The Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast
The Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast explores how healthcare CEOs and executives build predictable, scalable growth in an unpredictable revenue environment. Hosted by Christian Steinert—Founder & Chief Data Strategist at Steinert Analytics—each episode features candid conversations with Central Ohio healthcare leaders and beyond on leveraging AI, predictive analytics, and data-driven strategies to overcome growth bottlenecks. Discover how forward-thinking leaders are using technology and analytics to drive sustainable organizational growth in healthcare.
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The Untold Secrets of Growing a Resilient Home Care Business in a Turbulent Market w/ Muhammad Nazir
07/14/2026
The Untold Secrets of Growing a Resilient Home Care Business in a Turbulent Market w/ Muhammad Nazir
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast, Christian Steinert speaks with Muhammad Nazir, founder and CEO of ChoiceCare Home Health, about the changing landscape of healthcare delivery and the role of technology in modernizing care. Muhammad shares how his career began in health information management and healthcare operations, helping organizations transition from paper-based systems to EMRs during the early days of digital transformation.He explains how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, change management, and operational efficiency, especially in federally qualified health centers and large healthcare systems. The conversation then shifts to the challenges facing home health today, including staffing shortages, regulatory complexity, documentation burden, and the impact of Medicare Advantage reimbursement pressure. Muhammad breaks down why census, payer mix, and revenue cycle discipline are critical to agency survival. The episode also explores how Choice Care Home Health is scaling through virtual operations, better workflows, and AI-enabled systems. Muhammad discusses building a flexible team, centralizing communication, improving intake accuracy, managing prior authorizations, and diversifying service lines such as hospice and private duty care. It’s a detailed, practical look at what it takes to build and sustain a modern home health organization in a difficult market. Timeline 00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Muhammad Nazir 01:31 – AI, staffing shortages, and documentation challenges in home health 02:31 – Muhammad’s background and path into healthcare 03:22 – Early experience with the transition from paper charts to electronic systems 05:21 – First major EMR implementation roles and the meaningful use era 07:47 – Expanding into healthcare operations and patient services leadership 08:49 – Resistance to digital transformation in healthcare 10:22 – How an informatics background helped in operations leadership 11:03 – Building EMR workflows, fax systems, and digital processes 12:03 – Growth in FQHCs and integrated behavioral health 13:02 – COVID response and drive-through testing operations 14:32 – Transition into senior care and value-based care 15:02 – Founding ChoiceCare Home Health 16:05 – How home health growth is measured: census, revenue, and payer mix 17:11 – Medicare Advantage pressure and margin challenges 19:30 – Private pay, prior authorizations, and access to care 20:51 – Why diversification is necessary for home health agencies 22:49 – Staffing shortages, burnout, and workforce pressure 25:16 – Building the team at Choice Care Home Health 26:18 – Moving from fax-based processes to virtual communication 27:48 – Why AI and interoperability matter in healthcare platforms 29:53 – Scaling a team while balancing immediate operational needs 31:23 – Dashboards, daily huddles, and measuring business success 32:53 – Prior authorizations, billing, and AR management 34:17 – Why intake accuracy is the foundation of revenue cycle health 35:47 – Why real-time data tracking is essential in home health 37:01 – Healthcare reimbursement, fraud risk, and documentation burden 38:47 – Where to connect with Muhammad and what he’s building next Resources https://choicecarehh.com/
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How Alio.ai Is Transforming Kidney Care with Wearables with David Kuraguntla
06/30/2026
How Alio.ai Is Transforming Kidney Care with Wearables with David Kuraguntla
In this episode, David Kuraguntla, CEO of Alio.ai, shares the journey of founding a healthcare tech company focused on remote patient monitoring and wearables. Discover insights on product development, stakeholder alignment, clinical trials, and leadership in health tech innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alio.ai and David's Journey 03:20 The Evolution of Alio's Product 06:21 Understanding the Wearable Technology 11:39 Navigating Healthcare Data and Reimbursement 14:34 Building a Strong Team and Leadership 17:22 Funding and Capital Acquisition 19:47 Clinical Trials and Regulatory Challenges 21:30 The Journey to First Customer 25:24 Surprises and Joys of Startup Life Resources Alio.ai Official Website - https://Alio.ai David's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkuraguntla/
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How the Founder of GGB Healthcare, Andrew Bravo, Solves Home Care's Hardest Challenges with AI
06/23/2026
How the Founder of GGB Healthcare, Andrew Bravo, Solves Home Care's Hardest Challenges with AI
In this episode, Andrew Bravo, founder and CEO of GGB Healthcare, shares insights on leveraging AI to transform home care operations, focusing on scheduling, billing, and data management. Discover how targeted AI solutions can address industry-specific challenges and drive growth in the rapidly expanding home care sector. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Home Care and GGB Healthcare 01:20 Andrew Bravo's Journey in Healthcare 04:05 The Demand for Home Care Solutions 05:36 AI in Home Care Scheduling Challenges 10:11 Data Management and Reporting in Home Care 13:49 Billing Challenges in Home Care 18:29 AI Solutions for Billing and Compliance 21:41 The Role of Humans in Telehealth 22:46 AI's Impact on Healthcare Efficiency 23:56 Ensuring Data Security in Healthcare AI 26:09 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Healthcare Consulting 28:40 The Importance of Tailored Solutions in Home Care 31:34 Navigating Internal Dynamics in Healthcare Organizations 35:26 Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs Resources GGB Healthcare Website - https://ggbhealthcare.com Andrew Bravo on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andrewbravo
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From IT to MD: Sarjoo Patel's Journey in Healthcare Innovation
06/09/2026
From IT to MD: Sarjoo Patel's Journey in Healthcare Innovation
In this episode, Sarjoo Patel, MD and CEO of Beam Healthcare, shares his journey from IT to healthcare, the innovative telemedicine solutions his company provides to hospitals and health systems, and insights into scaling healthcare technology businesses. Discover how technology, clinical experience, and strategic leadership are transforming patient care in underserved regions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beam Healthcare and Sarjoo Patel 02:43 Journey from IT to Medicine 05:35 Founding Beam Healthcare: Addressing Pain Points 08:49 Challenges Faced by Regional Hospitals 11:36 Telehealth Workflow in Rural Settings 14:47 Technology in Telemedicine: Robots and Accessibility 17:41 The Art of Patient Interviews and AI in Healthcare 19:06 The Role of AI in Healthcare Documentation 19:58 Value-Based Care and Telemedicine 23:41 Integrating EHRs in Telemedicine 26:47 Scaling Beam Healthcare: Challenges and Strategies 32:32 Leadership Insights in Healthcare 35:28 Social Impact and Future Endeavors Resources Sarjoo's LinkedIn:
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Telehealth and HealthTech Operations in the Age of AI with Andi Hila
05/19/2026
Telehealth and HealthTech Operations in the Age of AI with Andi Hila
On this episode, we welcome Andi Hila, Chief Product Officer of Humla Health onto The Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast. Andi is one of the most accomplished healthtech executies in our network, achieving the presigious Columbus 30 Under 30 award and accelerating his career to executive and C-suite levels in his late 20s and early 30s. He brings one of the most focused backgrounds to healthcare information systems and data management, blending industry expertise with technology product mastery. Tune into this one to learn about how healthcare leveraged AI with IBM 15 years ago, before the AI hype cycle. Then learn about Andi's healthtech leadership transitions from telehealth > telegenetics > healthcare staffing operations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background to Andi Hila, Chief Product Officer at Humla Health 07:12 Exploring AI in Healthcare 13:03 Transitioning to Healthcare Staffing 17:59 Innovative Staffing Solutions at Humla 18:12 Addressing Staffing Challenges in Healthcare 26:02 Leadership Insights in Healthcare Product Management 29:37 The Role of AI in Healthcare 37:01 Connecting with Humla Health & Andi Andi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andi-hila/
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The Hidden Realities of Healthcare Operations from Daniel Dudley
05/05/2026
The Hidden Realities of Healthcare Operations from Daniel Dudley
In this episode, Daniel Dudley shares his non-traditional journey into healthcare, explores the multifaceted role of operations in healthcare startups, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in healthcare growth, including revenue cycle management and health tech innovation. Chapters 00:00 Daniel's Unique Journey into Healthcare 04:08 Understanding the Role of a COO in Healthcare 09:57 The Challenges of Operations in Healthcare 15:43 Growth Bottlenecks in Healthcare Organizations 29:53 Key Attributes of Successful Health Tech Startups Daniel Dudley's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedanieldudley/
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Optimizing Good Faith Evaluations in MedSpa using Telehealth with Paulina Riedler
04/14/2026
Optimizing Good Faith Evaluations in MedSpa using Telehealth with Paulina Riedler
In this conversation, Paulina Riedler, founder of Spakinect, discusses her journey in establishing a telehealth company focused on medical aesthetics. She shares insights on the evolution of the industry from pre-COVID to post-COVID, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and the importance of patient experience. The conversation also touches on the growth of Spakinect, the role of AI in telehealth, and future goals for the company, including advocacy for the med spa industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Telehealth and Spakinect 06:03 Growth and Expansion of Spakinect 12:02 Building a Telehealth Platform 18:11 The Role of AI in Telehealth 23:57 Future Goals and Industry Advocacy Paulina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinariedler/
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The First Drug Designed to Actually Heal Broken Bones with Sahar Meiron
04/07/2026
The First Drug Designed to Actually Heal Broken Bones with Sahar Meiron
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast, Sahar Meiron shares his entrepreneurial journey in the biotech industry, focusing on his company OrthoTreat, which aims to redefine orthopedic medicine. He discusses the challenges of funding, the importance of building a strong team, and the strategies for customer acquisition and market research. Sahar also delves into the complexities of clinical trials and regulatory pathways, emphasizing the significance of value-based care in the healthcare landscape. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the importance of relationships and the human factor in driving innovation and success in the biotech field. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sahar Meiron and His Journey 05:13 Funding Challenges in Biotech 09:06 Core Product and Technology Overview 14:21 Customer Acquisition and Market Strategy 15:29 Clinical Trials and Regulatory Pathways 16:30 Team Building and Company Culture 19:12 Operational Components of a Biotech Startup 21:02 Market Research and Data Utilization 22:26 Understanding Customer Dynamics in Biotech 26:10 Value-Based Care and Product Market Fit 29:39 Challenges and Rewards of Scaling a Biotech Company Sahar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-meiron/
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Innovating Technology in Healthcare as a Consultant with Nate Sundheimer
03/24/2026
Innovating Technology in Healthcare as a Consultant with Nate Sundheimer
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle podcast, host Christian Steinert interviews Nate Sundheimer, Director of Digital and Technology at Wipfli. They discuss Nate's academic journey, his transition from clinical medicine to healthcare innovation, and the challenges of implementing new technologies in healthcare. The conversation delves into revenue cycle management, the readiness of healthcare organizations for AI, and the impact of AI on ROI. Nate shares insights on value-based care models and offers advice for aspiring healthcare consultants and leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Innovation 03:05 Nate's Academic Journey and Career Path 05:58 The Challenges of Healthcare Innovation 08:50 Revenue Cycle Management in Healthcare 11:58 Engaging with Healthcare Companies 15:01 AI Readiness in Healthcare Organizations 18:03 The Impact of AI on ROI 21:07 Value-Based Care Models 24:11 Leadership in Healthcare Consulting 27:10 Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Consultants Nate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathansundheimer/
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Smart Solutions for Medication Adherence with Tony Sterns
03/10/2026
Smart Solutions for Medication Adherence with Tony Sterns
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast, Tony Sterns, CEO of IRX Reminder, shares his journey from engineering in the Navy to leading a health tech company focused on medication adherence. He discusses the challenges of medication management, the innovative solutions his company is developing, and the impact of these solutions on healthcare economics. The conversation also touches on the importance of AI in healthcare, the dynamics of building a health tech team, and the broader challenges faced in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Innovation 03:01 Tony Sterns' Journey in Health Tech 06:18 Understanding Medication Adherence Challenges 09:05 The Development of IRX Reminder 12:01 Situational Smart Alerting Explained 15:02 Impact on Healthcare Economics 18:09 The Role of AI in Medication Management 21:02 Building a Health Tech Team 24:06 Challenges in the Health Tech Industry 27:07 The Future of Medication Adherence 29:57 Conclusion and Call to Action Tony's LinkedIn: https://www.irxreminder.com/
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Navigating the DME Landscape with Neil Weiss
02/17/2026
Navigating the DME Landscape with Neil Weiss
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast, host Christian Steinert interviews Neil Weiss, the Director of Operations and Home Care at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. They discuss the intricacies of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), the importance of leadership in home health operations, and the collaboration required within hospital systems to ensure patient care. Neil shares insights on the challenges faced in the DME industry, the metrics for success in home care, and the emerging role of AI in healthcare, particularly in predicting denials and enhancing patient experience. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, teamwork, and a patient-first approach in healthcare. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Neil Weiss 07:01 Leadership in Home Health Operations 12:00 Collaboration and Growth in Hospital Systems 15:59 Challenges in the DME Industry 21:00 Metrics for Success in Home Care 27:00 Value-Based Care in Pediatric Systems 30:02 The Role of AI in Healthcare 36:04 Conclusion and Future Outlook Follow Neil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-weiss-035701148/
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How AI is Revolutionizing Surgical Triage and Saving Lives with Ian Strug
02/03/2026
How AI is Revolutionizing Surgical Triage and Saving Lives with Ian Strug
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle podcast, Ian Strug, CEO of Corvus.Health, shares his journey in healthcare technology, emphasizing the importance of diverse backgrounds in tech and the critical role of revenue cycle management in healthcare profitability. He discusses how Corvus aims to revolutionize the surgical referral process using AI, enhancing patient experience and operational efficiency. Ian also provides insights into leadership in healthcare, the significance of mentorship, and the future of healthcare technology. Follow Ian on LinkedIn: corvus.health Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ian Strug and Corvus.Health 03:10 Ian's Journey into Healthcare Technology 06:03 The Importance of Revenue Cycle Management 09:17 Enhancing Patient Experience through Revenue Cycle 12:02 Transitioning from Epic to Entrepreneurship 15:04 Founding Corvus.Health and Its Mission 20:02 Understanding the Surgical Referral Process 24:07 The Financial Impact of Surgical Referrals 30:52 Revolutionizing Patient Care Through Provider Matching 31:21 Understanding Patient Needs vs. Wants 32:44 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Patient Data 33:17 Navigating Data Completeness Challenges 35:35 AI in Clinical Specificity and Generative Applications 38:04 The Importance of Data Provenance in AI 45:22 Leadership Insights for Healthcare Success
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Solving Pharma Challenges: Dieter Herbst on Data-Driven Sales Success
01/22/2026
Solving Pharma Challenges: Dieter Herbst on Data-Driven Sales Success
In this episode, Dieter Herbst, CEO of the Herbst Group, shares his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, discussing his journey from sales to leadership and consulting. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, trust, and transparency in leadership, as well as the critical role of data governance and metrics in driving success. The conversation also explores the transformative impact of AI in healthcare and the challenges of internal politics in data management - diving into the reasons why data silos are created in the first place. Takeaways Dieter's journey from psychology to pharmaceuticals highlights the importance of adaptability. Mindset and anxiousness are significant barriers to growth in sales leadership. Trust, transparency, joy, and kindness are essential for effective team management. Metrics should be clear and actionable to drive sales performance. AI can significantly enhance decision-making in healthcare by providing context and insights. Data governance is crucial for effective data management and decision-making. Consultants can help bridge gaps in internal data politics and facilitate change. Understanding the client's pain points is key to providing valuable solutions. The importance of collaboration between IT and commercial teams cannot be overstated. Dieter emphasizes the need for empathy towards employees fearing job loss due to automation. Dieter's LinkedIn: https://herbstteam.com/
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Revolutionizing Rehab: Telecare's Journey with Ahmed Aly
01/13/2026
Revolutionizing Rehab: Telecare's Journey with Ahmed Aly
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast, Ahmed Aly, the founder and CEO of Telecare, shares his journey from being a physical therapist to establishing a telehealth platform focused on concussion treatment. He discusses the importance of quality protocols in healthcare, the differentiating aspects of the Telecare platform, and the role of AI in enhancing patient care. Aly also provides insights into patient acquisition strategies and metrics for success in telehealth, concluding with valuable advice for aspiring health tech entrepreneurs looking to scale. Check out Aly's LinkedIn: https://telecare.live/
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Scaling Through Crisis: From 55 to 55,000 Telehealth Sessions Overnight
12/09/2025
Scaling Through Crisis: From 55 to 55,000 Telehealth Sessions Overnight
Summary: In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle Podcast, Christian Steinert hosts Mike Morgan, former CEO of Updox, to discuss the evolution of healthcare technology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the challenges and successes of transitioning to telehealth, the importance of data in pricing strategies, and the role of AI in healthcare. Mike shares insights on leadership during a crisis, the significance of value-based care, and the future of AI governance in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the importance of building the right team and strategic growth in healthcare startups. Takeaways: The transition to telehealth during COVID-19 was a major shift for Updox, increasing from 50 to 55,000 sessions a day. Data played a crucial role in determining pricing strategies and understanding customer usage. AI is becoming integral in healthcare, particularly in automating administrative functions and clinical decision support. Value-based care is gaining traction, with AI helping in care management and patient outreach. Building the right team is essential for the success of healthcare startups. Strategic growth involves thoughtful investments and understanding market demands. Healthcare technology adoption can be accelerated through partnerships with EHR companies. Leadership during a crisis requires balancing business needs with employee well-being. AI governance in healthcare must consider HIPAA and other regulations. The future of healthcare technology includes ambient listening and automated scribing. Michael Morgan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morgan-5a016/
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Frank Stadler | Navigating AI Governance in Healthcare
11/07/2025
Frank Stadler | Navigating AI Governance in Healthcare
In this episode of the Healthcare Growth Cycle podcast, host Christian Steinert interviews Frank Stadler, managing director at Kivorex, about the intersection of AI, data governance, and healthcare. They discuss Frank's journey from software engineering to founding a consultancy focused on AI regulation, the importance of data governance frameworks, and the challenges healthcare companies face in implementing AI tools. The conversation also touches on the differences between value-based care in the US and the EU, compliance with HIPAA and GDPR, and the need for data literacy within organizations. Frank shares real-world applications of AI in healthcare, including predictive models for surgical implants, and emphasizes the importance of networking and curiosity in driving growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Governance in Healthcare 03:01 Frank Stadler's Journey in Healthcare and AI 05:51 AI Governance Frameworks for Healthcare Growth 08:49 Challenges in Implementing AI Tools in Healthcare 12:10 Real-World Applications of AI in Healthcare 14:46 Value-Based Care: A Comparison Between EU and US 17:59 Data Privacy Regulations: HIPAA vs GDPR 21:01 Building Data Literacy in Healthcare Organizations 23:49 Cultural Attitudes Towards AI in Healthcare 26:55 Founding Kivorex: Insights and Growth Strategies 29:55 Future Goals and Closing Thoughts Frank's LinkedIn:
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