Digital Health Heavyweights
This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution.
In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you.
Digital Health Heavyweights
Episode 59 - Laurel Pickering, CEO of the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition
Welcome back to the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast for Episode 59! Today, Norm Volsky interviews Laurel Pickering, CEO of the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition. Laurel shares her journey from a background in anthropology to becoming a leader in healthcare transformation. She discusses the evolution of healthcare benefits, the challenges and successes of building coalitions, and the importance of employer leverage in influencing the healthcare system. Laurel also highlights the need for integration of digital health solutions and the role of policy advocacy in improving healthcare access and quality. She concludes with personal insights on wellness and healthy living.
Takeaways
🪶 Laurel Pickering transitioned from archaeology to healthcare through medical anthropology.
🏢 Employers have significant leverage to influence healthcare systems.
💰 The healthcare benefits landscape has shifted back towards first-dollar coverage.
🤝 Coalitions can drive change by getting health plans to collaborate.
😓 Point solution fatigue is a growing concern among employers.
💼 Employers are increasingly focused on the employee experience in healthcare.
🏥 Direct contracting between employers and health systems is on the rise.
❓ The ROI claims made by vendors are often met with skepticism by employers.
💪 Wellness strategies, including exercise, are crucial for managing stress.
🍣 Simple, healthy recipes like air-fried salmon can promote better eating habits.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:15 The Role of Employers in Driving Change
07:33 The Evolution of Healthcare Benefits
12:01 Bringing Together Stakeholders
19:03 Understanding the Target Audience in Healthcare Marketing
22:21 Buying Differently: Driving Transformation in the Market
26:15 Driving Healthcare Transformation: Leadership Buy-In and Consultant Support
32:38 The Vision for the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition
38:32 Policy Advocacy and Impacting Legislation
41:41 Employer Priorities: Cost, Employee Experience, and Health Improvement
44:33 Employer Expectations and Building Trust with Vendors
46:34 The Future of Healthcare: Integration of Point Solutions and Direct Contracting
48:25 Reducing Stress and Healthy Recipes: Salmon in the Air Fryer
52:12 Outro
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