The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities and families throughout the nation and is a tremendous strain on the U.S. healthcare system. The CHIME Opioid Task Force works to leverage members’ unique insights and provide education and resources to address the ongoing crisis in the larger healthcare ecosystem. This podcast shares the stories of those heroes in healthcare who are working to build awareness and fight the battle against the opioid epidemic.
Learn more about the work of the task force by visiting https://opioidactioncenter.com/.
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How Mass General Brigham is Using IT to Address Substance Use Disorders at a Systems Level (00:31:26)
In this episode, Moderator Dr. Scott Weiner learns how Dr. Sarah E. Wakeman’s innovative role unites diverse stakeholders to change both culture and practice in SUD care. We explore best practices for medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), the development of unified IT tools, and the fine balance between clinical support and alert fatigue. Dr. Wakeman highlights the importance of data and quality dashboards, plus how Medicaid and state funding are leveraged to sustain impactful initiatives. The episode offers practical inspiration, showing how collaboration and the right incentives can drive value—and save lives. What You'll Learn Strategies for building system-wide, holistic SUD initiatives. How to engage stakeholders across health systems, from clinicians to IT to state agencies. Best practices for developing and updating MOUD order sets. Approaches to increasing provider comfort with life-saving opioid treatments. The balance of clinical decision support and alert fatigue. The role of data dashboards in tracking SUD outcomes and quality measures. How to leverage Medicaid and state funds to support and expand treatment resources. Insights into risk contracts, funding streams, and statewide efforts to prevent overdose deaths. Why this challenging work is both challenging and rewarding! MODERATOR: Scott Weiner, MD, MPH, FAAEM, FACEP, FASAM Emergency and Addiction Medicine Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Dr. Weiner is the McGraw Distinguished Chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and addiction medicine. He is an active researcher, working on multiple projects that focus on prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder. GUEST: Sarah Elizabeth Wakeman, MD Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham Medical Director for the Mass General Hospital Substance Use Disorder Initiative Program director of the Mass General Addiction Medicine fellowship Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School Sarah E. Wakeman, MD is the Senior Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director for the Mass General Hospital Program for Substance Use & Addiction Services, Program Director of the Mass General Addiction Medicine fellowship, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She received her A.B. from Brown University and her M.D. from Brown Medical School. She completed residency training in internal medicine and served as Chief Medical Resident at Mass General Hospital. She is a diplomate and fellow of the American Board of Addiction Medicine and board certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Clinically she provides specialty addiction and general medical care in the inpatient and outpatient setting at Mass General Hospital and the Mass General Charlestown Health Center. Her research interests include integrated substance use disorder treatment in general medical settings, low threshold treatment models, and opioid use disorder treatment.
Beyond the Clinic: How Portable Tech is Expanding Methadone Access (00:22:23)
In this episode of the CHIME Opioid Action Center podcast, moderator Ed Kopetsky sits down with Dr. Tom Mercolino and Jim McLean from Verinetics to discuss their DispenSecur™ portable methadone dispensing system. Designed to meet patients wherever they are, this “clinic in a box” empowers individuals with Opioid Use Disorder to access treatment securely and privately, outside traditional clinic walls. Learn how this innovative technology is breaking down barriers, supporting providers, and paving the way for more holistic and accessible addiction care.What You’ll Learn:How portable medication dispensing systems like DispenSecur™ are expanding access to methadone treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.The technology and security features behind the “clinic in a box” solution that balances patient privacy with provider confidence.The impact of stigma on OUD treatment and how holistic, tech-driven approaches can improve patient outcomes.Challenges and successes in piloting new treatment technologies, and how patient feedback is shaping commercial adoption.Opportunities and barriers to integrating portable medication technology with broader healthcare IT and clinical workflows.Lessons learned from real-world implementation—and ideas for expanding this model to other medications and patient populations.MODERATOR: Ed Kopetsky, Founder and Co-Chair, CHIME Opioid Task ForceEd Kopetsky, former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Stanford Children’s Health, is an accomplished healthcare executive with expertise in integrated healthcare systems, information technology, operations and cost improvement, digital transformation and consulting. Following a family tragedy, in 2018 Ed co-founded and has co-chaired the CHIME Opioid Task Force helping healthcare organizations confront the national opioid crisis.GUEST: Dr. Tom Mercolino, PhD, Founder and Executive Chairman, Verinetics, Inc.With more than 25 years of experience as a senior manager in Fortune 100 R&D groups, Dr. Mercolino has taken technology commercialization expertise to the next level at Verinetics. His passion for supporting individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has been a major driver behind the development of DispenSecur™™ and its successful commercialization.GUEST: Jim McLean, MBA, Chief Technology Officer, Verinetics, Inc.Mr. McLean has over 30 years in senior management roles with Fortune 500 and startup organizations, where his particular focus has been the design and successful implementation of creative technology solutions for complex operational challenges. His experience as a team builder in information systems/technology, engineering, sales, and professional services is key to the commercial success of the DispenSecur™™ platform.
How Technology Helped Cut Overdose Deaths by 47% in Carteret County NC (00:25:54)
Carteret County, NC, faced a soaring overdose crisis, exacerbated by its status as a seasonal beach destination. In this episode, the Public Health Director for Carteret County, and COO of Goldie Health, share how forming a tech-enabled post-overdose response team slashed overdose deaths by nearly half. Discover the barriers Carteret overcame, the critical role lived-experience peer support specialists played, and how the county leveraged tech to streamline care coordination and analytics. Tune in for an in-depth look at a community-led innovation making a measurable impact against the opioid epidemic.What You’ll Learn:How the Carteret County post-overdose response team (PORT) is organized and operatesThe role of certified peer support specialists with lived experienceHow real-time alerts and referrals connect overdose survivors with support quicklyThe drastic improvements in overdose outcomes, including a 47% drop in deaths and 87% drop in EMS callsWays technology—specifically, the Goldie tech platform—streamlines response, tracks engagement, and supports data-driven decisionsHow Goldie enables referrals for addiction treatment, housing, food, and other critical resourcesLessons learned in implementing care management technology at the local levelMODERATOR: Tom Liddell, CEO, Harmony Health ITTom Liddell leads with a core belief: that data and automation, when harnessed with purpose, can revolutionize healthcare and profoundly improve the lives of those it serves. With over 35 years of experience in healthcare IT, he brings transformative leadership and a passion for innovation to Harmony Healthcare IT. He began his career as President and Co-Founder of SMI, a healthcare technology firm that became part of the publicly traded Medical Manager Corp. He later held senior executive roles at WebMD, where he led the development and launch of integrated financial systems and electronic health records. Tom has also led the successful operation of a health information exchange and served as Chief Information Officer for a regional reference laboratory, blood bank, and pathology organization In these roles, he pioneered innovative solutions for data integration, interoperability, and clinical efficiency—further deepening his expertise in healthcare infrastructure and automation. At Harmony Healthcare IT, Tom is known for championing innovation, collaboration, and a customer-first mindset. His enduring passion for a complete, quality-driven experience continues to shape the company’s reputation as a trusted leader in healthcare data management.GUEST: Matthew E. Hanis, COO & Cofounder, Goldie HealthMatt Hanis is a leading expert in the business of healthcare. He is the chief operating officer of Goldie Health, a life-saving overdose detection and case management platform. A former health system executive, he has grown health tech businesses across payer, provider, life sciences, and government. His passion is growing organizations proven to elevate healthcare mission and margin.GUEST: Nina M. Oliver, Public Health Director; Carteret County Health DepartmentNina Oliver has enjoyed 22 years of providing public health work. She currently serves as the Consolidated Health and Human Services Deputy Director and Public Health Director for Carteret County. As a public health director her priorities and interests include substance use prevention, mental and emotional health and wellness for all, minority health, and creating equitable dental care specifically in low-income populations and pregnant women. Nina graduated from Guildford College in Greensboro with a Bachelors in Psychology and African American Studies. She received her Masters from UNC Charlotte in Health Promotion with a focus in Substance Use Prevention. Nina lives in Morehead City with her 13-year-old son Chase and 5-year-old daughter, Charlie. They love going to the beach, watching sports, and trying new foods.
Power of Quality Measures to Improve OUD Care in Emergency Departments (00:33:33)
In this episode, join moderator Brea Burmeister and experts Dr. Scott Weiner and Dr. Arjun Venkatesh as they explore how quality measures can transform opioid use disorder (OUD) care in emergency departments. Discover innovative metrics, quality improvement initiatives, and EHR data integration to optimize patient outcomes. Learn about overcoming barriers like stigma and resource shortages and get key recommendations from recent OUD treatment studies. Perfect for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in advancing OUD care.What You'll Learn:Challenges and opportunities of addressing the opioid epidemic in emergency medicineACEP’s work on metrics and the development of quality improvement measuresKey quality initiatives to enhance OUD care and reduce harmThe barriers to adopting these initiatives and strategies to overcome themRecommendations based on recent studies in OUD treatment and medicationMODERATOR: Brea BurmeisterMember, CHIME Opioid Task ForceBio: With 23 years in healthcare, Brea specializes in managing relationships within Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) Health Systems, regional Group Practices, and Specialty Pharmacy accounts. She strengthens value-based care models by developing strategic plans, analyzing performance data, improving care coordination, and implementing process improvements. Brea's work enhances patient outcomes and experiences while reducing costs. Additionally, her volunteer work with the Opioid Task Force reflects her commitment to public health advocacy and community well-being.GUEST: Scott Weiner, MD, MPH, FAAEM, FACEP, FASAMEmergency and Addiction Medicine Physician, Brigham and Women’s HospitalAssociate Professor, Harvard Medical SchoolCo-chair, Clinical Advisory subcommittee, CHIME Opioid Task ForceBio: Dr. Weiner is the McGraw Distinguished Chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and addiction medicine. He is an active researcher, working on multiple projects that focus on prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder.GUEST: Arjun Venkatesh, MD, MBA, MHSChair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of MedicineChief, Emergency Medicine, Yale New Haven HospitalBio: Dr. Venkatesh is Chair and Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital. He has received over $ 12 million in funding by the NIH, CMS, AHRQ, and CDC to develop measures and interventions that improve acute care outcomes and value. He has supported CMS’s development of the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, has led the development of quality measures for the Clinical Emergency Data Registry, and is PI of the Emergency Quality Network (E-QUAL). His work has produced over 200 publications and been implemented in numerous national quality and value programs. He is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Medicine, a proud graduate of the HAEMR Class of 2012 often referred to as the Greatest Class Ever, and completed the RWJF Clinical Scholars Program at Yale.Additional Resources:ACEP E-QUAL opioid initiativeCedr
Meaningful Measures for the U.S. Substance Use Crisis: Assessments, Data Standards, and KPIs (00:26:30)
In this episode, Dr. David L. Pennington, Ph.D. and Dr. David R. Gastfriend, M.D., DFASAM dive into the U.S. substance use crisis, focusing on assessments, data standards, and key performance indicators. Learn how the ASAM Criteria and ASAM CONTINUUM are transforming addiction treatment through multidimensional assessments and technology integration. Discover the evolving trends in substance use, barriers to treatment, and the role of digital health tools in bridging care gaps. Hear success stories and challenges in implementing these systems and explore future opportunities for digital solutions in mental health care. Join us to uncover meaningful measures that enhance treatment outcomes and patient well-being.What You'll LearnThe significance of the ASAM Criteria for addiction treatment.How substance use trends have evolved and current statistics.Barriers to SUD treatment and how technology aims to overcome them.Strategies for implementing and promoting ASAM CONTINUUM.Success stories and challenges in integrating these systems.Future opportunities for digital health solutions in addiction treatment.MODERATOR: Dr. David L. Pennington, Ph.D.CEO & Clinical Psychologist, Melantha Health Psychology Consulting, PC.Bio: Dr. David L. Pennington, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing clinician, and CEO of Melantha Health Psychology Consulting, a firm dedicated to advancing mental health innovation. With extensive experience in both clinical practice and research, he specializes in developing digital health interventions for opioid use disorder and other substance use challenges. His work integrates cognitive neuroscience, evidence-based psychotherapy, and digital technology to create practical solutions that enhance treatment outcomes and patient well-being. As a trusted science advisor and educator, Dr. Pennington is committed to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application, and he brings his hands-on clinical experience to the Chime opioid network podcast to illuminate emerging trends in addiction treatment and mental health care.GUEST: David R. Gastfriend, M.D., DFASAMCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, DynamiCare HealthBio: Dr. Gastfriend is an addiction psychiatrist. At Harvard Medical School, he directed addiction research at Massachusetts General Hospital and was an investigator in the NIDA Cocaine Collaborative Study, NIAAA’s COMBINE Study and NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network. As Vice President at Alkermes, Inc., he directed scientific publications on Vivitrol in clinical, criminal justice and health economics research. His research led most states to endorse the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria. His 150 scientific publications include the books The ASAM Criteria and Addiction Treatment Matching. His ASAM CONTINUUM – The ASAM Criteria Decision Engine® and ASAM’s CO-Triage® tools are being adopted nationwide. In 2016, he co-founded DynamiCare Health, a nationally-scalable technology for Contingency Management and predictive analytics, winning awards from Harvard Business School, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Governor of Ohio, and the New York Times. He has consulted to governments in Belgium, China, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Russia and the U.S.
Interoperability and HIE Series: New Jersey Innovation Institute (00:28:44)
Explore advancements in interoperability and Health Information Exchange (HIE), addressing issues like the opioid crisis. Learn about EHR adoption strategies, NJII's role, and future trends in healthcare data sharing.What You'll Learn:How seamless data sharing between healthcare providers is achievedChallenges and solutions in EHR interoperabilitySupport for public health through real-time data trackingImpact of patient-centered data access on treatment and engagementEmerging technologies in healthcare data interoperabilityMODERATOR: Bill CioffiClient Partnership Executive, Nordic HealthcareBio: Bill Cioffi is a seasoned healthcare IT executive and Client Partnership Executive at Nordic Healthcare, focusing on client relationships and strategic growth. With over 15 years in healthcare IT leadership and 25+ years in IT infrastructure, he has led digital transformations. As former CIO at CenCal Health, he oversaw IT strategy for Medi-Cal services, led their first 3-Year IT Strategic Plan, and established an ITSM Service Desk. Previously, as CIO at North Sonoma County Healthcare District, he implemented their EHR system and maintained operations during the 2017 Santa Rosa Tubbs fires. Bill is Co-chair of the CHIME OTF Technology and Interoperability Subcommittee and a community volunteer with Food Share. He holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University.GUEST: Jennifer D’AngeloChief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President of Healthcare, New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII)Bio: Jennifer D’Angelo is a seasoned leader in healthcare technology and management with over 20 years of experience. As the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Healthcare at the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), she plays a crucial role in driving the organization's mission through innovative and data-driven strategies. Jennifer oversees divisions focused on AI/ML, Defense, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, and Learning & Development, which accelerate technology, foster innovation, and drive workforce development. Her leadership leverages the vast resources of an R-1 university and builds industry-centric ecosystems to positively impact New Jersey's economy. As the EVP of the Healthcare division, Jennifer oversees federal and state grant-funded programs and manages the New Jersey Health Information Network (NJHIN), facilitating statewide patient data exchange to reduce healthcare costs and improve population health.GUEST: Dustin HuffordSenior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Cooper University Health CareBio: Mr. Hufford, with 15 years in healthcare IT, has held leadership roles including VP at Cooper Applications and CIO at Memorial Health Care. He has extensive experience in IT management, EHR implementation, and consulting. At Promedica Health, he was Assistant VP of Revenue Cycle and Business Systems, overseeing the implementation of their EHR system. He's led major IT initiatives like telemedicine and cloud migrations. Currently, he is driving digital transformation and leading the Cooper Innovation Center. Mr. Hufford holds a degree in Information Sciences and is pursuing an Executive MBA from Drexel University.
Developing a MAT Order Set for a Multidisciplinary Care Team at UC San Diego Health (00:30:58)
Join us in this episode as we explore the groundbreaking Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Order Set at UC San Diego Health. This innovative system helped them earn CHIME's top "Digital Health Most Wired" Level 10 status in 2024. What You'll Learn: The motivation behind the creation of UC San Diego's MAT Order Set. How interdisciplinary collaboration led to a comprehensive care model. Implementation details and integration of additional screenings. Data demonstrating reduced hospital readmissions and increased buprenorphine usage. Challenges and lessons learned during the implementation process. Educational impacts on medical resident training and future directions. MODERATOR: Gregory R. Polston, MD Clinical informaticist, Associate Medical Director, Center for Pain Medicine, UC San Diego Health Section Chief of the pain service, VA Medical Center La JollaBio: Dr. Polston is a board-certified anesthesiologist with expertise in pain medicine and clinical informatics at UC San Diego Health. He serves as Associate Medical Director at the Center for Pain Medicine and Section Chief of the pain service at the VA Medical Center La Jolla. Dr. Polston specializes in opioids and risk monitoring for acute and chronic pain, promoting a comprehensive approach to pain management that involves patient engagement and diverse therapeutic methods. His research focuses on chronic opioid therapy, placebos, and electronic medical records.GUEST: Laura Bamford, MD, MSCE Clinical Professor of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health Clinical Professor of Medicine Medical Director Owen Clinic Co-Director Clinical Investigations Core San Diego Center for AIDS Research Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health University of California, San Diego Bio: Laura completed her Internal Medicine residency at Columbia University Medical Center and Infectious Diseases fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she also received a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. She's a Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health and Medical Director of the HIV Medicine Owen Clinic. Her clinical and research interests include HIV and HCV treatment and prevention in people who use drugs. She's passionate about delivering patient-centered care and research with a low barrier and harm reduction approach. With funding from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part F Special Projects of National Significance, she founded a HIV primary care clinic in 2013 within Philadelphia’s syringe service program. She was selected as a member of the Mayor’s Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic in Philadelphia in 2017 and testified in federal court in 2019 as a fact witness on behalf of Safehouse, Philadelphia’s proposed opioid overdose prevention site. She currently provides substance use disorder treatment integrated into HIV primary care at Owen Clinic and is a member of the UCSD Addiction Medicine/Pain Medicine Committee and the UCSD Opioid Use Disorder Task Force. She also serves as the coordinator of the newly mandated substance use disorder rotation at UCSD for all Internal Medicine residents and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors at Stepping Stone San Diego which specializes in substance use treatment in the LGBTQ+ community. GUEST: Carla Marienfeld, MD, DFAPA, FASAM Clinical Professor, University of California, San Diego Bio: Carla Marienfeld, MD, DFAPA, FASAM, Clinical Professor at UC San Diego, Medical Director Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Program, Program Director UC San Diego Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship is board-certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine. She has authored over four dozen publications and edited four addiction treatment related books.
Tech-Driven OUD Screening Protocols and Bridge Clinic at SUNY Upstate University Hospital (00:18:35)
In this podcast episode, Corey Zeigler, CIO of Helio Health, and Dr. Ross W. Sullivan from SUNY Upstate Medical University discuss an innovative program tackling opioid use disorder (OUD). The episode covers the implementation of a universal screening protocol, the success of the two-item conjoint screen (TICS) method, and the impact of the Bridge Clinic initiative. Dr. Sullivan shares insights on overcoming challenges and achieving improved patient outcomes, including reduced emergency department visits. Discover how healthcare IT is playing a crucial role in transforming addiction treatment and addressing the opioid crisis.What You'll Learn:Introduction to SUNY Upstate's Comprehensive Program: Gain insights into a holistic approach combining universal screening protocols and dedicated clinics to address opioid use disorder (OUD).Effective Screening Methods: Understand the implementation and efficacy of the two-item conjoint screen (TICS) method for identifying OUD across diverse healthcare settings like outpatient and emergency departments.Implementation Challenges and Solutions: Learn about the obstacles encountered while rolling out a universal screening protocol in a large healthcare system and strategies for overcoming them.Impactful Results: Discover the tangible outcomes of the program, such as reduced length of inpatient stays and a significant decrease in opioid-related ED visits.Collaborative Care Model: Explore how dedicated OUD teams collaborate with existing patient care teams and social workers to enhance treatment and post-hospitalization care.Sustainability and Future Expansions: Get acquainted with the plans for maintaining and expanding successful initiatives like the Bridge Clinic and TICS screening protocol.MODERATOR: Corey ZeiglerCIO, Helio Health Bio: Corey has been with Helio Health for about 5 years. They are a large substance use and behavioral health organization with 70 different locations throughout Central New York spanning from Albany in the eastern side to Rochester on the western side, down to the Pennsylvania border to the south and almost to Canada in the North. Their services include inpatient, outpatient, residential, affordable housing, homelessness and a lot of the health and human services functions in New York State. GUEST: Ross W. Sullivan, MD, FASAM Executive Medical Director, Helio Health Assistant Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, Toxicology, Addiction Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical UniversityBio: Dr. Sullivan is the Executive Medical Director at Helio Health in Central New York and a recognized expert in addiction medicine. He completed his medical education, residency in Emergency Medicine, and toxicology fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Sullivan also serves as a faculty member in Emergency Medicine and directs the Medical Toxicology fellowship at SUNY Upstate. He has co-authored several publications on overdose and addiction and contributes his expertise to various advisory panels and workgroups, including NY-OASAS and the NY-DOH buprenorphine work group. Additionally, he is the Treasurer and Board Member of the New York Society of Addiction Medicine (NYSAM).
Interoperability and HIE Series: HealtheConnections (00:28:02)
This podcast episode is part of a series focused on the critical issue of the opioid epidemic, and how healthcare IT and health information exchanges (HIEs) can bridge interoperability gaps. Explore how HealtheConnections is enhancing data exchange and interoperability to tackle opioid treatment and prevention. The podcast provides a look into the innovative use of emerging technologies, addresses regulatory impacts, and highlights the role of community data in reshaping behavioral healthcare.Things You'll Learn:The vital role of HIEs in Central New York’s healthcare ecosystem. Key technologies used by HealtheConnections for supporting interoperability and opioid treatment programs. Emerging trends and technologies expected to impact the interoperability landscape in the next 3-5 years. How regulatory changes to 42 CFR Part 2 are affecting HIEs and their stakeholders. Methods used by HealtheConnections to support local health departments in monitoring and reporting opioid overdoses. Real-world examples of innovative processes enhancing overdose tracking and prevention. The impact of community data on person-centered care in behavioral healthcare. How HL7v2 feeds and other technologies are improving interoperability at Helio Health. MODERATOR: Bill Cioffi MPPA, CHCIO, ITILClient Partnership Executive, Nordic Healthcare Bill is a seasoned healthcare IT executive and the Client Partnership Executive at Nordic Healthcare, where he focuses on strengthening client relationships, expanding portfolios, and driving strategic growth. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare IT leadership and 25+ years in IT infrastructure and operations, he has a proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives.GUEST: Elizabeth AmatoPresident and CEO, HealtheConnections A 16-year veteran of the health IT field, with focused expertise in program development and design, advocacy, research, and source funding. For the past 12 years, she has held various leadership positions in the New York state HIE space, including the past 3 years serving as the Chief Operating Officer at NY’s second largest HIE, HealtheConnections. As of January 1st she assumed the role of President & CEO at HealtheConnections. Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for improving the health of communities through HIE, data-centric technology, and clinical-community partnerships. GUEST: Liana ProsonicAssociate VP, Finance and Compliance Liana is a certified public accountant (CPA) and worked for 8 years in public accounting before transitioning to management accounting in 2016. They worked as Director of Accounting Operations at Loretto, a long-term post-acute care provider, for 5 years, and moved into a new role as Director of Finance and Compliance at HealtheConnnections, a HIE, in 2021. In their current role as AVP of Finance and Compliance at HealtheConnections they oversee the financial operations and compliance program. They also teach accounting as an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania. GUEST: Corey ZeiglerCIO, Helio Health Corey has been with Helio Health for about 5 years. They are a large substance use and behavioral health organization with 70 different locations throughout Central New York spanning from Albany in the eastern side to Rochester on the western side, down to the Pennsylvania border to the south and almost to Canada in the North. Their services include inpatient, outpatient, residential, affordable housing, homelessness and a lot of the health and human services functions in New York State.The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addictin is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Interoperability and HIE Series: Manifest MedEx Part 2 (00:25:44)
In Part 2 of this two-part series, we continue the conversation about how Manifest MedEx ensures seamless data sharing across diverse healthcare providers, including opioid treatment and mental health services, while adhering to strict privacy and security standards such as HIPAA. We explore successful integration examples that have aided in combating the opioid crisis, discuss the significant challenges of achieving interoperability between different EHR systems, and examine the strategies Manifest MedEx has employed to overcome these obstacles and improve care coordination.MODERATOR: Bill Cioffi, MPPA, CHCIO, ITIL Chief Information Officer, C10 Consulting Bill Cioffi is also an Advisor at StarBridge Advisors, LLC, and is a nationally recognized leader in health IT. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare IT management, Bill has served as CIO at CenCal Health and North Sonoma County Healthcare District, where he spearheaded strategic technology initiatives, EHR implementations, and IT infrastructure improvements.GUEST: Erica Galvez Chief Executive Officer, Manifest MedEx Erica Galvez is CEO of Manifest MedEx (MX), California’s largest nonprofit health information organization, and has extensive experience in health information exchange (HIE) and interoperability. She has been with Manifest MedEx since 2017, previously serving as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff. She has been instrumental in guiding the organization’s growth and expansion while ensuring MX delivers increasing value to participants. Erica has helped MX achieve a 500 percent increase in health records shared across the health data network. MX now shares information for 38 million Californians across more than 140+ hospitals, 17 health plans, and 2500+ ambulatory providers. Erica came to the HIE space through years of healthcare quality and patient safety research at The Joint Commission. Before joining MX, Erica led the HIE efforts at Aledade that tripled the company’s hospital connectivity and evolved the use of health information to reduce avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department encounters. Prior to Aledade, she led the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT’s (ONC’s) Interoperability Portfolio, held a leadership position as one of the directors of ONC’s State HIE Program, and served as the program manager for AHIMA’s State-Level HIE Consensus Project. GUEST: Josh Longiaru IT Director, United Services, Inc.As a champion for behavioral health and integrated care, Josh is passionate about advancing the conversation on interoperability and its critical role in transforming patient outcomes. With over 20 years’ experience in leading innovative programs at United Services and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, he is committed to bridging gaps between physical and behavioral health systems to foster comprehensive care solutions. His hope is to get to a point where everyone has access to integrated care models that prioritize the whole person, ensuring that stigma and barriers are eliminated so that every patient can access the compassionate support they deserve.
Innovative Tech Solutions for Methadone Treatment Access and Efficiency (00:22:04)
Join us as we delve into innovative solutions transforming methadone dispensing at opioid treatment provider clinics. This episode unpacks revolutionary capabilities that enhance communication and treatment for clinicians and patients. Learn how Opio is redefining interactions with opioid providers and their systems, spotlighting early collaborations, and sharing initial successes. Discover how their creative models are improving information exchange between providers, patients, and payers, and explore strategic partnerships and growth plans.What You'll Learn AboutHow a robotic solution is innovating methadone dispensing in opioid treatment clinics.The unique capabilities that improve communication between clinicians and patients.Details of interoperability with major healthcare systems to enhance information exchange.Strategies for ensuring HIPAA-compliant infrastructure in opioid care settings.Insights into partnerships and growth plans within the healthcare technology space.MODERATOR:Taylor McPartland CEO, ScaleHealthTaylor, a native of Northern California, began his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding his first company in 2010, where he served as a leader for the following 6 years. Throughout this period, he developed a profound passion for harnessing innovation to tackle the systemic challenges our society faces on a daily basis. Motivated by this mission, Taylor established ScaleHealth in 2018 with a vision to create a global health innovation ecosystem that ensures universal access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions, promoting overall well-being. Since its inception, ScaleHealth has played a pivotal role in scaling startups worldwide while enabling health systems and partners to save time and money while accelerating impact and outcomes.GUEST: Sam Wilson Chief Operating Officer, OpioSam has spent her career tackling big problems in behavioral healthcare. As the COO of Opio, she's working to support Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) through robotic automations and software solutions. Previously, she co-founded Confidant Health, a multi-state behavioral health tech platform focused on value-based care and led the development of ATLAS, the nation’s first quality rating system for addiction treatment programs while working at Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis. Sam also worked on state and federal policy to expand access to evidence-based addiction treatments at the Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington DC. She also advises several startups in the behavioral and women’s health spaces, and works as a doula in her community. She is a mom and avid adventure seeker.The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addictin is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Exploration In Remote Monitoring Tech for Inpatient OUD Treatment (00:14:26)
In this episode, we explore FDA-cleared remote patient monitoring technology and its applications in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Discover how such innovations could enhance monitoring and communication in healthcare settings. We discuss integration with existing tools, successful early collaborations, and the importance of interoperability and FHIR standards for seamless information exchange. With thousands of units deployed, learn how real-time data insights are shaping healthcare. The episode also addresses maintaining HIPAA-compliant security and the role of strategic partnerships in advancing innovation. Join us to explore these developments and their impact on patient monitoring.What You'll Learn:Potential applications of advanced remote patient monitoring technology in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. How these innovations enhance communication between clinicians and patients. Insights into integrating such technology with existing healthcare systems. The role of interoperability and FHIR standards in seamless information exchange. The impact of real-time data insights on healthcare standards.Strategies for maintaining HIPAA-compliant security. How strategic partnerships facilitate growth and innovation in healthcare technology.MODERATOR: Nathan Strack CEO, Reimagined HealthNathan is the founder and CEO of Reimagined Health, where he is driven by a passion for empowering organizations to harness the full potential of their data and technology. A lifelong technologist, Nathan has dedicated his career to ensuring advanced technology delivers tangible improvements in outcomes. With over 15 years of experience consulting for some of the largest companies in finance, media, and healthcare, he recognized the need for a faster, more effective adoption of next-generation cloud and AI technologies in the healthcare sector. This vision led him to establish Reimagined Health, where he continues to pioneer innovative solutions that transform healthcare organizations. GUEST: Rachel Weissberg Head of Healthcare Provider Strategy, Americas, NeteeraRachel Weissberg is a seasoned leader in healthcare technology sales and marketing, with a passion for optimizing technology to enhance healthcare quality, cost-efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Known for driving significant growth for Fortune 1000 companies like Sirius Healthcare and AT&T Wireless, Rachel excels in building strong networks with industry leaders. As Head of Neteera’s Healthcare Provider Strategy for North America, she leverages her expertise in market dynamics to propel business expansion. Beyond her role at Neteera, Rachel is an influential thought leader, actively participating in industry conferences and initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Scripps College and enjoys golfing, exploring the outdoors, and traveling in her spare time.The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Harnessing Wearable Data to Empower Chronic Pain Patients (00:23:24)
Explore the transformative potential of wearable technology in chronic pain management in this captivating podcast episode. Delve into how personalized, evidence-based digital solutions empower the one-third of the global population affected by chronic pain and offer a promising strategy to address the opioid crisis. Discover how cutting-edge technology, including AI and wearables, enhances patient care by tracking vital biometrics, allowing for more informed treatment decisions, and potentially reducing the reliance on opioids. This episode uncovers a multifaceted approach that blends psychology, medical input, and data analysis to break the cycle of chronic pain and instill hope in both patients and healthcare providers. Learn how secure data handling and patient privacy are prioritized while leveraging innovative technology to drive positive change in healthcare.What You'll Learn:The role of wearable technology in chronic pain management and it’s potential to reduce opioid prescriptions.Strategies for improving patient health literacyHow interdisciplinary approaches enhance treatment outcomesThe integration of AI in personalizing pain managementInsights into secure data handling and patient privacyMODERATOR: Tom Liddell, CEO, Harmony Healthcare ITTom has 30 years of experience in healthcare IT, and passionate about the intersection of technology and care. The early parts of his career were focused on hospital and ambulatory system automation.GUEST: Kathy Hubble, Chief Executive Officer, Amelio Health A registered nurse for over 20+ years working in Acute and Chronic pain management. Completed a Masters degree in Pain Medicine in 2006 and worked in Insurance and Re-insurance in 2017. Completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science Psychology in 2024. Candidate for Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling 2025. Started Amelio Health in 2020 with a passion for delivering quality evidence-based digital pain management to one-third of the global population with chronic pain.The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Interoperability and HIE Series: Manifest MedEx Part 1 (00:27:03)
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we delve into how Manifest MedEx ensures seamless data sharing across diverse healthcare providers, including opioid treatment and mental health services, while adhering to strict privacy and security standards such as HIPAA. We explore successful integration examples that have aided in combating the opioid crisis, discuss the significant challenges of achieving interoperability between different EHR systems, and examine the strategies Manifest MedEx has employed to overcome these obstacles and improve care coordination.MODERATOR: Bill Cioffi, MPPA, CHCIO, ITIL Chief Information Officer, C10 Consulting Bill Cioffi is also an Advisor at StarBridge Advisors, LLC, and is a nationally recognized leader in health IT. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare IT management, Bill has served as CIO at CenCal Health and North Sonoma County Healthcare District, where he spearheaded strategic technology initiatives, EHR implementations, and IT infrastructure improvements.GUEST: Erica Galvez Chief Executive Officer, Manifest MedEx Erica Galvez is CEO of Manifest MedEx (MX), California’s largest nonprofit health information organization, and has extensive experience in health information exchange (HIE) and interoperability. She has been with Manifest MedEx since 2017, previously serving as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff. She has been instrumental in guiding the organization’s growth and expansion while ensuring MX delivers increasing value to participants. Erica has helped MX achieve a 500 percent increase in health records shared across the health data network. MX now shares information for 38 million Californians across more than 140+ hospitals, 17 health plans, and 2500+ ambulatory providers. Erica came to the HIE space through years of healthcare quality and patient safety research at The Joint Commission. Before joining MX, Erica led the HIE efforts at Aledade that tripled the company’s hospital connectivity and evolved the use of health information to reduce avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department encounters. Prior to Aledade, she led the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT’s (ONC’s) Interoperability Portfolio, held a leadership position as one of the directors of ONC’s State HIE Program, and served as the program manager for AHIMA’s State-Level HIE Consensus Project. GUEST: Josh Longiaru IT Director, United Services, Inc.As a champion for behavioral health and integrated care, Josh is passionate about advancing the conversation on interoperability and its critical role in transforming patient outcomes. With over 20 years’ experience in leading innovative programs at United Services and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, he is committed to bridging gaps between physical and behavioral health systems to foster comprehensive care solutions. His hope is to get to a point where everyone has access to integrated care models that prioritize the whole person, ensuring that stigma and barriers are eliminated so that every patient can access the compassionate support they deserve.
Integrating Hope & Health at The Link: An Innovative Community Triage Center for Behavioral Health & Substance Use (00:20:30)
In this episode we hear from a Clinical Program Manager about the inception, operation, and impact of The Link, a community triage center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn how it was born out of a data-driven need for enhanced mental health and substance use services, and the collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, hospitals, and law enforcement that brought it to life. The episode delves into how the center combats stigma, addresses health equity, and provides culturally sensitive care, particularly to the American Indian population. Hear about the operational challenges, successes, and future vision for the center, highlighting how healthcare IT and data have played crucial roles in their ongoing efforts to improve community health outcomes. Practical insights and inspiration are offered for those looking to replicate or support similar initiatives in their own communities.
HOST
Janet Desroche
Associate VP, MEDITECH
GUEST
Kelsey Sjaarda, MSW, CSW-PIP
Clinical Program Manager, Avera Behavioral Health and The Link
Kelsey Sjaarda, MSW, CSW-PIP, has been with Avera for over 12 years and oversees their partial hospitalization program as well as operations of The Link. Kelsey earned her Master of Social Work at the Mankato campus of Minnesota State University.
What you'll learn about:
Origins and purpose of The Link, a community triage center addressing mental health and substance use in Sioux Falls, SD.
Data-Driven Research & Planning such as leveraging the data from the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to justify and establish the center.
Insights into operational challenges and milestones
The role of Healthcare IT and data in improving and streamlining services at the center.
Importance of collaborative efforts and partnerships with local hospitals, emergency departments, law enforcement, and community stakeholders in creating the center.
How the center is addressing stigma and providing cultural sensitivity training for their staff, especially in serving the American Indian population and addressing health equity disparities.
Programs and Services the center offers including: sobering services, medical withdrawal management, and the referral process for ongoing care.
Impact and Outcomes: Evidence of improvements and success measures based on collected data, including patient and community feedback.
Vision for the Future: Future goals and aspirations for The Link, including seeking alternative funding and expanding their blueprint to other communities.
Community Stories and Successes: Real-life stories of patients and the community impact of The Link's services.
Clinical Advisory Panel: Current State of Opioid-Related Capabilities in Enterprise Electronic Health Records (00:34:15)
A panel discussion led by the Co-chair of the CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF), featuring members of the Clinical Advisory Subcommittee, on their latest white paper. The paper outlines 13 essential opioid-related capabilities in enterprise EHRs that all health systems should utilize.
A discussion highlighting the CHIME OTF's white paper The Current State of Opioid Related Capabilities in Enterprise EHRs: Availability and Level of Technical Difficulty.
MODERATOR: Patty Lavely
Co-chair, CHIME OTF
CIO Consultant
GUESTS:
Sean Kelly, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Imprivata
Attending physician, Beth Israel Lahey Health
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, part-time, Harvard Medical School
Co-chair, Clinical Advisory subcommittee, CHIME OTF
Scott Weiner, MD, MPH, FAAEM, FACEP, FASAM
Emergency & addiction medicine physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
Co-chair, Clinical Advisory subcommittee, CHIME OTF
Gregory R. Polston, MD
Clinical Informaticist & Associate Medical Director, University of California San Diego Health’s Center for Pain Medicine
Section Chief of the pain service, VA Medical Center La Jolla
Member, Clinical Advisory subcommittee, CHIME OTF
John Lee, MD
Emergency Medicine Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Health Clinical Informatics Specialist, The MetroHealth System
Member, Clinical Advisory subcommittee, CHIME OTF
What You''ll Learn:
Overview of Essential EHR Capabilities: An understanding of the CHIME OTF's recommended 13 key opioid-related features in enterprise EHRs that every health system should implement, spanning education, monitoring, alerts, prescribing support, and screening.
Technical Complexity: Insights into the level of technical effort required to implement each of these capabilities, helping organizations plan resource allocation and timelines.
Vendor-Specific Variability: Information on how different EHR vendors approach these capabilities, highlighting variations in functionality and the degree of difficulty for customization and integration.
Impact on Clinical Workflows: Guidance on how to integrate these capabilities into clinical workflows to optimize decision-making and reduce alert fatigue without compromising patient safety.
Critical Role of Change Management: Emphasis on the importance of coordinating clinical and IT teams, along with effective change management strategies, to maximize the value of these EHR functionalities.
Current Capabilities and Future Developments: A snapshot of current EHR opioid-related functionalities and the need for continuous collaboration with vendors to stay updated on evolving capabilities.
This information is crucial for aligning IT and clinical strategies in combating the opioid crisis effectively.
Impact of the Innovation and Funding Process on Technology Solutions for Opioid Use Disorder (00:32:47)
A member of the CHIME OTF speaks to a serial health IT entrepreneur to discuss his blueprint for innovation and funding for technology solutions that are addressing the opioid crisis.
Moderator: Art Nicholas
Chief Commercial Officer, Interlace Health and Member, CHIME Opioid Task Force
Experienced healthcare software leader, executive at both startups as well as industry leaders such as Nuance Communications.
Guest: David Reeser
Founder and CEO, OpiAID
A serial entrepreneur, inventor, and mentor to startup founders. OpiAID is a data science company making the treatment of substance use disorder safer and more effective.
What you’ll learn:
- The process of applying and receiving a SBIR (Small Business Innovation) grant and its impact on one serial entrepreneur’s opioid solution.
- Why a business would want to apply for an SBIR grant and what kind of work it funds.
- Private vs. public sources of funding options and what they might look like for bringing opioid solutions to market.
- What kinds of support and partnerships are necessary for a healthcare IT start-up venture to succeed.
- How the innovation and funding process helped to develop OpiAID, a technology solution created to address the opioid crisis.
- The impact of this solution and how it’s being measured
- Mentor advice from a successful entrepreneur to other founders/entrepreneurs.
How Integrating Life Care Specialists into Hospitals is Preventing Substance Misuse: The Clinical Perspective (Part 2 of 2) (00:22:59)
PART TWO OF A TWO PART SERIES
In this episode, Moderator Ed Kopetsky, Co-chair of the CHIME Opioid Task Force and former CIO of Stanford Children's Hospital speaks with Mara L. Schenker, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at the Christopher Wolf Crusade (CwC), about how she’s leveraging CwC’s Life Care Specialists in her capacity as Associate Chief Medical Information Officer and Chief of Orthopaedics at Grady Memorial Hospital. She’ll share what initially gravitated her to CwC’s mission, how her expertise has helped to expand the scope of their work.
MODERATOR: ED KOPETSKY
Co-chair, CHIME Opioid Task Force
Ed Kopetsky, former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Stanford Children’s Health, is an accomplished healthcare executive with expertise in integrated healthcare systems, information technology, operations and cost improvement, digital transformation and consulting. Following a family tragedy, in 2018 Ed co-founded and continues to co-chair the CHIME Opioid Task Force helping healthcare organizations confront the national opioid crisis.
GUEST: MARA L. SCHENKER, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Officer, Christopher Wolf Crusade (CWC)
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, Emory University
Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, Chief of Orthopaedics, Grady Memorial Hospital
What you’ll learn about Dr. Schenker:
Background as an orthopaedic surgeon and healthcare IT professional.
What surprising realization prompted her to make changes to her opioid prescribing practices.
Her inspiration for joining the CWC.
Her role and current work with the CWC.
How she’s leveraged CwC’s Life Care Specialists in her own hospital care team.
What’s next in her newest role of Associate Chief Medical Information Officer at Grady Memorial Hospital.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
How Integrating Life Care Specialists into Hospitals is Preventing Substance Misuse (Part 1 of 2) (00:19:36)
PART ONE OF A TWO PART SERIES
In this episode, Moderator Ed Kopetsky, Co-chair of the CHIME Opioid Task Force and former CIO of Stanford Children's Hospital speaks with Cammie Wolf Rice, Founder and CEO of Christopher Wolf Crusade (CwC) formed in honor of her son. CwC has since launched a new position in healthcare called the Life Care Specialist (LCS), now an integral part of a patient’s care team in hospitals where the role has been introduced.
MODERATOR: ED KOPETSKY
Co-chair, CHIME Opioid Task Force
Ed Kopetsky, former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Stanford Children’s Health, is an accomplished healthcare executive with expertise in integrated healthcare systems, information technology, operations and cost improvement, digital transformation and consulting. Following a family tragedy, in 2018 Ed co-founded and continues to co-chair the CHIME Opioid Task Force helping healthcare organizations confront the national opioid crisis.
GUEST: CAMMIE WOLF RICE
Philanthropist, Activist, Speaker
CEO & Founder, Christopher Wolf Crusade
Author: The Flight, My Opioid Journey
cwc.ngo | cammiewolfrice.com
As founder of the Christopher Wolf Crusade (CwC), Cammie Wolf Rice is dedicated to bringing an end to the Opioid Epidemic. After the tragedy of losing her son, Christopher Wolf, Cammie has turned pain into purpose by championing addiction prevention. In 2018, Cammie founded CwC in Christopher's honor and launched a new position in healthcare called the Life Care Specialist (LCS). Learn more about Cammie's journey by reading her memoir - The Flight, My Opioid Journey.
What you’ll learn about:
– Cammie's background and life experience which guided her involvement in the opioid crisis.
– An overview of the Life Care Specialist (LCS) healthcare role and training program
– Early findings and results of the accredited LCS training program.
– CwC’s future roadmap and near-term goals going forward.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Bridging Interoperability Gaps Between Acute and Behavioral Health (00:17:22)
In this episode, Todd Rowland, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Motiv Health, sits down with Dennis (Denny) Morrison, PhD, Owner of Morrison Consulting, to explore the intersection of psychology, healthcare IT, and behavioral healthcare. Denny shares his insights on how his background has equipped him to lead behavioral healthcare facilities and orchestrate mergers of large networks, shedding light on effective strategies for addressing the opioid crisis. Listeners will gain valuable examples of leveraging technology to promote best practices in reducing opioid use and misuse within healthcare systems. Denny highlights the importance of understanding substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health, particularly for non-behavioral health providers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to opioid use. The conversation delves into the critical role of partnerships in driving innovative solutions, emphasizing the synergy between people, process, and technology in tackling the opioid crisis. By fostering collaborative relationships, healthcare providers and systems can enhance their ability to address the multifaceted challenges of substance use disorders.
GUEST
Dennis (Denny) Morrison, PhD
Owner, Morrison Consulting
MODERATOR
Todd Rowland, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Motiv Health
Member of the CHIME OTF’s Promoting Leading Practices subcommittee
What you’ll learn about:
– How Dennis (Denny) Morrison, PhD has leveraged his background in psychology and healthcare IT to lead behavioral healthcare facilities and mergers of large networks.
– How healthcare providers and systems, can effectively use technology to promote best practices to reduce opioid use and misuse.
– What all non-behavioral health providers should know about the world of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health as it relates to opioid use.
– How critical partnerships can help to improve the innovative use of people, process, and technology to address the opioid crisis.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Gravity Project: Developing Data Standards to Address the Social Determinants of Health (00:15:23)
Gravity Project is an HL7 FHIR Accelerator, collaborative initiative with the goal to develop consensus-driven data standards to support the collection, use, and exchange of data to address the social determinants of health (SDOH). In 2023, Gravity Project was named in the White House “US Playbook to Address the Social Determinants of Health” and ONC’s HTI-1 final rule requiring adoption of USCDI v3 as the standard for certification by January 2016 includes the four Gravity curated SDOH elements. Listen to learn about how data standards can accelerate your work as Health IT professionals to support individuals and families impacted by the opioid crisis.
GUEST
Vanessa Candelora
Program Manager, Gravity Project
MODERATOR
Otto Reemelin
CIO, Southwest Human Development
Member of the CHIME OTF’s Technology and Interoperability subcommittee
What you'll learn about:
- What Gravity Project is and why it exists.
- How it's system agnostic and can be utilized in any EHR/system.
- Gravity Project's existing/current/upcoming work.
- What Gravity Project offers, and who can access it and how.
- Why it was created and what issues and problems it's addressing, with real world examples.
-How Gravity Project can help to reduce the trauma and stress for families of fragile infants seeking care from agencies in the community who specialize in neonatal abstinence syndrome, food insecurity, or housing instability.
-The top 3 takeaways everyone in healthcare IT should know so they can leverage the power of the Gravity Project.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Integration of FindHelp with Epic (00:19:20)
Explore the leading-edge work of Virtua Health a comprehensive healthcare system in Southern New Jersey recognized by CHIME in 2023 as a “Most Wired” Level 10 health system, a top honor shared by only 19 U.S. hospitals/health systems. Join moderator Bill Spooner, a retired CIO and Co-chair of CHIME OTF’s Emerging Technology/Interoperability subcommittee, in this illuminating podcast episode. Discover how Virtua Health seamlessly embeds FindHelp into Epic, revolutionizing patient referrals for opioid treatment. Krista Lokan, IT Population Health Architect at Virtua Health, shares the challenges and triumphs of implementing this innovative tool, offering real-time access to vital resources. Learn how FindHelp streamlines patient care, eliminates manual processes, and fosters collaboration among healthcare entities. Gain insights into Virtua's success metrics and their regional efforts to combat substance abuse. Don't miss this insightful conversation on leveraging technology to drive meaningful change in opioid treatment.
Host: Bill Spooner
A mostly retired CIO and Co-chair of the CHIME OTF’s Technology and Interoperability subcommittee.
Guest: Krista Lokan
IT Population Health Architect, Virtua Health
What you'll learn about:
- Virtua Health, and how they received their Level 10 Most Wired certification in 2023, including for their technology implementations addressing opioids.
- What problems they were you facing, including for electronic referrals.
- What Findhelp is how it can benefit patients, clinicians, operations, and more.
- What tools FindHelp offers & how Virtua Health is utilizing them.
- How Virtua Health is measuring the impact of FindHelp in their community.
For more information from Krista reach out to her on LinkedIn.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
What you'll learn about:
- Why Dr. Baxter has focused her work and research on pain management.
- What prescribers can do to improve non-medication pain management options for pain control.
- Where the biggest opportunities are for reducing opioid use and how organizations like CHIME can help.
- What administrative IT and clinical IT leaders can do to ensure computerized systems improve the digital monitoring and ordering of both medications and non-medication pain treatment.
Host: Todd Rowland, MD, FAAPMR
Chief Medical Officer, Motiv
Chief Medical Officer, VitalFlo
CEO, Bridge2Medical
Attending Physician, Duke Hospitals
Dr. Todd Rowland has more than 25 years of healthcare experience which includes roles as practicing physician, CEO of health information exchange, CMIO (Chief Medical Information Officer), and most recently enterprise Senior Vice President and CIO. He has worked with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver solutions using several IT platforms which include Allscripts, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, McKesson, MEDITECH, Mirth, Optum, and other technologies.
Guest: Dr. Amy Baxter, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Augusta University
CEO, Pain Care Labs
Dr. Amy Baxter, MD is a researcher, physician, and recent TedTalk speaker with a focus around understanding the connections that send pain from your body to your brain. Her insights provide practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her leading edge research offers alternative opioid-free treatment options for immediate pain relief.
TEDTalk : How to Hack your Brain When You're in Pain, Dr. Amy Baxter, MD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SpaXqAQ4Wo
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Challenges Associated with Treating Addiction in a Corrections Environment (00:22:42)
Host: Andy Smith, CFCHE
Co-CEO and Founder, Impact Advisors
Education Co-chair, CHIME Opioid Task Force
Guest: Gregg Dockins
Corrections Division President, Gateway Foundation, Inc.
An employee of Gateway Foundation, Inc. for over 23 years, Gregg is responsible for the administration, operational oversight, and strategic planning and growth of all Corrections Division services.
What you'll learn about:
- Gateway‘s initial approach to the opioid epidemic.
- How has technology has helped their care model.
- What obstacles they have faced around technology.
- What the future of addiction treatment may look like in the corrections setting for providers as well as individuals seeking treatment.
- What all healthcare professionals treating patients for addiction should take away from this conversation.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
Ambulatory EHR Optimization for Private Practice vs Health Systems (00:27:50)
Host: Patty Lavely, CIO Consultant and Co-chair, CHIME Opioid Task Force
Guest: Mike Burger, Senior Consultant, Point-of-Care Partners
What you'll learn about:
- High level overview of the ambulatory EHR landscape.
- If the standard software on the market today provides “opioid tools” to help providers manage patients that are taking opioids or are high risk for addiction/overdose.-
- Third-party software to improve the capabilities including PDMP integration.
- How it all fits (or doesn't) within the clinical workflows in the office.
- If EHRs are typically tied into community services to support patients with SUD.
- Technology differences between independent physician practices vs those owned by health systems/hospitals, and if there's a difference in how they're able to determine the patients at risk.
-Whether, like hospitals, physician practices have come a long way with reducing opioid prescriptions; and if the software has functionality to support changing ordering practices.
- The percentage of physician practices contributing data and viewing data via an HIE (in Mike's experience).
- What health IT leaders do to mitigate the challenges in utilizing the technology to assist with better opioid stewardship and managing patients at risk.
The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addiction is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.
