Making Healthcare Sustainable Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/making-healthcare-sustainable Employee healthcare is at a tipping point. The costs are unsustainable. The system is overwhelming. And benefits leaders are being asked to do more — with less — for the people who count on them most. Making Healthcare Sustainable is a media experience from Lantern, spotlighting the bold thinkers, advisors, and changemakers transforming high-cost problems into life-changing outcomes. Through interviews, insights, and storytelling, we explore what it takes to deliver better care while optimizing the system and budget. This is where benefit design meets business impact. Because when healthcare works better, everyone wins. © 2026 Lantern 127d96f8-8886-5643-98bf-38612019faf1 yes Coming This Summer: Your Open Enrollment Gameplan en Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:00:20 -0400 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:03:49 -0400 https://lanterncare.com/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/jMWvwCi4lmjQcq7F8DVA1tzVDkOPzH7CsoYKKmDXDGQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81YmQ3/NTEyMzg0YWI2YjEw/NzUwOTFiNjRkNDJl/NWJmMy5wbmc.jpg Making Healthcare Sustainable https://lanterncare.com/ episodic Lantern Employee healthcare is at a tipping point. The costs are unsustainable. The system is overwhelming. And benefits leaders are being asked to do more — with less — for the people who count on them most. Making Healthcare Sustainable is a media experience from Lantern, spotlighting the bold thinkers, advisors, and changemakers transforming high-cost problems into life-changing outcomes. Through interviews, insights, and storytelling, we explore what it takes to deliver better care while optimizing the system and budget. This is where benefit design meets business impact. Because when healthcare works better, everyone wins. Employee healthcare is at a tipping point. cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions Lantern nancy.ryerson@lanterncare.com No No How to Advertise Your Benefits Like a Retailer, with Kaitlin Quinn 13 13 How to Advertise Your Benefits Like a Retailer, with Kaitlin Quinn full 026e825d-27f7-4329-a203-e842732560e5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cc5db697 Is promoting a healthcare benefit the same as advertising jeans? Not really—and at the same time,  yes. It all comes down to reaching people at the exact moment they need something. And not once they’ve already gotten a procedure done or finished up their shopping for the season. 

Kaitlin Quinn, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics at Lantern, shares how her team uses marketing testing, targeted outreach, and data-driven experimentation to improve benefits engagement, build trust, and connect members with care when it matters most.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How targeted benefits communications can significantly increase employee engagement by reaching people when they are most likely to need care
  • Strategies for using simple marketing experiments to improve benefits awareness without requiring a large analytics team
  • Why balancing broad awareness campaigns with personalized outreach builds trust and encourages greater benefits utilization

Highlights:
(00:00) Why "just send another benefits email" doesn't work anymore

(00:46) The test Lantern ran to prove targeted marketing works

(02:03) What it costs to build a real marketing test

(03:56) Lantern's targeted marketing test drove a 20% lift in engagement

(05:55) The jeans example that explains healthcare marketing

(06:49) Why word of mouth beats every other marketing channel

(07:46) The exclusion logic behind every message Lantern sends

(10:08) How sacrificing revenue for one test won over skeptical clients

(10:51) Envelope colors, subject lines, and other tests any team can run

(11:27) Awareness marketing vs conversion marketing, explained

(13:21) Why one coworker's story outperforms a company-wide email

(14:20) Testing subject lines to see what actually gets opened

(15:56) How to tell if your test worked or you just got lucky timing

(16:55) A one click poll that tells you if people are engaged

(18:05) How Lantern tracks whether word of mouth is actually working

(18:30) Why Kaitlin says marketing Lantern is "good for good"

(19:46) The halo effect: why even non-users benefit from awareness

(20:20) What years in retail marketing taught Kaitlin about healthcare

(21:26) Timing outreach around ID cards, deductibles, and open enrollment

(22:19) Why you need both awareness marketing and conversion marketing


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Kaitlin Quinn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-quinn-22514213/

Lantern’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lantern-specialty-care/about/

]]> Is promoting a healthcare benefit the same as advertising jeans? Not really—and at the same time,  yes. It all comes down to reaching people at the exact moment they need something. And not once they’ve already gotten a procedure done or finished up their shopping for the season. 

Kaitlin Quinn, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics at Lantern, shares how her team uses marketing testing, targeted outreach, and data-driven experimentation to improve benefits engagement, build trust, and connect members with care when it matters most.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How targeted benefits communications can significantly increase employee engagement by reaching people when they are most likely to need care
  • Strategies for using simple marketing experiments to improve benefits awareness without requiring a large analytics team
  • Why balancing broad awareness campaigns with personalized outreach builds trust and encourages greater benefits utilization

Highlights:
(00:00) Why "just send another benefits email" doesn't work anymore

(00:46) The test Lantern ran to prove targeted marketing works

(02:03) What it costs to build a real marketing test

(03:56) Lantern's targeted marketing test drove a 20% lift in engagement

(05:55) The jeans example that explains healthcare marketing

(06:49) Why word of mouth beats every other marketing channel

(07:46) The exclusion logic behind every message Lantern sends

(10:08) How sacrificing revenue for one test won over skeptical clients

(10:51) Envelope colors, subject lines, and other tests any team can run

(11:27) Awareness marketing vs conversion marketing, explained

(13:21) Why one coworker's story outperforms a company-wide email

(14:20) Testing subject lines to see what actually gets opened

(15:56) How to tell if your test worked or you just got lucky timing

(16:55) A one click poll that tells you if people are engaged

(18:05) How Lantern tracks whether word of mouth is actually working

(18:30) Why Kaitlin says marketing Lantern is "good for good"

(19:46) The halo effect: why even non-users benefit from awareness

(20:20) What years in retail marketing taught Kaitlin about healthcare

(21:26) Timing outreach around ID cards, deductibles, and open enrollment

(22:19) Why you need both awareness marketing and conversion marketing


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Kaitlin Quinn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-quinn-22514213/

Lantern’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lantern-specialty-care/about/

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 1447 Is promoting a healthcare benefit the same as advertising jeans? Not really—and at the same time,  yes. It all comes down to reaching people at the exact moment they need something. And not once they’ve already gotten a procedure done or finished up their shopping for the season. 

Kaitlin Quinn, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics at Lantern, shares how her team uses marketing testing, targeted outreach, and data-driven experimentation to improve benefits engagement, build trust, and connect members with care when it matters most.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How targeted benefits communications can significantly increase employee engagement by reaching people when they are most likely to need care
  • Strategies for using simple marketing experiments to improve benefits awareness without requiring a large analytics team
  • Why balancing broad awareness campaigns with personalized outreach builds trust and encourages greater benefits utilization

Highlights:
(00:00) Why "just send another benefits email" doesn't work anymore

(00:46) The test Lantern ran to prove targeted marketing works

(02:03) What it costs to build a real marketing test

(03:56) Lantern's targeted marketing test drove a 20% lift in engagement

(05:55) The jeans example that explains healthcare marketing

(06:49) Why word of mouth beats every other marketing channel

(07:46) The exclusion logic behind every message Lantern sends

(10:08) How sacrificing revenue for one test won over skeptical clients

(10:51) Envelope colors, subject lines, and other tests any team can run

(11:27) Awareness marketing vs conversion marketing, explained

(13:21) Why one coworker's story outperforms a company-wide email

(14:20) Testing subject lines to see what actually gets opened

(15:56) How to tell if your test worked or you just got lucky timing

(16:55) A one click poll that tells you if people are engaged

(18:05) How Lantern tracks whether word of mouth is actually working

(18:30) Why Kaitlin says marketing Lantern is "good for good"

(19:46) The halo effect: why even non-users benefit from awareness

(20:20) What years in retail marketing taught Kaitlin about healthcare

(21:26) Timing outreach around ID cards, deductibles, and open enrollment

(22:19) Why you need both awareness marketing and conversion marketing


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Kaitlin Quinn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-quinn-22514213/

Lantern’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lantern-specialty-care/about/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Why Employees Ignore Great Benefits, with Adrienne Lee-Jones 12 12 Why Employees Ignore Great Benefits, with Adrienne Lee-Jones full 7034a999-ee0d-430b-9307-8768d9999050 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c339a20e Navigating healthcare benefits can be confusing, especially when employees need specialized care.

Adrienne Lee-Jones, Director of Payroll and Benefits at Loomis, shares her personal experience using Lantern, how concierge-style healthcare support can improve outcomes, and the communication strategies she uses to help employees understand and engage with complex benefits year-round.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How personal experience and concierge-style healthcare navigation can help employees feel more confident when making complex care decisions
  • Strategies for explaining specialized benefits in simple, relatable terms that drive employee understanding and engagement
  • Creative ways to build year-round benefits awareness through testimonials, wellness initiatives, and open enrollment communications


Highlights:
(0:00) Meet Adrienne Lee-Jones
(1:23) Adrienne's Lantern surgery experience
(3:38) The value of compassionate care
(6:16) Why dedicated support matters
(7:07) Building a year-round benefits strategy
(8:49) Communicating cost savings and quality
(9:10) Turning employees into benefit champions
(10:00) Using testimonials to drive engagement
(16:56) Helping employees understand complex benefits
(19:05) Real examples that make benefits click
(24:49) Reaching employees beyond email
(26:26) The rewards and challenges of open enrollment

Resources:Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Adrienne Lee-Jones’s LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/adrienne-lee-jones/
Loomis’s LinkedIn: https://www.loomis.com/en/

]]> Navigating healthcare benefits can be confusing, especially when employees need specialized care.

Adrienne Lee-Jones, Director of Payroll and Benefits at Loomis, shares her personal experience using Lantern, how concierge-style healthcare support can improve outcomes, and the communication strategies she uses to help employees understand and engage with complex benefits year-round.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How personal experience and concierge-style healthcare navigation can help employees feel more confident when making complex care decisions
  • Strategies for explaining specialized benefits in simple, relatable terms that drive employee understanding and engagement
  • Creative ways to build year-round benefits awareness through testimonials, wellness initiatives, and open enrollment communications


Highlights:
(0:00) Meet Adrienne Lee-Jones
(1:23) Adrienne's Lantern surgery experience
(3:38) The value of compassionate care
(6:16) Why dedicated support matters
(7:07) Building a year-round benefits strategy
(8:49) Communicating cost savings and quality
(9:10) Turning employees into benefit champions
(10:00) Using testimonials to drive engagement
(16:56) Helping employees understand complex benefits
(19:05) Real examples that make benefits click
(24:49) Reaching employees beyond email
(26:26) The rewards and challenges of open enrollment

Resources:Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Adrienne Lee-Jones’s LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/adrienne-lee-jones/
Loomis’s LinkedIn: https://www.loomis.com/en/

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 1651 Navigating healthcare benefits can be confusing, especially when employees need specialized care.

Adrienne Lee-Jones, Director of Payroll and Benefits at Loomis, shares her personal experience using Lantern, how concierge-style healthcare support can improve outcomes, and the communication strategies she uses to help employees understand and engage with complex benefits year-round.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How personal experience and concierge-style healthcare navigation can help employees feel more confident when making complex care decisions
  • Strategies for explaining specialized benefits in simple, relatable terms that drive employee understanding and engagement
  • Creative ways to build year-round benefits awareness through testimonials, wellness initiatives, and open enrollment communications


Highlights:
(0:00) Meet Adrienne Lee-Jones
(1:23) Adrienne's Lantern surgery experience
(3:38) The value of compassionate care
(6:16) Why dedicated support matters
(7:07) Building a year-round benefits strategy
(8:49) Communicating cost savings and quality
(9:10) Turning employees into benefit champions
(10:00) Using testimonials to drive engagement
(16:56) Helping employees understand complex benefits
(19:05) Real examples that make benefits click
(24:49) Reaching employees beyond email
(26:26) The rewards and challenges of open enrollment

Resources:Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Adrienne Lee-Jones’s LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/adrienne-lee-jones/
Loomis’s LinkedIn: https://www.loomis.com/en/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Coming This Summer: Your Open Enrollment Gameplan Coming This Summer: Your Open Enrollment Gameplan trailer 06afec1b-01b8-451b-beeb-af809f178f39 https://share.transistor.fm/s/656a70f0 Open enrollment season is coming, and we're spending the summer getting ready for it. All season long, we're bringing in guests who've been in the trenches of OE to share what's actually working, what's flopped, and the creative ideas worth stealing. By the time October hits, you'll have a fresh playbook and a lot less dread. Making Healthcare Sustainable will drop new episodes all summer. Follow the show so you don't miss a single guest!

]]> Open enrollment season is coming, and we're spending the summer getting ready for it. All season long, we're bringing in guests who've been in the trenches of OE to share what's actually working, what's flopped, and the creative ideas worth stealing. By the time October hits, you'll have a fresh playbook and a lot less dread. Making Healthcare Sustainable will drop new episodes all summer. Follow the show so you don't miss a single guest!

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:01:07 -0400 Lantern Lantern 38 Open enrollment season is coming, and we're spending the summer getting ready for it. All season long, we're bringing in guests who've been in the trenches of OE to share what's actually working, what's flopped, and the creative ideas worth stealing. By the time October hits, you'll have a fresh playbook and a lot less dread. Making Healthcare Sustainable will drop new episodes all summer. Follow the show so you don't miss a single guest!

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Are Your Benefits Solving the Right Problems? With Omair Ahmed 11 11 Are Your Benefits Solving the Right Problems? With Omair Ahmed full 159498a8-c0b4-49b2-bdf3-b8b90c63a329 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8459985b Most healthcare innovations fail for the same reason: they don't address the underlying incentive misalignment baked into a fee-for-service system.


Omair Ahmed, Principal at Echo Health Ventures, explains why solving that problem first is what separates the solutions that actually move the needle from the ones that just add to the vendor stack.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why incentive misalignment and data opacity are the root causes behind most of healthcare's thorniest challenges
  • How pairing quality analytics with benefit design nudges members toward better decisions and not just better information
  • Why local networks of high-quality providers outperform traditional center-of-excellence models
  • What benefits leaders who are early adopters are doing differently to evaluate solutions before they scale

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Omair Ahmed

(02:07) Centering the patient experience

(04:14) Key challenges in healthcare incentives and data transparency

(07:00) Distribution and integration matter more than product innovation

(09:36) Lessons from public-private partnerships and Medicare innovations

(11:07) Why cost, quality, and access don’t have to compete

(13:00) Understanding how patients interpret cost signals

(15:43) The power of surgical volume and appropriateness in decision-making

(16:44) Evaluating ROI for high-cost, high-variability solutions

(20:04) Learning from churn and variation across clients

(22:38) Network of Excellence vs. legacy Center of Excellence models

(25:53) How local care improves adherence and outcomes

(27:07) Prioritizing high-impact solutions for employers

(30:29) AI, analytics, and culture driving optimism for healthcare innovation 


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Omair Ahmed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omair-ahmed/
Echo Health Ventures’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/echo-health-ventures/

]]> Most healthcare innovations fail for the same reason: they don't address the underlying incentive misalignment baked into a fee-for-service system.


Omair Ahmed, Principal at Echo Health Ventures, explains why solving that problem first is what separates the solutions that actually move the needle from the ones that just add to the vendor stack.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why incentive misalignment and data opacity are the root causes behind most of healthcare's thorniest challenges
  • How pairing quality analytics with benefit design nudges members toward better decisions and not just better information
  • Why local networks of high-quality providers outperform traditional center-of-excellence models
  • What benefits leaders who are early adopters are doing differently to evaluate solutions before they scale

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Omair Ahmed

(02:07) Centering the patient experience

(04:14) Key challenges in healthcare incentives and data transparency

(07:00) Distribution and integration matter more than product innovation

(09:36) Lessons from public-private partnerships and Medicare innovations

(11:07) Why cost, quality, and access don’t have to compete

(13:00) Understanding how patients interpret cost signals

(15:43) The power of surgical volume and appropriateness in decision-making

(16:44) Evaluating ROI for high-cost, high-variability solutions

(20:04) Learning from churn and variation across clients

(22:38) Network of Excellence vs. legacy Center of Excellence models

(25:53) How local care improves adherence and outcomes

(27:07) Prioritizing high-impact solutions for employers

(30:29) AI, analytics, and culture driving optimism for healthcare innovation 


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Omair Ahmed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omair-ahmed/
Echo Health Ventures’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/echo-health-ventures/

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 2037 Most healthcare innovations fail for the same reason: they don't address the underlying incentive misalignment baked into a fee-for-service system.


Omair Ahmed, Principal at Echo Health Ventures, explains why solving that problem first is what separates the solutions that actually move the needle from the ones that just add to the vendor stack.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why incentive misalignment and data opacity are the root causes behind most of healthcare's thorniest challenges
  • How pairing quality analytics with benefit design nudges members toward better decisions and not just better information
  • Why local networks of high-quality providers outperform traditional center-of-excellence models
  • What benefits leaders who are early adopters are doing differently to evaluate solutions before they scale

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Omair Ahmed

(02:07) Centering the patient experience

(04:14) Key challenges in healthcare incentives and data transparency

(07:00) Distribution and integration matter more than product innovation

(09:36) Lessons from public-private partnerships and Medicare innovations

(11:07) Why cost, quality, and access don’t have to compete

(13:00) Understanding how patients interpret cost signals

(15:43) The power of surgical volume and appropriateness in decision-making

(16:44) Evaluating ROI for high-cost, high-variability solutions

(20:04) Learning from churn and variation across clients

(22:38) Network of Excellence vs. legacy Center of Excellence models

(25:53) How local care improves adherence and outcomes

(27:07) Prioritizing high-impact solutions for employers

(30:29) AI, analytics, and culture driving optimism for healthcare innovation 


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Omair Ahmed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omair-ahmed/
Echo Health Ventures’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/echo-health-ventures/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Design Dictates Disruption with Lee Lewis 10 10 Design Dictates Disruption with Lee Lewis full 2040ae99-b648-4d78-9341-6631f562eb2d https://share.transistor.fm/s/c29378c2 Healthcare costs keep rising, but many employers are still approaching benefits the same way they did 20 years ago. And those who are taking a more radical approach might want to consider these three words: design dictates disruption.


Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer and GM of Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance, shares a blueprint for getting the lower costs you need while rocking the boat (or pirate ship—tune in to learn more) just the right amount. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to reduce healthcare disruption through smarter benefit design
  • Why simplicity helps employees make better healthcare decisions
  • The ABC framework employers use to strengthen healthcare benefits 

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Lee Lewis

(01:41) Why employers are embracing healthcare innovation

(02:23) How alternative health plans simplify care

(05:20) Does innovation always create disruption?

(07:09) What makes a modern Center of Excellence work

(12:00) Why employees just want "the good doctor"

(17:10) The biggest barriers preventing change

(19:55) Lee's playbook for improving benefits plans

(26:27) Why behavioral health access matters

(33:03) Why trust changes healthcare outcomes

(35:07) Predictions for the future of employer healthcare


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Lee Lewis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewlewis/ 

Health Transformation Alliance’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/health-transformation-alliance/ 

]]> Healthcare costs keep rising, but many employers are still approaching benefits the same way they did 20 years ago. And those who are taking a more radical approach might want to consider these three words: design dictates disruption.


Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer and GM of Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance, shares a blueprint for getting the lower costs you need while rocking the boat (or pirate ship—tune in to learn more) just the right amount. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to reduce healthcare disruption through smarter benefit design
  • Why simplicity helps employees make better healthcare decisions
  • The ABC framework employers use to strengthen healthcare benefits 

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Lee Lewis

(01:41) Why employers are embracing healthcare innovation

(02:23) How alternative health plans simplify care

(05:20) Does innovation always create disruption?

(07:09) What makes a modern Center of Excellence work

(12:00) Why employees just want "the good doctor"

(17:10) The biggest barriers preventing change

(19:55) Lee's playbook for improving benefits plans

(26:27) Why behavioral health access matters

(33:03) Why trust changes healthcare outcomes

(35:07) Predictions for the future of employer healthcare


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Lee Lewis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewlewis/ 

Health Transformation Alliance’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/health-transformation-alliance/ 

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 2230 Healthcare costs keep rising, but many employers are still approaching benefits the same way they did 20 years ago. And those who are taking a more radical approach might want to consider these three words: design dictates disruption.


Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer and GM of Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance, shares a blueprint for getting the lower costs you need while rocking the boat (or pirate ship—tune in to learn more) just the right amount. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to reduce healthcare disruption through smarter benefit design
  • Why simplicity helps employees make better healthcare decisions
  • The ABC framework employers use to strengthen healthcare benefits 

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Lee Lewis

(01:41) Why employers are embracing healthcare innovation

(02:23) How alternative health plans simplify care

(05:20) Does innovation always create disruption?

(07:09) What makes a modern Center of Excellence work

(12:00) Why employees just want "the good doctor"

(17:10) The biggest barriers preventing change

(19:55) Lee's playbook for improving benefits plans

(26:27) Why behavioral health access matters

(33:03) Why trust changes healthcare outcomes

(35:07) Predictions for the future of employer healthcare


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Lee Lewis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewlewis/ 

Health Transformation Alliance’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/health-transformation-alliance/ 

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Substance Use Treatment Today Isn’t What You Think with Suzette Glasner, PhD 9 9 Substance Use Treatment Today Isn’t What You Think with Suzette Glasner, PhD full 8defcf35-3350-4ebb-b48c-4a610624a12b https://share.transistor.fm/s/0082da7f Substance use disorder is a growing issue in workplace healthcare, but it often remains hidden. 

Dr. Suzette Glasner, Clinical Psychologist and Chief Scientific Officer at Pelago, discusses the hidden impact of addiction in your claims data, how employers are taking action,  and what might surprise you about the latest research on effective addiction treatment. 


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • The physical impact of addiction on employees and how this trickles down to healthcare costs 
  • Misconceptions about addiction treatment and Dr. Glasner’s thoughts on the headlines around psychedelics as addiction treatment
  • Surprising research Pelago led on the right “dose” of human support for recovery

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Suzette Glasner

(02:07) The hype vs reality of psychedelic treatments for addiction

(03:20) Why effective treatments are underutilized

(07:13) The barriers of stigma, access, and insight

(10:37) Why employers play a crucial role in addressing SUD

(20:14) How harm reduction can engage people in treatment

(28:49) Balancing human touch and AI in treatment approaches

(32:10) What makes a recovery-ready workplace

(39:44) Closing the gap with evidence-based solutions 


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Suzette Glasner’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-glasner-ph-d-5846804/ 

Pelago’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pelago-health/

]]> Substance use disorder is a growing issue in workplace healthcare, but it often remains hidden. 

Dr. Suzette Glasner, Clinical Psychologist and Chief Scientific Officer at Pelago, discusses the hidden impact of addiction in your claims data, how employers are taking action,  and what might surprise you about the latest research on effective addiction treatment. 


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • The physical impact of addiction on employees and how this trickles down to healthcare costs 
  • Misconceptions about addiction treatment and Dr. Glasner’s thoughts on the headlines around psychedelics as addiction treatment
  • Surprising research Pelago led on the right “dose” of human support for recovery

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Suzette Glasner

(02:07) The hype vs reality of psychedelic treatments for addiction

(03:20) Why effective treatments are underutilized

(07:13) The barriers of stigma, access, and insight

(10:37) Why employers play a crucial role in addressing SUD

(20:14) How harm reduction can engage people in treatment

(28:49) Balancing human touch and AI in treatment approaches

(32:10) What makes a recovery-ready workplace

(39:44) Closing the gap with evidence-based solutions 


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Suzette Glasner’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-glasner-ph-d-5846804/ 

Pelago’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pelago-health/

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 2517 Substance use disorder is a growing issue in workplace healthcare, but it often remains hidden. 

Dr. Suzette Glasner, Clinical Psychologist and Chief Scientific Officer at Pelago, discusses the hidden impact of addiction in your claims data, how employers are taking action,  and what might surprise you about the latest research on effective addiction treatment. 


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • The physical impact of addiction on employees and how this trickles down to healthcare costs 
  • Misconceptions about addiction treatment and Dr. Glasner’s thoughts on the headlines around psychedelics as addiction treatment
  • Surprising research Pelago led on the right “dose” of human support for recovery

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Suzette Glasner

(02:07) The hype vs reality of psychedelic treatments for addiction

(03:20) Why effective treatments are underutilized

(07:13) The barriers of stigma, access, and insight

(10:37) Why employers play a crucial role in addressing SUD

(20:14) How harm reduction can engage people in treatment

(28:49) Balancing human touch and AI in treatment approaches

(32:10) What makes a recovery-ready workplace

(39:44) Closing the gap with evidence-based solutions 


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Suzette Glasner’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-glasner-ph-d-5846804/ 

Pelago’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pelago-health/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Fixing Healthcare Costs Without Cutting Benefits With Carl Pecoraro & Lindsay Leeder 8 8 Fixing Healthcare Costs Without Cutting Benefits With Carl Pecoraro & Lindsay Leeder full 3feacbe2-4312-4fcc-b49a-46e354004fb2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4292afaf Healthcare costs keep rising, and most employers feel stuck.


Carl Pecoraro, Chairman of the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund, and Lindsay Leeder, SVP of Labor Union and Trust at Lantern, share how one fund changed that. Carl walks through building a plan with 21-point solutions and holding inflation to 1%. Lindsay brings the provider's view on what better care looks like.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to build point solutions that lower long-term healthcare costs
  • Why primary care access changes outcomes and spend
  • How better provider experience leads to better patient results

Highlights:

(00:00) How one fund beat healthcare inflation

(00:28) Meet Carl Pecoraro and Lindsay Leeder

(01:38) Think, feel, do on today's healthcare reality

(04:11) Lindsay on primary care and better outcomes

(07:05) Building a point solution strategy that works

(11:25) Finding Lantern and moving to direct contracting

(17:53) Driving utilization through better navigation

(21:48) Who the members are and why benefits matter

(24:43) Plan design: wellness incentives that actually work

(28:59) Fund leaders have more power than they think

(33:08) What happens when you get all your vendors in a room

(34:46) What the future of healthcare could look like


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Carl Pecoraro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-pecoraro-93ab4142/ 

Lindsay Leeder’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-leeder-msn-arnp-6a3740146/ 

Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund: https://www.cbtfunds.com/

]]> Healthcare costs keep rising, and most employers feel stuck.


Carl Pecoraro, Chairman of the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund, and Lindsay Leeder, SVP of Labor Union and Trust at Lantern, share how one fund changed that. Carl walks through building a plan with 21-point solutions and holding inflation to 1%. Lindsay brings the provider's view on what better care looks like.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to build point solutions that lower long-term healthcare costs
  • Why primary care access changes outcomes and spend
  • How better provider experience leads to better patient results

Highlights:

(00:00) How one fund beat healthcare inflation

(00:28) Meet Carl Pecoraro and Lindsay Leeder

(01:38) Think, feel, do on today's healthcare reality

(04:11) Lindsay on primary care and better outcomes

(07:05) Building a point solution strategy that works

(11:25) Finding Lantern and moving to direct contracting

(17:53) Driving utilization through better navigation

(21:48) Who the members are and why benefits matter

(24:43) Plan design: wellness incentives that actually work

(28:59) Fund leaders have more power than they think

(33:08) What happens when you get all your vendors in a room

(34:46) What the future of healthcare could look like


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Carl Pecoraro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-pecoraro-93ab4142/ 

Lindsay Leeder’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-leeder-msn-arnp-6a3740146/ 

Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund: https://www.cbtfunds.com/

]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 2433 Healthcare costs keep rising, and most employers feel stuck.


Carl Pecoraro, Chairman of the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health and Welfare Fund, and Lindsay Leeder, SVP of Labor Union and Trust at Lantern, share how one fund changed that. Carl walks through building a plan with 21-point solutions and holding inflation to 1%. Lindsay brings the provider's view on what better care looks like.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to build point solutions that lower long-term healthcare costs
  • Why primary care access changes outcomes and spend
  • How better provider experience leads to better patient results

Highlights:

(00:00) How one fund beat healthcare inflation

(00:28) Meet Carl Pecoraro and Lindsay Leeder

(01:38) Think, feel, do on today's healthcare reality

(04:11) Lindsay on primary care and better outcomes

(07:05) Building a point solution strategy that works

(11:25) Finding Lantern and moving to direct contracting

(17:53) Driving utilization through better navigation

(21:48) Who the members are and why benefits matter

(24:43) Plan design: wellness incentives that actually work

(28:59) Fund leaders have more power than they think

(33:08) What happens when you get all your vendors in a room

(34:46) What the future of healthcare could look like


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Carl Pecoraro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-pecoraro-93ab4142/ 

Lindsay Leeder’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-leeder-msn-arnp-6a3740146/ 

Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund: https://www.cbtfunds.com/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Choosing The Right Surgeon Changes Everything with Grant Zarzour, MD 7 7 Choosing The Right Surgeon Changes Everything with Grant Zarzour, MD full 2e06267e-b5f6-4ecd-ad88-3b7d60171a50 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2fe3aec Healthcare feels impossible to navigate when it matters most. Even doctors struggle to find the right care. 

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson speaks with Grant Zarzour, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Lantern Medical Advisory Board member, on what actually drives better surgical outcomes. He shares how volume shapes results, why appropriateness comes first, and what faster recovery really looks like. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why high surgical volume leads to better outcomes and faster recovery
  • How to guide members to the right procedure and avoid unnecessary surgery
  • What quality really means beyond reputation and referrals 

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Grant Zarzour

(02:18) Navigating healthcare during a family crisis
(05:01) Partial vs total knee replacement decision
(08:41) Why appropriateness matters before surgery
(13:13) How to define quality in surgery
(14:30) What patient-reported outcomes reveal
(15:22) Coaching patients through recovery
(16:26) What great post-op care looks like
(20:17) What is driving faster surgical recovery
(23:35) GLP one drugs and the real tradeoffs
(26:45) Breaking sugar habits and spikes
(31:59) Why prevention still gets overlooked
(36:43) Why personalized care plans matter
(37:33) What the future of healthcare looks like


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Grant Zarzour’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantzarzour/

]]> Healthcare feels impossible to navigate when it matters most. Even doctors struggle to find the right care. 

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson speaks with Grant Zarzour, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Lantern Medical Advisory Board member, on what actually drives better surgical outcomes. He shares how volume shapes results, why appropriateness comes first, and what faster recovery really looks like. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why high surgical volume leads to better outcomes and faster recovery
  • How to guide members to the right procedure and avoid unnecessary surgery
  • What quality really means beyond reputation and referrals 

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Grant Zarzour

(02:18) Navigating healthcare during a family crisis
(05:01) Partial vs total knee replacement decision
(08:41) Why appropriateness matters before surgery
(13:13) How to define quality in surgery
(14:30) What patient-reported outcomes reveal
(15:22) Coaching patients through recovery
(16:26) What great post-op care looks like
(20:17) What is driving faster surgical recovery
(23:35) GLP one drugs and the real tradeoffs
(26:45) Breaking sugar habits and spikes
(31:59) Why prevention still gets overlooked
(36:43) Why personalized care plans matter
(37:33) What the future of healthcare looks like


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Grant Zarzour’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantzarzour/

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 2397 Healthcare feels impossible to navigate when it matters most. Even doctors struggle to find the right care. 

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson speaks with Grant Zarzour, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Lantern Medical Advisory Board member, on what actually drives better surgical outcomes. He shares how volume shapes results, why appropriateness comes first, and what faster recovery really looks like. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why high surgical volume leads to better outcomes and faster recovery
  • How to guide members to the right procedure and avoid unnecessary surgery
  • What quality really means beyond reputation and referrals 

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Grant Zarzour

(02:18) Navigating healthcare during a family crisis
(05:01) Partial vs total knee replacement decision
(08:41) Why appropriateness matters before surgery
(13:13) How to define quality in surgery
(14:30) What patient-reported outcomes reveal
(15:22) Coaching patients through recovery
(16:26) What great post-op care looks like
(20:17) What is driving faster surgical recovery
(23:35) GLP one drugs and the real tradeoffs
(26:45) Breaking sugar habits and spikes
(31:59) Why prevention still gets overlooked
(36:43) Why personalized care plans matter
(37:33) What the future of healthcare looks like


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Grant Zarzour’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantzarzour/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No What Really Drives Up (And Lowers) Cancer Costs with Troy Brennan 6 6 What Really Drives Up (And Lowers) Cancer Costs with Troy Brennan full 064bc427-2bb7-44e4-a915-25f02d458413 https://share.transistor.fm/s/13d41641 Healthcare costs are rising, especially for cancer, but there’s a better way to provide care that’s both affordable and effective.

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson talks with Dr. Troyen Brennan, a healthcare expert, about the high costs of cancer care and specialty treatments. Dr. Brennan explains how a shift to value-based care can help reduce costs while improving patient outcomes. He also shares simple ways that employers and healthcare leaders can make care more affordable and effective for everyone.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How high costs in cancer and specialty care are impacting healthcare
  • Why switching to value-based care can lower costs and improve care
  • Easy steps for employers to make healthcare more affordable and efficient

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Troyen Brennan

(01:58) The impact of Medicare prior authorization on costs

(03:40) Understanding provider-induced demand in healthcare

(05:14) The evolution of healthcare costs

(06:47) Why Dr. Brennan is focusing on cancer care

(09:08) The players in pharmacy commerce and their impact

(10:28) Biosimilars: Lowering costs and maintaining margins

(12:02) Changing incentives in healthcare to drive value

(13:06) How employers can influence healthcare costs

(15:28) Community-based care vs. cancer centers

(16:32) The challenge of keeping up with new therapies

(19:14) The future of cancer trends and screening

(20:40) Reality check: The effectiveness of wellness programs

(22:44) One key move for benefits leaders to improve care

(23:34) A look ahead: The future of healthcare costs


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Troyen Brennan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyen-brennan-494bb533/ 

Dr. Troyen Brennan’s Email: troyenbrennan@gmail.com

]]> Healthcare costs are rising, especially for cancer, but there’s a better way to provide care that’s both affordable and effective.

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson talks with Dr. Troyen Brennan, a healthcare expert, about the high costs of cancer care and specialty treatments. Dr. Brennan explains how a shift to value-based care can help reduce costs while improving patient outcomes. He also shares simple ways that employers and healthcare leaders can make care more affordable and effective for everyone.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How high costs in cancer and specialty care are impacting healthcare
  • Why switching to value-based care can lower costs and improve care
  • Easy steps for employers to make healthcare more affordable and efficient

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Troyen Brennan

(01:58) The impact of Medicare prior authorization on costs

(03:40) Understanding provider-induced demand in healthcare

(05:14) The evolution of healthcare costs

(06:47) Why Dr. Brennan is focusing on cancer care

(09:08) The players in pharmacy commerce and their impact

(10:28) Biosimilars: Lowering costs and maintaining margins

(12:02) Changing incentives in healthcare to drive value

(13:06) How employers can influence healthcare costs

(15:28) Community-based care vs. cancer centers

(16:32) The challenge of keeping up with new therapies

(19:14) The future of cancer trends and screening

(20:40) Reality check: The effectiveness of wellness programs

(22:44) One key move for benefits leaders to improve care

(23:34) A look ahead: The future of healthcare costs


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Troyen Brennan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyen-brennan-494bb533/ 

Dr. Troyen Brennan’s Email: troyenbrennan@gmail.com

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 1558 Healthcare costs are rising, especially for cancer, but there’s a better way to provide care that’s both affordable and effective.

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson talks with Dr. Troyen Brennan, a healthcare expert, about the high costs of cancer care and specialty treatments. Dr. Brennan explains how a shift to value-based care can help reduce costs while improving patient outcomes. He also shares simple ways that employers and healthcare leaders can make care more affordable and effective for everyone.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How high costs in cancer and specialty care are impacting healthcare
  • Why switching to value-based care can lower costs and improve care
  • Easy steps for employers to make healthcare more affordable and efficient

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Troyen Brennan

(01:58) The impact of Medicare prior authorization on costs

(03:40) Understanding provider-induced demand in healthcare

(05:14) The evolution of healthcare costs

(06:47) Why Dr. Brennan is focusing on cancer care

(09:08) The players in pharmacy commerce and their impact

(10:28) Biosimilars: Lowering costs and maintaining margins

(12:02) Changing incentives in healthcare to drive value

(13:06) How employers can influence healthcare costs

(15:28) Community-based care vs. cancer centers

(16:32) The challenge of keeping up with new therapies

(19:14) The future of cancer trends and screening

(20:40) Reality check: The effectiveness of wellness programs

(22:44) One key move for benefits leaders to improve care

(23:34) A look ahead: The future of healthcare costs


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Dr. Troyen Brennan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyen-brennan-494bb533/ 

Dr. Troyen Brennan’s Email: troyenbrennan@gmail.com

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No How to Influence People to Actually Use Their Benefits with Tammy Fennessy 5 5 How to Influence People to Actually Use Their Benefits with Tammy Fennessy full 17db8920-14e6-4754-9721-2c5f4d2277c8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3532c77 Data and AI are transforming how we deliver healthcare, making it smarter, more affordable, and personalized for every employee.


In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson chats with Tammy Fennessy, Senior Director of Benefits at DICK'S Sporting Goods. They talked about how data, behavioral economics, and a sharper focus on specialty care are changing healthcare benefits and how people access them and ultimately use them. Tammy shares how DICK'S has successfully reduced costs while improving employee health outcomes, focusing on the power of personalized, data-driven communication strategies. 


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How data and behavioral economics shape benefits strategy
  • How preventive care and better specialty care can both lower costs 
  • How AI and personalization drive employee engagement with benefits

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Tammy Fennessy

(02:48) Applying behavioral economics to drive meaningful change in benefits

(04:43) From the restaurant industry to benefits management (Tammy’s career path)

(09:55) Challenges at DICK'S Sporting Goods and the importance of analyzing data

(12:46) Utilizing data analytics and AI to improve health outcomes

(22:13) Using personal employee stories to drive benefits awareness

(26:05) Why preventive care is a top priority for DICK'S Sporting Goods

(29:12) Integrating AI into benefits communication to enhance personalization

(35:52) Interoperability and collaboration with vendors in the healthcare system

(38:19) Tammy’s prediction for the future of universal healthcare


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Tammy Fennessy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-fennessy-healthequity4all/ 

DICK’S Sporting Goods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dick's-sporting-goods/

]]> Data and AI are transforming how we deliver healthcare, making it smarter, more affordable, and personalized for every employee.


In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson chats with Tammy Fennessy, Senior Director of Benefits at DICK'S Sporting Goods. They talked about how data, behavioral economics, and a sharper focus on specialty care are changing healthcare benefits and how people access them and ultimately use them. Tammy shares how DICK'S has successfully reduced costs while improving employee health outcomes, focusing on the power of personalized, data-driven communication strategies. 


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How data and behavioral economics shape benefits strategy
  • How preventive care and better specialty care can both lower costs 
  • How AI and personalization drive employee engagement with benefits

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Tammy Fennessy

(02:48) Applying behavioral economics to drive meaningful change in benefits

(04:43) From the restaurant industry to benefits management (Tammy’s career path)

(09:55) Challenges at DICK'S Sporting Goods and the importance of analyzing data

(12:46) Utilizing data analytics and AI to improve health outcomes

(22:13) Using personal employee stories to drive benefits awareness

(26:05) Why preventive care is a top priority for DICK'S Sporting Goods

(29:12) Integrating AI into benefits communication to enhance personalization

(35:52) Interoperability and collaboration with vendors in the healthcare system

(38:19) Tammy’s prediction for the future of universal healthcare


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Tammy Fennessy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-fennessy-healthequity4all/ 

DICK’S Sporting Goods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dick's-sporting-goods/

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 2413 Data and AI are transforming how we deliver healthcare, making it smarter, more affordable, and personalized for every employee.


In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson chats with Tammy Fennessy, Senior Director of Benefits at DICK'S Sporting Goods. They talked about how data, behavioral economics, and a sharper focus on specialty care are changing healthcare benefits and how people access them and ultimately use them. Tammy shares how DICK'S has successfully reduced costs while improving employee health outcomes, focusing on the power of personalized, data-driven communication strategies. 


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How data and behavioral economics shape benefits strategy
  • How preventive care and better specialty care can both lower costs 
  • How AI and personalization drive employee engagement with benefits

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Tammy Fennessy

(02:48) Applying behavioral economics to drive meaningful change in benefits

(04:43) From the restaurant industry to benefits management (Tammy’s career path)

(09:55) Challenges at DICK'S Sporting Goods and the importance of analyzing data

(12:46) Utilizing data analytics and AI to improve health outcomes

(22:13) Using personal employee stories to drive benefits awareness

(26:05) Why preventive care is a top priority for DICK'S Sporting Goods

(29:12) Integrating AI into benefits communication to enhance personalization

(35:52) Interoperability and collaboration with vendors in the healthcare system

(38:19) Tammy’s prediction for the future of universal healthcare


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Tammy Fennessy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-fennessy-healthequity4all/ 

DICK’S Sporting Goods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dick's-sporting-goods/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Specialty Care Redefined with Erin Tatar 4 4 Specialty Care Redefined with Erin Tatar full cf012a60-a33f-4aaf-b3d4-b9ebce04b3b2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a6d59ac Specialty care serves a small group but drives 50% of employer healthcare spend, yet many benefits leaders still overlook its value.

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson chats with Erin Tatar, SVP Consultant Relations at Lantern, about the complexities of specialty care. Erin breaks down the key components of specialty care (including plannable surgeries, cancer care, and specialty infusions), how it’s different from traditional healthcare models, and how it can be packaged to provide customers with a higher quality experience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why specialty care programs are cost-efficient
  • The importance of evaluating the appropriateness of care for any treatment
  • How benefits leaders or employers can benefit from offering specialty care programs

Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Erin Tatar
(01:55) What happens when the healthcare system isn’t working
(05:05) Defining specialty care
(07:35) Specialty care as a cost-efficient approach to health programs
(08:46) Advantages of specialty care over the centers of excellence (COE) model
(11:53) Why patients need specialty care programs
(16:28) The challenges of transitioning from a pharmacy-first healthcare model
(19:49) The importance of receiving appropriate care
(24:38) Opportunities and risks in navigating specialty care
(28:29) The future of specialty care programs

Resources:
Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Erin Tatar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintatar
Lantern website: https://www.lanterncare.com 

]]> Specialty care serves a small group but drives 50% of employer healthcare spend, yet many benefits leaders still overlook its value.

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson chats with Erin Tatar, SVP Consultant Relations at Lantern, about the complexities of specialty care. Erin breaks down the key components of specialty care (including plannable surgeries, cancer care, and specialty infusions), how it’s different from traditional healthcare models, and how it can be packaged to provide customers with a higher quality experience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why specialty care programs are cost-efficient
  • The importance of evaluating the appropriateness of care for any treatment
  • How benefits leaders or employers can benefit from offering specialty care programs

Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Erin Tatar
(01:55) What happens when the healthcare system isn’t working
(05:05) Defining specialty care
(07:35) Specialty care as a cost-efficient approach to health programs
(08:46) Advantages of specialty care over the centers of excellence (COE) model
(11:53) Why patients need specialty care programs
(16:28) The challenges of transitioning from a pharmacy-first healthcare model
(19:49) The importance of receiving appropriate care
(24:38) Opportunities and risks in navigating specialty care
(28:29) The future of specialty care programs

Resources:
Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Erin Tatar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintatar
Lantern website: https://www.lanterncare.com 

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Lantern Lantern 1765 Specialty care serves a small group but drives 50% of employer healthcare spend, yet many benefits leaders still overlook its value.

In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson chats with Erin Tatar, SVP Consultant Relations at Lantern, about the complexities of specialty care. Erin breaks down the key components of specialty care (including plannable surgeries, cancer care, and specialty infusions), how it’s different from traditional healthcare models, and how it can be packaged to provide customers with a higher quality experience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why specialty care programs are cost-efficient
  • The importance of evaluating the appropriateness of care for any treatment
  • How benefits leaders or employers can benefit from offering specialty care programs

Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Erin Tatar
(01:55) What happens when the healthcare system isn’t working
(05:05) Defining specialty care
(07:35) Specialty care as a cost-efficient approach to health programs
(08:46) Advantages of specialty care over the centers of excellence (COE) model
(11:53) Why patients need specialty care programs
(16:28) The challenges of transitioning from a pharmacy-first healthcare model
(19:49) The importance of receiving appropriate care
(24:38) Opportunities and risks in navigating specialty care
(28:29) The future of specialty care programs

Resources:
Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Erin Tatar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintatar
Lantern website: https://www.lanterncare.com 

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Rethinking Healthcare Quality Beyond Star Ratings with Will Bruhn 3 3 Rethinking Healthcare Quality Beyond Star Ratings with Will Bruhn full 46d84f1f-ee04-4b03-a9b9-a6cbac321081 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d33ca681 Choosing a surgeon shouldn’t feel like guessing on Google. Yet most patients make high-stakes decisions about surgery with little visibility into what actually drives better outcomes. Star ratings and hospital billboards don’t tell you whether a procedure is appropriate, how often a surgeon performs it, or what their real complication rates look like.


In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson sits down with Will Bruhn, MD, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Appropriateness Measures or GAM, to unpack what quality in healthcare really means. Will shares how misaligned incentives can lead to unnecessary procedures, why appropriateness should be the first question patients ask, and how transparent data can help employers steer members toward better care.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why appropriateness of care matters as much as outcomes
  • How to evaluate surgeons beyond online reviews and hospital rankings
  • Why there is no consistent link between higher cost and higher quality


Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Will Bruhn
(01:52) Innovations in network design for specialty care
(03:00) Why a metric for appropriateness of care matters

(05:17) The biggest misconception about healthcare quality
(07:28) What finding quality care looks like today
(13:20) Why some procedures happen even when they’re not appropriate
(17:06) Real-world factors that affect appropriateness scores
20:52) The myth that higher cost equals higher quality
(22:04) The complexities of billing specialty care
(24:15) Centers of excellence vs. networks of excellence
(27:14) The quality transparency revolution


Resources:
Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Will Bruhn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-bruhn-md/
GAM website: http://www.gameasures.com

]]> Choosing a surgeon shouldn’t feel like guessing on Google. Yet most patients make high-stakes decisions about surgery with little visibility into what actually drives better outcomes. Star ratings and hospital billboards don’t tell you whether a procedure is appropriate, how often a surgeon performs it, or what their real complication rates look like.


In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson sits down with Will Bruhn, MD, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Appropriateness Measures or GAM, to unpack what quality in healthcare really means. Will shares how misaligned incentives can lead to unnecessary procedures, why appropriateness should be the first question patients ask, and how transparent data can help employers steer members toward better care.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why appropriateness of care matters as much as outcomes
  • How to evaluate surgeons beyond online reviews and hospital rankings
  • Why there is no consistent link between higher cost and higher quality


Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Will Bruhn
(01:52) Innovations in network design for specialty care
(03:00) Why a metric for appropriateness of care matters

(05:17) The biggest misconception about healthcare quality
(07:28) What finding quality care looks like today
(13:20) Why some procedures happen even when they’re not appropriate
(17:06) Real-world factors that affect appropriateness scores
20:52) The myth that higher cost equals higher quality
(22:04) The complexities of billing specialty care
(24:15) Centers of excellence vs. networks of excellence
(27:14) The quality transparency revolution


Resources:
Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Will Bruhn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-bruhn-md/
GAM website: http://www.gameasures.com

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Lantern Lantern 1712 Choosing a surgeon shouldn’t feel like guessing on Google. Yet most patients make high-stakes decisions about surgery with little visibility into what actually drives better outcomes. Star ratings and hospital billboards don’t tell you whether a procedure is appropriate, how often a surgeon performs it, or what their real complication rates look like.


In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, Nancy Ryerson sits down with Will Bruhn, MD, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Appropriateness Measures or GAM, to unpack what quality in healthcare really means. Will shares how misaligned incentives can lead to unnecessary procedures, why appropriateness should be the first question patients ask, and how transparent data can help employers steer members toward better care.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why appropriateness of care matters as much as outcomes
  • How to evaluate surgeons beyond online reviews and hospital rankings
  • Why there is no consistent link between higher cost and higher quality


Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Will Bruhn
(01:52) Innovations in network design for specialty care
(03:00) Why a metric for appropriateness of care matters

(05:17) The biggest misconception about healthcare quality
(07:28) What finding quality care looks like today
(13:20) Why some procedures happen even when they’re not appropriate
(17:06) Real-world factors that affect appropriateness scores
20:52) The myth that higher cost equals higher quality
(22:04) The complexities of billing specialty care
(24:15) Centers of excellence vs. networks of excellence
(27:14) The quality transparency revolution


Resources:
Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/
Will Bruhn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-bruhn-md/
GAM website: http://www.gameasures.com

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Why Many Cancer Patients Miss Better Care Options With Yousuf Zafar, AccessHope 2 2 Why Many Cancer Patients Miss Better Care Options With Yousuf Zafar, AccessHope full af0ed0dd-299a-4ecd-901e-1435ac4d98cf https://share.transistor.fm/s/8153224f Cancer care is one of the most complex and expensive parts of employee healthcare. Decisions are made quickly, often before patients understand their options.


In this episode, Nancy Ryerson speaks with Yousuf Zafar, MD, MHS, Chief Medical Officer at AccessHope, about where cancer care breaks down and what actually changes outcomes. They explore why even experienced oncologists struggle to stay current, why patients rarely seek out second opinions, and how access to subspecialty expertise can improve care without forcing employees to travel.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why many patients never receive subspecialty input
  • The role expert review plays without disrupting local care
  • The connection between better care decisions and long-term cost control


Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Yousuf Zafar

(01:19) What happens when expert review changes the course of cancer treatment

(03:42) Why even experienced oncologists can’t keep up

(05:27) Community oncology vs. academic cancer centers

(07:39) How patients choose care right after diagnosis

(08:05) Bringing subspecialty expertise to local cancer care

(10:27) Why second opinions rarely happen

(12:15) What’s really driving rising cancer costs

(18:05) How better care can lower long-term costs

(34:40) Advice for benefits leaders navigating cancer care


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Yousuf Zafar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousufzafar/ 

AccessHope’s website: https://www.myaccesshope.org/

]]> Cancer care is one of the most complex and expensive parts of employee healthcare. Decisions are made quickly, often before patients understand their options.


In this episode, Nancy Ryerson speaks with Yousuf Zafar, MD, MHS, Chief Medical Officer at AccessHope, about where cancer care breaks down and what actually changes outcomes. They explore why even experienced oncologists struggle to stay current, why patients rarely seek out second opinions, and how access to subspecialty expertise can improve care without forcing employees to travel.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why many patients never receive subspecialty input
  • The role expert review plays without disrupting local care
  • The connection between better care decisions and long-term cost control


Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Yousuf Zafar

(01:19) What happens when expert review changes the course of cancer treatment

(03:42) Why even experienced oncologists can’t keep up

(05:27) Community oncology vs. academic cancer centers

(07:39) How patients choose care right after diagnosis

(08:05) Bringing subspecialty expertise to local cancer care

(10:27) Why second opinions rarely happen

(12:15) What’s really driving rising cancer costs

(18:05) How better care can lower long-term costs

(34:40) Advice for benefits leaders navigating cancer care


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Yousuf Zafar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousufzafar/ 

AccessHope’s website: https://www.myaccesshope.org/

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Lantern Lantern 2134 Cancer care is one of the most complex and expensive parts of employee healthcare. Decisions are made quickly, often before patients understand their options.


In this episode, Nancy Ryerson speaks with Yousuf Zafar, MD, MHS, Chief Medical Officer at AccessHope, about where cancer care breaks down and what actually changes outcomes. They explore why even experienced oncologists struggle to stay current, why patients rarely seek out second opinions, and how access to subspecialty expertise can improve care without forcing employees to travel.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why many patients never receive subspecialty input
  • The role expert review plays without disrupting local care
  • The connection between better care decisions and long-term cost control


Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Yousuf Zafar

(01:19) What happens when expert review changes the course of cancer treatment

(03:42) Why even experienced oncologists can’t keep up

(05:27) Community oncology vs. academic cancer centers

(07:39) How patients choose care right after diagnosis

(08:05) Bringing subspecialty expertise to local cancer care

(10:27) Why second opinions rarely happen

(12:15) What’s really driving rising cancer costs

(18:05) How better care can lower long-term costs

(34:40) Advice for benefits leaders navigating cancer care


Resources:

Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/

Yousuf Zafar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousufzafar/ 

AccessHope’s website: https://www.myaccesshope.org/

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No Introducing Making Healthcare Sustainable 1 1 Introducing Making Healthcare Sustainable full b8d99e7f-d009-410d-8f2c-ec0d58aeeb19 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2184ac4 Rising medical costs and mounting pressure on benefits leaders to do more with less have made employee healthcare more complex than ever before.


Lantern presents Making Healthcare Sustainable, a show and media experience that puts the spotlight on high-cost problems and life-changing solutions in specialty care.


In each episode, host Nancy Ryerson speaks to medical experts and changemakers who are witnessing the impact of better, more accessible healthcare on a small part of the population that represents a significant portion of employee healthcare spending. Through real-life stories and expert insight, this podcast explores an ideal system that delivers better care sustainably. Because when healthcare works better, everyone wins. 


Join the movement on Making Healthcare Sustainable.

]]> Rising medical costs and mounting pressure on benefits leaders to do more with less have made employee healthcare more complex than ever before.


Lantern presents Making Healthcare Sustainable, a show and media experience that puts the spotlight on high-cost problems and life-changing solutions in specialty care.


In each episode, host Nancy Ryerson speaks to medical experts and changemakers who are witnessing the impact of better, more accessible healthcare on a small part of the population that represents a significant portion of employee healthcare spending. Through real-life stories and expert insight, this podcast explores an ideal system that delivers better care sustainably. Because when healthcare works better, everyone wins. 


Join the movement on Making Healthcare Sustainable.

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Lantern Lantern 55 Rising medical costs and mounting pressure on benefits leaders to do more with less have made employee healthcare more complex than ever before.


Lantern presents Making Healthcare Sustainable, a show and media experience that puts the spotlight on high-cost problems and life-changing solutions in specialty care.


In each episode, host Nancy Ryerson speaks to medical experts and changemakers who are witnessing the impact of better, more accessible healthcare on a small part of the population that represents a significant portion of employee healthcare spending. Through real-life stories and expert insight, this podcast explores an ideal system that delivers better care sustainably. Because when healthcare works better, everyone wins. 


Join the movement on Making Healthcare Sustainable.

]]> cancer, quality, specialty care, benefits, benefits programs, benefits strategies, employee benefits, surgery, infusions No