Richard Kellner is on a mission to end polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a leading cause of kidney failure in younger people. The key is combining pre-implantation genetic testing with in vitro fertilization to prevent the disease from being passed from parent to child. The PKD Outreach Foundation, run by Richard is raising awareness so that physicians and parents-to-be know about this option. PKD Outreach is also making testing and IVF more affordable and accessible through a partnership with US Fertility and by making cash grants to families.

In addition, PKD Outreach is publicizing ways to slowing the progression in young adults with lifestyle and drugs, and supporting live kidney donation.

Richard has a compelling personal story. His late wife passed away from PKD, even after receiving a kidney donation from Richard. His adult kids have it, too.

I like the organization's mission and determination so I decided to donate. You might want to do the same.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

Explore the life and career of Brett White, CEO of Weave, an AI-powered platform designed to support small and mid-sized medical practices. Brett shares his formative experiences growing up in Northern California, working on a farm, and benefiting from his father's career as an airline pilot. These early influences instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the value of hard work and simple living, shaping his approach to leadership and innovation in healthcare.

We trace Brett's professional journey, starting from his decision to study business economics at UC Santa Barbara, leading to a career in accounting with Arthur Young, and later transitioning to Oracle. Brett's career trajectory underscores the importance of hustle and results in achieving success. He eventually moved on to become CFO for various companies, including Mindbody, before joining Weave. Brett discusses his passion for helping small business owners, particularly doctors, and the satisfaction derived from supporting their success through technology.

In our conversation, we examine the current landscape of small and mid-sized specialty medical practices and how they thrive by focusing on key metrics and efficient processes. Brett explains how technology and AI can enhance efficiency, improve revenue cycle management, and reduce staff workload, citing specific examples like AI assistants automating review responses. Additionally, we explore how modern communication and payment systems can significantly enhance patient experience, reduce no-shows, and streamline collections, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers.

Listen in as Brett White provides valuable insights and perspectives on the integration of technology in healthcare and its potential to transform patient care and business operations.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.

PatientPay and ClearGage are merging. I interviewed CEO Tom Furr to get his take. The combined offering is intended to deliver a comprehensive billing and payment platform that includes estimation and eligibility along with streamlined patient payments.

Doctors offices are generally set up to bill insurance, but patients are now responsible for a lot more of the bill. Offices that manage patient payments effectively perform much better financially and reduce friction. That's what PatientPay enables.

Patients (i.e., consumers) have become accustomed to smooth transactions through Amazon and other e-commerce and in-person experiences. So physician offices can appear archaic in comparison unless they're using something like PatientPay.

Tom was a guest on the show several years ago, and it was great to have him back to share the big progress his company has made.

Host David E. Williams is president of healthcare strategy consulting firm Health Business Group. Produced by Dafna Williams.