Value Health Voices

We discuss the most impactful health policy and healthcare finances developments shaping the US Healthcare system now and in the future. We also discuss personal development for physician executives. Co-hosts Dr Anthony Paravati and Dr Amar Rewari

Ep 5. Demystifying Medicare's Annual Payment Cuts: The Budget Rules That Force December Drama 12/12/2024

Ep 5. Demystifying Medicare's Annual Payment Cuts: The Budget Rules That Force December Drama Every November, Medicare proposes physician pay cuts and every December, Congress tries to walk them back. But why? Dr Anthony Paravati and Dr Amar Rewari break down the hidden budget rules forcing specialties to fight over a fixed pie, why the much-celebrated MACRA law of 2015 did nothing to fix it, and how successful health systems are adapting their strategy. This episode is short and sweet but there’s something for everyone. From basic, but often flubbed, must-know facts about the Medicare program to critical insights into payer contracting and service line decisions. Knowledge is power - especially when billions are at stake. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Medicare Cuts 03:47 Understanding the RVU and Conversion Factor 09:18 The Impact of Legislation on Physician Payments 14:13 The Role of MACRA and Future Considerations 19:40 The Broader Implications for Patient Care /episode/index/show/cfe8aae7-dc08-4bd4-9c87-db5f94b0e348/id/34406900

Ep 4. RFK Jr.: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 11/27/2024

Ep 4. RFK Jr.: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly In this episode, Drs. Amar Rewari and Anthony Paravati discuss the nomination of RFK Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services. They explore his controversial views on vaccines, public health implications, agricultural policies, and the pharmaceutical industry. The conversation delves into the complexities of chronic disease management, the debate over fluoride in water, and the potential impacts of RFK Jr.'s policies on public trust in science and health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Early Career and Background on RFK Jr. 04:23 Vaccine Controversies and Scientific Denialism 14:36 Agricultural Policies, Raw milk and Health Implications 17:18 Wellness and Chronic Disease Management 25:29 The Influence of Pharmaceutical Lobbying 27:45 Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers and Drug Pricing 29:31 Fluoride in Water: A Complex Debate 32:25 CPT Codes and the RUC: The Role of the AMA in Healthcare 36:16 Navigating Bureaucracy: Challenges Ahead for RFK Jr. 38:09 Summary /episode/index/show/cfe8aae7-dc08-4bd4-9c87-db5f94b0e348/id/34172060

Ep 3. The Games Insurers Play: Utilization Management and Prior Authorization 11/10/2024

Ep 3. The Games Insurers Play: Utilization Management and Prior Authorization In this week’s episode of the VHV podcast we’ll take a comprehensive look at utilization management (UM) and prior authorization (PA). Utilization management is the healthcare industry term for the various techniques health insurance companies employ to pay for care on their terms, according to their guidelines. Many times, their utilization management approach is in line with what physicians recommend. However, many times it is not. And when it’s not, patients suffer delays in their care and physicians and their staff end up mired in extra work to make sure their patients get the care they have determined is best. /episode/index/show/cfe8aae7-dc08-4bd4-9c87-db5f94b0e348/id/33869587

Election 2024: Trump vs. Harris: How Their Healthcare Policies Could Reshape the United States 11/01/2024

Election 2024: Trump vs. Harris: How Their Healthcare Policies Could Reshape the United States

In this timely episode, Dr. Anthony Paravati and Dr. Amar Rewari break down the healthcare implications of a Trump or Harris presidency. From prescription drug pricing and Medicare reforms to Medicaid block grants and the Affordable Care Act, this episode provides a nonpartisan, in-depth analysis of each candidate's position on healthcare. Discover what the future could hold for U.S. healthcare policies, costs, and patient access depending on the election's outcome. This is a can't miss episode before he /episode/index/show/cfe8aae7-dc08-4bd4-9c87-db5f94b0e348/id/33711002

Ep 1. Medicare (dis)Advantage. Does it suck? It depends. 10/17/2024

Ep 1. Medicare (dis)Advantage. Does it suck? It depends.

Drs. Anthony Paravati and Amar Rewari delve into the complexities of Medicare Advantage, exploring its appeal to seniors, the financial mechanisms behind its low premiums, and the challenges faced by providers. They discuss the demographics of Medicare Advantage enrollees, the revenue structures that sustain these plans, and the implications for healthcare providers. The conversation also highlights the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage for beneficiaries and speculates on the future sustainability of t /episode/index/show/cfe8aae7-dc08-4bd4-9c87-db5f94b0e348/id/33711007

Ep. 1: Explaining the basics of Medicare and Medicare Advantage 10/17/2024

Ep. 1: Explaining the basics of Medicare and Medicare Advantage

/episode/index/show/cfe8aae7-dc08-4bd4-9c87-db5f94b0e348/id/33711012

Value Health Voices

TOPICS