The Pulse by Vital Incite: Recent Episodes
Vital Incite
In this podcast, Dr. Joshua Dowell, a private practice pioneer in radiology care, explores the future state of interventional radiology and why moving these services away from hospital‑based setting represents a critical opportunity for the healthcare system. He discusses how alternative care models can meaningfully reduce costs, lower patient risk, and improve quality—particularly in cancer care. The conversation highlights how rethinking site‑of‑care decisions in interventional radiology can unlock a more sustainable cost structure while delivering better outcomes for patients.
After listening to this podcast, participants will be able to:
- Explain the potential impact of shifting interventional radiology away from hospital‑based services, including implications for cost, access, and care delivery.
- Understand how alternative interventional radiology models can improve patient care and reduce risk, particularly through more appropriate care settings.
- Identify the drivers of improved cost structure when interventional radiology services move outside of traditional hospital environments.
- Recognize the path forward for improving cancer care through innovative interventional radiology delivery models.
In this episode of The Pulse in 15, Mary sits down with Bryan Trainor to discuss the value Kwik Trip has found in moving from separate, vendor-specific reports to having all their information in one place. Bryan shares how bringing data together into a single, transparent view has helped create clarity, reduce fragmentation, and better align goals and priorities across internal teams and vendor partners. The conversation highlights why data integration matters, how transparency changes the way partners work together, and how a unified view of information supports smarter, more coordinated strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the value of moving from siloed, vendor-specific reports to a unified view of information, and how a single source of truth supports clearer, more consistent decision-making.
- Explain how greater data transparency helps align goals and priorities across vendor partners, shifting conversations from isolated metrics to shared outcomes.
- Recognize how integrated data enables organizations to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities that are difficult to see when information is fragmented.
- Describe how a transparent, comprehensive data approach can strengthen collaboration and support more coordinated strategy execution.
Frontline Perspectives from Physicians & Benefits Leaders
Building on our Part 2 session where carriers discussed what’s working, what’s falling short, and how employers can influence the trend, we’re now turning to the people closest to care delivery and benefit design. In Part 3, practicing physicians and respected benefits leaders will share practical, employer-ready strategies to stabilize access, improve outcomes, and control costs.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why primary care is under pressure from administrative burdens and poor reimbursement to fragmented relationships and what it means for access and outcomes.
- How innovative models like direct primary care and team-based care are changing the game for both physicians and employers.
- What employers and benefits advisors can do to drive real change: from investing in primary care and reducing red tape, to building trusted partnerships with providers.
- The power of relationships in primary care and how continuity, trust, and a whole-person approach can lower costs and improve workforce health.
If you’re tired of quick fixes and want to hear what really works in primary care—from the voices on the front lines, this conversation is for you.
In this 15-minute episode, we’re joined by Roger McMichael, Associate Superintendent at Carmel Clay Schools, for a practical conversation on how objective, data driven strategy can create meaningful and sustainable change in a school system’s health plan.
Roger shares how his team focused on improving employee health and experience while also achieving significant savings for the plan—without sacrificing value or access. His insights offer a real-world example of what’s possible when strategy, transparency, and long-term thinking come together.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How Carmel Clay Schools leveraged plan savings to reinvest in and expand service offerings
- How their members’ experience differs from others in the local community
- What success looks like for their organization—and the outcomes they’ve realized so far
This episode is a must listen for HR leaders, benefits professionals, and executives looking for sustainable healthcare strategies that work for both their people and their bottom line.
In this mini episode of The Pulse, Mary speaks with an employee communications expert about why benefits messages so often get lost and how employers can move from noise to real impact. The conversation highlights what effective benefits communication looks like today, common mistakes employers make, and how to measure whether messages are actually driving understanding and action. The episode wraps with practical advice on one high impact improvement employers can focus on this year, along with a brief look at how AI can strengthen benefits communication in realistic, meaningful ways.
4 Key Takeaways:
- Cutting through noise requires strategy, not more messaging.
Effective benefits communication isn’t about sending more emails—it’s about delivering the right message, at the right time, in a way employees can actually absorb and act on. - Impact matters more than activity.
Open rates and clicks don’t tell the full story. Employers need to measure whether communication improves understanding, confidence, and decision making—not just whether messages were delivered. - Complexity is the enemy of engagement.
Overly technical language, inconsistent messaging, and one size fits all approaches are some of the biggest reasons benefits communication fails. Simplicity and relevance drive impact. - Focus on one meaningful improvement—and do it well.
Whether it’s simplifying content, improving timing, or better segmenting messages, one focused change can dramatically improve communication effectiveness when executed intentionally.
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 efficiency.
Join us as we answer the questions employers ask most:
- Which provider quality metrics actually matter for my organization?
- How can I use provider data to improve employee satisfaction and health outcomes?
- What are the pitfalls of relying on certain scores, and how can I avoid them?
- How have other employers successfully used provider quality information to drive results?
- What practical steps can HR and benefits leaders take to integrate provider quality into their strategy?
Whether you’re a benefits manager, HR leader, or executive, this episode will empower you to make informed decisions that benefit both your employees and your bottom line.
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 put in place to help reverse these trends
- What has worked effectively and where are efforts falling short
- How employers, the payors of healthcare, may be able to influence these trends
This is a must-listen for HR leaders, benefits professionals, and executives seeking sustainable healthcare strategies that work for both their people and their bottom line.
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, ethical, and financial implications of being a plan sponsor—and what it takes to stay compliant, cost-conscious, and employee-centered.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- What ERISA says about fiduciary obligations—and how it applies to health benefits
- Why fiduciary risk is rising, and what recent lawsuits mean for employers
- Common blind spots in benefits strategy that can lead to compliance issues
- Practical steps employers can take to protect themselves and support their workforce
If you're in HR, finance, or on a leadership team making decisions about your company’s health plan, this episode is your essential guide to navigating your fiduciary role with confidence and clarity.
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 explore what employers can do to strengthen access to quality primary care. You’ll hear practical insights into benefits design, provider partnerships, and policies that prioritize prevention, continuity, and cost control.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Why primary care is foundational to employee health and healthcare affordability
- The downstream impact of poor access on absenteeism, chronic disease, and claims
- What forward-thinking employers are doing to restore value to primary care
- Strategies to align health benefits with long-term business and employee health goal
This is a must-listen for HR leaders, benefits professionals, and executives seeking sustainable healthcare strategies that work for both their people and their bottom line.
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. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover new ways to support your team and improve employee mental health.
Our Guests:
Andrea Davis, Director of Wellbeing at The Alera Group
Sara Johnson, PhD. Co-President & CEO at Prochange Behavior Solutions and Senior Research Fellow at HERO (Health Enhancement Research Organization)
Joan M. Troester, MBA, CEBS, SPHR, Senior Assistant Vice President, Deputy CHRO at The University of Iowa
Guests will:
- Explore the influence of resiliency and a sense of belonging on mental health
- Uncover strategies employers can put in place to improve a sense of belonging
- Examine the factors that impact resiliency, much like we would focus on improving diet for better cardiovascular health
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 hospital systems
- Uncover strategies to optimize maternal health programs and proactively reduce complications before pregnancy begins
This episode includes guest speakers:
Cindy Basinski, MD, OBGYN, Founder of Basinski and Juran, MDs, LLC
Morgan F McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP, National Director for Population Health at Milbank Memorial Fund
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 wasteful spending.
Panelists will discuss:
- Strategies for enhancing early treatment of substance use disorders to prevent progression to catastrophic care.
- Publicly available resources to help identify the most appropriate treatments and high-quality care options.
- Provisions in current carrier contracts that enable them to retain a percentage of costs as revenue, while limiting access to in-network providers.
- Understanding the Mental Health Parity laws and your obligations as a health plan provider.
This episode includes guest speakers:
Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Shatterproof
Danielle Capilla, JD, SVP of Compliance and Operational Strategy for Alera Group's Employee Benefits division
Lisa Kugler, Psy.D., SVP for Shatterproof’s Treatment Atlas team
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.
Tune into this episode of The Pulse as we examine the health plan impacts of substance abuse, including uncovering why so many facilities are not in network, what the carriers’ role is in this issue and how employers can create better strategies.
Panelists will discuss:
- The advantages and disadvantages of an addiction treatment center setting up in-network contracts.
- How the laws related to Mental Health Parity influence employers and health plan decisions.
- How claims for these services are handled when out of network and who may be winning in that negotiation.
- How employers can improve their strategy to supporting the needs of their plan members
This episode includes guest speakers:
Tim Clement, VP of Federal Government Affairs at Mental Health America.
Chris Deacon, JD, Principal/Founder VerSan Consulting
Damon Eisenbrey, Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Shatterproof
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 the role of the PBM in prescription drug access and costs and what employers need to do to redefine expectations and outcomes from PBMs.
Panelists will discuss:
- How a drug is approved by the FDA and if that clinically is providing the most effective approach to leverage medications.
- PBM prior authorization strategies and what appropriate expectations should be
- Why and how PBMs and Manufacturers leverage rebates to force formulary restrictions
- The opportunity for plan savings related to generic medications that are not leveraged by PBMs
- What strategies related to GLP-1 appear to be most successful in driving improved health outcomes and an ROI on health plan investments
This episode includes guest speakers:
Ge Bai, PhD, CPA.
Professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Professor of Health Management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthDr. Jonathan Bonnet, MD, MPH, CAQSM, FAAFP, FACLM, DipABOM, DipACLM.
Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and Program Director of Medical Weight Loss at the Clinical Resource Hub Weight Management Center at the Palo Alto Veteran’s AffairsJennifer Perlitch RPh., MBA.Assistant Vice President – Pharmacy at AECRx
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 employer’s culture can support improved health outcomes.
Tune in as our panelists discuss how the theories behind the Blue Zone can be used to support employer efforts to enhance employee health and contain healthcare costs.
This episode includes guest speakers:
Wayne Dysinger, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Director, HealthlyGretchen Day, MPHVP of Health Innovation & Advanced Strategies, Alera GroupBen LeedleCEO Blue Zones
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, define services, and even control data sharing. The moment has arrived for Employers—whether they're managing a Health Plan or acting as the payor—to take charge and reshape our delivery system, ensuring they receive the necessary support for their plans.
Join our expert panelists as we explore the intricacies of carrier and vendor agreements, often skewed in favor of vendors, and the necessity for Employers to assert their needs.
This episode includes guest speakers:
Brenda Motheral, RPh, MBA, PhD
CEO, Archimedes
Marilyn Barlett, CPA, CGMA, CMA, CFA
Senior Policy Fellow, National Academy for State Health Policy
Stacy Barrow, JD
Partner, Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP
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 three forward-thinking employers who have navigated this complex terrain from diverse perspectives. Discover how they have successfully managed to curtail healthcare costs while actively supporting their plan members in enhancing their overall well-being.
This episode includes guest speakers:
Lisa AllenVP, CHRO, Goodwill Industries of Central & Southern IndianaRoger McMichaelAssociate Superintendent, Carmel Clay SchoolsDavid HinesED, Benefits, Metro Nashville Public Schools
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 FieldsPharmD, Population Health Pharmacist
Robin Rankin, RPhAVP, Clinical Pharmacy, AEC-RX, An Alera Group Company
Sean Hashmi, MD, FASNObesity Medicine Provider
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 those billed rates, or the services are appropriate?
This episode includes guest speakers:
Marilyn Bartlett
Senior Policy Fellow, National Academy for State Health Policy
Valerie SaurezDirector of Medical Risk, Symetra Life Insurance Company
Michael ThompsonPresident & CEO, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
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 significant success stories.
This episode includes guest speakers:
Julie Kueppers, PhD, FNP, RNVice President of Clinical Analytics and Services, Relph Benefit Advisors
Brenda Motheral, BPharm, MBA, PhDCEO, Archimedes
Candace Shaffer, M.S., CWPMSenior Director of Benefits, Purdue University
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 metrics, reporting structure and how employers can empower their covered lives.
This episode includes guest speakers:
Padmaja Patel, MD
President Elect, American College of Lifestyle Medicin
Nick Reber
Chief Executive Officer, Garner Health
John Ryan
Chief Executive Officer, OrthoIndy
Sandeep Wadhwa, MD, MBA
Global Chief Medical Officer, 3M
Research shows that only 1 in 5 people are successful in maintaining their resolutions, creating sustainable improved performance, or maintaining significant weight loss. Join us as a panel of experts explore why these attempts fail and how employers can support long-term success.