Interview with Dr. Mohammed Quadri: A Practical Framework for Evaluating AI in Healthcare

In this episode of The Surgical Journey, NovaNav Chief Strategy Officer Lisa Miller sits down with Dr. Mohammed Quadri, VP of Strategy for Academics, Research, and Innovation at Hackensack Meridian Health, for a practical conversation on where AI is truly delivering value in health systems today. Dr. Quadri introduces a clear framework for evaluating AI solutions through a continuity of care model, centered on information continuity, workflow continuity, and relational continuity. He shares where AI is already reducing operational burden, including ambient clinical documentation, revenue cycle automation, and the emerging opportunity in perioperative care coordination. The conversation also explores why many AI initiatives fail to scale, and what conditions must be in place for measurable results, including problem clarity, workflow redesign, data readiness, clinician buy-in, and rapid deployment. Finally, Dr. Quadri breaks down why CMS's new TEAM model is changing the stakes for perioperative performance, and why AI-enabled coordination across the full 30-day episode is becoming essential for hospitals to reduce cancellations, prevent readmissions, and improve patient experience.   EPISODE CONTENTS 0:00 NovaNav Introduction 1:00 Guest introduction: Dr Mohammed Quadri 2:50 Reducing operational burden with AI via a Transdisciplinary Model of Care: Information, Management and Relationships.  7:02 CMS TEAMS emphasis on technology 8:40 Delivering measurable operational value with AI. Workflow and behavior obstacles can outweigh technology advances. Bridging the gap with outcome-oriented use of AI and data.  14:13 Data quality and readiness. Preparedness is key.  16:50 Innovation pilots and scale deployments: Achieving operational reality via pilot-proven scale.  20:50 Balancing governance and speed of adoption, especially with the speed AI is moving.  22:58 Framing the value of AI in healthcare. "Soft costs" and compounding value.  27:50 Measuring "prevented" metrics such as Avoidable Readmissions 29:09 CMS TEAMS: Opportunities in technology and AI for 30 days post op  30:20 CMS TEAMS overview 32:00 Where AI creates value under CMS TEAMS 37:20 Discussion of AI tools 39:10 Wrap-up