Advance Care Directives are great in theory, but often fail in practice. The result: patients' wishes aren't respected and their families end up fighting.

Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi has built a whole medical practice and business around Advance Directives. HIs company, MIDEO enables patients to create video-based plans either with or without a physician's help.

I went through the process myself in preparation for this interview and learned a lot about the nuances of what to put in the directive to reflect my goals. The topics of resuscitation after cardiac arrest and mechanical ventilation were really insightful.

We also talked about more mundane matters like insurance coverage and how to make sure the directive is accessed and respected when you need it.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Bradley Bostic, the visionary CEO and founder of hc1, shares his journey from the plains of South Dakota to the cutting-edge world of healthcare data innovation. We explore how a childhood fascination with technology and a stint on the football field at Indiana University laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking work in healthcare. Our conversation uncovers Bradley's early career experiences at Ernst & Young, where he first glimpsed the complex inner workings of the healthcare industry, ultimately fueling his passion for transformative change.

Discover the pivotal role that hc1 plays in optimizing diagnostic testing, a cornerstone of effective healthcare. We examine the inefficiencies in current lab testing practices and how personalized diagnostics can lead to more accurate and cost-effective outcomes. With the power of machine learning and AI, HC1 is leading the charge in predicting patient outcomes, tailoring care plans, and identifying risks for chronic conditions like kidney disease or cognitive decline before they manifest.

In our broader discussion on the U.S. healthcare system, Bradley and I delve into the perplexing inefficiencies that plague even the most prestigious institutions. We explore potential solutions like value-based care and the cautious integration of technology to enhance patient experiences without detracting from them. Tune in to gain insight into the intersection of healthcare, business, and policy, and to hear about the exciting ventures on the horizon as we continue to explore the transformative power of healthcare innovation.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Hadassah Backman, founder and CEO of GuardDoc Health shares her personal story, from growing up in New York as a family caretaker, influenced by her father's illness and her grandmother's survival of the Holocaust, to her initial career in literature and writing. Discover how her path took a pivotal turn after a personal caregiving experience, leading her to pursue nursing. As a single mother, Hadassah navigated the challenges of nursing school and built an impressive career at Northwell, gaining invaluable experience in various medical units.

We explore Hadassah's transition from bedside nursing to compliance consulting. Her passion for genuine patient care, coupled with experiences in hospice care, inspired a shift toward risk mitigation. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reignited her dedication to hands-on patient care, even as she faced the complexities of systemic issues in healthcare. Hadassah's story highlights the resilience required to navigate personal and professional transitions, especially during crises, while striving to make a meaningful impact.

Finally, we delve into the realm of technology and healthcare compliance with Hadassah's move to Tel Aviv, where she spearheaded the development of innovative solutions at Guardoc Health. Learn about her collaboration with her sister to improve long-term care documentation and her determination to create user-friendly software for nurses worldwide. With key investors backing her vision, Hadassah's goal is to set the gold standard for CMS compliance, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of nurses. This episode offers valuable insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of healthcare, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of innovation in nursing and healthcare.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.