Tag: health plan transparency

The Healthcare Black Box: Prior Authorization, AI Denials, and Fiduciary Duty (Ep. 54)

The Healthcare Black Box: Prior Authorization, AI Denials, and Fiduciary Duty (Ep. 54)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode of The Benefit Whisperer, Ralph Weber is joined by Dr. Don Berwick, former head of CMS; Dr. Kevin Schulman of Stanford; and David Scheinker, PhD, for a timely conversation about prior authorization, AI, healthcare contracts, and the hidden complexity employers are expected to accept.

The discussion begins with a critical question: if a prior authorization denial moves faster because of AI, but the underlying rule is still hidden, has the system actually improved?

Ralph and his guests examine how prior authorization evolved, how financial incentives can distort clinical review, and why employer health plans remain difficult to understand, compare, audit, or defend. They also discuss the variation in prior authorization rules across insurers, the administrative burden placed on providers, and the fiduciary responsibility employers carry when purchasing healthcare for their employees.

This conversation challenges employers to ask better questions before signing another healthcare contract.

Because faster opacity is still opacity.

Subscribe to The Benefit Whisperer for direct conversations about healthcare waste, fiduciary responsibility, employer-sponsored benefits, and the systems driving up healthcare costs.

Healthcare’s Black Box and a Look Inside It (Ep. 53)

Healthcare’s Black Box and a Look Inside It (Ep. 53)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Employers are funding more of healthcare every year, but many still have limited visibility into what is actually happening inside their health plan.

In this episode of The Benefit Whisperer, Ralph Weber speaks with Dr. Hemant Gupta, a physician executive with experience in hospital medicine, physician advisory work, utilization review, informatics, and medical management.

The conversation focuses on what employers should understand about medical management, prior authorization, denials, appeals, clinical alignment, and fiduciary responsibility.

Ralph and Dr. Gupta discuss why healthcare decisions need both clear clinical logic and honest economic logic. They also explore why self-funded employers should expect greater transparency when care is delayed, denied, redirected, or appealed.

This episode is especially relevant for CEOs, CFOs, HR leaders, benefits advisors, and employers responsible for managing healthcare spend.