I Don't Care

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a quiet but accelerating crisis: a widening gap between where specialists are needed and where they actually practice. In urology alone, there are roughly 1,100 open positions but only about 400 new specialists trained each year—a mismatch that’s only getting worse. As physician burnout rises and more clinicians seek autonomy and flexibility, traditional care delivery models are being pushed to their limits. The stakes aren’t abstract—they show up in delayed diagnoses, long travel distances, and communities left without access to care.So how do you deliver specialty care differently in a system that no longer fits how physicians want to work?On this episode of I Don’t Care, host Dr. Kevin Stevenson sits down with Dr. Joe Pazona, CEO of VirtuCare, to unpack a deeply personal and highly practical journey: from clinical frustration to entrepreneurial innovation. The conversation explores how one physician turned systemic gaps into scalable solutions—rethinking how specialty care can be delivered across underserved communities while improving physician quality of life.Top insights from the talk…The physician workforce shortage is no longer just a rural problem—it’s spreading into urban markets due to shifting lifestyle priorities and structural inefficiencies.“Top-of-license care” and team-based models are essential to scaling access without overburdening physicians.Entrepreneurship in medicine isn’t glamorous—it’s messy, risky, and full of failure—but it may be one of the most viable paths forward.Dr. Joe Pazona is a board-certified urologist and CEO of VirtuCare, where he develops scalable, team-based specialty care models that expand access and drive revenue for rural hospitals through hybrid care delivery. He has over a decade of clinical and leadership experience, including launching robotic surgery programs, building private practices, and pioneering telehealth-enabled service lines. As an entrepreneur, he specializes in healthcare innovation, physician workforce optimization, and aligning clinical operations with sustainable business models to address systemic gaps in specialty care.

Healthcare is being pushed to modernize faster than ever, as AI tools, virtual care, and digital patient experiences shift from innovation to expectation. Recent survey data from McKinsey & Company indicates that about half of U.S. healthcare leaders say their organizations have already put generative AI into practice, underscoring how quickly the technology is moving from experimentation to real-world use. But this acceleration comes with real tension: while AI makes it easier than ever to build software, healthcare still demands systems that are secure, scalable, and clinically reliable—raising the stakes for how these platforms are designed, developed, and deployed.So here’s the real question: In an era where AI can build healthcare platforms faster than ever, what actually separates a solution that works for the long haul from one that looks good at launch—but fails under real-world pressure?Welcome to I Don’t Care. In the latest episode, host Dr. Kevin Stevenson sits down with Princy Dhupar, Director and Global Partnerships Head at Ditstek Innovations, for a conversation grounded in experience—not theory. Drawing on years of building healthcare platforms across global teams, Dhupar pushes back on the idea that speed and automation alone can deliver results. Instead, the discussion focuses on what actually drives success—clear communication, understanding the “why” behind a product, and combining AI with human expertise to build systems that can scale and last.What you’ll learn…How to use AI without over-relying on it: Why the strongest healthcare platforms combine AI speed with human oversight—and where AI alone falls short.Why defining the problem matters more than writing code: How getting clear on the “why” early can dramatically reduce rework and set the foundation for scalable systems.What actually makes offshore development work: The communication habits, transparency, and trust-building steps that separate successful partnerships from failed ones.Princy Dhupar is Director and Global Partnerships Head at Ditstek Innovations, with over a decade of experience in sales, business development, and strategic partnerships across healthcare and technology. She specializes in driving digital transformation through SaaS solutions, AI-driven automation, and legacy modernization, helping organizations scale efficiently while reducing operational costs. Her work spans startups and enterprises globally, where she has led high-growth initiatives, built long-term client partnerships, and delivered measurable outcomes across healthcare platforms and enterprise systems.

The U.S. healthcare system is under real strain—and it’s something both patients and physicians are feeling in everyday care. In Texas, those pressures are even more visible, where rapid population growth, rural access challenges, and regulatory complexity are making it harder for patients to get timely care and for doctors to focus on medicine instead of administrative work. These challenges aren’t driven by a single issue, but by a combination of workforce gaps, growing bureaucracy, and structural inefficiencies that have been building for years.So what happens next? As policymakers, insurers, and healthcare systems compete to shape the future of care, one central question emerges: Can physicians reclaim control of patient care in an increasingly corporatized system?That’s the question at the heart of this episode of I Don’t Care. Host Dr. Kevin Stevenson sits down with Dr. Brad Holland, President of the Texas Medical Association, to unpack the organization’s top priorities for 2026. Their conversation spans workforce shortages, regulatory reform, insurance power, and the evolving role of physicians in modern medicine.What you’ll learn…How prior authorization and insurance barriers are getting worse, delaying patient care while placing an increasing administrative burden on physicians.Why physician shortages aren’t about lack of interest, but instead driven by systemic training bottlenecks that turn away qualified candidates each year.How healthcare consolidation and insurance dominance are reshaping care, pushing costs higher and weakening the core physician-patient relationship.Dr. Brad Holland is a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon with specialized expertise in voice and swallowing disorders, pediatric ENT, oncology, and facial reconstructive surgery. He currently serves as President-Elect of the Texas Medical Association and has held multiple leadership roles, including Speaker of the House for TMA and President of the Texas Association of Otolaryngology, reflecting deep influence in healthcare policy and physician advocacy. He also serves as clinical faculty at Baylor University and holds an Executive MBA, bringing both medical and leadership expertise to healthcare.

The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, with the roles of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) expanding significantly. This shift makes it crucial to understand the differences in training and competencies between these professionals and physicians. A study by the Association of American Medical Colleges highlights a projected shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033, which intensifies the need for clarity in who provides patient care.Why should patients care about who is providing their medical care?This episode of "I Don't Care," hosted by Dr. Kevin Stevenson, addresses this critical question. Kevin is joined by Dr. Purvi Parikh from Physicians for Patient Protection, a grassroots organization advocating for physician-led care. The discussion centers on the importance of transparency in medical credentials and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.Key Points of Discussion:Training Differences: Physicians undergo extensive training, including medical school and residencies, accumulating over 16,000 clinical hours. In contrast, nurse practitioners and physician assistants have significantly fewer clinical hours, often leading to variations in the quality of care.Transparency and Misleading Practices: The proliferation of white coats among different healthcare providers can confuse patients. Dr. Parikh emphasizes the importance of clear credential display and proper introductions to prevent patients from mistaking non-physicians for physicians.Legislative Gaps and Corporate Exploitation: Some states have lax regulations allowing non-physicians to perform high-risk procedures. This has led to dangerous practices and patient harm, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and better legislation.Dr. Purvi Parikh is an allergist and immunologist affiliated with Physicians for Patient Protection. She holds a medical degree and has completed extensive post-graduate training. Dr. Parikh is a dedicated advocate for physician-led care, emphasizing the importance of transparency and patient safety in healthcare practices.

The healthcare industry grapples with an overload of information, patient safety concerns, and an increasingly digital landscape. This fact makes professionals who can bridge the gaps between various healthcare disciplines a precious commodity. In fact, according to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a lot of healthcare organizations and workers believe that it is becoming a critical aspect of their operations. Enter the interface professionals, or experts who straddle the worlds of healthcare, management, and technology. How do these interface professionals navigate the complex, interconnected systems of healthcare? And what does it take to excel in multiple domains at once? The latest episode of "I Don't Care with Kevin Stevenson" aimed to answer those pressing questions with distinguished guest, Dr. Mark Schnitzer. Dr. Schnitzer is an embodiment of what an interface professional should be. On the show host Kevin Stevenson explored Dr. Schnitzer's storied career as a neurosurgeon, healthcare executive, and now a coach and consultant in healthcare quality and informatics.Some other points that Stevenson and Dr. Schnitzer’s discussion included:The transition from electrical engineering to medical school and the subsequent choice of neurosurgery as a specialization.Dr. Schnitzer’s experience in healthcare systems in different cultural settings, notably Southern California, Hawaii, and Abu Dhabi.His unique approach to healthcare informatics, quality assurance, and patient safety.Dr. Martin Schnitzer is board-certified in healthcare quality and management. He has an impressive academic background, with a B.S. and Master's in Electrical Engineering, followed by a stint at Texas A&M Med School and a neurosurgery residency at Johns Hopkins. He has served as a medical director of two large healthcare organizations and currently works as a coach and consultant.

Navigating the complexities of healthcare finance has become increasingly vital as hospitals and healthcare systems face multifaceted financial challenges. The pressure is mounting from the intricacies of managed care to the nuances of patient billing. Declining revenue and lower-than-average payment recoupment, coupled with increased expenses over the past few years due to the global pandemic, created a perfect storm, leading to a rise in hospital closures.How do healthcare professionals navigate this intricate financial maze?In the latest episode of I Don’t Care, host Kevin Stevenson sits down with Dr. Cristian Lieneck, Ph.D., a Professor at Texas State University and an expert in healthcare finance, to unravel the subject’s complexities.Key discussion points include:• The challenges of determining true healthcare costs and setting appropriate charges• The impact of pay for performance and the implications of Medicare's strategies on commercial payers• The increasing trend of managed care organizations acquiring physician practices and its implicationsAbout Dr. Cristian Lieneck:Dr. Lieneck is a professor at Texas State University and an award-winning educator and researcher. With over a decade of experience in both graduate and undergraduate programs in health administration, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his time as a practitioner in the field. Dr. Lieneck’s journey into health administration began with the army, where he served in various capacities, including running a field evacuation unit and overseeing dental clinics.

Addiction & recovery is an interlocked journey familiar to many. In recent years, the conversation surrounding addiction, mental health, and the challenges of the entertainment industry has gained significant traction. With the rise of social media and the constant spotlight on celebrities, their pressures and vulnerabilities are more visible than ever. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 58.7 million U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021. This number translates to more than one in every five adults. There are also an average annual 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S.What happens when personal tragedy, Hollywood glamour, and addiction collide?Welcome to “I Don’t Care,” hosted by Kevin Stevenson. In this episode, Kevin sits down with John Clint Mabry, an actor, real estate agent, and award-winning speaker, to delve deep into his incredible journey from growing up in San Antonio, attending Baylor University, to navigating the glitzy yet treacherous world of Hollywood.Main Points of Discussion:• John’s upbringing and his connection to Baylor University• The allure and challenges of Hollywood, including Mabry’s experiences with renowned celebrities• The tragic loss of Mabry’s brother and the silent battle with addiction and mental healthJohn Mabry is not just an actor; he's a beacon of resilience and strength. Growing up in San Antonio, John had a close-knit family and a strong connection to Baylor University, where he was deeply involved in fraternity life and sports. His journey took a turn when he ventured into Hollywood, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Adam Sandler, Bruce Willis, and Emma Stone. However, behind the glamour was a man grappling with addiction, personal loss, and the weight of expectations. Mabry’s accolades include recognition for his candid discussions about mental health, addiction & recovery.

There are many cost-related pain points in radiology, the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases using imaging technology. Healthcare costs continue to skyrocket, and the patient's role has transitioned from passive recipient to active participant. With the advent of advanced imaging technology and a shift towards personalized healthcare, radiology has become a central pillar of medical care. However, this progress comes with challenges. In 2022, 38% of Americans delayed healthcare treatment due to the high costs, a significant portion of which is imaging related. These delays can lead to detrimental outcomes for patients with potentially curable diseases.How can the pain points in radiology be alleviated, and what role does the patient play in this evolution? Are cost-saving solutions available?I Don’t Care’s Kevin Stevenson spoke with a board-certified radiologist who takes a different approach to providing cost-reduction in radiology. Dr. Cristin Dickerson, founder, and CEO of Green Imaging, addressed the pressing issues of high-cost pain points in radiology and explored how patient empowerment can transform the healthcare landscape.Stevenson and Dickerson discussed the following:• Green Imaging’s innovative model and its mission to offer affordable imaging• The opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of Green Imaging into the healthcare system• Current trends in imaging, including the contentious issue of reference-based pricingDr. Cristin Dickerson is a seasoned professional in the field of radiology. A graduate of the University of Texas, she completed her radiology residency at MD Anderson, one of the country's most respected cancer centers. After a successful stint at the Diagnostic Clinic of Houston, she became involved in the business side of medicine, an experience that led her to establish Green Imaging. Leveraging her profound understanding of the healthcare industry's pain points, Dickerson and her team at Green Imaging now work towards making healthcare more accessible and affordable for patients across the United States.

The path of many healthcare workers, such as physicians, is a long one, but filled with much celebration along the way. There are the celebrations of getting into medical school, passing the boards during medical school, graduating, landing a residency, and completing a residency. But the path to becoming a healthcare hero is also emotionally daunting, with exposure to extreme human suffering, long hours, frustrations with insurance, and physical demands contributing to emotional fatigue.So, what are some ways healthcare workers can keep their emotional bank full and help fill the emotional banks of those they work with?On this episode of I Don’t Care host Kevin Stevenson, is joined by Quint Studer, Co-Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group, Founder of Studer Community Institute, and author of The Calling: Why Healthcare is So Special, to talk about the uniqueness of the healthcare industry, how emotional health differs in healthcare workers compared to workers in other industries, and how burnout issues can be addressed.Healthcare is one industry where there are severe issues with emotional burnout. Surveys of more than 20,000 U.S. physicians showed almost a 50 percent burnout rate over a three-year period.Studer connected this to the origins of his book. “I think employees, leaders, any organization in healthcare, we start with a pretty full emotional bank account...but I think unfortunately, in healthcare, if we don’t replenish it all the time, there’s so many more withdrawals than deposits. So, the book was really meant about how do we replenish ourselves, and then if we replenish ourselves, how do we replenish others?”Stevenson and Studer also discuss...The inspiration for Studer’s publicationEmployee engagement and how healthcare workplaces can tackle issues that contribute to burnoutThe importance of belonging in healthcareStuder stated, “I think in healthcare, we’ve got to narrow that scope of what we’re asking managers to do right now because of the experience level. And maybe, someday, we can go back to a lot of stuff. But today, we call it ‘less equals always.’ And we do something always, we get the consistency.”Quint Studer is an experienced founder who has worked in professional training and coaching. He is Co-Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group, Founder of Studer Community Institute, and Owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Studer is also author of The Calling: Why Healthcare is So Special. Some of Studer’s past positions include CEO of Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago and Senior Vice President of Business Development of Mercy Hospital in Wisconsin. Studer has a B.S. in Special Education and Teaching and an MS in Education, both from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Host Kevin Stevenson of the “I Don't Care” podcast talked with Stuart Archer, the CEO of Oceans Healthcare, a behavioral health service provider, about the growth and challenges of behavioral health in hospitals. Currently, the healthcare system is buzzing in behavioral health but there are still some improvements to be made.Even with many advancements and changes in attitudes regarding behavioral health, there’s quite a lot of work to be done in the area, and COVID-19 has coincidentally had some footing in that, said Archer.“Behavioral health is really in many ways still in the shadows of healthcare in general, and the funding decisions we make, and even in some of the decisions we make in our community,” said Archer. “I think if COVID has done one thing, is given us that common thing —  anxiety, stress, all those things that become something that we can all relate to during COVID and maybe in our own ways relate better to behavioral health patients in our communities.”Archer did not originally start out as a professional in behavioral health, and worked his way up by immersing himself within the field. Today, he leads Oceans Healthcare and their mission in partnering with various organizations to bring their inpatient and outpatient services to different communities.But the journey there was an eye-opening one for Archer, who stated that he remained shocked at the disparities that healthcare facilities have in behavioral health. While his company has worked to close those gaps, he acknowledged the biggest improvement in behavioral health was the elimination of state-run psychiatric hospitals and the deinstitutionalization of patients. Archer also credited medical evolution and open-minded attitudes for the huge change.However, the fact remains that most American healthcare facilities are not able to take on the needs of patients who have behavioral health concerns. He contends that mental health is an area that continues to see slow improvement because most facilities and hospitals were not built with the intention to serve patients with chronic health issues, such as behavioral health.In addition, every state has their own funding and budget when it comes to mental health, and for the most part, the country’s prison system continues to house the majority of the patients with behavioral health concerns.However, that tide is seeing some change as Archer pointed out that decreasing the stigmas, and working with hospitals and facilities to connect more with their communities on a more personal level, fostering some real breakthroughs.

If you’ve ever had to chase down a prior authorization before getting your medical procedure approved for coverage, you’re not alone. According to a recent white paper by the American Hospital Association, prior authorization has been found to be a barrier to care, restricting access to coverage for many patients. Paul Shorrosh, founder and CEO of AccuReg is here to change that. Shorrosh sits down with host Kevin Stevenson to talk about the importance of pushing for change and adapting prior authorization automation. According to Shorrosh, automating prior authorization helps hospitals and health systems integrate patient engagement, intake, and access to enable increased revenue. However, insurers have generally refused to automate. Instead, insurers have stayed old school, “So what they use is fax machines, phone calls, emails, and web portals,” said Shorrosh. Prior authorization not only prevents patient care but often results in unpaid bills and coverage denials, “So nothing good comes out of that process especially when a lot of those procedures could be approved by the payer in advance if it were an easier, more automated modern process,” stated Shorrosh.Given there is an existing industry standard, the 278 standard, for electronic authorization, widespread automation should not be an issue. However, Shorrosh said insurers are not being “held accountable to use it.” Shorrosh’s solution is to use a best practice approach involving five steps, in order:1. Identity and demographic validation2. Eligibility and benefit verification3. Prior authorization requirement check4. Submission management platform; submit request to payer5. Retrieving authorization and statusShorrosh said, “We’re not even asking the payers to reduce their requirements,” but pushing for change in an industry that is slow to adapt. To encourage this, Shorrosh said, “I hope that CMS and government entities will help with that, make this electronic.” Automating the prior authorization process not only improves speed of acceptance, but ultimately helps the patient.To learn more visit AccuRegsoftware.com or head to the prior authorization page.

When it comes to improving interpersonal development and character, one doesn’t often think of using art to sharpen their skills. However, attorney and art historian, Amy E. Herman, teaches clients from doctors to FBI agents how to utilize visual intelligence to better problem solve. As an entrepreneur, TED Talks speaker, cancer survivor and author, Herman explained how to strengthen these skills to enhance critical thinking and become more connected with others.Herman described a few of her processes she teaches and the theory behind why they work. For example, one process is what she calls the Four A’s: Assess the situation, Analyze the situation, Articulate your observation, and Act. She explained, “I simply use art as data to give people a new tool to really perfect those four A’s.”Since most of her clients utilize their left brain, which is the side utilized for numbers and analysis, her processes prod them to engage the right brain to see things from other viewpoints. “I think the best things and the best ideas happen on the exit ramp of your comfort zone,” Herman explained. “It refreshes your whole sense of critical thinking.”The basis behind these processes and theories is enhancing human connection. “Human to human, we make connections with people, and it enriches everything – from the service that you get to the conversations that you have – and you never know where that next business is going to come from, and it just makes our engagement that much less superficial,” Herman said.Ultimately, the theme of the episode is: “It’s not all about you.” By taking in multiple perspectives and appreciating making mistakes, Herman hopes clients and listeners will be able to problem solve more quickly and creatively.

Technology has become the true innovator in healthcare, and with great technical and medical minds, the next generation of medical devices is here. Talking about their company’s innovations, Rob Kaul, CEO, and Dr. Sonny Kohli, Chief Medical Officer, of Cloud DX, joined I Don’t Care. 

Pazona now practices in Nashville, but before that, he was in rural areas in Washington and Alabama, seeing many challenges. “These were lovely places, but it was difficult to practice cutting-edge medicine in a community that struggles to attract growth and new industries because that has a downstream effect on hospitals,” he said.Access to specialty medical care is difficult in such parts of the country. Urologists are even harder to find. He explained, “By 2025, we’ll have a shortage of 7000-9000 urologists. We’re only training about 300 a year and don’t have the supply to meet the demand because of fewer slots in residency programs. Telemedicine is a way to bridge that gap.”Many might think urology wouldn’t work in a virtual care environment. Pazona disagrees. “There are very few times I need to touch the patient physically. A urologist’s greatest asset is their wisdom in an area of medicine where many lack proper education.”Realizing that consumers are battling a broken system with confusion in referrals, insurance, and other barriers, Pazona started VirtuCare. No referral or insurance is required to have a telemedicine visit with a physician.“The platform is consumer-based and has cost transparency. I take patients as far as telemed will go. If they need hands-on, I refer them to a urologist in their area,” Pazona said.As for the future, Pazona believes that telemedicine should continue to be a solution beyond the pandemic. “There is a silver lining because it sparked innovation and forces people to take control of their healthcare decisions,” he added.

While there have been many downsides to the unexpected changes we all needed to make in 2020, there were also improvements made to how we work and live. The upsurge in telemedicine is an example of such progress made in the face of adversity. On the latest episode of I Don’t Care, host Kevin Stevenson spoke with Dr. Adam Saltman, Chief Medical Officer, Eko about the integration of telemedicine with digital technology and AI.Telemedicine can allow for more convenient access to care and can help keep patients and health care providers safe. That being said, there are some crucial missing components that can limit the quality of patient care. For example, physicians cannot listen to their patients’ bodies on their own via video conference. Really listening to the patient's heart, lungs, and bowel sounds through a stethoscope can typically only happen face to face. Eko closes this divide between physicians and patients with their digital stethoscopes, which transmit high fidelity sounds to remote physicians in real time as if they were at the bedside. In addition, Eko AI analysis algorithms help physicians screen for AFib and heart murmurs.According to Dr. Saltman, if they have the right technology available to them, physicians can overcome the distance based challenges of telemedicine. “When I listened to physicians say things like, ‘Well, I don't think a Zoom call is a really good physical exam,’ they're right. It's not a good physical exam,” Dr. Saltman said. However, he feels that if he can give them an EKG and therefore can give them heart sounds, lung sounds, bowel sounds, and whatever else they want to listen to, they can make telemedicine work. “Combined with that video, now they feel a lot more comfortable. They're getting a real medical evaluation. And the patients too, they feel that, wow my doctor actually listened to me even though I'm far away,” Dr. Saltman explained.Listen to Previous Episodes of MarketScale’s I Don’t Care Right Here!

While 2020 has been a year of change and challenges for many, nurses in particular have risen to the occasion and have shown up to provide support in a time when they are needed most. Their bravery, hard work, and compassion during the coronavirus pandemic is something none of us should ever take for granted. Kevin Stevenson, Host, I Don't Care had the chance to speak to Dr. Karen Wade, Author, Career Clarity for Nurses, about some of the issues hospital administrators and nurses are dealing with during the pandemic.It’s understandable that many nurses are feeling burnout after months of working on the frontlines. Dr. Ward wrote a book designed to help nurses stay on the job when many want to quit due to COVID-19 and other pressing issues related to healthcare system flaws. She explained that even before the pandemic, there was a high rate of nurses considering leaving their jobs and that number has increased from around 40% to 60% since the pandemic hit. “I think that there's going to be kind of a reckoning at the end of this. I think a lot of nurses just out of a sense of duty and devotion are hanging in there as long as they can. But at the end, I think they're going to take a breath and they're dealing with a certain amount of trauma that they are exposed to every day and they're going to need to take care of themselves,” Dr. Ward said.She explained that nurses simply don’t have time to take care of themselves in the way they need to right now and there may come a time when the dust settles that they begin to reevaluate their future. “Do I still want to do this? How do I take care of myself? It's going to be like a post trauma, post crisis experience and it'll be interesting to see how that pans out. But we're trying to put programs in place now to help to help people have options to be able to deal with those issues,” Dr. Ward noted.To continue this important conversation on the challenges nurses and healthcare workers are facing during the pandemic, check out the latest episode of I Don’t Care.

Catch up on previous episodes of I Don’t Care with Kevin Stevenson!

This week on I Don't Care, host Kevin Stevenson sits down with Rajesh Midha, Chief Strategy & Operating Officer of Bottle Rocket, to discuss how the company has personalized digital care through smart navigation to improve the patient journey.