As Jason knows from recent experiences as a client, most agencies' onboarding is just an exhausting homework dump on clients who already told you their goals in the sales calls you recorded. Why are you making them repeat themselves, fill out giant forms, or wait for your scattered follow-ups? Your clients didn't hire you to do more work. They hired you to get results while saving them time. Break your onboarding into clear, easy phases, Reset expectations, Use the data you already have (like call transcripts and AI sorting) to fill in the blanks yourself. If you set clear timelines, communication rhythms, and how success will be measured in that first meeting, you'll position yourself as a trusted advisor, not another vendor barking for “assets” they've already shared. This is what makes clients relieved to work with you instead of stressed. Communication: Simple, But Rarely Done Right It's so important for any business to show that you're trustworthy, and you'll show that by doing what you say you'll do, when you say you'll do it. Too many agencies fail to communicate delays, let tasks slip, and think a monthly dashboard is enough. It's not. Dashboards alone mean nothing to most clients. Some need a quick Loom, some need Slack check-ins, others need a simple “Here's what we did, what's next, and why it matters.” Customizing your communication style shows your clients you're paying attention to them, not just copy-pasting your agency SOPs onto their business. This is how you become a trusted advisor, the person they call with challenges (not just tasks). That's how you become irreplaceable. So, which measures are you implementing at your agency to ensure - not just assume - that you know your clients are happy, not only with the results presented but also the overall experience? Want Clients to Stick Around? Be Human When was the last time you called a client you didn't personally sell or deliver on, just to check in and say, “Hey, I'm the CEO, here's my number if you need anything”? Most agencies never do this, but it's one of the simplest ways to build relationships that survive budget cuts and economic slowdowns. If clients only see you as a transaction, you're the first thing to get cut. If they see you as a partner, they'll fight to keep you. Want to take it further? Fly out and have dinner with your top clients once a year. Exchange stories, show them you care, and watch how your retention and upsells climb. Stop Leaving Money on the Table by Ignoring Current Clients Agencies love to yell, “We need more leads!” But often, your easiest growth is sitting right in front of you. If your clients trust you, they'll come to you with new problems—many of which you can solve or connect them with someone who can. This positions you as a problem solver, not an order taker. Instances like this are a great opportunity to be strategic, guide them, and reinforce how much you value the relationship. Results are awesome, but that value is what will take from being transactional to being a value relationship they'll fight to keep in times of economic uncertainty. Why Ongoing Discovery Is Your Secret Retention Weapon If you're selling to clients you can't grow with, you're setting yourself up for frustration. Too many agencies say “yes” to clients who aren't ready, don't want help, or can't commit to scaling. It's like hiring a personal trainer while refusing to stop eating cake every night. They might pay you, but they won't get results—and they'll blame you when they don't. And what about after you've found the right clients? Darby believes too many agencies forget that discovery isn't just for the sales process. Every client interaction should be a sort of ongoing discovery. Agencies that retain and grow accounts are constantly in ongoing discovery mode. As you bring success to clients their needs will evolve, their businesses shift, and what worked four months ago might be irrelevant today. If you're not in tune with those shifts, your agency becomes stale, and you'll get replaced. A challenge for agency owners: How are you staying aware of what's changing in your clients' businesses? Are you proactively checking in, asking about priorities, and aligning your services to what's happening right now? Or are you stuck on autopilot, delivering what they hired you for while missing what they actually need today? Stay curious, stay in discovery, and you'll stay essential. Communication Clarity: 411 vs. 911 To prevent the typical disconnect when clients are unsure of who to reach out to and for what, Darby and Jason recommend this simple but powerful tactic brought by Agency Mastery member, Travis. He tells clients exactly who to reach out to for “411” (info & updates) vs. “911” (emergencies). This eliminates confusion, speeds up communication, and prevents small issues from turning into big frustrations. And when you mess up—and you will—own it fast. Clients don't want spin or silence. They want the truth — fast. One agency Jason used messed up an ad so badly it was embarrassing, and instead of calling to own it, they hid behind Slack messages. Don't be that agency. Mistakes happen. What matters is how quickly and humanly you fix them. Be Human. Clients Crave It. At the heart of retention and growth is human connection. If your agency relationships feel like sterile transactions, you're replaceable. Clients want to feel seen and understood. If everything you share sounds like sugarcoated wins while their results lag, they'll start doubting you. Long-term, high-value clients come from humanizing your interactions—having real conversations, admitting mistakes, sharing wins, and being upfront about challenges. Clients don't want perfect robots; they want partners they trust. Don't Fear AI - Use It to Win Do clients want their agencies to use AI? Overwhelmingly, yes. They just don't what you to use it just to write articles and create crappy images, brands want their agencies using AI to get better results. According to a survey conducted by Audience Audit, 77% of brands are more likely to hire an agency seen as an AI expert, yet only 32% think their current agency is. This is a massive opportunity. But here's the key: don't use AI as a crutch to replace human strategy. Use it to collect, analyze, and interpret data faster so you can bring clients valuable insights and make micro-adjustments that drive real results. Clients want done-for-you solutions that leverage AI under the hood while preserving a human relationship on the front end. Just remember that clients don't care about your systems, your dashboards, or your internal processes if they don't lead to results. They want outcomes with as little friction as possible. AI can help you cut busywork, speed up insights, and refine strategy—but it's your human understanding and relationship that keeps clients paying, referring, and expanding their contracts. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Ready for a better commission tracking solution? Don't miss our episode featuring suggestions on tracking your hard-earned commissions.   Register for your FREE RitterIM.com Account   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: AHIP Test Tips and Tricks for Medicare Certification Building the Foundation for Success ft. Roy Snarr Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency How to Avoid Using Elderspeak Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman The Best Appointment Schedulers for Insurance Agents The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: What That Means for Insurance Agents The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 3: Staying Organized What Are Agents Responsible for Under HIPAA?   References: “Agencybloc Commissions Management.” Agencybloc.Com, AgencyBloc, www.agencybloc.com/commissions-management/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “AgencyComp Commissions Tracker.” Agencycomp.Com, AgencyComp, agencycomp.com/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Commissionly Sales Commission Software.” Commissionly.Io, Commissionly, www.commissionly.io/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Excel Help & Learning.” Support.Microsoft.Com, Microsoft Support, support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel. Accessed 23 June 2025. “Excel Quick and Simple Charts Tutorial.” YouTube.Com, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkNkrKMF5c. Accessed 23 June 2025. “How to Create a Chart in Microsoft Excel: Step-by-Step Guide.” wikiHow.Com, wikiHow, 31 Dec. 2024, www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Graph-in-Excel. “How to Create Excel Charts and Graphs.” Blog.Hubspot.Com, HubSpot Blog, blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-build-excel-graph. Accessed 23 June 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 23 June 2025. “Medicare PRO CRM.” Medicareproapp.Com, Medicare PRO, www.medicareproapp.com/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Radius Agency Management System.” Radiusbob.Com, Radius, www.radiusbob.com/. Accessed 10 June 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance       Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/    Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. 

(Antevíspera del Día del Padre en Uruguay) «Hasta hace cosa de un siglo... el padre era la autoridad suprema —escribe el columnista colombiano Daniel Samper Pizano en el periódico El Tiempo—. Cuando el padre miraba fijamente a la hija, ésta abandonaba al novio, volvía a vestir falda larga y se metía de monja. A una orden suya, los hijos varones cortaban leña, alzaban bultos o se hacían matar en la guerra.... «Todo empezó a cambiar cuando el padre dejó de ser el padre y se convirtió en el papá —continúa Samper Pizano—. El mero sustantivo era una derrota. Padre es palabra sólida, rocosa; papá es apelativo para oso de felpa o perro faldero. Demasiada confiancita.... Con el uso de “papá” el hijo se sintió autorizado para protestar, cosa que nunca había ocurrido cuando el padre era el padre: »—¡Pero, papá, me parece el colmo que no me prestes el carro...! »A diferencia del padre, el papá era tolerante.... Los hijos empezaron a comer en la sala mirando el televisor, mientras papá y mamá lo hacían solos en la mesa. Y a [hablar por] teléfono sin permiso, y a sustraer billetes de la cartera de papá, y a usar sus mejores camisas. La hija, a salir con pretendientes sin chaperón y a exigirle al papá que no hiciera mala cara al insoportable novio.... »Papá seguía siendo la autoridad de la casa, pero bastante [menoscabada].... Era, en fin, un tipo querido... a quien acudir en busca de consejo o plata prestada. »Y entonces vino papi. »... Descendiente menguado y raquítico de padre y de papá, ya ni siquiera se le consulta o se le solicita, sino que se le notifica. »—Papi, me llevo el carro. Dame para gasolina... »A papi lo sacan de todo. Le ordenan que se vaya al cine con mami cuando los niños tienen fiesta y que entren en silencio por la puerta de atrás.... A papi le quitan todo: la tarjeta de crédito, la ropa, el turno para ducharse, la rasuradora eléctrica, el computador, las llaves... »Lo tutean, pero siempre en plan de regaño: »...—¡Papi, no me vuelvas a llamar “chiquita” delante de Jonathan! »Aquel respeto que inspiraba padre, con papá se transformó en confiancita y se ha vuelto franco abuso con papi.... »No sé qué seguirá de papi hacia abajo. Supongo que la esclavitud o el destierro. Yo estoy aterrado porque, después de haber sido nieto de padre, hijo de papá y papi de hijos, mis nietas han empezado a llamarme “bebé”.»1 Con razón que Samper Pizano suene esta alarma, aunque atenuada, eso sí, con su característico tono jocoso, y aunque se sobreentienda que estas formas de dirigirse al padre y la decadencia del respeto que le muestran sus hijos no se aplican a todos los países ni mucho menos a todas las familias. Es que, antes de 1940 —comenta el periodista colombiano— los hijos obedecían el mandamiento de honrar a los padres como si fuera reglamento de la Federación de Fútbol.2 Lo cierto es que a todos nos conviene tomar a pecho ese mandamiento, respetando y valorando a los maltratados papás y papis que hay en nuestras familias. De hacerlo así, redundará no sólo en beneficio de ellos sino también en beneficio nuestro, ya que es el único mandamiento en las Sagradas Escrituras que nos promete a quienes lo obedecemos que nos irá bien y que disfrutaremos de una larga vida.3 Carlos ReyUn Mensaje a la Concienciawww.conciencia.net 1 Daniel Samper Pizano, «Padre, papá, papi: ¡Cómo era de bueno ser padre!», El Tiempo, Bogotá, 10 junio 2009 En línea 16 agosto 2018. 2 Ibíd. 3 Éx 20:12; Dt 5:16; Pr 1:8; 13:1; Mt 15:4; 19:19; Mr 7:10; 10:19; Lc 18:20; Ef 6:1-3

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Ronn Berrol to unpack how a single hospital pilot became a 21-site success story—not by replacing Epic, but by solving the one thing it couldn't do well: surfacing the right data, at the right time, for the right patients. We dove deep into how high-risk patients can be flagged before they escalate into crisis, and how real-time data sharing across emergency departments can dramatically reduce admissions and improve flow. And the secret ingredient? A clinician champion who didn't wait for a committee to say yes—he created momentum from the floor up.1.Don't Confuse Your EHR with Strategic Insight Tools Dr. Ronn shared how even the best EMRs like Epic can bury clinicians in data. What made a difference wasn't more information—but surfacing the right information at the right time for high-risk patients.2.Champions Create Change, Not Systems Alone Technology alone didn't earn trust. It was the clinicians—like Ronn—who piloted it, saw value, and advocated upward that drove full-scale adoption across 21 hospitals.3.Pilot First, Scale Fast—But Only When It Works Many hospitals hesitate to adopt new solutions unless a clear ROI is shown early. That's why the original pilot funded by a hospital foundation was a turning point.4.Care Coordination Starts Before the Crisis With tools that flag social risks, housing instability, or medication lapses—this platform helped avoid ER boarding by addressing patients' needs before they spiraled.5.Modern Innovation Means Cross-Hospital Collaboration Emergency departments often operate in silos. But the real breakthrough came from sharing real-time patient data across unaffiliated EDs.6.You Don't Need to Solve Everything—Just What Others Miss What made this solution a win wasn't trying to replace Epic—it filled the critical gap Epic couldn't: surfacing actionable insights, fast.Have you ever been the “first yes” that helped an innovation take off in your org?Episode Timeline: 00:01:56 - How piloting EDO began through visibility gaps in local EDs.00:03:51 - Clinical inefficiencies and the importance of care pathways.00:05:50 - Workflow improvements reduced boarding and increased capacity.00:07:53 - How a charitable foundation funded the pilot despite cost concerns.00:09:37 - Dr. Ron contrasts EDO vs Epic and explains its push-not-pull advantage.00:11:17 - EDO pushes key info in 30-45 seconds vs long EHR chart reviews.00:13:42 - How EDO helps solve new CMS and system-wide goals.00:17:26 - Dr. Ron expands on how lack of access causes overreliance on EDs.00:21:48 - Key takeaway #1: EHR ≠ strategic insight tool.00:22:17 - Key takeaway #2: Clinician champions drive change.00:22:31 - Key takeaway #3: Pilot first, scale fast.00:22:47 - Key takeaway #4: Coordinate care before crisis.00:23:13 - Key takeaway #5: Share data across hospitals.00:23:30 - Key takeaway #6: Fill the gap, don't replace the system.

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Eeks sits down with world-renowned cardiologist and nutrition dynamo Dr. Kim Williams to pull the lid off “healthy” plant-based restaurant meals, and a whole lot more.What's on the menu:First-of-its-kind restaurant study – How Dr. Williams scored plant-based dishes for heart health, what shocked him, and the sneaky “health halo” traps you'll now spot a mile away.Plant-based vs. junk-based – Could plant-based be sliding toward the same fate as the Western diet? He breaks down where things are headed and how to dodge the pitfalls.Cardio-nutrition deep dive – The eating plan Dr. Williams follows himself, plus straight talk on saturated fat, carbs, sugar, cholesterol, animal welfare, and factory farming.Big-picture fixes – Population-level policies he believes could actually move the needle on improving nutrition at the public health level.If you eat out, care about your heart, or just want the unvarnished science behind plant-powered plates, this episode is packed with gems you won't want to miss.Dr. Kim Allan Williams, MD, MACC, FAHA, MASNC, FESC is Chair of Medicine at the University of Louisville and a triple-threat in general, preventive, and cardiovascular-imaging cardiology. He's a former President of both the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and he previously led the Association of Black Cardiologists as Board Chair. At Wayne State he launched the Urban Cardiology Initiative, and later created Rush University's H.E.A.R.T. Program (Helping Everyone Assess Risk Today)—community screenings that pair education, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching. A lifelong advocate for nutrition literacy, health-equity, and system-wide reform, Dr. Williams has advised the FDA, CMS, and served more than 25 years as an AMA delegate. Most recently, he sat on the 2022 task force that briefed the White House Conference on Nutrition, Health, and Hunger.You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com.Follow Eeks on Instagram here.Or Facebook here.Or X.On Youtube.Or TikTok.SUBSCRIBE to her monthly newsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on health you care about!)Support the show

Partnerships can be a powerful growth strategy for your business. Learn more about marketing your business through collaboration and community involvement.   Read the text version   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 5 Insurance Marketing Tips to Help Agents Stand Out from the Crowd 5 Things to Consider When Creating Your Personal Brand Community-Based Marketing for Insurance Agents Community Engagement & ACA Marketing Suggestions for Agents How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency Modern Medicare Marketing for Today's Agents Operating From a People-First Mentality ft. Scott Zimmerman Ready to partner with an FMO? Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing! The Insurance Agent's Guide to Establishing Successful Affinity Partnerships   References: “Affinity Marketing: The Art of Building Connections.” Mailchimp.Com, Intuit, mailchimp.com/resources/affinity-marketing/. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Complementary Business Definition.” Lawinsider.Com, Law Insider, www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/complementary-business. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-P).” CMS.Gov, CMS, 26 Nov. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, CMS, www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 10 June 2025.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Are you a developer or small business owner struggling with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? In this episode of Search Off the Record, Google Search Advocates John Mueller and Martin Splitt break down the essentials of SEO for small businesses. Learn practical tips for understanding your target audience, crafting a content strategy, and measuring your SEO efforts. They debunk SEO myths and explain when it's time to hire an SEO expert or agency. Get clarity on content strategy, technical SEO basics, the importance of relevant content and how to measure success. This video is perfect for developers who are curious about search and need a non-technical introduction to the SEO space, and small business owners who want to improve their website's visibility in Google Search. Resources:  Episode transcript →  Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: The SEO Questions We All Get Asked 0:35 - SEO Starter Guide 0:58 - Defining Your Website Goals & Customer Focus 2:51 - Food Truck Example 4:20 - Understanding Your Customers & Search Intent 6:21- Content Strategy: What Should You Write About? 7:06 - Technical Foundation Check: Is Your Site Okay? 7:54 - Website Name Searching 9:46 - CMS 10:03-  How to Approach Content Creation 11:52 - Getting Customer Feedback & Keyword Research 13:33 - How Serious Is My Goal 13:33: - How To Measure SEO Impact 14:30 - Monitoring Website Changes: Search Console & Analytics 16:03 - How Long Changes Take 17:41 - Staging Sites Vs Live Sites 18:44 - When to Hire an SEO Expert or Agency 21:14 - Red Flags SEO Promises 21:14 - Resources Mentioned 23:52 - How Long Does SEO Take 26:23 - AI and SEO 28:30 - Outro Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentral Search Off the Record is a podcast series that takes you behind the scenes of Google Search with the Search Relations team. #SOTRpodcast #SEO Speaker: Martin Splitt, Gary Illyes Products Mentioned: Search Console,

For this week's episode I'm bringing you something a little different, but of such importance that I had to share it with my Off the Record audience: The massive audit expansion of Medicare Advantage announced by CMS. In case you missed it, CMS in May rocked the mid-revenue cycle industry with the unveiling of a startling mandate. It will hire 2000 medical coders, beef up its audit technology, and expand its current limited auditing scope from 60 Medicare Advantage Plans to some 550 plans nationwide in an attempt to check widespread allegations of HCC upcoding. My colleague Jason Jobes has been closely following the news and presented this topic in June—the most attended webinar Norwood has ever hosted. This is a replay of that very well-received show. It covers: The evolving risk adjustment landscape and the rise of Medicare Advantage CMS broad and bold audit scope and strategy  Best practice techniques to survive in risk adjustment and avoid potential risks Jason refers to several slides during the presentation, which you don't necessarily need, but if you'd like to follow along or see the exact references and data we've posted them to the Norwood website with a link in the show notes. Enjoy the show!  Show notes and resources View the webinar slides here (free; requires registration) Read the full CMS audit announcement. 

We've got the breakdown of all the Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollment periods that beginner agents need to know.   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 10 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://ritterim.com/blog/10-essential-tools-for-beginner-insurance-agents/ Apps for Comparing Healthcare & Prescriptions: https://lnk.to/ASGA85 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Do's and Don'ts: https://ritterim.com/blog/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-dos-and-donts/ Self-Guided Training with Knight School: https://ritterim.com/knight-school/ The Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid: https://lnk.to/ASGAE01 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: Franchina, Chris. “AEP vs. OEP: Understanding the Differences for Medicare.” Policy Engineer, 11 Jan. 2025, https://policyengineer.com/aep-vs-oep-understanding-the-differences-for-medicare/. “Get Ready to Buy.” Medicare.Gov, https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy. Accessed 17 June 2025. “Joining a Plan.” Medicare, “Joining a Plan.” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan. Accessed 10 June 2025. Worstell, Christian. “Medicare AEP vs. OEP: Know Your Enrollment Periods.” Medicare AEP vs. OEP | How to Enroll or Change Your Medicare Plan | MedicareAdvantage.Com, MedicareAdvantage.com, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicareadvantage.com/enrollment/medicare-aep-vs-oep. “Medicare Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/medicare-open-enrollment-partner-resources. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Medicare Open Enrollment Fact Sheet 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2024-medicare-open-enrollment-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed 10 June 2025. “Special Enrollment Periods.” Medicare, Medicare.gov, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? | News & Articles | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC.Com, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/what-is-the-medicare-annual-enrollment-period. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What If I Missed My Initial Enrollment Period? | News & Articles | UnitedHealthcare.” UHC.Com, UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/medicare-articles/what-if-i-missed-my-initial-enrollment-period. Accessed 10 June 2025. “What Is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?” NOCA.Org, National Counsel of Aging, https://www.ncoa.org/article/a-closer-look-at-the-medicare-general-enrollment-period/. Accessed 10 June 2025.   Follow Us on Social!  Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Send us a textIn this episode of Healthcare Trailblazers, host speaks with Dr. Boris Vabson, head of Medicare Advantage policy at CMMI (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation). Dr. Vabson shares his fascinating journey from being born in the Soviet Union to becoming a Harvard health economist focused on dysfunctional healthcare systems. The conversation explores Medicare Advantage's evolution since 1965, current challenges including cost inefficiencies and prior authorization burdens, and CMMI's ambitious plans to transform the program. Dr. Vabson discusses the ongoing debate about Medicare Advantage overpayments, risk adjustment auditing using AI technology, and how CMMI plans to leverage its statutory flexibility to test innovative reforms that could be scaled nationwide. With recent leadership changes under Dr. Mehmet Oz at CMS, this timely discussion provides crucial insights into the future direction of Medicare Advantage policy affecting over 30 million Americans.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Dr. Vabson's Background 00:05:35 - Healthcare System Problems and Technology Solutions 00:09:42 - Medicare Advantage Overview and Current Challenges 00:18:25 - Policy Debates and Reform Efforts 00:32:44 - CMMI's Future Plans for Medicare Advantage Transformation

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly transitioned from something to expect in the future to the here and now today. The potential for AI in health information is both exciting and daunting. Reporting the lead story during the next live edition of Talk Ten Tuesday will be longtime RACmonitor and ICD10monitor contributing author Sharon Easterling.Sharon Easterling is slated to create an editorial series on artificial intelligence. Her report on this topic will be a preview of what readers and listeners will learn during her series.The popular Internet broadcast will also feature these additional instantly recognizable panelists, who will report more news during their segments:• Social Determinants of Health: Tiffany Ferguson, CEO for Phoenix Medical Management, Inc., will report on the news that is happening at the intersection of medical record auditing and the SDoH;• The Coding Report: Christine Geiger, Assistant Vice President of Acute and Post-Acute Coding Services for First Class Solutions, will report on the latest coding news;• Field Report: Dennis Jones, a veteran Monitor Mondays and Talk Ten Tuesdays contributing author, will report on the latest developments regarding the revenue cycle. Jones is the senior director of revenue cycle at Jefferson Health.• News Desk: Timothy Powell, ICD10monitor national correspondent, will anchor the Talk Ten Tuesdays News Desk; and• MyTalk: Angela Comfort, veteran healthcare subject-matter expert, will co-host the long-running and popular weekly Internet broadcast. Comfort is the Assistant Vice President of Revenue Integrity for Montefiore Health.

Take your business into the modern world of digital marketing. We've compiled the ultimate guide to getting started, tips, resources, and more!   Read the text version   Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing   Full-Service Digital Marketing Services: $99 Social ConciergeBee Disruptive Advertising Firebelly MarketingHubstaff Talent Ignite Visibility KlientBoostLinkedIn Lyfe Marketing ReminderMedia SEO DiscoveryUpwork   Self-Service Digital Marketing Options: Buffer Constant Contact GoDaddy Google Ads HostGator HubSpot MailChimp Semrush SEO Meta in 1 Click Social Bee Squarespace Wix   Resources: 3 Insurance Business Tools You Absolutely Can't Live Without Ritter Insurance Marketing Agent Compliance Handbook How to Market Yourself Online Webinar Field Notes on Traditional Marketing Integrity Tools Insurance Agents as TPMOs: What CMS Compliance Regulations Mean for You Introducing The Content Library for Health Insurance Agents Modern Medicare Marketing for Today's Agents FREE eBook Download PlanEnroll Ritter's Content Library Ritter Insurance Marketing Registration Form Social Media Marketing for Insurance Agents FREE eBook Download   The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 2: Keeping in Touch with Clients   References: Kumar, Naveen. “167 Digital Marketing Statistics 2025 [Facts & Growth].” DemandSage, 4 Mar. 2025, https://www.demandsage.com/digital-marketing-statistics/. “Digital Marketing: Everything You Need to Know to Get It Right.” HubSpot Blog, https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-digital-marketing. Accessed 16 June 2025. “Medicare Marketing Guidelines.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/managed-care-marketing/medicare-guidelines. Accessed 16 June 2025. Nguyen, Stephanie T. “Can-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business.” Federal Trade Commission, 24 Jan. 2025, https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business/ . “Subpart V—Medicare Advantage Communication Requirements.” Code of Federal Regulations, eCFR.gov, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-V. Accessed 16 June 2025. “Writing Alt Text for Infographics: Quick Tips.” WCAG Audits, ADA Accessibility Audits & Section 508 Audits, Bureau of Internet Accessibility, 7 Nov. 2023, https://www.boia.org/blog/writing-alt-text-for-infographics-quick-tips.   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.

Is the Medicare GUIDE Program for you? Today Nancy and I are sharing insights from Amy Imes of Emory's Integrated Memory Care about the new Medicare Program GUIDE. We're going to help you understand what it is and how to know if you can leverage it. We're sharing three tips. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we are so excited to share this information with you. This is an awesome opportunity to learn about the US Medicare GUIDE Program. With big announcements happening on July 1, 2025, we're excited to give you an overview so you can understand how you might participate in the GUIDE program. Let us introduce you to Amy. Amy Imes is a gerontological nurse practitioner who is a trusted expert in geriatrics, demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique healthcare needs of the aging population. Throughout her career, Amy has played a pivotal role in building care models—that's important to the GUIDE program—and developing teams that yield superior outcomes. In addition to her clinical work, she is a member of the team at Emory's Integrated Memory Care, which is a nurse practitioner-led primary care practice for patients living with dementia. She's also the program lead for the Medicare GUIDE Program at Emory Healthcare. GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It is a US Medicare pilot program that aims to provide better support and resources for persons living with dementia and their caregivers. Which is awesome. You should know that it's a pilot program. Please let's all support it because we need to prove that this pilot program which focuses on helping dementia caregivers actually works so that this can become a standard part of Medicare and can also be expanded globally. It would be ideal for the US to prove it's worth so that we can help other countries take advantage of these kinds of support because they're watching and they're aware of it. This is a groundbreaking program that is being offered around the country. So definitely we want to show up and show out as people tend to say sometimes. As of today, July 1st, there are approximately 390 programs across the country that have been vetted by Medicare to provide this program, and so it is really going to have an impact for persons living with dementia. Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/39-is-the-medicare-guide-program-for-you-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned To find a guide program near you: Go to this CMS website page and put in your state and under models select ‘Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model' Then click ‘Display selected' You can use the plus and minus signs in the upper right corner to zoom in closer to your area and find the program closest to you. There may be several who cover your zip code so explore options Emory Integrated Memory Care: https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/integrated-memory-care-clinic Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Takeaways What the Medicare GUIDE Program Offers One-on-one support and coaching by dementia prevention providers Care navigation through an often difficult and chaotic healthcare system Education and training resources for caregivers Respite care Tip 1: Understand Your Eligibility Tip 2: How to Find a GUIDE Program Near Me Tip 3: How to Integrate GUIDE with Your Existing Medical Team About Emory's Integrated Memory Care GUIDE Program For those in the Atlanta area, Emory's Integrated Memory Care is led by nurse practitioners who are all dementia specialists and geriatric specialists. They bring everything under one umbrella with geriatric psych, licensed social workers, and RNs on their team. This eliminates doctor hopping and multiple visits. Read More in This Blog here

This week I Share 10 Reasons Why There Is Power of Showing Up In Person [powerpresss]

Today we are talking about Drupal Hooks, why they got changed in core, and what to do now with guest Karoly Négyesi better known as Chx. We'll also cover Media Folders as our module of the week. For show notes visit: https://www.talkingDrupal.com/510 Topics Deep Dive into Drupal Hooks The Evolution of Drupal Hooks Challenges and Solutions in Hook Conversion Community Involvement and Contributions The Future of Drupal Hook System Introduction to Procedural Hooks Understanding Theme Hooks Complexities of Preprocess Hooks Converting Hooks to Object-Oriented Impact on Contributed Modules Challenges in Core Conversion Future of Drupal Hooks Lightning Round and Conclusion Resources Hooks becoming OOP Convert everything everwhere all at once Conversion script Conversion patches Ordering hooks OOP Preprocess hooks Render API change 2009 issue for form api ungrokable 2007 change for calling themes hook Giant issue with all of the hook related links Longest hook in core: entity_query_tag__entity_test_mulrev__entity_query_entity_test_mulrev_alter_tag_test_alter Guests Károly Negyesi - ghost-of-drupal-past Hosts Nic Laflin - nLighteneddevelopment.com nicxvan John Picozzi - epam.com johnpicozzi Martin Anderson-Clutz - mandclu.com mandclu MOTW Correspondent Martin Anderson-Clutz - mandclu.com mandclu Brief description: Have you ever wanted to have your Drupal site's media assets presented in a UI that evokes the hierarchy of a filesystem? There's a module for that. Module name/project name: Media Folders Brief history How old: created in Apr 2025 by João Mauricio (jmauricio) Versions available: 1.0.3 which supports Drupal 10.3 and 11 Maintainership Actively maintained Security coverage Test coverage Number of open issues: 9 open issues, 2 of which are bugs, although one was just fixed Usage stats: 61 sites Module features and usage The module mimics a file structure by associating media entities with a taxonomy hierarchy It then provides an intuitive, drag-and-drop UI to move items between locations, drag in new items, or even search within a particular “folder”, including a recursive search When you drag in files, it uses “smart” logic to automatically assign files to Media bundles It provides a form display widget, a view display widget, a CKEditor plugin, and it's compatible with other filesystem modules, like S3 File System This kind of interface is a requirement I've seen in RFPs by companies looking for a new CMS, so having this available as a drop-in solution

Millions of Medicare recipients qualify for the QMB program, which covers premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Yet many remain unenrolled. Healthline, Medicare.org, and CMS.gov all explain the benefit—but confusion and missed connections still prevent access for those who need it most. More: Read the breakdown David Bynon City: Prescott Address: 101 W Goodwin St # 2487 Website: https://trustpublishing.com

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How are you positioning your services as essential rather than optional, and accurately measuring growth and profitability to sustain long-term success? How are you measuring your agency's growth and profitability? Today's featured guests unpack how they scaled their PR shop past the million-dollar mark in under four years — and their journey offers valuable insights that any agency owner can apply immediately. Learn why they prefer growing the agency as partners, as opposed to sticking to being solopreneurs, how they've been tracking their growth, and how to over-communicate with clients openly so that choosing you is the easiest decision. Caitlin Copple and Holly Conti are the co-partners of Full Swing PR, an agency that offers senior-level PR services to help amplify clients' story or cause and takes pride in creating authentic, lasting relationships with clients. They discuss their unique partnership dynamics, their approach to quarterly planning and KPIs, and their philosophy on "practicing what you preach" in the agency world. They also emphasize the importance of understanding client needs, demonstrating value, and the shift from focusing merely on publicity to generating tangible client pipelines. In this episode, we'll discuss: Breaking the visionary and integrator partner mold. Making sure to walk the walk in your own business. How to make your business a ‘must-have'  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Breaking the Visionary-Integrator Mold Caitlin started Full Swing solo, but always kept Holly in mind as the ideal partner for her business after they met working at an agency. It took some time, though, since Holly was first pregnant when Caitlin started the agency and then busy being a mom to a newborn. However, her involvement progressed, first as a moonlighter, then the agency's first employee, and eventually becoming the co-pilot Caitlin had always envisioned. Founder duos often get asked about who identifies as the “visionary” or the “integrator.” In their case, Caitlin and Holly both think big and get in the weeds. They take turns in both roles, which makes it complicated, but it works with a dose of brutally clear communication and mutual respect. Why work like this? It all comes from their beginnings as working moms in the business. As they explain, they initially treated it like a job share tagging each other in and out in the early days so they could both keep the wheels turning — and the babies fed. Partner Up or Burn Out Some agency owners do prefer to fly solo, but for the ones stuck doing it all alone — losing sleep over payroll, client churn, or the next contract that might vaporize overnight — Caitlin and Holly are living proof that a solid partner is worth their weight in gold. Having someone to say “we got this” when a contract gets pulled from underneath you is priceless. Sure, partnerships are basically work marriages (with all the ups and downs). But good ones make the tough days survivable — and the big wins that much sweeter. Walk Your Talk or Get Called Out Do you make sure your agency is practicing what you preach? Or are you one of the agencies that just “can't find the time” to work on their own website or marketing? Too many agencies hide behind ‘we're too busy with client work' while their own site looks like it was built in 1997 by a drunk intern. In their specific case as a PR agency, Caitlin and Holly practice the tenacity they teach their clients to have. “PR is about tenacity. It's not enough to do good work. People need to see you doing it.” Just like they tell clients to show up consistently, be visible, and ask for what they want. They make sure to do the same. Furthermore, putting yourself in your clients' shoes as small business owners will help you intimately understand the challenges they face and understand the investment they're making on your agency and how much they're betting on the results you can bring. For Caitlin, this means taking people “from publicity to pipeline,” because she understands as a small business owner how important it is to have four time the sales you need to meet your annual budget. In other words, treat your own agency like your most important client — or watch it slowly bleed opportunities. Quarterly Planning, KPIs, and the Secret Sauce So much can change in just one year (as we all have seen with the last couple of years). In the six years they've been in business, Caitlin and Holly have been through a pandemic, an AI revolution, and the economy doing somersaults. At this point, planning once a year and forgetting about it seems like a rookie move. They still set annual goals, of course. But quarterly check-ins are essential to running the day-to-day behind their million-dollar PR engine. Their leadership team meets every week to ensure that quarterly plan is still reality-proof. Revenue is Cool, But Calls Are King Although they do have a topline revenue goal and a profit margin goals for the agency, their north star isn't revenue — it's discovery calls. After realizing there was much more to building a profitable business than hitting the $1 million mark, Caitlin and Holly have been focusing more on pipeline and conversion rates. They know that if they keep discovery calls flowing, the revenue follows. Right now, if they book 10 calls with good fits, five become paying clients. That's a predictable pipeline. Pro tip: Track leading indicators religiously — site visits, key page hits, opt-ins, booked calls, and conversion rates at each step. If something's off (like calls dropping off, or deals stalling), they fix that exact leak before it kills the next quarter. So, if you're still flying blind, eyeballing topline revenue in your QuickBooks and calling it planning —you're normal… but you're leaving money on the table. How to Make PR (or Any Service) a Must-Have In this economy, how to get clients to see your work more as a must-have than a “nice-to-have”? In down markets, budgets get slashed — but essentials don't. So how do you become an essential? You don't chase anyone who's just looking for a PR vanity headline. You focus on clients who want a pipeline, not just press. If you're having a hard time to get clients to see you as an essential, you may be talking to the wrong people. Think about your ideal clients. What do they believe? What are their challenges? If you define your ideal client and start targeting them, you'll attract people who truly see the value you can bring to their business. Over-Communicate. Then Double It Caitlin and Holly share their process openly with prospects. Step by step. No secrets. Some agencies worry they're giving away the farm. Newsflash: they're not. Clients want to trust you know what you're doing — but they don't want to do it themselves. Everyone loves steak but no one wants to butcher a cow. Their transparency means no confusion, no scope drama, and no “you didn't say that” fights later. It's all upfront. And they even turned this transparency into a smart private podcast: “How to Hire a PR Agency” — a brilliant piece of sales enablement they send to prospects to handle all the FAQs before a call. That way, discovery calls stay focused where they should be: the client's business. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Welcome to another episode of the Heartland Daily Podcast, where Ann Marie Sheber and healthcare economist Devon Herrick unpack this week's biggest developments in health policy:

Program notes:0:40 A novel way to help aphasia after a stroke1:40 C7 nerve ligation2:42 Somatosensory function versus speech processing3:36 Substandard anticancer medications4:40 Tested many using HPLC5:40 Alarming that one in six is impacted6:40 Paying out of pocket7:38 New type of medicine for treatment resistant hypertension8:38 Need to follow electrolytes9:00 ED boarding for elderly10:00 Length of stay increased11:00 Elderly more likely to suffer complications12:00 CMS program for all inclusive care for elderly12:49 End

Welcome to another episode of the Heartland Daily Podcast, where Ann Marie Sheber and healthcare economist Devon Herrick unpack this week's biggest developments in health policy:

Little Acts of Genius: In this week's Curious Now, we're introducing the idea of ‘Frames, Actions, Results', an action science framework that CMS has used for many years to help advanced clinical and debriefing practitioners overcome the internal obstacles that are keeping them from being able to reach their goals. Here, we want to apply the framework to other people's actions—what could the person's frame have been that, when we view their action through that frame, the totally strange or confounding thing they did is, in fact, a little act of genius? • Get coaching from Jenny Rudolph at www.harvardmedsim.org • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72gzzWGegiXd9i2G6UJ0kP • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-center-for-medical-simulation/id1279266822

Episode Highlights:Why the Fourth of July hits different for healthcare professionalsGrowing up in a military family and how it shaped Matt's valuesFireworks, peaches, and facility BBQs—holiday traditions in senior careReflections on government involvement in healthcare—what's working, what's notThe impact of Medicaid changes and how value-based care fits inWhy Disneyland ruined fireworks (and how to reframe your expectations)Key Takeaways:Celebrate your country and challenge the systems that need reformHealthcare professionals must have a seat at the policy-making tableValue-based care isn't perfect—but it's a step in the right directionReferenced:CMS Innovation CenterGilbert Peach FestivalFort Jackson fireworksKaty Perry's “Firework” (unfortunately, also now Matt's personal performance piece)

Ryan Groh is the Associate Director of Ecommerce at BYLT Basics, a California-based premium apparel brand. With over seven years of experience in ecommerce and digital merchandising, Ryan has led initiatives that have significantly increased online revenue and improved customer experience through personalization and streamlined checkout processes. He played a pivotal role in BYLT's migration to Shopify's Hydrogen framework, enhancing site performance and enabling seamless omnichannel operations. Before his current role, Ryan was the Ecommerce Manager at Absolute Merch Inc. In this episode… Brands often wonder whether building a mobile app is worth the investment when a responsive mobile site already exists. The decision is particularly tricky for ecommerce companies trying to boost loyalty, retention, and customer lifetime value without overwhelming their tech teams. How can businesses know if an app will genuinely enhance the customer journey and deliver measurable ROI? Ryan Groh, an expert in ecommerce and digital merchandising, shares how his team approached the mobile app question by focusing on their most loyal customers. Ryan explains that an app can provide a more curated, frictionless experience for high-value buyers — especially those already engaged via SMS or email. He recommends identifying segments with high purchase frequency or cart value, using exclusive in-app promotions, and ensuring tech integrations support a seamless UX. For Ryan, app-driven ecommerce growth hinges on choosing the right platform vendor, personalizing content, and building app-based features that align with the brand's LTV strategy. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Ryan Groh, Associate Director of Ecommerce at BYLT Basics, about scaling loyalty and retention through mobile apps. Ryan dives into how push notifications outperform traditional channels, how to evaluate whether your brand is a good fit for an app, and the value of a headless CMS in crafting seamless user experiences.

Major U.S. health insurers have pledged to streamline prior authorization processes after a new announcement from HHS and CMS. In this RCMinutes, we take a closer look at what was promised and whether it might finally deliver.

First up…Sapia.ai, the global leader in ethical and explainable AI for hiring, today announced the release of Job Analysis Studio (JAS™) — a next-generation AI product that enables enterprises to design structured, science-based interviews in minutes, for faster, fairer hiring decisions. https://hrtechfeed.com/sapia-lanches-job-analysis-studio/  Joveo, the programmtica ad vendors, announced the launch of its new AI Career Site Builder, purpose-built for recruitment marketing and talent acquisition (TA) professionals. This content management system (CMS) enables TA teams to build high-converting career sites, landing pages, and microsites within minutes, using simple prompts. https://hrtechfeed.com/joveo-launches-ai-career-site-builder/ Calif. — Wisq, maker of the world's first AI HR Generalist, today announced a $15 million funding round from existing investors Norwest Venture Partners, Shasta Ventures, and True Ventures. The raise accelerates Wisq's mission to lead the era of Agentic HR  https://hrtechfeed.com/ai-hr-generalist-tool-lands-15m-investment/ Eightfold AI, the pioneer in talent intelligence, today announced the availability of its Talent Intelligence Platform in Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Reejig, the pioneer of AI-powered Work Intelligence, today announced its work intelligence solutions are now available on the SAP® Store, the online marketplace for SAP and partner offerings. Reejig integrating with SAP SuccessFactors enables enterprises to move beyond traditional skills tracking and embrace Work Intelligence—a revolutionary approach that aligns workforce skills with the real, evolving nature of work and tasks in an AI-driven world. Datapeople, the leading AI-powered talent attraction and productivity platform, today announced its addition to the Phenom Partner Marketplace. This collaboration makes it easier than ever for talent-centric enterprises to integrate data-driven job ad optimization directly within their Phenom ecosystem, increasing return on talent investments by amplifying hiring efficiency, equity, and effectiveness at scale. VONQ, a leader in AI-powered talent intelligence, today announced a strategic partnership with Employ to introduce CPA+, a groundbreaking cost-per-application (CPA) hiring model powered by agentic AI to highlight candidates delivered via LinkedIn AI job distribution. https://hrtechfeed

Modern physical therapy techniques, including electrical stimulation, are helping seniors recover faster, stay independent, and improve quality of life. According to Medicare.org and CMS.gov, these treatments are often covered by Medicare. David Bynon City: Prescott Address: 101 W Goodwin St # 2487 Website: https://trustpublishing.com

Welcome back to the continuation of my conversation with Mike and Reggie about the human experience of AI. In the first part, we laid the groundwork by discussing how to get started and facing the philosophical questions and fears surrounding this technology. Now, we get into the really exciting applications, exploring how my guests have gone from beginners to power users, integrating AI into their work and lives in truly transformative ways. You'll hear how Reggie has used AI to build dozens of applications, consult on complex topics, and even find support during a personal health crisis. Mike shares how he is using groups of AI models, or 'agents,' to solve major business challenges and improve efficiency. We discuss the critical importance of using your own professional knowledge to guide these tools and avoid the pitfalls of AI "hallucination" and bias. We wrap up with a look toward the future, discussing the tools they are most excited about, from AI that can generate images from a sketch to AI that helps you remember every detail from a meeting. Stacie More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

As state laws, federal regulations, and insurance policies continue to evolve, healthcare organizations face growing demands to ensure that gender-affirming care is appropriately documented and reported.Reporting on these serious coding challenges and the dire consequences of failing to achieve compliance during the next edition of Talk Ten Tuesdays will be senior healthcare consultant Penny Jefferson, the special guest for the broadcast coming up at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 1.The popular Internet broadcast will feature the additional following instantly recognizable panelists, who will report more news during their segments:• CDI Report: Cheryl Ericson, Director of Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) for the vaunted Brundage Group, will have the latest CDI updates;• The Coding Report: Christine Geiger, Assistant Vice President of Acute and Post-Acute Coding Services for First Class Solutions, will report on the latest coding news;• News Desk: Timothy Powell, ICD10monitor national correspondent, will anchor the Talk Ten Tuesdays News Desk; and• MyTalk: Angela Comfort, veteran healthcare subject-matter expert, will co-host the long-running and popular weekly Internet broadcast. Comfort is the Assistant Vice President of Revenue Integrity for Montefiore Health.

Navigating the Future of ACA & Medicare: Key Insights from Industry Experts.Discover crucial updates on ACA, Medicare, and Medicaid insurance landscapes with our hosts as they cover the latest from Humana's Broker Advisory Council, Agent Boost's elite training events, and exclusive insights from a major CMS event in Washington, DC. Key discussions include the future of AHIP, the impact of the $5 SEP rule, the push for integrity in healthcare enrollment, and AI's role in the industry. Stay informed about the imminent changes in Medicaid, broker guidelines, and the proposed healthcare bill. Ideal for brokers and agents looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving insurance market.Need to take your AHIP certification to sell Medicare Advantage plans? Use our official Agent Boost link to get started today. It's accepted by all major carriers and includes the $50 discount—bringing your cost down to just $125.

This week I Answer Listener Questions [powerpress]

In this episode of Value-Based Care Insights, host Daniel Marino explores the newly introduced the CMS Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM)—a mandatory five-year, episode-based pricing model, informed by earlier initiatives from the CMS Innovation Center. Designed to cover high-volume, high-cost surgical procedures, TEAM represents a significant shift in how hospitals and providers approach bundled payments. Join Daniel and special guest Lucy Zielinski, an expert in value-based programs and HCC coding , as they unpack what the TEAM model entails and what participating hospitals must do to prepare for the January 1, 2026 implementation. Gain insights how this model influences financial performance, drives care coordination redesign, and introduces new incentives and penalties. Whether you are a healthcare leader, provider, or payer, don't miss this overview of one of CMS's initiatives shaping the future of value-based care.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Ever wonder what separates a $1M agency from a $30M agency? It's not just better SEO or more employees. It's how you run the business behind the scenes. We sat down with today's featured guest to dig into what's powered his insane growth from barely crossing seven figures back when we first met… to now staring down $35–$40 million in pure service revenue. He's sharing some great advice on the evolution of his role as CEO, his new-found love for podcasting, and all kinds of golden nuggets for agency currently in the “no man's land”. Chris Dreyer is the CEO of Rankings.io, a law firm marketing services agency that delivers exceptional results for attorneys without compromising on customer service. He'll discuss his agency's substantial growth from under a million to over $30 million in revenue, his reliance on data and key performance indicators (KPIs), the transformative role of AI in various aspects of his operations, the importance of in-person client meetings for building relationships, and much more. If you're still guessing your numbers or putting off tracking your team's time — you'll want to pay attention. In this episode, we'll discuss: The CEO's true job. Hidden agency growing pains. The key to client happiness. In-person hustle and outbound sales. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Why Data Became Like a Religion Back when Chris and I first locked ourselves in a tiny Atlanta room for a workshop, Rankings.io was barely peeking over the $1M mark. He was still deciding who to serve and how. Fast forward about 8-9 years to today, and he says there's no bigger reason for his success than his top-to-bottom data obsession. Most agency owners track just enough to feel busy: a few pipeline numbers, maybe close rates if they're fancy. But Chris tracks everything. He knows the lifetime value of a client paying $5K a month versus $10K a month. He knows exactly how each account manager's retention rate impacts revenue. He even scores sales reps like a fantasy football league. And it's not just vanity metrics. If an account manager is great at keeping clients but terrible at preserving the original retainer size, they fix it. If time tracking shows poor utilization? They fix it. It's relentless. The big unlock for him was getting a real CFO to build this machine — and shifting from QuickBooks to more robust systems like Sage. No more flying blind or hoping for the best. If you don't know your LTV, churn, win rates, and retention by the exact dollar, you're leaving growth up to luck. How AI Became His Secret Weapon (and Why You Should Care) Most agency owners dabble in AI: a blog here, a few prompts there. Chris has gone full cyborg. Every single month, his team uploads their entire reporting package into ChatGPT. They don't just glance at dashboards — they get an AI board of advisors that points out trends, flags issues, and even suggests campaigns based on sales funnel leaks. If they have clients applying but not booking, the AI says: launch a re-engagement sequence. If they're not sure why the expense spike looks off, the AI will cross-check it with your event calendar. Chris used to hate looking at financials — now AI does the heavy lifting. When it comes to AI agents, they're not doing as much and prefer to use AI assistants for content, link building, and optimization. He even has an AI board of advisers with different personalities. This isn't replacing people. It's leveling them up. It's like strapping a rocket to every role — so you can do more without burning out your team. If you're not leaning on AI for context and next steps, you're probably making slower (and worse) decisions than your competitors. The CEO's True Job: Gotta Catch ‘em All Now that he's running an agency pushing $40M in service revenue (not pass-through, real revenue) Chris defines his role as: “Playing people Pokemon. Gotta catch ‘em all. I get the clients, and my president keeps them.” He sets the vision, runs point on marketing and sales, hosts the podcast, and stays the face of Rankings.io. Meanwhile, his right-hand man, Stephen, owns retention and delivery. This split lets Chris hunt big opportunities without getting bogged down in fulfillment fires. It's the perfect example of how an owner's role must evolve. If you're still stuck in the weeds, wearing every hat, and calling that “leadership” — you're capping your agency's growth. The goal isn't to do everything. It's to build a team that does everything better than you ever could alone. And Chris's story is living proof. The Hidden Growing Pains Nobody Warns You About Ever heard of the dreaded “no man's land” for agencies? For Chris, it began after he crossed the $8M to $10M mark and things got painfully awkward fast. In this stage, you're forced to hire the roles that don't directly bring in revenue: HR, finance, middle managers. Suddenly, your once-scrappy margins start leaking everywhere. It feels counterintuitive, all these new salaries, and yet no extra billables. But here's the catch: this is the awkward but necessary step that'll set you up with the infrastructure to move from $10M to $15M, $20M or beyond. This is generally the zone where you feel like an imposter CEO — one foot in the hustle, one foot in the corporate world you swore you'd never build. The truth is, every growing agency owner faces this inflection point. And if you get it right, you build a structure that can handle scale. If you get it wrong, you risk staying stuck at the same revenue ceiling year after year. You Can't Turn It Off — And Maybe That's Okay Most founders agree they find it difficult to turn their business brain off, and honestly, they don't want to. Business is the hobby. While their kids are at soccer practice, their brain is rewriting the service agreement or tweaking a proposal. Sure, there's a cost. Vacations come with podcast episodes in the car. Weekends sometimes mean scanning P&L spreadsheets. But, as Jason and Chris admit: the key to staying sane isn't to “balance it perfectly” — it's to have the right partner who gets the obsession. Because when you're building a business that supports dozens, even hundreds of families, switching it off just isn't realistic. So you find the support system that lets you go all in and come home for dinner. Why Core Values Actually Matter Early on, you might roll your eyes at “company core values.” Chris admits he did and saw it as just a lot of fluff. But once you're managing 50, 100, or more people, vague values don't cut it — you need a shared language to protect the culture. His agency now runs on three non-negotiables: Excellence (do great work, always) Execution (don't just talk, get it done) Grit (stick with hard things for the long haul) While he used to rely on platitudes like “team player” — he sees now that the wrong person will be weeded out fast as long as the core values are clear. He also bails at the mention of “work-life balance” in an interview. Because for this team, the culture is built for people who like working hard. The Surprising Key to Client Happiness Think your killer case studies will keep clients happy forever? Think again. Client happiness is very subjective and your biggest churn risk isn't bad work — it's bad relationships. Sure, you can track Net Promoter Scores all day. But real retention comes from catching early warning signs, which Chris calls “saves”. A client going quiet, missing calls, or hinting they're not vibing with an account manager should be signs to take action, if you start tracking them, as he has. And here's the overlooked move more agencies need to revive: visit your clients in person. Everyone's got Zoom fatigue. Booking a flight and breaking bread goes a long way toward making you not just a vendor, but a trusted partner. How In-Person Hustle and Outbound Hunting Keep You on Top Even with all the fancy dashboards, AI copilots, and mega forecasting tools, Chris and his president still jump on planes to shake hands with clients. They even budget for it. When you're running a high-ticket service where each client can be worth $125,000 or more over their lifetime, dropping a couple grand to show up in person is a no-brainer. It's how you show you care more than the next guy who's sending templated emails and hiding behind Slack. Chris's take is simple: Want to stand out? Do what you say you're going to do. Show up. Make your clients look like heroes. When a big-name CEO flies out to see you — even if you didn't sell them the deal — you remember that. Big relationships should get the handshake treatment. Using AI for Confidence in an Agency Acquisition Chris didn't buy another agency until he was already pushing $30 million, while most owners pull that trigger way earlier to leapfrog plateaus. Why wait? According to Chris, he didn't have the confidence to do it. Until AI changed that. He used ChatGPT to run diligence questions, draft the LOI, check for financial holes, and sanity-check the entire earnout structure. Sure, he has a great CFO — but that AI second brain made the whole thing faster and way less intimidating. Now that he's got the first deal under his belt, he's hungry for more. That's how scale works: get clarity, take the shot, rinse and repeat. Pro tip: If you're scared to buy, partner, or hire, dump your numbers into AI. Ask it what it would worry about if it were buying you. It'll show you every skeleton in the closet — so you can fix them now. Why Outbound Sales is Your Insurance Policy Chris used to be very resistant to doing outbound but now it is saving him from the Google rollercoaster. Inbound is sexy when it works. But we all know it can be feast or famine. Algorithms change. Referrals dry up. And you're stuck hoping this month's pipeline looks like last month's. After getting tired of hoping, Chris built an outbound team that's now about 30 people deep. He's got BDRs making 50 high-quality calls a day, sending out handwritten notes with books, running multi-channel outreach, and gifting prospects to cut through the noise. Each practice area has its own sales enablement rep feeding lists, building sequences, and arming the closers with context. It's consistent and it means Rankings.io can hunt, not just fish. Big lesson: if you don't control at least three lead sources (inbound, outbound, and strategic partners), your agency's growth is on borrowed time. Don't put all your eggs in Google's basket. Outbound is insurance. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Ep 130- Value-Based Shift: Inside the CMS TEAM Transformation On this episode Dan explores the newly introduced the CMS Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM)—a mandatory five-year, episode-based pricing model, informed by earlier initiatives from the CMS Innovation Center. Designed to cover high-volume, high-cost surgical procedures, TEAM represents a significant shift in how hospitals and providers approach bundled payments. Join Dan and special guest Lucy Zielinski, an expert in value-based programs and HCC coding, as they unpack what the TEAM model entails and what participating hospitals must do to prepare for the January 1, 2026 implementation. Gain insights how this model influences financial performance, drives care coordination redesign, and introduces new incentives and penalties. Whether you are a healthcare leader, provider, or payer, don't miss this overview of one of CMS's initiatives shaping the future of value-based care. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Episode Summary:In this transformative episode of Secrets of Survival, Dr. Susan Rashid unpacks the intersection of clinical care and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) through the lens of the CMS Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Screening Tool. Amid the pressures of time-limited visits and documentation burdens, this episode argues for a paradigm shift—one where asking the right questions becomes a form of clinical justice.Segment by segment, Dr. Rashid walks listeners through the five core domains—housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, utility needs, and interpersonal safety—and introduces supplemental domains including financial strain, employment, community support, education, physical activity, substance use, mental health, and disability. With clarity and compassion, she demonstrates how these structured questions serve as clinical windows into hidden vulnerabilities—revealing the context behind medication non-adherence, chronic illness exacerbation, and missed appointments.The episode emphasizes that screening is not merely data collection—it is clinical witnessing. The ability to ask, listen, and respond with actionable referrals is presented not as a luxury, but as a clinical imperative. Citing national guidelines and landmark evidence from CMS, the National Academies, and leading scholars, Dr. Rashid reframes SDOH as the modern foundation of primary care.From medical education to healthcare system design, listeners are called to envision a future where healing is not confined to prescriptions, but extended through structurally aware care, community partnerships, and institutional accountability. This episode is both a masterclass in clinical application and a compelling call to action for medical educators, health system leaders, and frontline clinicians.

Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.Health Affairs' Jeff Byers is joined by Michael Chernew from Harvard Medical School to discuss the recently released National Health Expenditures Projections for 2024–33 from the Office of the Actuary (OACT) at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).Related Articles:National Health Expenditure Projections, 2024–33: Despite Insurance Coverage Declines, Health To Grow As Share Of GDPCMS National Health Expenditure Data Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.

Join Sarah for a rundown of this week's updates for insurance agents, featuring her deep dive into the CMS 2025 ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule.   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Connect With Us On Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Resources: 5 Things About the Insurance License Exam, 1 Year Later: https://lnk.to/asgf20250620 Are You Self-Sabotaging Your Insurance Sales Success? https://ritterim.com/blog/are-you-self-sabotaging-your-insurance-sales-success/ Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency: https://ritterim.com/blog/four-reasons-why-ritter-should-be-your-fmo-insurance-agency/ How to Build Intentional Value ft. Neil Reich: https://lnk.to/reich2025 Leveling Up: From Chill Mode to Growth Mode ft. Christian Brindle: https://lnk.to/brindle2025 Seven Figures or Bust Episode 79 - What Is CMS Doing? w/ Special Guest Sarah Rueppel! https://lnk.to/qzTwIw Summer 2025 Survival Guide: https://lnk.to/asgf20250606   References: “2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 20 June 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability-final-rule. “2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 10 Mar. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability-proposed-rule. “CMS Finalizes Major Rule to Lower Individual Health Insurance Premiums for Americans.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 20 June 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-major-rule-lower-individual-health-insurance-premiums-americans. Minemyer, Paige. “CMS Finalizes Rule Aimed at ‘improper' Sign-Ups on the ACA Exchanges.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 20 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/cms-finalizes-rule-aimed-improper-sign-ups-aca-exchanges. Minemyer, Paige. “Democrats Introduce Bill to Establish a Medicare ‘part E' Public Option.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 16 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/democrats-introduce-bill-establish-medicare-part-e-public-option. Mercado, Darla. “Fed Decision Recap: Central Bank Signals Stagflation Fears, Powell Says Fed ‘Well Positioned to Wait' on Rates.” CNBC.Com, CNBC, 18 June 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/06/18/fed-meeting-live-updates-feds-interest-rate-projections-loom.html. “HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Secure Industry Pledge to Fix Broken Prior Authorization System.” HHS.Gov, Department of Health & Human Services, 23 June 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/kennedy-oz-cms-secure-healthcare-industry-pledge-to-fix-prior-authorization-system.html. Minemyer, Paige. “Mehmet Oz: Insurers' Prior Auth Pledge ‘an Opportunity for the Industry to Show Itself.'” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 23 June 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/oz-insurers-prior-auth-pledge-opportunity-industry-show-itself. “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/25/2025-11606/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-marketplace-integrity-and-affordability. Accessed 25 June 2025. Schneider, Howard. “Powell Repeats Rate Cuts Can Wait as Fed Studies Tariff Impacts.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, 24 June 2025, www.reuters.com/business/powell-repeats-rate-cuts-can-wait-fed-studies-tariff-impacts-2025-06-24/. Simmons-Duffin, Selena. “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz Say Health Insurers Will Cut Red Tape on ‘Prior Authorizations.'” NPR.Org, NPR, 24 June 2025, www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/24/nx-s1-5442713/rfk-jr-dr-oz-health-insurance-prior-authorization.   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

In this episode, we break down the CMS Final Rule for the 2025 Marketplace and what it means for agents, insurers, and consumers. Key highlights include: Past-due premium enforcement: Carriers may require payment of prior premiums before activating new coverage, with flexibility for state-specific rules. Standardized Open Enrollment: → 2026: Nov 1 – Jan 15 → 2027 and beyond: Federal deadline of Dec 15 Tighter eligibility verification: 75% of applications will be randomly selected for verification. DACA exclusion: DACA recipients will no longer be eligible for Marketplace coverage. Financial impact: CMS estimates $12 billion in savings and an average 5% premium reduction due to increased oversight and fraud prevention. This final rule is a major step toward greater compliance, reduced fraud, and a more stable Marketplace. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas  Website:  https://thebrokerageinc.com/ 

This just in: CMS 2026 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. Listen to learn more about commission structure and the caps writing MA and PDP business in your market for the upcoming 2026 plan year.   Read the text version   Resources: AHIP 2026 Certification Dates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250516 Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail. FAQs About NABIP Medicare Certification: https://ritterim.com/blog/faqs-about-nabip-medicare-certification/ How to Avoid Using Elderspeak: https://lnk.to/asgf20250530 Reach out to the team at Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/meet-your-sales-team/  Reassuring Your Clients During Difficult Times: https://lnk.to/asg671 What is AHIP Certification and How Do I Get It? https://lnk.to/asg672   References: “2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, CMS, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement. Agent Broker Compensation and Training and Testing Requirements CY2026: https://ritterim.com/documents/cms-memos/memo-agent-broker-compensation-and-training-and-testing-requirements-cy2026.pdf   Follow Us on Social! Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, federal agencies need security that can think on its feet.    This week on Feds At The Edge, we explore how agencies are evolving toward Zero Trust by implementing dynamic security—a flexible approach that adjusts access and authentication in real time based on context and behavior.      Justin Chin, Director of the Government Solutions Segment at Ping Identity, opens with a relatable example: when your bank flags suspicious login activity and adds a second layer of authentication. That adaptive friction is dynamic security in action.    Federal agencies face unique challenges based on their IT architectures. Paul Blahusch, CISO at Dept of Labor, explains how a centralized system allows broad, consistent policy enforcement. In contrast, Elizabeth Schweinsberg, Sr. Technical Advisor for CMS, shares how her agency's federated model requires a more tailored approach to dynamic security.    Tune in on your favorite podcast platform today for insights into the different paths agencies are taking, why enterprise structure matters, and how collaboration is key to building secure, adaptive systems that support the Zero Trust journey.          =  

On this special two-part episode of the HX Podcast, I'm so excited to be joined by two of my colleagues from CMS, Mike and Reggie. We dive deep into the human experience of artificial intelligence, starting not with the technology itself, but with the people who use it. Mike and Reggie share their personal histories and what drives them, from a passion for service to the constant search for a better work-life balance. We explore how so many of us have been taught that "hustle equals worth," and how AI, when used wisely, presents an opportunity to reclaim our time for more meaningful human interactions. My guests offer fantastic, practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to even begin with AI. We then tackle the big questions head-on, discussing the common fears around AI replacing jobs and the complex topic of AI consciousness, ultimately exploring what it truly means to be human in an age of rapidly advancing technology. Stacie More episodes at StacieBaird.com.

In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom chats with Andrew Albert, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Channel Equity Partners. Andrew brings decades of investing experience - from public markets to private software equity - to the table. He shares how his journey from the East Coast to San Diego led to launching a new kind of early growth equity firm focused on bootstrapped or lightly funded B2B SaaS companies. Andrew unpacks his investment strategy, discusses founder-alignment, thesis-driven sourcing, and how Channel Equity delivers capital with intention. Plus, he reflects on the power of long-term partnerships, why market cycles don't shake his thesis, and of course, his favorite San Diego burrito spot.   Key Topics Covered Channel Equity's unique approach to early growth equity How Andrew's public markets background shapes his private investing lens The “Ideal Founder Profile” and why alignment matters more than hype Examples of successful thesis-driven investments (e.g., CreatorIQ, restaurant CMS tools) The impact of AI on go-to-market efficiency and capital needs Fund I formation and raising capital in a challenging market Why IPOs aren't the goal, and how $100M exits can be life-changing Breakfast burritos, New York pizza, and San Diego sunshine   Links & Resources Channel Equity Partners   Connect with Andrew LinkedIn Connect with Neal Bloom LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Fix SLP Summer School series—where we're schooling the system all summer long. Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and private practice owner Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, tackle a key question: Do you really need the CCC in private practice? Elizabeth shares how dropping the CCC had zero impact on billing, referrals, or her waitlist—even with major payers like Blue Cross Blue Shield.They also break down ASHA's livestream response to the CMS rule changes, discuss tone policing in advocacy, and introduce Fix SLP's action plan: a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Oz requesting a two-year delay. This episode is for private practitioners, Clinical Fellows, and anyone rethinking the CCC. Download your letter and take action at fixslp.com.Want to earn some PDHs or CEUs with a discount? Find our most up-to-date promo codes and discounts here.Want to lead or join your state team? Email your name and state to states@fixslp.com.Become a sustaining partner to support our work.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokFind all our information at fixslp.com, and sign up for our email list to be alerted to new episodes and content.Email us at team@fixslp.com.Leave a message on our Minivan Meltdown line! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we explore the latest updates in the ASC industry, discuss recent challenges and survey experiences, review a new change in how CMS survey results are reported publicly, highlight National Time Out Day, and dive into best practices for peer review. Plus, in our focus segment, we do a deep dive into the requirements for a robust Infection Control Program.   This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies.   Notes and Resources from this Episode: Release of CMS-2567: Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-25-19-all.pdf National Time Out Day https://ortoday.com/rethinking-surgical-time-out/ Florida Men Accused of Operating without a License https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article304623151.html  ASC News “A blockbuster day for ASC deals Ascension acquire Amsurg” https://ascnews.com/2025/06/ascension-to-acquire-amsurg-in-asc-blockbuster-deal/?spMailingID=159970&puid=4098726&E=4098726&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=159970 Infection Control Training from ASC Central: Infection Control 101 – Training for Infection Control Coordinators in ASCs (September 2024 Recording) Infection Control 201 – Advanced Training for Infection Control Coordinators (September 2024 Recording)   INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central, a sister site to http://ascpodcast.com provides a link to all of our bootcamps, educational programs and membership programs! https://conferences.asc-central.com/ Join one of our Membership Programs! Our Patron Program: Patron Members of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle have access to ASC Central - an exclusive membership website that provides a one-stop  ASC Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance, Operations and Financial Management resource for busy Administrators, nurse managers and business office managers.  More information and Become Member The ASC-Central Premium Access Program A Premium Resource for Ambulatory Surgery Centers including access to bootcamps, education programs and private sessions More Information and Become a Premium Access Program Members Today! Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John's most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers 

This week I Share 10 Fun WordPress Ideas to Try [powerpress]

In this episode of Content, Briefly, Jimmy Daly chats with Josh Spilker, content and SEO lead at AirOps, about how AI is transforming content workflows. Josh explains how AirOps goes beyond simple AI text generation by enabling scalable, customizable content processes—like internal linking and content refreshes—directly integrated with your CMS.They dive into the emerging role of the content engineer, who builds and manages these AI-powered systems to boost productivity and streamline content operations. Josh also shares insights from recent SEO research, the importance of freshness and brand alignment, and how AI-driven content repurposing is changing marketing strategies. Whether you're curious about the future of CMSs, AI in SEO, or new content roles, this episode offers a practical look at the evolving content landscape.************************Useful Links:Follow Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmydaly/Follow Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshspilker/The Rise of the 10x Content Engineer: https://www.airops.com/blog/10x-content-engineerAEO Scorecard Report: https://www.airops.com/report/aeo-scorecard-reportAirOps Cohort: https://www.airops.com/cohort************************Stay Tuned:► Website: https://www.superpath.co/► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@superpath► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superpath/► Twitter: https://twitter.com/superpathco************************Don't forget to leave us a five-star review and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Wes chats with James Mikrut, founder of Payload CMS, about being acquired by Figma! They discuss building an open source business, the future of UI design, AI interfaces, and what this means for the future of Payload and Figma. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! 01:06 What is Payload CMS? 01:56 The big announcement. 03:03 Why does Figma want a CMS? 05:23 This has got to be about AI, right? 09:37 Brought to you by Sentry.io. 10:02 What will the interface be? 14:02 Generative, user-specific UI. 16:17 Agents make everything look like ShadCN. 18:18 What does this mean for Payload users? 20:23 How this improves Payload. 22:31 Trying to stand out as a CMS. 23:35 Is this going to cost users? 25:12 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs. Sick Picks James: Triumph Street Triple, Malört Liquor. Shameless Plugs James: PayloadCMS. Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

A House oversight committee requests DOGE documents from Microsoft. Predatory Sparrow claims a cyberattack on an Iranian bank. Microsoft says data that happens in Europe will stay in Europe. A complex malware campaign is using heavily obfuscated Visual Basic files to deploy RATs. A widely used CMS platform suffers potential RCE bugs.  North Korea's Kimsuky targets academic institutions using password-protected research documents. Asus patches a high-severity vulnerability in its Armoury Crate software. CISA's new leader remains in confirmation limbo. Our guest is Brian Downey, VP of Product Management from Barracuda, talking about how security sprawl increases risk. Operation Fluffy Narwhal thinks it's time to rethink adversary naming. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn.  CyberWire Guest We are joined by Brian Downey, VP of Product Marketing and Product Management from Barracuda, talking about how security sprawl increases risk. You can find more information about what Brian discussed here. Selected Reading Following Whistleblower Reports, Acting Ranking Member Lynch Demands Microsoft Hand Over Information on DOGE's Misconduct at NLRB | The Committee on Oversight and Accountability Democrats (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform) Pro-Israel hackers claim breach of Iranian bank amid military escalation (The Record) Microsoft lays out data protection plans for European cloud customers (Reuters) New Sophisticated Multi-Stage Malware Campaign Weaponizes VBS Files to Execute PowerShell Script (Cyber Security News) Chained Flaws in Enterprise CMS Provider Sitecore Could Allow RCE (Infosecurity Magazine) Beware of Weaponized Research Papers That Delivers Malware Via Password-Protected Documents (Cyber Security News) Organizations Warned of Vulnerability Exploited Against Discontinued TP-Link Routers (SecurityWeek) Asus Armoury Crate Vulnerability Leads to Full System Compromise (SecurityWeek) Trump's Pick to Lead CISA is Stuck in Confirmation Limbo (Gov Infosecurity) Call Them What They Are: Time to Fix Cyber Threat Actor Naming (Just Security) Audience Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your CMS holding your creativity—and marketing growth—hostage? When speed and agility are everything, most marketing teams are still stuck in the slow lane—waiting on developers to publish updates, launch campaigns, or even fix a typo. Sound familiar? Today's guest says it's time for marketers to take the wheel. Mark Wheeler, Chief Marketing Officer at Storyblok is here to talk about redefining what a CMS should be—with a composable, API-first platform that puts control back in marketers' hands. With clients like Netflix and Adidas, Storyblok is helping to lead a movement away from bloated, outdated systems and toward a faster, smarter, more flexible way of working. About Mark WheelerAs CMO of Storyblok, Mark Wheeler leads the marketing strategy and execution to drive business growth and redefine the CMS category. Recognized as a Top 100 B2B global CMO, he's dedicated to building communities for marketers and developers. With a deep understanding of digital experiences, Mark ensures Storyblok delivers exceptional value. Previously, as CMO of LeanIX, he played a key role in doubling customers in two years and contributing to its successful acquisition by SAP. He has also held senior marketing roles at Nutanix, EMC, Sitecore, and Adobe. RESOURCES Storyblok: https://www.storyblok.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company