Becker's CFO + Revenue Cycle Podcast

In this episode, Sham Firdausi, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the County of Santa Clara Health System, joins the podcast to discuss balancing financial stability with innovation in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. He shares a three-pronged approach to sustainable growth and outlines revenue strategies aimed at supporting long-term operational and financial success.

In this episode, Todd Conklin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Care New England Health System, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is transforming healthcare operations and decision-making. He shares perspectives on the shift toward more continuous, convenient, and accessible care for patients, along with the financial and operational challenges tied to an aging population and the growing demand for elderly care services.

In this episode, Heather Dunn, MBA, FHFMA, CHFP, EHRC, CRCR, Senior Vice President, Revenue Cycle at Novant Health, shares how her team is redesigning the revenue cycle with a focus on technology, efficiency, and team engagement. She also discusses key trends including price transparency, capacity challenges, and the growing role of AI like voice technology in improving patient access and financial experience.

In this episode, Kellan Tittle, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, People Incorporated Mental Health Services, discusses the shift from access to outcomes, workforce challenges, and how AI is improving documentation and efficiency. He also shares how integrated care models and disciplined growth strategies are shaping the future of nonprofit mental health services.

In this episode, Aaron Lewis, President and CFO, Lifepoint Health, shares how the organization is scaling through acquisitions, navigating financial and payer pressures, and leading transformational change to strengthen operations and expand care in underserved communities.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand.

In this episode, Perry Sham, Chief Financial Officer at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss managing rising healthcare costs and identifying opportunities for growth through joint ventures and strategic partnerships. He also shares his perspective on what defines an effective CFO in today’s evolving healthcare landscape, from financial stewardship to strategic leadership.

In this episode, Todd Roberts, CFO, Cheshire Medical Center, shares how he is tackling 340B challenges, driving operational excellence, and strengthening financial resilience through system collaboration. He also discusses evolving CFO leadership, workforce pressures, and the shift toward value-based care models.

Robert Chestnut, SVP, CFO, LMH Health, shares how his organization is addressing workforce shortages, strengthening culture, and leveraging technology to improve operations and revenue cycle performance. He also discusses the importance of strategic prioritization, regional collaboration, and leadership alignment in driving long term financial resilience.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Jenni Alvey, CFO, IU Health, discusses how her team is navigating margin pressure, major capital investments, and policy uncertainty while staying aligned through long-range financial planning. She also shares how health systems can balance affordability, growth, and resilience in today’s evolving environment.

In this episode, Edward Bleacher, CFO, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, shares how his team navigates financial uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and post-bankruptcy recovery while building long-term sustainability. He also discusses key trends, strategic growth priorities, and the leadership mindset needed to thrive in today’s healthcare environment.

In this episode, Shelly Soileau, CFO of Opelousas General Health System, discusses the financial realities facing rural hospitals, including transportation barriers for patients, shifting payer behavior, and workforce costs. She also shares how focusing on revenue integrity, denial management, and data driven decision making is helping stabilize margins and support smart growth.

In this episode, Sunitha Reddy, Chief Revenue Officer and Vice President of Operations, Prime Healthcare, discusses how revenue cycle strategy powers hospital turnarounds, tackles payer pressure and denials, and leverages AI to improve efficiency while supporting care access.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Ian Macdonald, CFO, Union Health, shares how his data-driven approach is guiding major transformation including a recent hospital acquisition, dual system integrations, and strategic investments in AI and technology to drive future growth.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Meeta Gandhi, Chief Operations Officer at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, shares her perspective on human-centered leadership, building trust with teams, and developing strong workplace culture. She outlines five key practices leaders can adopt to stay grounded, connected, and effective in today’s evolving healthcare environment.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Jason Hinkle, CFO, Illinois Region of Deaconess Health System, shares how empowering frontline leaders, strengthening financial partnerships, and embracing innovation are shaping sustainable performance. He also discusses the evolving role of CFOs as strategic leaders in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Adriana L. Herrera, Vice President, Finance, Jackson Health System, shares how a multidisciplinary approach reduced premium labor costs while strengthening workforce strategy. She also discusses navigating reimbursement pressures, expanding outpatient access, and aligning financial discipline with mission-driven care.

In this episode, Kevin Isaacs, President and Founder of Tribunus Health, discusses why payer contracting is often neglected and how CFOs can treat contracts as strategic financial assets rather than static agreements. He shares practical strategies for improving reimbursement, strengthening negotiation discipline, and aligning finance and revenue cycle teams to capture the full value of payer contracts.This episode is sponsored by Tribunus Health.

In this episode, Seth Pfaltzgraff, Healthcare Client Partner at Macedon Technologies, and Alex Ginsberg, CEO of Provider Resources, discuss how the No Surprises Act arbitration ecosystem has matured over five years and what stakeholders have learned about managing dispute volume and collaboration. They also explore the growing role of technology, operational discipline, and upcoming regulatory changes shaping the future of the process.This episode is sponsored by Macedon Technologies.

In this episode, Scott Hawig, Executive Vice President and CFO of BJC Health, shares how the $12 billion, 24 hospital system is strengthening access across the Midwest following its rebrand and merger with St. Luke's Health System. He discusses rising demand, aging populations, virtual care innovation, and the evolving CFO role as a strategic operator driving growth, research, and long term sustainability.

In this episode, Melinda Hancock, CFO of Sentara Health, shares how the system is uniting care delivery and health plan operations to improve patient experiences. She discusses redesigning processes, enhancing financial leadership, and leveraging technology to make care more seamless, affordable, and accessible.

In this episode, Jim Molloy, Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer of Ochsner Health, shares how fresh perspective, disciplined integration, and a focus on access and experience are shaping his 2026 strategy. He discusses navigating government reimbursement pressures, driving efficiency as smart growth, and why optimism and urgency are essential mindsets for today’s health care CFOs.

In this episode, Amy Assenmacher, RN, Senior Vice President of Revenue Cycle at Corewell Health, discusses margin pressure, payer challenges, and rising self pay trends, and shares how front end excellence, automation, analytics, and resilient leadership can transform the revenue cycle into a strategic driver of financial stability and patient experience.

In this episode, Jonathan Ma, CFO of Sutter Health, discusses navigating Medicare and Medi Cal uncertainty, investing in people and digital innovation, and pursuing strategic growth to expand access and scale the system’s nearly $20 billion mission across California and beyond.

In this episode, Sophia G. Holder, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, joins the podcast to discuss workforce optimization and the need to modernize operating models across healthcare organizations. She shares how aligning strategy, finance, and operations is essential to making growth sustainable while continuing to support high-quality pediatric care.

In this episode, Debra Jaeger, SVP and Chief Revenue Officer at Mount Sinai, shares how she is unifying fragmented revenue operations, improving cash collections and denials, and leveraging AI, predictive analytics, and workforce development to modernize the revenue cycle and enhance the patient financial experience.

In this episode, Kyle Glass, Regional Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, discusses how the academic community hospital partnership is growing oncology, neuroscience, and orthopedic services while improving patient access and navigation. He also shares perspectives on competition in a crowded market, consolidation pressures, and how AI and technology are shaping the future of access and the revenue cycle.

In this episode, Stephanie T. Wells, CPA, CPC, Senior Vice President of Revenue Cycle and HIM at Ochsner Health, shares how her team is navigating reimbursement erosion, rising denials, and complex payer behavior. She discusses priorities for 2026 including automation and AI adoption, workforce development, operational resiliency, and building a sustainable, high performing revenue cycle operation.

In this episode, Wendy Fielding, Chief Financial Officer at Dartmouth Health, joins the podcast to discuss the role of successful partnerships in driving organizational stability and growth. She shares how supporting the individual development of team members strengthens finance teams, and reflects on how the CFO role continues to evolve amid shifting financial, operational, and strategic demands in healthcare.

In this episode, Sham Firdausi, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of County of Santa Clara Health System, shares how a mission driven finance and revenue cycle strategy is helping one of the nation’s largest public health systems navigate historic funding headwinds. He discusses payer provider collaboration, responsible AI adoption, and building operationally integrated finance teams to protect access to care.

In this episode, Nick Olson, Executive Vice President and CFO of Sanford Health, shares how the integrated nonprofit system is advancing value based care, investing in rural health transformation, and pursuing smart growth through integration and partnerships. He discusses balancing financial stewardship with long term sustainability while expanding access and affordability across rural communities.

In this episode, Andy Zukowski, Chief Financial Officer at ECU Health, joins the podcast to discuss key financial trends shaping healthcare, including rising costs of care and long-term sustainability. He shares how his team maintains focus on a multi-year strategic agenda while navigating uncertainty and balancing financial discipline with the need to support high-quality patient care.

In this episode, Caswell Samms III, Executive Vice President and CFO of Nemours Children’s Health, discusses financial priorities for 2026, including purposeful growth, Medicaid reimbursement pressures, and strategic investments in maternal care and virtual health. He also shares how CFOs must lead with agility, clinical insight, and mission focus in an uncertain healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Shelly Schorer, FHFMA, MBA, California CFO at CommonSpirit Health, joins the podcast to discuss the close connection between high-quality care and strong financial performance. She shares how health systems are navigating economic pressures, shifting more care to the ambulatory setting, modernizing the revenue cycle, and adopting new technologies—while continuing to expand patient access and support sustainable growth.

In this episode, Clay Ashdown, CFO at Intermountain Health, joins the podcast to discuss navigating financial leadership during times of uncertainty. He shares how AI and emerging technologies are helping streamline processes—particularly within the revenue cycle—and reflects on how the CFO role has evolved to prioritize adaptability, innovation, and strategic resilience.

In this episode, Robert Chestnut, SVP and CFO at LMH Health, joins the podcast to discuss how health systems are preparing for market shifts heading into 2026. He shares perspectives on embracing change, addressing workforce skill shortages through internal training programs, and diversifying talent to build a more resilient and adaptable organization.

In this episode, Rebekah Le, CFO of Legacy Community Health, shares how the nation’s largest FQHC in Texas is navigating financial pressures through data centric decision making, revenue cycle optimization, and technology investments. She also discusses cybersecurity, mission driven leadership, and aligning financial strategy with community impact.

In this episode, Stephen Rinaldi, SVP and Chief Revenue Officer of UNC Health, discusses payer pressure, Medicaid and ACA uncertainty, and workforce challenges shaping health system finance. He also shares how UNC Health is leveraging AI in the revenue cycle, clinical operations, and research while planning major growth initiatives, including a new children’s hospital and expanded care access across North Carolina.

In this episode, John Mallia, Interim CFO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, discusses the key financial challenges facing health systems today, including workforce costs, payer pressures, and reimbursement uncertainty, while sharing how his organization is investing in Epic, revenue cycle partnerships, and strategic leadership to drive stability and performance.

In this episode, Byron Glasgow, MBA, Vice President of Finance at Temple University Health System, discusses rising healthcare costs, value based care challenges, and the role of AI in easing administrative burdens. He also shares how Temple Health is pursuing mission aligned growth while serving as a vital safety net for Philadelphia.

In this episode, Stephen Rinaldi, SVP and Chief Revenue Officer at UNC Health, discusses the major headwinds shaping revenue cycle today, strategies for building strong future leaders, and how UNC Health is advancing revenue integrity and operational excellence heading into 2026.

In this episode, Dennis Laraway, CFO at Cleveland Clinic shares the major trends shaping the organization’s strategy, including payment reform, cost transformation, and rapid advances in AI and technology, while highlighting how the system is driving efficiency and forging new partnerships to reimagine care.

In this episode, Adrienne Moore discusses how Banner Health is preparing for upcoming Medicaid changes, expanding workforce development, and investing in AI and digital solutions to improve care delivery. She also shares how the system is leveraging urban-rural partnerships and innovation to meet the needs of growing and evolving patient populations.

In this episode, Tom Buckley shares the biggest revenue cycle challenges facing health systems today, from payer denials to rising patient financial responsibility, and how Virtua Health is using AI, automation, and strong communication practices to stay ahead. He also reflects on evolving leadership expectations and what it takes to keep teams resilient and aligned in a rapidly changing environment.

In this episode, Aron Klein shares insights on the top revenue cycle pressures facing health systems today, including payer policies, rising denials, and regulatory uncertainty, while also discussing how Carle Health is using automation and systemwide efficiencies to strengthen performance and improve patient access.

In this episode, Patti DeWane, CFO and Treasurer of UW Health Northern Illinois, discusses key industry pressures including workforce challenges, regulatory concerns, and the rising cost of technology. She also highlights new operational opportunities, service line expansion, and UW Health’s strategy to drive growth while keeping care close to home.

In this episode, Chris Carmody, SVP and CTO of UPMC, discusses the health system's journey toward a single Epic instance, including the technological and organizational hurdles of wave one of the UPMC Bridges project. He shares lessons learned, how UPMC approaches integrating newly acquired sites, and what sets their large scale consolidation apart as they prepare for Wave Two.

On this episode, Kyle Benoit, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Bayhealth joins the podcast to discuss challenges around access and cost of care, strategies for optimizing the organization’s technology footprint, and navigating Medicaid cuts. He also shares insights on expanding and improving the ambulatory care footprint while maintaining high-quality patient outcomes.

In this episode, Erin Hodson, MSN, Vice President of Revenue Cycle at Inova Health, shares how emerging AI tools, evolving team skill sets, and new patient financial needs are reshaping denials management, operational strategy, and the overall revenue cycle experience.

In this episode, Shari Johnson, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer at Alameda Health System, discusses how the health system leverages AI, automation, and data-driven strategies to streamline revenue cycle operations while empowering staff and improving patient care. She shares insights on overcoming industry challenges, fostering employee engagement, and leading organizational change.

In this episode, Tracy Moyer, Executive Vice President and CFO of Penn State Health, discusses her financial priorities as she steps into her new role. She shares insights on workforce optimization, leveraging technology like Epic to drive efficiency, and balancing operational stability with long-term growth across expanding markets.