Podcast

Unlocking the power of AI requires a vigilant mind, recognizing the significance of data limitations.

In today's episode, Saul welcomes Frank Webster, the Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health at Health Care Service Corporation and Amir Azarbad, the Managing Director of 10Pearls share unique challenges faced by health plans, the impact of AI on payers, and the importance of clean and well-organized data in healthcare. Amir highlights the practical and strategic approach of 10Pearls in providing healthcare solutions, focusing on delivering achievable strategies and tangible results. Frank discusses his motivations in healthcare, specifically in addressing the gaps in the healthcare system, especially in behavioral healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging clinical data and the challenges faced by large healthcare entities in cooperation and data utilization. Frank and Amir share their perspectives on the role of AI and its limitations in healthcare decision-making. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Frank and Amir as they offer a unique perspective on the current state and future possibilities of healthcare.

About Amir Azarbad:

Amir Azarbad is the Managing Director of 10Pearls Healthcare Practice, focusing on strategic and technology solutions. He has over 20 years of healthcare experience and has helped organizations transform their legacy solutions to reduce administrative costs while increasing automation and enabling business configurable solutions.

Prior to his current role, he was the founder of Inspirant Group, which was acquired by 10Pearls in March of 2023. Amir was also executive director of Strategy and Technology Innovation for Health Care Services Corporation (Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, TX, NM, OK, and MT) and was responsible for transforming care and utilization management for more than 15 million members through innovative data-centered process management platforms that resulted in significant operational savings. 

About Frank Webster:

Frank Webster is the Chief Medical Officer of Health Care Service Corporation(BlueCross Blue Shield of IL, TX, NM, OK, and MT), focusing on clinical data management, improving access to behavioral health services, and the overall measurement, improvement, and integration of behavioral with medical services. He has over 25 years of invaluable clinical and leadership experience, dedicated to improving and implementing large-scale system-wide reorganizations.

Prior to joining HCSC, Dr. Webster was responsible for Dallas area Psychiatric Emergency Services. He has extensive background in Managed Behavioral Healthcare, including commercial and government contracts and ASOs.

Dr. Webster holds an MD from The University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and is an Adjunct Professor for Health Informatics at the University of Texas at Tyler.

Things You’ll Learn:

• The importance of understanding the limitations of your data and its implications. 
• There is a critical need for critical thinking and not blindly accepting AI recommendations without understanding what the data can and cannot reveal.
• The a need to start with the end in mind and work backward when navigating healthcare transformation. 
• It is important to challenge questions upfront to ensure that the focus is on thoughtful, practical solutions rather than simply being swayed by flashy but impractical ideas.
• The need to reach out and engage in discussions about practical solutions for healthcare, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps toward change.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Amir Azarbad on LinkedIn.
• Connect with and follow Frank Webster on LinkedIn.
• Follow 10Pearls on LinkedIn.
• Visit the 10Pearls website here.
• Follow HCSC on LinkedIn. 
• Visit the HCSC website here.