R. Kannan Mutharasan, MD, MBA, Medical Director of Health Network Development, Sarah Plaskett, PA, Vice President of Operations, and Kaleigh Powers, MSN, RN, Director of Operations at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
Becker’s Healthcare PodcastSummary
The landscape for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) is evolving rapidly, and the dynamics of successful operations will look remarkably different in the coming years. As complexities in case management rise, payer models change, and technology both enables new possibilities and introduces cost challenges, leaders in spine and orthopedics must adapt to stay ahead of the curve. The Becker's 23rd Annual Spine Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference, scheduled for June 11-13, is positioned as a critical platform for industry discussion, attracting over 1,000 attendees, including more than 275 physicians.
In a recent episode of the Becker's Healthcare Cardiology and Heart Surgery Podcast, Dr. Kanan Mutharasan and Sarah Plaskett from Northwestern Medicine's Bloom Cardiovascular Institute discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular care. Dr. Mutharasan highlighted the focus on using AI as a tool to enhance patient care delivery, improve access, and streamline referral processes. Their aim is to make the care journey as efficient as possible, utilizing AI to predict disease and assist in treatment pathways.
The institute has developed AI tools in-house, such as an advanced heart failure screener that evaluates patient risk and integrates this information into the electronic medical record (EMR). Plaskett explained their rigorous evaluation process for AI solutions, emphasizing the need for outcomes-based approaches and the importance of establishing a return on investment (ROI) before rolling out new tools across the network.
Their discussions also addressed common challenges faced by healthcare systems looking to implement AI, especially in terms of finding the right balance between technological feasibility and patient-centered care. Both leaders expressed confidence in their ongoing AI initiatives, although they acknowledged the importance of continuously evaluating their impact and sustainability.
As the healthcare sector continues to embrace AI, the insights shared by Northwestern Medicine's leadership offer a glimpse into how cardiovascular service lines can leverage innovation to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Show Notes
In this episode, R. Kannan Mutharasan, MD, MBA, Medical Director of Health Network Development, Sarah Plaskett, PA, Vice President of Operations, and Kaleigh Powers, MSN, RN, Director of Operations at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, join the podcast to discuss the importance of system integration in delivering coordinated cardiovascular care. They also share how AI is supporting clinical and operational teams by improving efficiency, enhancing workflows, and helping create a more connected patient experience.
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