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Podcasts Seasons
Healthcare Performance Insider
Season 1
Connect with healthcare’s key opinion leaders as they discuss current news, clinical breakthroughs, operational trends, and technology challenges, sharing their real-world experiences, actionable insights and innovative solutions.
COVID-19 Myth Busting with Mara Aspinall
Season 2
Mara Aspinall continues her mission to raise the profile of diagnostics in the COVID-19 spotlight through this 6-part series. In each episode she will bust myths around topics like current COVID-19 testing types and accuracy, if it really is safe to go back to work or whether herd immunity will ever really happen.
COVID Conversations with Kim Zunker
Season 3
As a diagnostic expert and Laboratory Consulting Manager, Kim Zunker spends every minute of her career today focused on COVID-19 testing. Be it breaking news, agency reporting updates, new or changing testing approval status or technology solutions on the horizon, she’s in the know minute by minute through her vast research and network. Join her weekly for updates through this new series!
COVID Convos With Kim Zunker
It’s Not a Matter of if, It’s a Matter of When
Episode 13
In this episode of COVID Convos Kim discusses the current status of the country in the pandemic, testing and the need for more swabs, labor and personnel. Lastly, Kim touches on her own experiences with COVID-19 in her household.
Testing, Results, and Regulatory Actions
Episode 11
In episode 11 of COVID Convos with Kim Zunker, we walk through current developments in case numbers nationally, rapid testing, regulatory actions, hospital and healthcare worker testing, and much more. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and keep sending your questions to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Testing Positive
Episode 10
In this episode, Kim dives into current testing reports, highlighting declining statistics and mortality rates. Kim also shares her insights on President Trump’s positive COVID test result, treatment to-date and the significance of the number of other White House Officials who have tested positive. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and send your questions to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Week 36 Update: Ready, Set, Go!
Episode 9
In this episode, our resident clinical lab expert sheds new insights on the race to a vaccine, increased testing (yes, we’re STILL working on this) and current efforts to slow spikes in some states. Kim continues to arm us with facts and data as we continue to adjust to our “new normal”. Send questions or topics for Kim to cover in future episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Week 35 Update: Vaccines, Vaccines, Vaccines
Episode 8
In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker dives into vaccine developments for COVID-19 as well as clinical trial work to-date. Tune in for updates on which countries and companies are having the most success in the race to be first to market, as well as Kim’s opinions on the safety of those that make it that far. You can also continue to send questions you’d like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Week 34 Update: Never a Dull Moment
Episode 7
In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker provides major testing updates, details on the Convalescent Plasma EUA, CDC guidance on asymptomatic testing, death certificate data, and a new rule CLIA rule under HHS reporting. Send questions you’d like to hear answered to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Week 33 Update: It’s a Roller Coaster. Keeping Track!
Episode 6
In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker provides updated information the new HHS reporting structure, the announcement that the HHS rescinded the guidance that allowed FDA to require premarket review of the laboratory developed tests, and where we are with the development of a vaccine. Send questions you’d like to hear answered to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Week 32 Update: Antigen Testing, Asymptomatic Testing, Reporting and NEW EUAs
Episode 5
In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker highlights new EUAs, what reporting looks like in week 32 of the pandemic, plus updates on asymptomatic and antigen testing. Stay up-to-date on pandemic news each week with Kim as she breaks down all the critical topics. Send questions you’d like to hear answered to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Hot spots, Reporting, Vaccines – Oh my!
Episode 4
In this episode, Kim compares COVID hot spots, updates on reporting guidelines, and the status of vaccine development. Stay up to date on pandemic news each week as Kim breaks down critical topics. Send questions you’d like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Test Methods in 10 Minutes
Episode 3 BONUS
To say COVID-19 testing methods are changing rapidly is an understatement! To keep you up-to-date, Kim joined us for a bonus episode this week to share recent updates on COVID testing, including: detection and antibody tests, unique testing being investigated, and multiplex testing.
Disparate States, Same Goals
Episode 3
In this episode Kim dives into the current dichotomy between states in surge and recovery phases of the pandemic in parallel to a shared goal to scale lab testing, increase testing options and continue to identify new technology solutions. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and, if you have a specific question, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com for Kim to answer!
Measuring COVID’s Impact
Episode 2
In this episode, Kim chats with HPI about three significant areas in the news today: (1) current virus spikes and using Rt values as a measurement of infection severity, (2) the impact of the President’s decision to remove pandemic control from the CDC, and (3) specimen pooling as a new form of testing with potentially shorter turn-around times. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and, if you have a specific question, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com for Kim to answer!
Catch Up on COVID
Episode 1
As a diagnostic expert and Laboratory Consulting Manager, Kim Zunker spends every minute of her career today focused on COVID-19 testing. Be it breaking news, agency reporting updates, new or changing testing approval status or technology solutions on the horizon, she’s in the know minute by minute through her vast research and network. Join her weekly for updates through this new series! And send in your questions for Kim to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
COVID-19 Myth Busting with Mara Aspinall
Season 2
Employers are not relevant in the fight against COVID
Episode 10
In this episode of Myth Busting, Mara uncovers the truths about employers and their part in this pandemic. Once again Mara uses real data and research as a source of information and shares details from a recently published report by Arizona State University in a partnership with the World Economic Forum and support from the Rockefeller Foundation. Mara outlines how employees feel, what employers can do, and the next steps to move forward.
In this week’s episode of Myth Busting with Mara Aspinall she debunks two myths circulating, 1. we have this pandemic under control and 2. K-12 schools are creating the surge. Mara provides prospective on what’s truly causing the surge.
Debunking COVID Conspiracy Theories
Episode 8
In this episode Mara debunks a few of the biggest conspiracies related to COVID-19, including the who, what, where and why of the top theories plaguing the news today. Mara breaks down fact and fiction for each, starting with “COVID is a hoax”. Listen to the full episode to learn more and continue to submit your questions for Mara at HPIpodcast@accumen.com!
The Pandemic Will Never End
Episode 7
In this episode Mara explains why it feels like this pandemic will never end. She shares the good news, bad news, and how she perceives the light at the end of the tunnel. Send your questions or myths you’d like to hear busted by Mara to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
What Happens When COVID and Flu Season Intersect
Episode 6
In this episode, Mara educates us on the impending “twindemic”, explaining the key differences between the flu and COVID, how to best prevent exposure and when to test for one, the other or both. She also tackles some significant vaccine myths! Tune in to bust this myth with Mara – and be sure to continue to send topics you’d like Mara to cover in upcoming episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
There is no Need for Testing Policies
Episode 5
In this episode, Mara dives into variables that fuel the virus in one area and limit it in others. From public transportation ventilation to differing protocols in education, professional or community settings, the lack of policy direction leaves the door open for more questions and future concerns. Tune in to bust this myth with Mara!
This is the First Pandemic, Ever.
Episode 4
In this myth busting episode, Mara educates us on the REAL history of pandemics – defining what is and what isn’t – and surprising us with a few unknown, thought provoking facts. Tune in to bust this myth with Mara, as well as better understand how past pandemics have impacted future reactions. Send your questions or myths you’d like to hear busted by Mara to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
I Don’t Need a Mask, I Feel Fine
Episode 3
In this episode, Mara tackles the ever-present myth that if you feel fine, you are fine. She shares facts and insights on child immunity, asymptomatic testing, the impending flu season, expanding COVID symptoms, and of course – masks. You won’t want to miss this one! And if you have a myth that needs busting, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com to be considered for future episodes.
It’s Not Safe to go Back to Work
Episode 2
Mara Aspinall continues her mission to raise the profile of diagnostics in the COVID-19 spotlight by busting myths in this 6-part series. Episode 2 busts the myth: “It’s not safe to go back to work”. Ms. Aspinall talks temperature checks, masks, hand washing frequency and the strength of santizer. Each episode in this series busts a current myth in detail. If you think you have a myth that needs busting, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com for Mara’s review!
All Tests are the Same
Episode 1
Mara Aspinall continues her mission to raise the profile of diagnostics in the COVID-19 spotlight through this 6-part series. In each episode she will bust myths around topics like current COVID-19 testing types and accuracy, if it really is safe to go back to work or whether herd immunity will ever really happen. Each episode will cover current topics as well as questions from our audience. Send yours today to HPIpodcast@accumen.com!
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A Look Inside Patient Blood Management Awareness Around the World with Rebecca Rock, RN
Episode 26
Rebecca Rock, RN and CFO of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM), connects with HPI to share her clinical experiences (across different countries!) that led to a passion for blood conservation, and the importance of celebrating awareness around the management of this precious resource. Patient Blood Management Awareness Week this year is November 5-9.
Dr. Joe Chaffin – The Blood Bank Guy
Episode 25
Dr. Joe Chaffin, Founder of the “Blood Bank Guy” persona and website, and Chief Medical Officer of LifeStream Blood Bank, talks with HPI about the evolution of patient blood management programs, his reaction to the EUA of convalescent plasma amidst the COVID-19 crisis, and what’s in store next for The Blood Bank Guy!
From Navy Corpsman to Hospital Lab Leader
Episode 24
In this episode, HPI connects with Aaron Harding, Director of Laboratory at SHARP HealthCare in San Diego, CA to discuss how his military training and wartime experiences in Southeast Asia prepared him to lead through the current healthcare crisis, and how he’s applying these learnings every day in the clinical laboratory.
Measuring Labs Stewardship Success with Dr. Jane Dickerson
Episode 23
Lab tests have never been in the healthcare spotlight like they are now. In this episode, HPI connects with Dr. Jane Dickerson from Seattle Children’s Hospital to talk Lab Stewardship. As an expert on the topic, Dr. Dickerson defines what stewardship really means while sharing best-in-class program examples from across the country – consistently highlighting the shared responsibility of clinicians to ensure the right tests are selected, interpretations are clear and visible, and results are received in a timely manner to best treat each and every patient in their care.
COVID’s Impact on Blood Management with Dr. Claudia Cohn
Episode 22
In this episode, HPI connects with Dr. Claudia Cohn, Chief Medical Officer of the AABB and the Blood Bank Laboratory Director at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Cohn shares her experiences and learnings throughout the pandemic to-date in both roles – one advising the largest blood management organization in the U.S. and the other as a blood laboratory leader foreseeing a shortage in both blood and ICU beds – and needing to find a solution, FAST.
Pandemic Insights from the Payer Perspective with Dr. Darrel Weaver VP, Health Care Network Services at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Episode 21
In this episode, HPI is joined by Dr. Darrel Weaver, Vice President, Health Care Network Services at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, currently serving over 2.9 million members. Dr. Weaver shares his insights on the value of healthier patients, the importance of data driven strategies to influence change in a value-based care world, and the recent boom in telehealth specifically allowing BCBSAL increased reach to its rural members.
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Compliance Mini-Series
Overview of the Public Health and Social Services Fund
Episode 20 – Part 1
In this episode, members of the Alvarez & Marsal team provide an overview of the Public Health and Social Services Fund (commonly referred to as the Provider Relief Fund), including structure and key compliance considerations that Recipients should keep in mind when accepting these funds. Alvarez & Marsal is a global professional services firm notable for its work in turnaround management and performance improvement of a number of large, high-profile businesses both in the US and internationally. Send questions you’d like to hear the Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare Industry Group’s Regulatory and Compliance Services team answer in future episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Compliance Mini-Series
Provider Relief Fund Terms and Conditions – What You Should Know and do to Demonstrate Compliance
Episode 20 – Part 2
In this episode, members of the Alvarez & Marsal team walk us through the Provider Relief Fund terms and conditions, including what recipients should know and do to best demonstrate compliance. Join the team to understand the value of a compliance framework as well as important policies, processes and documentation that will help mitigate risk. Send questions you’d like to hear answered in future episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.
Heather Hurley: The Joint Commission Addresses COVID-19
Episode 19
In this episode, The Joint Commission’s Executive Director of Laboratory Accreditation and Health Systems Strategic Accounts, Heather Hurley, joins HPI to share insights of current activities and how the pandemic has shifted her strategic focus.
Supply Chain Innovation in a Pandemic (Eric Jurinic: VP, Corporate Supply Chain)
Episode 18
Eric Jurinic is the Vice President of Corporate Supply Chain with Accumen, on a mission to develop relationships with domestic manufacturers already distributing PPE as well as those with the capabilities to do so. In this episode, he walks the HPI audience thru his early pandemic insights, his determination to find and develop domestic manufacturers to meet hospital supply needs, and the do’s and don’ts of supplies for everyone inside and outside of healthcare.
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Rob Van Tuyle – Vitalant CEO Breaks Down the Blood Center Complexities in a Pre and Post COVID World
Episode 17
Rob Van Tuyle leads the second largest supplier of blood products in the U.S., serving as a critical healthcare network of life-saving materials over 29 states to 5000 hospitals. In this episode, Mr. Van Tuyle shares his journey to this non-profit healthcare organization and how he sees the complexities of the blood center in our new COVID world.
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Connie Wilkins – A view from the front lines of the pandemic in one hospital laboratory
Episode 16
The hospital lab has a spotlight on it for the first time . . . ever. At the center of COVID-19 testing during the first pandemic in 100 years, the hospital lab is being stretched to deliver unprecedented service, turn-around times and results. HPI sits down with Connie Wilkins, System Lab Director at CHI Health in Nebraska, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the hospital lab she leads and the next steps in preparing for both crisis and recovery from her perspective.
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Al Siblani: 3D Printers to COVID-19 Testing Swabs in 22 days
Episode 15
Al Siblani started a 3D printing company in 2002, focused on 12 global business sectors ranging from toys to jewelry to medical devices. In early 2020, his personal and professional focus honed in on the latter as he contracted COVID-19 and quickly mobilized his factory to create an FDA-approved 3D printed testing swab to join the effort to increase testing across the U.S. In this episode, he tells us about this journey and the impact he’s been able to have on healthcare to-date.
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Dr. Geoffrey Rubin: The profound impact COVID-19 has had on healthcare and the specific delivery of Imaging services
Episode 14
Dr. Geoff Rubin is a globally recognized Radiologist and thought leader. He has spent the majority of his career building teams at some of the leading academic medical centers across the country, including Stanford and Duke Universities. In this episode, he speaks with HPI on the current and future impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare, the Imaging department, and innovation in both arenas.
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Mara Aspinall: Diagnostic Evangelist on a mission to keep the spotlight on diagnostics after the pandemic
Episode 13
A study that found 20-30% of patients at autopsy were treated for a disease that they did not have changed the course of this thought leader’s career. Mara Aspinall has been on a mission to raise the profile of diagnostics in healthcare ever since. Find out why.
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Gary Huff: Former commercial lab leader shares his unique insights on the value of the hospital lab
Episode 12
COVID-19 immediately created a need for regional testing and faster results. Gary Huff discusses how it got here and why its imperative the hospital lab prepare to meet future, local demands.
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Dr. John Mattison: Hope is NOT a plan for COVID-19 recovery
Episode 11 (Part 2)
HPI continues the conversation with Dr. John Mattison, transitioning to the current healthcare crisis, discussing his views on everything from available testing methods, herd immunity, the debate over wearing masks in public, and reopening the economy.
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Dr. John Mattison: CMIO Emeritus at Kaiser Permanente talks about the critical role of data in driving healthcare innovation
Episode 11 (Part 1)
As the mastermind behind the first fully integrated electronic health record (EHR) in the U.S., Dr. John Mattison talks to HPI about the opportunity to advance the development of healthcare resources, clinical trials and medical treatments through data.
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Healthcare Hero’s Melanie Jorgenson and Nicole DeVita
Episode 10
Melanie Jorgenson and Nicole DeVita share their inspiring paths to nursing and respective experience on the front lines, from 9/11 to COVID-19.
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Utilizing Regional Testing Capacity to Fight COVID-19
Episode 9
There are three fundamental elements required for building a network to manage and track public health testing, like COVID-19. Join public health, policy and commercial lab leaders to learn what these are and how healthcare technology organizations are now coordinating regional information through them, from where test capacity exists to electronically tracking patient results from ordering provider to required government agencies.
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The Critical Role of Patient Blood Management in Preparing for the Recovery Phase of COVID-19
Episode 8
Washington state was identified early as ground zero for the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Monica Pagano, Medical Director of Transfusion Services at Washington University, shares her reflections on their levels of preparedness, learnings to-date and plans for closing identified gaps in performance before the next wave.
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COVID-19: What we’ve learned and are planning for next in Blood Management
Episode 7
Leaders from The Joint Commission, AABB and the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM) come together in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to offer practical recommendations for mitigating blood shortages.
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COVID-19: What we’ve learned and are planning for next in the Hospital Laboratory
Episode 6
The hospital lab can be the epicenter of diagnostics for the surrounding community. Lab leaders and experts across the country discuss why, the hidden value within and how strong systems are delivering on this need.
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COVID-19: What we’ve learned and are planning for next in Lab Supply Chain
Episode 5
It has never been more important to evaluate gaps in the hospital supply chain and develop best practices to respond to disruptions in crisis and recovery time periods.
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COVID-19 Preparedness: Early Insights from the 23rd Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Scott Gottlieb
Episode 4
The epidemiology of COVID-19, what we know and what we still need to learn.
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COVID-19 Preparedness: Early Insights from Public Health and Emergency Preparedness Expert, Dr. Paul Biddinger
Episode 3
The spread of COVID-19, how it differs from other infectious diseases, and why it is so difficult to contain.
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EXPERT EXCERPT: Managing Lab Operation Budgets
Episode 2
The hospital lab budget is complex. To capture all billable and reimbursable work, it’s critical to have an accurate test mix indexing system and work collaboratively with your payroll systems and purchasing departments. HPI caught up with two experts in laboratory operations, with three decades of combined experience, to find out how hospitals can effectively pull all the pieces of this puzzle together.
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EXPERT EXCERPT: Transforming Lab Performance with Dynamic Scheduling
Episode 1
The hospital lab continues to be a dynamic hub within the health system, designed to deliver timely results across multiple facilities or locations, as a critical piece of the care continuum. Listen to find out what the most efficient hospital labs are doing to increase productivity as HPI connects with three experts in the space.
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Christi McClanahan
Cass McCrory