The Gist Healthcare Podcast

The federal government slows progress on mRNA vaccine research. UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys resolve a key legal challenge, clearing the way for their multibillion-dollar merger. And Vertex Pharmaceuticals experiences a delay in its development of a new class of non-opioid pain therapies. Those stories on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast.

The Trump Administration finalizes an inpatient payment rate increase for 2026. Medicare and Medicaid reportedly consider covering GLP-1 drugs for obesity. And, the childhood vaccine exemption rate hits record high. Those stories and more on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast.  

The Joint Commission and the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) recently announced they would partner to scale the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in healthcare settings. The organizations plan to release guidance and best practices this fall based on conversations happening now among industry stakeholders.   On today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare Podcast, host J. Carlisle Larsen is joined by CHAI CEO Brian Anderson, MD, about the partnership and themes that are already emerging from these early conversations. 

Healthcare and technology stakeholders pledge to make healthcare data sharing easier following a meeting at the White House. A federal judge blocks Arkansas’s strict pharmacy benefit manager law. And, Swiss drugmaker Roche weighs direct-to-consumer drug sales. Those stories on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast.  

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly plans to fire the panel tasked with making preventive services recommendations. UnitedHealth Group slashes its 2025 outlook amid rising medical costs. And, pediatric flu deaths reach highest level outside of a pandemic season. Those stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast.  

BayCare Health System in Florida was one of four systems nationwide to pilot a wellbeing program to combat burnout and stress among nursing staff, in partnership with the American Nurses Foundation. The program employs a monitoring and communication program first developed for high-stress jobs, like first responders and military roles.  Following the success of the pilot, the system announced this spring it would roll out the program at all 16 of its acute care hospitals.  On today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast, host J. Carlisle Larsen is joined by Trish Shucoski, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive at BayCare. And BayCare's advanced nursing educator, Rocky Hauch, DNP, RN, PCCN.  You can listen to the first half of the conversation here.  

A new bill in the House would guarantee parity between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage reimbursements. Analysis from health insurer filings signals a spike in premiums for Affordable Care Act plans.  And, a national hospital operator is selling its outpatient lab services in a multimillion-dollar deal. Those stories and more coming up on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast.  

States sue the Trump administration over an Affordable Care Act eligibility and enrollment rule.  Two large northeastern health systems explore a possible merger.  And, Humana sues the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services again over the drop in its Medicare Advantage star ratings.  Those stories on today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast.  

Burnout and stress are prevalent among healthcare providers, including nursing staff. Burnout among nurses can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and higher rates of absenteeism. It can also be costly for hospitals and healthcare systems to replace nurses who decide to leave due to stress.   One system experimenting with novel ways to support its nursing staff is BayCare Health System in Tampa, Florida. It was one of four systems in the country chosen by the American Nurses Foundation to pilot a nurse wellbeing program that borrowed a stress program originally developed for high-stress roles, like those in the military.   On today’s episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast, host J. Carlisle Larsen is joined by Trish Shucoski, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive at BayCare. And BayCare's advanced nursing educator, Rocky Hauch, DNP, RN, PCCN.