The Pulse with Mary Delaney

Are provider quality scores just another healthcare fad, or are they a critical tool for driving better health outcomes and maximizing your organization’s investment in employee benefits? In this episode, we cut through the noise to help employers understand what these scores really mean, how to identify high-quality providers, and how leveraging this information can lead to measurable improvements in workforce health and cost effi...

In part two of our three part series on the mounting primary care crisis, we will continue our discussion from August on the impact on employers. Our panel of experts will provide insights into how carriers are addressing the shortage, as well as what they believe employers can do to help combat this crisis. 

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• A carriers perspective on why we are facing such a crisis 
• What strategies have been pu...

As healthcare costs continue to rise and scrutiny around plan transparency intensifies, employers are under growing pressure to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility—not just to manage costs, but to ensure health plan decisions truly serve the best interests of their employees. 

In this compelling episode, we explore what fiduciary duty really means for employers in today’s complex benefits landscape. Experts break down the legal, ...

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a mounting primary care crisis—marked by physician shortages, limited access, and rising costs. In this timely episode, we examine how the decline in effective primary care is not just a health issue, but a serious business concern for employers grappling with escalating healthcare expenses and workforce wellbeing challenges.

Our expert guests unpack the systemic issues behind the crisis and expl...

In this episode of the Pulse, we will explore the powerful connection between an organization’s culture and environment and employee mental health. Beyond traditional EAP services, we’ll discuss how improving workplace culture, physical spaces, and social connections can boost resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, and create a stronger sense of belonging. 

Mental health service usage increased 17% in 2024 and 62% since 2020. Do...

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in pregnancy-related complications. This trend has persisted.  In this episode, we’ll explore the factors contributing to this ongoing issue and discuss strategies to help reverse the trend. 

Panelists will: 

• Take a closer look at the data surrounding pregnancy with complications 
• Explore treatment patterns, coding practices and potential revenue-driven care decisions within hospit...

Join us for Part 2 of our insightful podcast series dedicated to improving outcomes for those affected by substance use disorders. In this episode, we'll explore effective early intervention strategies and the essential steps for building a robust support structure. Additionally, we’ll discuss how employers can ensure compliance with Mental Health Parity laws while reducing unnecessary medical expenses that contribute to waste...

Substance use disorders related to alcohol and drug addiction are having a heavy emotional and financial toll on the workplace. It’s estimated that addiction costs employers upwards of $81 billion per year and employers struggle with how to provide the correct care. Finding in-network providers is challenging and health plans are paying a significant amount in out of network fees and “Shared Savings” that the carrier then takes.

Tun...

GLP-1 medications have been a tipping point in exposing the role that PBM’s have over controlling prescription drug access and cost. Not all PBM’s are created equal and most drive what is easiest and most profitable for the PBM.  It’s critical that employers play an active role in controlling their health plan strategy to support improved health outcomes and health plan investments. Tune into this episode of The Pulse as we uncover...

There’s been a lot of hype around the Blue Zones documentary on Netflix and how following these principles can help you live a full, active life until 100. But did you know these theories can also help you breathe life into your health plan by creating an employer community that is productive, healthy and sustainable? In this episode, we will explore how the Blue Zones theories translate into improved patient care and how an employ...

It's time for Employers to ensure they safeguard their interests and shield themselves with robust contracting language. 

Carrier and vendor agreements are often crafted by their legal teams to safeguard the interests of the vendors, which may not always align with the needs of the employer. Far too often, employers have simply accepted these standard contracts, granting vendors the authority to dictate billing practices, defin...

At least 80% of healthcare spend is influenced by our habits, environment and approach to caring for ourselves. Employers invest over $51 billion each year in vendors to empower individuals in making informed choices and alleviating strain on the healthcare system. Unraveling the genuine needs of the population proves to be an intimidating task, and addressing those needs presents an even greater challenge. Join us as we spotlight ...

The utilization of GLP-1s has skyrocketed since entering the market. Tune into this latest podcast of The Pulse to discover how you can effectively implement GLP-1 medications while improving the health of your population and lowering the financial impact.

This episode includes guest speakers:

Denise Fields
PharmD, Population Health Pharmacist

Robin Rankin, RPh
AVP, Clinical Pharmacy, AEC-RX, An Alera Group...

The threat of higher cost cases looms as new therapies are brought to market.  Certainly, there are advances in healthcare that everyone wants to enjoy. Employers need to make sure their monies are not wasted so they can afford to support their people.

• What can and should employers do to protect their budgets?
• Did you know that many carriers pay for catastrophic care as a percentage of billed charges?
• Who is auditing to make sure ...

One specialty medication can change the performance of a plan. Employers and Advisors are always trying to solve for if a medication should be limited to the PBM or the health plan and then if on the health plan we find significant differences between delivery of those medications. Unfortunately, the answers to solve this are not a one size fits all. Join us as we explore how to evaluate your solution and provide examples of some s...

Most people choose their providers based off a recommendation from friends or other providers. Every person wants to make sure they are utilizing a top provider, but the definition of quality varies by every oversite strategy. In this podcast we will explore the components to consider related to quality, and how access to that information should help support your health plan. We will debate different prospectives related to quality...

Obesity related medications are supposed to have the largest impact on pharmacy spend next year. Taking a pill to control weight sounds too good to be true. Listen in as 3 healthcare providers debate, educate and create some best solutions to drive improved weight management.

What you will learn from this session:

• Understand the financial and disease burden influence correlated with obesity
• Understand how the new medicat...