Using AI to Close Care Gaps—And Make Sure No Follow-Up Is Missed
Medvale – April 14, 2025 In the latest MEGAPHONE episode, Angela Adams, CEO and founder of Inflo Health, shares how a deeply personal loss inspired the creation of a platform with a clear mission: ensuring that no follow-up ever is missed. Angela’s journey began in the ICU at Duke University, where she cared for transplant patients and witnessed the complexity—and vulnerability—of health systems up close. After transitioning out of bedside care, she spent years reviewing malpractice cases, identifying preventable harm, and helping organizations strengthen safety systems. But it wasn’t until she entered the startup world that she saw the potential to scale that impact. With Inflo Health, her team has tackled one of healthcare’s most persistent blind spots: the failure to close the loop on follow-up care. Using AI and automation, Inflo parses radiology reports (regardless of structure or wording), alerts providers and patients, and ensures that each case is tracked from detection to resolution. “Our mission is never miss a follow-up. We automate the full process—from identifying a finding in a report, to notifying the right people, to helping patients take the next step.” The impact is tangible: fewer missed diagnoses, reduced liability, increased revenue through recovered appointments—and perhaps most importantly, fewer clinicians burdened by broken processes. One care navigator told Angela that for the first time in months, she was able to leave work on time and attend her daughter’s volleyball game. This isn’t just about operational efficiency. It’s about human lives—and giving time, clarity, and accountability back to the people who care for them. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on MEGAPHONE (29 min):
Integrated Care: Creating a More Efficient and Connected Healthcare System
Medvale – March 26, 2025 Healthcare today is more fragmented than ever. Patients navigate between primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and outpatient services—often with little coordination between them. This lack of integration leads to inefficiencies, higher costs, and, ultimately, poorer patient outcomes. In the latest episode of Megaphone, Medvalista Edward McEachern, MD, Chief Medical Officer at St. Luke’s Health System, joined the conversation to share his perspective on how integrated care is transforming the way healthcare is delivered. As a leader in a major health system, Dr. McEachern highlighted the urgent need to break down silos, improve communication across care teams, and create systems that prioritize efficiency and patient experience. What is Integrated Care? Integrated care is more than just a buzzword—it’s a shift toward a patient-centered, collaborative approach to medicine. At its core, it involves: ✔ Seamless communication – Ensuring that all providers involved in a patient’s care share information efficiently. ✔ Care coordination – Reducing duplication of tests and procedures while improving follow-ups and transitions between providers. ✔ Holistic treatment – Addressing not just medical conditions but also behavioral health, social determinants, and preventive care. The Challenges of Fragmented Healthcare Dr. McEachern pointed out that one of the biggest barriers to integrated care is the traditional healthcare structure, which often rewards volume over value. Many organizations still operate in silos, making it difficult for different teams to share patient information or collaborate effectively. Additionally, technology—while a powerful tool—can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Electronic health records (EHRs) are designed to streamline care, but when systems don’t communicate with one another, they can create even more inefficiencies. Building a More Connected System So how do we move toward true integration? Dr. McEachern emphasized a few key strategies during the conversation: 🔹 Incentivizing collaboration – Healthcare payment models should reward coordination and patient outcomes, not just procedures. 🔹 Leveraging technology – Interoperability between EHR systems must improve to enable real-time data sharing. 🔹 Empowering care teams – Physicians, nurses, and specialists need structured ways to communicate and collaborate effectively. A Conversation You Can’t Miss If we want to create a healthcare system that is more efficient, more connected, and truly patient-centered, integrated care must be the way forward. Listen to the full discussion with Dr. Edward McEachern, Chief Medical Officer at St. Luke’s Health System, on Megaphone, available now on Medvale Radio. 🎧 Tune in here:
The Evolution of Reproductive Medicine: Science, Policy, and Social Change
Medvale – March 20, 2025 Reproductive medicine has undergone transformative changes over the past few decades, reshaping the way individuals and families approach fertility and reproductive health. In the latest episode of MEGAPHONE, Medvalista David Adamson, MD, CEO of ARC Fertility, clinical professor at Stanford University and UCSF, and a globally recognized leader in reproductive endocrinology, joined Dave Self to discuss the past, present, and future of fertility care. From his pioneering work in assisted reproductive technology to his advocacy for expanding access to fertility treatments, Dr. Adamson shared invaluable insights on how science, policy, and social attitudes have shaped reproductive healthcare—and where it’s headed next. Breaking Barriers in Reproductive Medicine Dr. Adamson highlighted key moments in the evolution of reproductive medicine, from the advent of birth control and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to advancements in endoscopic surgery and fertility preservation. He emphasized how these medical breakthroughs have not only improved clinical outcomes but also redefined social norms, giving individuals greater control over their reproductive choices. One of the most striking points in the conversation was how reproductive health is deeply personal, often carrying emotional and cultural significance that influences public perception and policy. Dr. Adamson noted that, unlike other areas of medicine, almost everyone has a direct connection to reproductive health, whether through personal experience, family, or societal expectations. For more insights from David Adamson, MD, click here and listen to the full episode of Megaphone on Medvale Media. The Economic and Social Dimensions of Fertility Care Beyond clinical advancements, Dr. Adamson also addressed the financial barriers that prevent many people from accessing fertility treatments. He explained how ARC Fertility was founded on the principle of making reproductive care more affordable and accessible, providing structured financing options and employee benefits programs to help individuals pursue treatment without overwhelming financial strain. He also underscored the impact of employer-sponsored fertility benefits, noting that companies offering these programs have seen increased employee retention, productivity, and workplace satisfaction. Despite growing awareness, fertility care remains unequally accessible, with many health insurance plans failing to cover essential treatments. Shifting Perspectives on Fertility and Parenthood Dr. Adamson traced the social evolution of reproductive medicine, from early controversies around contraception and IVF to more recent discussions on donor conception, single parenthood, and LGBTQ+ family building. He described how fertility treatments have expanded the definition of family, challenging long-standing norms and prompting deeper conversations about reproductive rights and access. One of the most powerful moments of the episode came when he reflected on the stigma still associated with infertility. Even among highly educated professionals, the emotional burden of infertility often leads to feelings of shame or isolation. What Comes Next? As reproductive medicine continues to evolve, Dr. Adamson remains focused on the future—pushing for greater awareness, emotional support, and equitable access to fertility care. His work emphasizes that advancing reproductive healthcare is not just about science—it’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue parenthood on their own terms.
Unlocking the True Value in Healthcare: A Framework for Measurable Impact
Medvale – February 21, 2025 In healthcare, “value” is often cited as a central goal, but what does it really mean? Why is it so hard to measure, and more importantly, how do we effectively buy and sell healthcare solutions while ensuring tangible value? Here’s a framework based on insights shared in a recent Medvale Lyceum with Craig Solid, founder of Solid Research Group, to help navigate these complex discussions and make value more tangible for healthcare providers, buyers, and stakeholders. Key Questions to Assess Healthcare Value What Are You Measuring? Start by identifying what specific aspects of value you are aiming to measure. Is it patient outcomes, cost savings, or something else entirely? Being clear on what value means in your context is essential for meaningful analysis. To Whom is the Value Measured? Understand that value is subjective. Who benefits from the intervention? A quality improvement that increases patient satisfaction may not yield immediate financial ROI but could reduce turnover and improve long-term patient loyalty. Is Value Quantifiable? While some components of value are easily measurable (e.g., cost per outcome), others, like emotional well-being or caregiver satisfaction, are more challenging to quantify. Focus on measurable outcomes like ROI, time saved, or reduced adverse events. Want to dive deeper into this topic? Click here to listen to listen to the entire session from our recent Medvale Lyceum with Craig Solid moderated by Jim Trounon, where they explore these concepts in more detail and offer actionable insights. Practical Steps for Sellers: How to Present Healthcare Value Know Your Buyer’s Value Framework Understand the specific metrics and outcomes that matter to the buyer. Different stakeholders—hospital administrators, payers, or providers—will have different priorities when it comes to defining value. Tailor your pitch accordingly. Use Behavioral Insights to Craft Your Message People’s decisions are influenced by biases and subjective experiences. When presenting the value of your product or service, anticipate and address potential biases, such as confirmation bias or the status quo bias, that could affect how it’s received. Go Beyond Financials: Highlight Non-Monetary Benefits Value isn’t only about money. Consider non-monetary benefits like staff well-being or better patient access. These can be powerful selling points when framed effectively. Practical Steps for Buyers: How to Assess Healthcare Value Look Beyond Quality per Dollar A common mistake in healthcare is reducing value to a simple equation of “quality per dollar spent.” Consider broader metrics like long-term patient satisfaction, staff engagement, and clinical outcomes. Think Holistically About Value Assess how a solution fits into the larger system, taking into account its impact on workflow, culture, and overall organizational goals. Sometimes the highest ROI isn’t immediately financial but can emerge over time through improved systems and relationships. Account for Uncertainty and Variability When evaluating value, don’t settle on a single metric or estimate. Acknowledge the inherent uncertainty in healthcare solutions. Consider best- and worst-case scenarios to account for potential risks and variability in outcomes. Conclusion: Starting the Value Conversation Early For both buyers and sellers, the key to navigating healthcare value is starting the conversation early. In the case of healthcare startups, thinking about value from the design phase can help avoid costly misalignments later. By defining clear parameters—who benefits, how it’s measured, and over what timeline—you can ensure your value proposition aligns with the needs of healthcare providers and consumers alike.
Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare: Where Do We Start?
Medvale – February 21, 2025 Trust has always been the foundation of healthcare. Patients rely on their doctors to guide them, physicians trust the system to support them, and organizations are expected to act in the best interest of those they serve. But something has changed. Trust is eroding—among patients, providers, and institutions alike. In a recent Megaphone episode, Medvalista Tom Ferkovic sat down with Dave Self to unpack the deeper issues driving this breakdown and explore what it would take to restore confidence in the system. 🎙️ Click here to listen to the full conversation. One of the key insights from their discussion? Healthcare isn’t just broken—it’s buried under layers of complexity that make trust nearly impossible. Administrative overload, rigid regulations, and financial incentives misaligned with patient care have created a system that feels more like an obstacle course than a place of healing. Ferkovic argues that real change won’t come from tweaking policies at the edges—it requires “opening the code” of healthcare, much like Apple did when it unleashed app development to innovators. But right now, that code is locked behind insurers, EHR giants, and bureaucratic red tape. So, where do we start? Ferkovic emphasizes that rebuilding trust means cutting through the noise and taking action. Medvale, as a peer-driven community, can be a space where healthcare leaders challenge each other, share unfiltered insights, and push for real solutions. If the system won’t change itself, those working within it need to take the lead.