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Today we're back with Scott Becker discussing how to navigate the noisy world of healthcare news. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665 Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Follow Scott Becker! https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbeckermw/ Follow Becker's Hospital Review! https://www.linkedin.com/company/asc-communications/ https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ https://www.facebook.com/@BeckersHospitalReview/ https://x.com/beckershr https://www.youtube.com/user/hospitalreview1
Nothing stays the same. Your clients' health needs, financial situations, and the Medicare industry itself can change each year. Learn how to best help your clients switch coverage with these 7 scenarios. 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: 4 Reasons Why Ritter Insurance Marketing Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency 5 Tips to Make the Most of AEP How to Check Medicare Extra Help Eligibility for Your Client Register with Ritter Insurance Marketing The Benefits of Selling D-SNPs The Ritter Blog What to Know When Replacing Existing Med Supp Plans for Clients References: Emerson, Jakob. “32 Health Systems Dropping Medicare Advantage Plans | 2024 - Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.” Beckershospitalreview.Com, Becker's Hospital Review, www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/15-health-systems-dropping-medicare-advantage-plans-2024/. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025. “2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-star-ratings. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025. Pifer, Rebecca. “Humana and CVS Are Downsizing Their Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025. Which Insurers Could Benefit?” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 10 June 2024, www.healthcaredive.com/news/humana-cvs-medicare-advantage-benefit-plan-cuts-2025-unitedhealth/716764/. 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.
In this episode, we're talking about how to navigate the current state of healthcare news with insight and understanding. Healthcare has been a top contender for breaking news headlines all year, and many conversations that once belonged exclusively in health and science are now common political debates. Scott is here to share his perspective and insight as one of the most trusted sources for healthcare news. We'll talk about understanding data, asking the right questions and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665 Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Follow Scott Becker! https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbeckermw/ Follow Becker's Hospital Review! https://www.linkedin.com/company/asc-communications/ https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ https://www.facebook.com/@BeckersHospitalReview/ https://x.com/beckershr https://www.youtube.com/user/hospitalreview1
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: MedHOK, “How the Government Shutdown Impacts Open Enrollment: What Health Plans and PBMs Need to Know,” October 29, 2025, https://mhk.com/resource/blog/government-shutdown-healthcare-impact-on-open-enrollment-what-health-plans-and-pbms-need-to-know/. Medicare, “Open Enrollment,” https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment. Madeline Ashley, “22 hospital closures in 2025,” October 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review. Madeline Ashley, “26 maternity service closures in 2025,” October 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/7-maternity-service-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rylee Wilson, “18 behavioral health closures in 2025,” June 25, 2025, https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/5-behavioral-health-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review. Soumya Shashikumar, MBiotech, “Health Layoffs 2025: A Roundup,” October 2, 2025, https://xtalks.com/healthcare-layoffs-2025-a-roundup-4102/, Xtalks. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA to reduce staff by nearly 30k by end of FY2025,” July 7, 2025, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-reduce-staff-by-nearly-30k-by-end-of-fy2025/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Department%20of%20Veterans,scale%20reduction%2Din%2Dforce Jennifer Brown, “Suicides devastated and galvanized Routt County, which now has a mental health response team,” October 30, 2025, https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/30/suicides-routt-county-mental-health-response-team/, The Colorado Sun. Public Health, “Suicide in Rural America,” May 16, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/suicide-in-rural-america-prevention-strategies.html, CDC Rural Health. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
Listen to this powerful interview with Dr. David Fajgenbaum who has an incredible new memoir, "Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope into Action". David's story is truly unique; it's a tale of learning to live, while dying: a universally relatable story about getting up and fighting back after life knocks you down.A former Georgetown quarterback nicknamed "The Beast," David Fajgenbaum was also a force in medical school, where he was known for his unmatched mental stamina. But things changed dramatically when he began suffering from inexplicable fatigue. In a matter of weeks, his organs were failing and he was read his last rites. Doctors were baffled over a condition they had yet to even diagnose; floating in and out of consciousness, Fajgenbaum prayed for the equivalent of a game day overtime: a second chance.Miraculously, Fajgenbaum survived, but only to endure repeated near-death relapses from what would eventually be identified as a form of Castleman disease—an extremely deadly and rare condition that acts like a cross between cancer and an autoimmune disorder. When he relapsed on the only drug in development and realized that the medical community was unlikely to make progress in time to save his life, Fajgenbaum turned his desperate hope for a cure into concrete action: between hospitalizations he studied his own charts and tested his own blood samples, looking for clues that could unlock a new treatment. With the help of family, friends and mentors, he also reached out to other Castleman disease patients and physicians, and eventually came up with an ambitious plan to crowdsource the most promising research questions and recruit world- class researchers to tackle them; instead of waiting for the scientific stars to align, he proposed to align them himself.More than five years later and now married to his college sweetheart, his hard work has paid off: a treatment that he identified has induced a tentative remission and his novel approach to collaborative scientific inquiry has become a blueprint for advancing rare disease research. His incredible story demonstrates the potency of hope, and what can happen when forces of determination, love, family, faith and serendipity collide.David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc is one of the youngest individuals to be appointed to the faculty at Penn Medicine. Co- founder and executive director of the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) and an NIH-funded physician- scientist, he has dedicated his life to discovering new treatments and cures for deadly disorders like Castleman disease, which he was diagnosed with during medical school. He is in the top 1 percent youngest grant awardees of an R01, one of the most competitive and sought-after grants in all of biomedical research. Dr. Fajgenbaum has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 healthcare list, as a top healthcare leader by Becker's Hospital Review, and one of the youngest people ever elected as a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the nation's oldest medical society. He was one of three recipients – including Vice President Joe Biden – of a 2016 Atlas Award from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. Order "Chasing My Cure" at bookstores nationwide or at http://www.chasingmycure.com/Business Leadership Series Intro and Outro music provided by Just Off Turner: https://music.apple.com/za/album/the-long-walk-back/268386576
In this episode of Caring Greatly, Liz and Shannon revisit the mastery model of human-centered leadership in this new context. Shannon shares her views on what's the same, what has changed, and how leaders can continue to find joy in their work and use that joy to help improve the safety and wellbeing of their teams. Shannon Connor Phillips, MD, MPH, has a diverse range of healthcare experience. Before retiring in 2024 she served on the Board of Directors at the National Quality Forum and was Chief Health Officer at Joyous, a tech company focused on improving operations and culture through two-way, AI-supported human conversations. Before that Shannon was the President of Intermountain Medical Group. She was also the Chief Patient Experience Officer at Intermountain Health, where she designed and led programs to help improve patient and care team experience, safety and quality. Because of this work, she was named a “CXO to Know” and “Patient Safety Expert to Know” by Becker's Hospital Review. Shannon also worked at Cleveland Clinic, where she served as Physician Lead for the Office of Clinical Transformation and Associate Chief Quality Officer. She also served as Patient Safety Officer at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. Prior to Cleveland Clinic, Shannon worked at Riley Children's Health and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a pediatrician. Dr. Shannon Phillips is a leader who cares greatly. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Stryker. The provided resources may contain links to external websites or third-party content. We do not endorse, control or assume any responsibility for the accuracy, relevance, legality or quality of the information found on these external sites.
This episode features Paige Twenter, Assistant Editor at Becker's Hospital Review. Twenter highlights three major healthcare stories shaping the industry today, including new H-1B visa fees and their impact on the workforce, Most Favored Nation drug pricing deals, and evolving vaccine mandates and access across the U.S.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Stephanie Armour et al., “Shutdown Halts Some Health Services as Political Risks Test Parties' Resolve,” October 1, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/federal-government-shutdown-health-services-congress-negotiations-impasse/, KFF Health News. Bridget Early, “Major health programs would continue during shutdown, feds say,” September 29, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-government-shutdown-cms-hhs-contingency-plans/, Modern Healthcare. Kff, “How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums if the ACA's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire?,” https://www.kff.org/interactive/how-much-more-would-people-pay-in-premiums-if-the-acas-enhanced-subsidies-expired/. Holly K. Hacker et al., “At Least 170 US Hospitals Face Major Flood Risk. Experts Say Trump Is Making It Worse.,” October 1, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/hospital-flooding-risk-investigation-trump-policies-fema/, KFF Health News. Andrew Cass, “Government shutdown begins: What healthcare leaders should know,” October 1, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/government-shutdown-begins-what-healthcare-leaders-should-know/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rachana Pradhan, “Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Have Plummeted Under Trump, Jeopardizing Care,” August 7, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/nih-clinical-center-patient-numbers-drop-under-trump-jeopardizing-care/, KFF Health News. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: View H-1B visa map: https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-health-care-h-1b-visas-state-trump-floats-fee-exemption-2133913 Andrew Stanton, “Map Shows Health Care H-1B Visas by State as Trump Floats Fee Exemption,” September 22, 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-health-care-h-1b-visas-state-trump-floats-fee-exemption-2133913, Newsweek. Mariah Taylor, “Trump's new H-1B visa fee could strain hospitals, workforces: 8 notes,” September 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/trumps-new-h-1b-visa-fee-could-strain-hospitals-workforces-8-notes/, Becker's Hospital Review. Diane Eastabrook, “More hospitals to face high readmission penalties in fiscal 2026,” September 22, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-cms-hospital-readmission-penalties-2026/, Modern Healthcare. Jordan Rau, “10 Years of Hospital Readmissions Penalties,” November 4, 2021, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/10-years-of-hospital-readmissions-penalties/, KFF. American Hospital Association, “Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program,” 2016, https://www.aonl.org/system/files/2018-01/fs-readmissions.pdf. Jessica Mouzo, “The great revolution against Alzheimer's: ‘It's the first time in human history that we've managed to slow the disease',” September 23, 2025, https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-09-23/the-great-revolution-against-alzheimers-its-the-first-time-in-human-history-that-weve-managed-to-slow-the-disease.html, El País. Alzheimer's Association, “2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures,” 2025, https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
In this episode, we spotlight an article by Navaneeth Nair, Chief Product Officer at Infinx, recently published in Becker's Hospital Review. The piece outlines six critical questions every healthcare CFO should be asking about artificial intelligence, from governance and ROI to workforce impact and compliance.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: KFF, “House Committee on Appropriations Approves FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS) Appropriations Bill & Accompanying Report,” September 11, 2025, https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/house-committee-on-appropriations-approves-fy-2026-labor-health-and-human-services-education-and-related-agencies-labor-hhs-appropriations-bill-accompanying-report/. Saving Rural Hospitals, “Stopping the Loss of Rural Maternity Care,” 2025, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Maternity_Care.html. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Beki San Martin, “Hospital in Michigan's U.P. to close birthing unit, widening gaps in access to care,” September 9, 2025, https://www.freep.com/story/news/health/2025/09/08/aspirus-ironwood-hospital-closes-birthing-unit-shortage-cuts-michigan/85997851007/, Detroit Free Press. Madeline Ashley, “US maternity care cuts continue to deepen,” September 5, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/us-maternity-care-cuts-continue-to-deepen/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker's Hospital Review. Jakob Emerson, “CMS issues guidance on Medicaid state-directed payment limits,” September 11, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-state-directed-payment-limits/, Becker's Hospital Review. Andrew Cass, “15 hospitals closing departments or ending services,” September 10, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/10-hospitals-closing-departments-or-ending-services-8/, Becker's Hospital Review. Mariah Taylor, “Oklahoma hospital reopens ED 1 year after tornado,” September 3, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/uncategorized/oklahoma-hospital-reopens-ed-1-year-after-tornado/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker's Hospital Review. Mercy Health/Love County Hospital and Clinic, “New Emergency Room Is Open 24 Hours a Day,” September 2, 2025, https://www.mercyhealthlovecounty.com/news/view/731. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. Check out the Organ Transplant Surveillance Dashboard: https://tableau.hdw.hrsa.gov/t/HDW/views/AOOS-NonUseDashboard/AOOS-NonUseDashboard?%3Aembed=y Read the study on urban hospitals reclassifying as rural: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural News sources for this episode: Diane Eastabrook, “Home health groups press for a piece of rural health funding,” September 2, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/post-acute-care/mh-rural-health-transformation-fund-home-health/, Modern Healthcare. National Rural Health Association, “Rural Health Transformation Program Summary,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/advocacy/2025/rural-health-transformation-program-summary.pdf Lindsey Culli, “Urban Hospitals Increasingly Reclassified as Rural, Drawing Medicare Benefits Meant for Rural Communities,” August 1, 2025, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Yang Wang et. al, “Sharp Rise In Urban Hospitals With Rural Status In Medicare, 2017-23,” August 4, 2025, https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00019?journalCode=hlthaff, Health Affairs. Jamie Godwin et, al, “Medicare Advantage Enrollees Account for 25% of all Inpatient Hospital Days,” August 26, 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollees-account-for-a-rising-share-of-inpatient-hospital-days/, Kaiser Family Foundation. Arielle Zionts, “Rural Hospitals Questions Whether They Can Afford Medicare Advantage Contracts,” April 8, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/rural-hospitals-private-medicare-advantage-contracts-reimbursements/, KFF Health News. Madeline Ashley, “20 hospital closures in 2025,” August 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review. Paige Twenter, “HHS expands oversight into organ transplant network,” August 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/hhs-expands-oversight-into-organ-transplant-network/, Becker's Clinical Leadership. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “HHS Expands Oversight of Organ Transplant System with New Surveillance Tool,” August 27, 2025, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hrsa-organ-allocation-dashboard.html. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Kenneth Waller, Chief Executive Officer of Norwalk Community Health Center. He shares how the organization is scaling services, leveraging data and AI, and staying mission-focused while navigating funding challenges and industry uncertainty.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. Watch the prosthetic knee in action here: https://youtu.be/ZQCVmuirYSI?si=kFp0VCUwyVvEt1jq News sources for this episode: Madeline Ashley, Erica Cerutti, “CDC names acting director: 7 notes,” August 28, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/cdc-names-acting-director-7-notes/, Becker's Hospital Review. Lauren Dubinsky, “Alphabet's Verily shuts down medical devices program, cuts staff,” August 28, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/medical-devices/mh-alphabet-verily-layoffs-medical-devices-ai/, Modern Healthcare. Kirsti Marohn, “Health care provider CentraCare to lay off 535 employees,” August 12, 2025, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/12/health-care-provider-centracare-to-lay-off-535-employees, MPR News. Jakob Emerson, “27 payers cutting jobs | 2025,” August 20, 2025, https://www.beckerspayer.com/workforce/5-payers-cutting-jobs-2025/, Becker's Payer Issues. Tom Murphy, “Expect health insurance prices to rise next year, brokers and experts say,” https://apnews.com/article/health-insurance-drug-costs-2026-rates-c4d865ec09c7088ecc6b55dc520f3566, Associated Press. Becker's Hospital Review, Commerce Bank, “Progress amid uncertainty: A mid-year update on 2025 healthcare finance trends.,” August 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/progress-amid-uncertainty-a-mid-year-update-on-2025-healthcare-finance-trends/?origin=CFOE&utm_source=CFOE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C. Alice Burns et. al, “How Will the 2025 Reconciliation Law Affect the Uninsured Rate in Each State?,” August 20, 2025, https://www.kff.org/uninsured/how-will-the-2025-reconciliation-law-affect-the-uninsured-rate-in-each-state/, Kaiser Family Foundation. NIH Medline Plus Magazine, “Prosthetics through the ages,” May 11, 2023, https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/prosthetics-through-the-ages. Andy Corbley, “This New Bionic Knee Is Changing the Game for Lower Leg Amputees,” August 21, 2025, https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/this-new-bionic-knee-is-changing-the-game-for-lower-leg-amputees/, Good News Network. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Phillip L. Swagel, Director, “CBO's Estimate of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Effects of Public Law 119-21,” August 15, 2025, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-08/61659-SPAYGO.pdf, Congressional Budget Office. Bill Heniff Jr., “Budget Enforcement Procedures: The Senate Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Rule,” January 9, 2023, https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31943, Congress.gov. Madeline Ashley, “CBO report warns of nearly $500B in potential Medicare cuts,” August 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cbo-report-warns-of-nearly-500b-in-potential-medicare-cuts/, Becker's Hospital Review. Alex Kacik, “Looming uninsured surge may overwhelm ERs. Here's who can help.” August 18, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-medicaid-cuts-er-overcrowdfng-kaiser-permanente/, Modern Healthcare. Michigan Center for Rural Health, “Michigan Center for Rural Health Releases Rural Health Equity Plan Focused on Advancing Equity in Rural Michigan,” August 18, 2025, https://mcrh.msu.edu/News-and-Events/News/2025/08/RHEP-2025. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Tonya Garcia, Bloomberg, “Cardinal Health to acquire Solaris Health in $1.9B deal,” August 12, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/mh-cardinal-health-solaris-health-deal/, Modern Healthcare. Erich Timmerman, “Cardinal Health announces two strategic additions to its portfolio,” November 11, 2024, https://newsroom.cardinalhealth.com/2024-11-11-Cardinal-Health-announces-two-strategic-additions-to-its-portfolio, CardinalHealth. National Rural Health Association, “Fiscal Year 2026 Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule,” April 14, 2025, https://www.ruralhealth.us/getmedia/cca11c3e-49da-4cf8-8a63-ec270bc96fb0/FY-2026-IPPS-proposed-rule-summary-4-14-2025.pdf. CMS.gov, “FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) Final Rule — CMS-1833-F,” July 31, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fy-2026-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-ipps-and-long-term-care-hospital-prospective-0. CMS.gov, “Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) and IRF-PAI Manual,” August 4, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/inpatient-rehabilitation-facility/irf-pai-and-irf-qrp-manual. Alan Condon, “CMS drops 3 final payment rules for 2026: 15 things to know,” August 4, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-drops-3-final-payment-rules-for-2026-15-things-to-know/, Becker's Hospital Review. CMS.gov, “Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM),” https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/team-model. Emmarie Huetteman et. al, “Kennedy Cancels Vaccine Funding,” August 7, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/podcast/what-the-health-409-rfk-jr-mrna-vaccine-funding-august-7-2025, KFF Health News. Nona Tepper, “BCBSA antitrust lawsuit reaches $2.8B tentative settlement,” October 14, 2024, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/bcbsa-antitrust-lawsuit-settlement-alabama/, Modern Healthcare. Nona Tepper, “Nearly 6,500 providers reject Blue Cross antitrust deal,” August 11, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/mh-bcbs-settlement-lawsuit-mayo-clinic-henry-ford/, Modern Healthcare. Andrew Cass, “Nearly 6,500 providers opt out of $2.8B BCBS settlement,” August 11, 2025, https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/nearly-6500-providers-opt-out-of-2-8b-bcbs-settlement/, Becker's Payer Issues. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665 Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Peter Banko, President and Chief Executive Officer, Baystate Health. Peter shares insights on improving organizational agility through streamlined decision-making, addressing access challenges with a coordinated care model, and balancing flexible work with community and cultural revitalization.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Stephanie Everett, Administrator of Mountrail Bethel Home and Chief Executive Officer of Mountrail County Medical Center. She shares her journey from foundation director to CEO, highlights a $53 million expansion project, and discusses the importance of listening to staff, addressing rural staffing challenges, and embracing technology to deliver the best possible patient care.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Cliff Megerian, Chief Executive Officer, University Hospitals. Dr. Megerian shares how UH is leading with a culture of compassion, advancing patient-centered hospitality, addressing financial pressures with strategic efficiency, and cultivating a resilient workforce through retention and internal career development.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Stephanie Martinez, Executive Director and Associate Chief Nursing Officer for the Care Continuum, Boston Medical Center Health System. She shares how multidisciplinary efforts to reduce length of stay improved care systemwide, and discusses the importance of supporting an evolving nursing workforce through retention strategies and shared decision-making.
This episode features Paige Twenter, Assistant Editor at Becker's Hospital Review, as she discusses key healthcare policy developments including restrictions on gender-affirming care, federal pressure on pharmaceutical companies to lower U.S. drug prices, and major changes to the 340B drug pricing program.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Kimberly Probus, Chief Nursing Officer, El Centro Regional Medical Center. She shares insights on reviving a struggling hospital, building interdisciplinary teams, and addressing workforce challenges post-COVID through innovative recruitment and retention strategies tailored to her community.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Nick Rommel, “Wisconsin joins lawsuit over USDA demand for state SNAP data,” July 29, 2025, https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-joins-lawsuit-over-usda-demand-for-state-snap-data, Wisconsin Public Radio. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits,” Updated September 30, 2024, https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-quick-guide-to-snap-eligibility-and-benefits. Mariah Taylor, “Hospitals grapple with social admissions, trespassing patients: 4 notes,” November 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/hospitals-grapple-with-social-admissions-trespassing-patients-4-notes/, Becker's Hospital Review. Paige Twenter, “Executive order on homelessness could increase hospitalizations,” July 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/executive-order-on-homelessness-could-increase-hospitalizations/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665 Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Matt Morton, Executive Director and Chief Information Security Officer, University of Chicago. He shares how his team is securing AI tools like Phoenix AI to support clinical research, discusses the cybersecurity staffing and resource challenges faced by academic medical centers, and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leading through rapid technological change.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Trevor Martin, Chief Information Security Officer, UW Health. He shares how his team is navigating AI implementation through staff literacy initiatives, advancing virtual care to improve access, and fostering a culture of flexibility and human-centered leadership.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Michele Szkolnicki, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Michelle shares how her team has restored staffing levels, prioritized nurse well-being, and creatively restructured workforce roles to meet post-COVID challenges and strengthen the future of bedside nursing.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Naomi Diaz, “Senators warn Medicaid cuts could worsen cyber risks at rural hospitals,” July 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/senators-warn-medicaid-cuts-could-worsen-cyber-risks-at-rural-hospitals/, Becker's Hospital Review. Allen R. Killworth, “HISAA: New Legislation Would Bring Cybersecurity Requirements for HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates,” November 11, 2024, https://www.healthlawadvisor.com/hisaa-new-federal-legislation-introduced-that-would-create-significant-new-cybersecurity-requirements-for-hipaa-covered-entities-and-business-associates, Epstein Becker Green's Health Law Advisor. United States Senate Committee on Finance, “Wyden and Warner Introduce Bill to Set Strong Cybersecurity Standards for American Health Care System,” September 26, 2024, https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-and-warner-introduce-bill-to-set-strong-cybersecurity-standards-for-american-health-care-system. Congressional Budget Office, “Estimated Budgetary Effects of Public Law 119-21, to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Title II of H. Con. Res. 14, Relative to CBO's January 2025 Baseline,” https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61570. Madeline Ashley, “'One Big Beautiful Bill' to add $3.4 trillion in dept: CBO,” July 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/one-big-beautiful-bill-to-add-3-4t-in-debt-cbo/, Becker's Hospital Review. Alan Condon, “CMS plans hiring spree ahead of new payment models,” July 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-plans-hiring-spree-after-mass-layoffs/, Becker's Hospital Review. Hayley DeSilva, “Layoffs, closures tracker: Children's National cuts 70 employees,” July 22, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/staffing/mh-layoffs-closures-healthcare-live-updates/, Modern Healthcare. Leighton Ku et. al, “How Medicaid and SNAP Cutbacks in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill' Would Trigger Big and Bigger Job Losses Across States,” June 23, 2025, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/jun/how-medicaid-snap-cutbacks-one-big-beautiful-bill-trigger-job-losses-states, The Commonwealth Fund. Jocelyn Routt, “Kaine introduces Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act,” July 22, 2024, https://rocktownnow.com/news/218812-kaine-introduces-improving-care-in-rural-america-reauthorization-act/, Rocktown Now. Congress.gov “Text - H.R.2493 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025,” https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2493/text. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665 Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Kenneth Waller, Chief Executive Officer of Norwalk Community Health Center. He shares how the organization is scaling services, leveraging data and AI, and staying mission-focused while navigating funding challenges and industry uncertainty.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Cathy Stankiewicz, Chief Nursing Officer, AdventHealth Central Florida Division. She shares how her team is strengthening the nursing workforce through professional governance, early career pipeline development, and flexible leadership in the face of workforce shortages and population growth.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Pete November, Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Health. He shares insights on elevating the role of nurses, tackling workforce development, and transforming care through innovation, education, and a deeply human-centered leadership approach.
Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: National Rural Health Association, “Site Neutral Policies and Rural Hospitals,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/site-neutral-one-pager.pdf. Stephen T. Parente, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, “Parente ST. Impact of Site-Neutral Payments for Commercial and Employer-Sponsored Plans,” Jan-Dec, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11348360/, PubMed Central. Michael McAuliff, “Site-neutral Medicare pay eyed to fund Trump tax cuts,” March 18, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/site-neutral-legislation-policies-tax-cuts/, Modern Healthcare. Andrew Cass, “House GOP eyes deeper Medicaid, Medicare cuts in next budget bill: Bloomberg,” July 14, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/house-gop-eyes-deeper-medicaid-medicare-cuts-in-next-budget-bill-bloomberg/, Becker's Hospital Review. Erik Wasson & David Gura, “Next Trump Budget Bill Begins Taking Shape in US House, July 14, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/next-trump-budget-bill-begins-taking-shape-in-us-house?embedded-checkout=true, Bloomberg. Vanessa G. Sanchez, “Lost in Translation: Interpreter Cutbacks Could Put Patient Lives on the Line,” July 16, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/medical-interpreter-funding-staff-cuts-patient-lives-english-language-services/, KFF Health News. Mariah Taylor, “Medical interpreter services in limbo amid federal pressures,” July 16, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/medical-interpreter-services-in-limbo-amid-federal-pressures/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rachana Pradhan & Arthur Allen, “World's Premier Cancer Institute Faces Crippling Cuts and Chaos,” Updated July 14, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/national-cancer-institute-nih-cuts-chaos-scientific-biomedical-research/, KFF Health News. Andrew Cass, “Rural emergency model emerging as lifeline for shuttered hospitals,” July 11, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/rural-emergency-model-emerging-as-lifeline-for-shuttered-hospitals/, Becker's Hospital Review. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665 Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Jay Grider, Chief Quality Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, University of Kentucky. Dr. Grider discusses proactive workforce planning, statewide collaboration to address nursing shortages, and how UK HealthCare is applying high-reliability principles to transform HR operations for better recruitment and retention outcomes.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Joy White, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Legacy Health Good Samaritan Medical Center. Dr. White shares how her team has reduced contract labor, launched an inclusion-focused campaign, and leveraged social media to attract and retain top talent while navigating rising care demands and shrinking reimbursement.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Brenda McCormick, Chief Financial Officer, Children's Minnesota. Brenda shares how her team developed a long-term strategic vision focused on independence, financial sustainability, and differentiated experience, while navigating workforce shortages, tight margins, and payer pressures to ensure high-quality pediatric care across the region.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Vidhya Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Virginia. Vidhya shares insights on structured leadership rounding to elevate patient satisfaction, workforce development programs to combat staffing shortages, and how leveraging data and analytics drives both clinical and operational excellence.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Raymond Hino, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Coos Hospital. Ray shares how implementing the Epic EHR system transformed operations, how the hospital is addressing reimbursement challenges through service diversification, and why creating a strong culture and leadership presence is key to workforce retention in rural healthcare.
This episode features Paige Twenter, Assistant Editor at Becker's Hospital Review, sharing insights on two major developments in healthcare. She discusses the Joint Commission's sweeping reduction of hospital standards and the recent court rulings that reinstated billions in NIH research grant funding, signaling significant changes for academic medicine.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Jason Spigner, Chief Human Resources Officer, Sinai Chicago. He shares strategies for supporting and retaining new nurses, addresses the unique challenges of leading in a safety net organization, and offers insight on building mission-aligned leadership that drives equity and innovation.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Ekta Vyas, Chief Human Resources Officer, Keck Medicine of USC. Dr. Vyas shares insights on leading a system-wide HR transformation, launching a centralized business center, and preparing the healthcare workforce for a more digital, inclusive, and resilient future.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Jill West, Chief Executive Officer of People Incorporated Mental Health Services. Jill shares how her organization is expanding access through community engagement, reducing stigma post-COVID, and tackling workforce shortages with bold initiatives like paid internships, career pathways, and training programs that empower the next generation of mental health professionals.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Christopher Douglas, Houston Market Chief Executive Officer, River Oaks Hospital & Clinics and East Houston Hospital & Clinics. Dr. Douglas shares insights on expanding mobile diagnostics, diversifying payer sources, and building a strong organizational culture through transparency, accessibility, and a people-first leadership approach.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Ellen Barlis, Chief Financial Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi/North Central Bronx. Ellen shares insights on reducing readmissions through interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing Medicaid funding challenges, and leading with intention and data-driven decision making in one of the nation's most complex care environments.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Zafar Chaudry, Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Chief Information Officer, Seattle Children's. Dr. Chaudry shares how his team is transforming pediatric care through cloud-based data analytics, AI-driven opioid reduction, and a flexible, people-first approach to leadership.
This episode, recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting, features Shrey Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer of MedSetGo. Shrey shares his powerful personal journey into healthcare innovation and discusses how AI is reshaping hospital workflows—especially in case management, discharge planning, and patient throughput—to drive greater efficiency and improve outcomes.This episode is sponsored by MedSetGo.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Tiffany Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Yoakum Community Hospital. Tiffany shares how her team is cultivating a vibrant organizational culture through leadership development while navigating challenges like Medicare Advantage reimbursement and preparing a compassionate, resilient workforce for the future.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Vi-Anne Antrum, System Chief Nursing Officer, Cone Health. She shares how Cone Health is using AI to improve patient engagement and operational efficiency, while emphasizing the importance of grace, curiosity, and frontline voices in navigating today's healthcare challenges.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Sandra Scott, CEO, One Brooklyn Health. Dr. Scott discusses her focus on improving the patient experience, embracing workforce innovation, and using empathy and technology to shape a more effective and human-centered future in healthcare.
This episode, recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting, features Lynn Fulton, Chief Executive Officer of Maui Health. Lynn shares how she's fostering leadership development, addressing critical workforce challenges unique to island healthcare, and building sustainable pipelines to support both staff and community through initiatives like “grow your own” programs and innovative housing solutions.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Kathy Kelly, Market Chief Executive Officer, Kindred Hospitals. Kathy shares her journey from the supplier side of healthcare to leading long-term acute care hospitals, emphasizing physician realignment, care quality, and workforce engagement.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Sarah Matney, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Connecticut Children's. Sarah shares insights on workforce stabilization, mentorship programs to strengthen the future healthcare pipeline, and the importance of flexibility and engagement in retaining top talent.