Benefits administration requires creativity in consumer-centric plans

Jason R. Smith, Pharm.D., appointed as chief pharmacy officer in February 2025 for the University of Rochester Medical Center, talks about building a stronger workforce, managing drug shortages and keeping up with changes in regulations because of the new administration.

In this week’s episode of Tuning In to the C-Suite podcast, MHE Associate Editor Briana Contreras interviewed VillageMD’s Senior Medical Director of Village Medical at Home, Dr. Tom Cornwell. Dr. Cornwell discussed the main benefits of primary care at home, which includes the benefit of cost savings for patients, maintaining control of hospital readmissions and others. Dr. Cornwell also noted what has changed in the industry of at-home care and if there has been interest from payers like insurance companies and medicare in the service.

Leaders and clinicians say they are seeing better patient outcomes and a good return on their investments, according to a recent survey.

Healthcare leaders discussed digital health during the recent American Heart Association conference, outlining the potential and pitfalls. Often, setbacks aren’t related to the technology.

The company is working with large health systems such as the Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente, and Rami Karjian expects more delivery of acute care in the home.

About 1,700 hospitals will receive lump sums after the Supreme Court ruled that CMS was wrong when it cut reimbursement rates for Part B drugs.