Teladoc CFO Mala Murthy says the telemedicine industry is primed for growth due to "demographic tailwinds."
Thursday, July 25, 2019

'What's Not to Love About Being in Virtual Healthcare?'

After about seven months, Teladoc has filled their vacant CFO position by hiring Mala Murthy, former CFO of American Express' global commercial services segment. Murthy, who is making her first foray into healthcare, told me that she was drawn to the role based on growth opportunities for telemedicine. Check out my Q&A about how she plans to work with stakeholders to improve the telemedicine reimbursement model going forward.

Two weeks out: The 2019 CFO Exchange held at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin from August 7 - 9, is getting closer! 

If you're the CFO of a health system and interested in attending, follow the link here for an invitation. 

lead story
New Teladoc CFO: 'What's Not to Love About Being in Virtual Healthcare?'
Teladoc CFO Mala Murthy says the telemedicine industry is primed for growth due to "demographic tailwinds."
 
 

Q2 Healthcare Earnings Roundup

  • Centene Corp.: The St. Louis-based insurer kept its momentum going in Q2, achieving total managed care membership of 15 million.
     
  • DaVita Inc.: The Denver-based company released its preliminary Q2 earnings report as it commenced with its modified 'Dutch Auction' which will run through August 16.
     
  • Anthem Inc.: The Indianapolis-based insurer expects year-end earnings to grow on strength of IngenioRx.
analysis
Health System M&A Activity Thrives Due to Megamergers
  • Though the pace of transactions has slowed, the size of mergers has grown, according to Kaufman Hall.
     
  • The amount of announced transactions during the quarter totaled 19, down from 27 in Q1 2019 but still in line with 21 mergers announced in Q2 2018.
     
  • However, the total transacted revenue of the mergers in Q2 2019 was $11.3 billion, quadrupling the amount from this time last year and falling just short of the $12.6 billion set in Q2 2017.
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revenue cycle
4 Myths About Revenue Cycle Telecommuting
  • Increasingly, revenue cycle leaders are recognizing the need for flexible work options to save money and to recruit and retain their workforce.
     
  • Revenue Cycle Editor Alexandra Wilson Pecci writes that as revenue cycle jobs become more specialized, health systems should consider offering work-from-home options to attract and retain the best workforce.
     
  • You should also sign up for the Revenue Cycle newsletter for the latest news as well as trends from the world of revenue cycle.
analysis
Medicaid Leaders Should Improve NEMT Services, Study Urges
  • A white paper released by Leavitt Partners Wednesday offers recommendations for improving NEMT.
     
  • For CMS: update NEMT program integrity review, "facilitate collaboration on leading practices," and implement the open recommendation issued by the Government Accountability Office in 2016.
     
  • For state Medicaid leaders: position their respective systems to "detect and prevent" known fraud schemes, ensure the complaint and appeals process for beneficiaries is consistent, and consider the role of transportation network companies.
analysis
Senate Finance Committee Passes Bipartisan Drug Pricing Bill
  • The bipartisan drug pricing bill passed the committee but faces industry opposition and uncertainty in the full Senate.
     
  • The Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act, crafted by Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., passed the committee by a vote of 19 to 9.
     
  • The main components of the bill are $3,100 cap on what Medicare beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket on prescription drugs, set to take place in 2022, and a limit on prescription drug price hikes under Medicare Part D.
 
 

Must Reads
 

Final Notes

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That's all, folks.

Jack O'Brien
Finance Editor