Dr. Kara Hartl

Investing in companies that fill needs for health systems is a growth opportunity for both delivery organizations and start ups. Some systems are jumping in on their own, while others are partnering with like minded systems or with established VC firms. While this is a relatively new trend for systems, health plans have been making similar bets for many years. The benefits of becoming a health system portfolio company can be significant. Data, access to beta populations and real world coaching can be extremely beneficial. Start ups get mentoring and systems have to ability to leverage outside resources to solve relevant business problems. I predict a booming business!

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We need to highlight more bootstrapped healthcare companies. I rarely see founders of these small businesses profiled at conferences or in the media. The chances of building a $100M revenue healthcare company are very slim. But that’s the expectation once you accept VC funding (especially Series A and beyond). Let me remind you, most healthcare companies do lower revenue than total capital raised. And you can build a wonderful life and help your community with much lower revenue / growth, if you take minimal or no funding. And believe it or not, most VC-backed founders are fascinated by founders and business models that didn’t require external capital. Do you agree? Or would you prefer media and “influencers” to focus on venture-backed and publicly traded companies? Sometimes I feel like I’m shouting out into the void. Because majority of content is focused on the unicorn chasers. Would love to hear from founders of bootstrapped companies in the comments?

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Q1 2024 was big for Digital Health, with $1.1B in VC funding. A large portion came from major deals like $126M for Transcarent and $108.8M for Rightway. Despite some challenges in digital therapeutics and telehealth, investments in general care ($213.4M) and health benefits navigation ($140.7M) are promising. Read what’s driving the shift from direct-to-consumer to enterprise telehealth models here: https://ow.ly/uNYs50SpXGh

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Yes 💯% Patient and clinician confidence is paramount in healthcare technology adoption. As a #CSO (Clinical Safety Officer) I'm frequently surprised by the number of health tech solutions that reach the market (and often deployment!) without adequate consideration for their #clinicalsafety implications and how they disrupt existing workflows. Clinicians, understandably, are skeptical beings. Right from the very beginning we're trained to value evidence-based medicine. Without evidence of safety, how can clinicians or their patients have faith in your health tech solution? Proactive clinical risk management is essential. It's more than just compliance with #DCB0129 and #DTAC but about consumer confidence. If you're developing health-tech and want to learn more get in touch!

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Healthcare startup idea: Caregiver-centric models of care could be a great business model in healthcare. A lot of the highest margin patients are shepherded through the system by a caregiver, because their age or health issues require additional support. Most clinics are patient-centric today... I can see a world where a pure caregiver-focused offering would resonate with a lot of people. 

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The Rising Cardiovascular Spend for Seniors and Medicare: The Case for a Value-Based Cardiac Model with AZ Cardiology. As the population ages, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among seniors is increasing, leading to a significant rise in healthcare expenditures. This trend presents a pressing challenge for Medicare and the broader healthcare system. To address these growing costs while ensuring high-quality care, a shift towards a value-based cardiac model is essential. The Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases on Seniors and Medicare Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability among older adults. Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and hypertension are particularly prevalent among seniors, driving up the need for frequent medical interventions, hospitalizations, and long-term care. Key Statistics: Prevalence: Approximately 70% of adults aged 65 and older have some form of cardiovascular disease. Costs: In 2020, the United States spent an estimated $555 billion on cardiovascular diseases, with projections suggesting this could rise to $1.1 trillion by 2035. Medicare: Cardiovascular diseases account for a significant portion of Medicare spending, with nearly 25% of Medicare beneficiaries being treated for these conditions annually. The Need for a Value-Based Cardiac Model The traditional fee-for-service (FFS) model, which reimburses providers based on the quantity of care delivered rather than the quality, often leads to inefficiencies and higher costs without necessarily improving patient outcomes. In contrast, a value-based cardiac model focuses on patient outcomes, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. Benefits of a Value-Based Cardiac Model: Improved Patient Outcomes: By emphasizing preventive care and chronic disease management, this model can reduce the incidence and severity of cardiovascular events. Cost Savings: Value-based care incentivizes providers to eliminate unnecessary tests and procedures, thus reducing overall healthcare costs. Strategies for Implementing a Value-Based Cardiac Model 1. Preventive Care and Early Intervention: Screenings and Risk Assessments: Regular screenings for risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol can help in early identification and management of cardiovascular diseases. 2. Chronic Disease Management: Comprehensive Care Plans: Tailored care plans that include medication management, lifestyle advice, and regular monitoring can help manage chronic conditions effectively. 3. Care Coordination and Integration: Multidisciplinary Teams: Utilizing teams of healthcare providers, including cardiologists, primary care physicians, nurses, and dietitians, can ensure holistic patient care. 4. Outcome-Based Reimbursements: Incentive Programs: Medicare and other payers can implement incentive programs that reward providers for achieving specific health outcomes and cost savings.

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