Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Maria Sexton, MBA, CISSP, CRISC, CDPSE, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at University Health System

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Summary

Maria Sexton, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at UT Medical, shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital health and IT in healthcare. With over 30 years of experience, Sexton emphasizes the need for improved patient access, particularly in rural areas, and the integration of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance patient care. She highlights the importance of telehealth and AI-driven solutions to streamline processes and reduce clinician burnout, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient interactions rather than administrative tasks.

Sexton discusses the challenges of managing technological debt while implementing new systems, such as a significant overhaul of their patient accounting system in collaboration with Oracle Health. This project aims to improve revenue cycle management and operational efficiency. She also notes the importance of disciplined project management to prioritize initiatives that align with organizational goals, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized.

Looking ahead, Sexton expresses curiosity about the evolving role of the CIO, particularly as organizations increasingly seek strategic leaders to drive innovation in technology. She reflects on the balance between maintaining existing systems and embracing new advancements, suggesting that the future may require a reevaluation of how technology leadership is structured within healthcare organizations.

Show Notes

In this episode, Maria Sexton, MBA, CISSP, CRISC, CDPSE, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at University Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the growing need to expand patient access and deliver more seamless healthcare experiences. She shares insights on emerging developments shaping the industry and explains how rapid experimentation and innovation are helping organizations adapt, improve operations, and better meet the needs of patients and care teams.

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