McDermott Will & Schulte Health Law Podcast

In this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director of Farragut Square Group is joined by Hope Amsterdam, Vice President at Farragut Square Group, and Jeffrey Davis, Senior Director at McDermott+ and author of Regs & Eggs, for a recap of the major CMS spring regulatory updates impacting providers across the healthcare landscape. Together, they break down key developments in hospice, skilled nursing, inpatient psych, and hospital payment policy, including FY rate updates, evolving CMS oversight priorities, and the proposed nationwide expansion of the CJR model. The conversation also explores what these rules signal about the future of value-based care, mandatory payment models, and regulatory direction heading into the next rulemaking cycle.

Employer-sponsored healthcare is quickly becoming one of the most active areas in healthcare M&A. In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Trey Marinello, Managing Director in Houlihan Lokey's Healthcare Group, and by colleague, Kate McDonald, Partner and co-chair of McDermott Will & Schulte's managed care group. The group discusses where capital is flowing across the employer health ecosystem, including TPAs, cost containment, and alternative health plans, as well as forces shaping the market, from rising pharmacy spend and GLP-1s to AI-driven underwriting and evolving distribution models. The conversation also covers valuation trends and post-deal strategies that are helping companies scale in an increasingly competitive landscape.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Dudley Baker and Luiz Greca, Managing Directors in Houlihan Lokey's Healthcare Group and co-leads of the firm's Healthcare Technology (HCIT) practice. Framed around where AI is productive, disruptive, and overhyped, the conversation explores how AI is driving efficiencies across administrative workflows, revenue cycle management, and payer operations, while also becoming a key diligence and valuation consideration in nearly every deal. The group also discusses where disruption is happening today, the importance of systems of record like EMRs, and why much of the broader AI narrative in healthcare remains overstated.

This special series of the Governing Health podcast with SullivanCotter highlights developments in physician compensation governance and offers insight to healthcare organizations navigating the complex regulatory landscape of physician compensation arrangements. In this episode, Monica Wallace, Partner at McDermott Will & Schulte, and Tom Trachtman, Principal at SullivanCotter, discuss how organizations can build mature, defensible governance frameworks in an era of heightened enforcement. They explore the "Big Three" federal laws (Physician Self-Referral Law a/k/a the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and False Claims Act) and provide guidance on dual-committee oversight, fair market value standards, and governance practices that balance compliance with strategic goals.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, unpacks McDermott Will & Schulte's HPE Miami 2026 Conference, with Scott Kremeier, Managing Director at Piper Sandler. Together, they discuss what they saw on the ground in Miami and what it means for the rest of 2026. They dive into: A noticeable shift in investor sentiment Rising pitch activity and a steady return of deals to market Renewed interest in healthcare services after a quieter stretch Why middle-market activity is leading the rebound How AI is driving efficiency From valuation resets to capital deployment pressures, the episode highlights why the market may be entering a new, more active phase.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, welcomes L.A. Galyon IV, Managing Partner, and Burk Lindsey, Managing Director, of Brentwood Capital Advisors to explore where healthcare M&A activity is gaining real traction. They dive into the sectors driving momentum, particularly behavioral health and post-acute care, and unpack why supply-demand imbalances, evolving care models, and labor dynamics are shaping investment decisions. The conversation also touches on trends in outpatient care, hybrid delivery models, and how investors are approaching growth in still-developing segments of the market.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, speaks with Martha Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder of AccendoWave, a machine learning healthcare technology company focused on objectively measuring and managing pain. They discuss how brainwave-based data can transform pain measurement, address bias in care, and create new opportunities across healthcare, from hospitals and cancer care to workers' compensation and women's health. The conversation also explores how objective pain data could impact providers, payers, and healthcare investors.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, speaks with Todd Rudsenske, Managing Director at Cain Brothers, about emerging trends shaping the behavioral health market. Behavioral health has been a major focus for investors for more than a decade, but the sector is entering a new phase. They discuss the rise of digital mental health tools, increasing provider specialization, evolving payment models, and how technology and traditional providers may converge in the next wave of behavioral health M&A.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, welcomes Hector Torres, Managing Director of DC Advisory's global healthcare team, for a conversation on the evolving healthcare M&A landscape. Drawing on more than two decades of healthcare investment banking experience, Hector shares insights into current investor sentiment, the state of deal activity, and the macro factors shaping healthcare services and related sectors. The discussion also explores how strategic buyers and private equity investors are approaching deployment, scale, and opportunity in a shifting market environment. Note: This conversation was recorded toward the end of 2025.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, sits down with Rebecca Springer, Director of Market Development at Bailey & Company, to discuss the rapid rise of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). They break down how ICHRAs work, why adoption is accelerating across employers of all sizes, and what the model means for healthcare costs, employee choice, and benefits strategy. The conversation also explores the expanding ICHRA ecosystem, including administrators, brokers, carriers, and HR platforms, and why the space is increasingly on the radar of private equity investors. Finally, Rebecca provides an update on recent policy and market developments, including ACA subsidy changes, state-level activity, and what these shifts could mean for ICHRA growth in the year ahead. This podcast was recorded and is for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that Bailey & Co. makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Bailey & Co. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent investment advice from a licensed professional in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, welcomes David W. Johnson, CEO of 4sight Health and co-author of The Coming Healthcare Revolution: 10 Forces That Will Cure America's Health Crisis. Together, they discuss the ideas behind the book and why the U.S. healthcare system is approaching a period of unprecedented change.   Johnson breaks down the major forces reshaping healthcare, from demographics and chronic disease to AI, synthetic biology, and pro-consumer reforms, and explains why the next decade may bring more disruption than the last century. The conversation explores care redesign, cost pressures on hospitals, pricing transparency, and what it will take to build a healthcare system that delivers better outcomes, lower costs, and a better patient experience.

As the Driving the Deal kicks off the new year, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Vikram Sithian, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare Financial Sponsors Coverage at Cantor. They offer a look back at the key dynamics that shaped the 2025 healthcare deal market while setting the stage for what's ahead in 2026. They discuss the most active healthcare services and HCIT subsectors, shifts in valuation multiples, real-world AI use cases, evolving financing structures, and EBITDA size dynamics. The conversation also explores what sponsors should be preparing for as monetizations and exits come back into focus in the year ahead. This episode is a must listen as the new year begins!

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by colleague and Assistant Vice President, Holly Stokes, an expert in health policy, for a deep dive into the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. In this episode, Brian and Holly break down the latest updates from CMS, highlighting how the finalized 2026 varies very little from the proposed rule, compares to previous years, and their potential impact on healthcare providers. From winners and losers under the new reimbursement structure to the future of primary care allocations and hot topics like skin substitutes and practice expense adjustments, the conversation offers clear, insightful analysis on what healthcare stakeholders need to know heading into 2026.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Sharon Lamb, Head of McDermott's UK Healthcare Practice Group. They unpack key themes from McDermott's HPE Europe 2025 and explore the event's biggest takeaways from shifting global policies on drug pricing and the boom in Chinese biotech, to AI's growing role in R&D, supply chain dynamics, and the renewed investor focus on healthcare services heading into 2026. As they look ahead to the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference in London next week, the conversation offers an insider's view on how policy, innovation, and capital are converging to redefine the future of healthcare investment.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Ben Wanamaker, Operating Partner at General Atlantic to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping the Medicaid landscape. Ben breaks down OBBBA's major provisions like work requirements, redeterminations, provider tax reductions, and cost-sharing rules and their implications for enrollment, member engagement, and provider payments.  The conversation also explores: - How value-based care remains central to Medicaid innovation. - The importance of adaptability in a highly regulated, state-driven environment. - Why innovation and data analytics are critical for staying competitive. - The deal market outlook for Medicaid-focused providers and investors amid policy uncertainty.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Cary Gibson, founder of Gibson Health Policy and longtime Washington policy expert, to unpack the latest developments shaping the pharmaceutical landscape. From the Trump administration's push to lower drug prices and the revival of "most favored nation" pricing concepts, to state-level prescription drug boards and 340B reform debates, Cary offers sharp insights on where the pressure points are and what's next for the industry.

This special series of the Governing Health podcast with SullivanCotter highlights developments in and offers support to the board's executive compensation committee in light of the many complex operational, technical, and strategic issues that the committee confronts. In this episode, Michael Peregrine, Bruce Greenblatt, Kathy Hastings, John Collins, Kerrin Slattery, and Jeff Holdvogt discuss why innovative compensation incentives are a hot topic for health systems clients and their compensation committees.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Monica Wallace, Partner at McDermott Will & Schulte and a leader of the firm's Healthcare Regulatory & Compliance practice. Monica breaks down the rise in government healthcare audits, the use of extrapolated overpayments, and how providers can prepare. Together, they discuss avoiding overproduction of documents, getting legal and billing experts involved early, and acting quickly on audit letters to protect appeal rights. The episode also covers how audit history impacts M&A deals and why compliance readiness is more important than ever.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Matt Menendez, President of White Plume Technologies, to explore how AI is reshaping mid-revenue cycle management. They dive into trends in the PPM space, the rising importance of operational efficiency, and how AI is empowering coders with "superpowers" rather than replacing them. From silent revenue failures to front-end automation, learn how AI is driving real EBITDA gains per provider and what to expect in the years ahead.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined again by Rodney Whitlock, Vice President at McDermott+ and longtime Capitol Hill health policy expert for a rapid-fire Medicaid update recorded Friday, June 27. As the Senate eyes a final vote on the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act (OBBBA), Rodney offers a real-time look at where things stood at the end of the week. They break down the Senate parliamentarian's rulings striking several Medicaid provisions, including restrictions on eligibility and changes to provider taxes, and what remains in play, such as work requirements and rural hospital protections. Brian and Rodney also explore why a recent White House memo on state-directed payments may pose an even greater challenge than the bill itself. With pre-conferencing already underway and a final Senate vote expected as soon as tonight (June 30), Rodney walks us through the procedural path ahead. So, if you're tracking the future of Medicaid funding, state flexibility, or the broader OBBB package, this episode delivers the timely insights you need.

In our final episode of our McDermott HealthEx series, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, Partner & Global Head of Health & Life Sciences at McDermott Will & Emery, welcome Robbie Allen, CEO of US Heart & Vascular, for a candid conversation on the state of physician practice management. They explore the shifting dynamics of the PPM market, what it takes to build a truly integrated and high-performing platform, and how evolving physician expectations, new tech, and regulatory pressures are shaping the future of the space.

In our third episode of our HealthEx series, live from the inaugural McDermott HealthEx conference in Nashville, TN, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, Partner & Global Head, Health & Life Sciences at McDermott Will & Emery, are joined by Gaurav Bhattacharyya, Chief Executive Officer of Geode Health, and Amanda Jester, Partner at McDermott Will & Emery. The group dives into the evolving behavioral health landscape, including consolidation trends, access and reimbursement challenges, workforce dynamics, and the future of value-based care. They also explore how AI is enhancing administrative efficiency while maintaining the importance of human connection in care delivery.

We continue our HealthEx series, live from the inaugural McDermott HealthEx conference in Nashville, TN. On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group sits down with Sarah Kitchell, Partner at McDermott Will & Emery, and Michael Zawadski, CEO of Collabrios Health, to explore trends and deal dynamics in the evolving post-acute care landscape. They discuss the resurgence of M&A activity, the impact of value-based care and Medicare Advantage, technology's growing role, and the importance of scalable, integrated networks.

Kicking off our HealthEx series, Driving the Deal is live from the inaugural McDermott HealthEx conference in Nashville, TN! Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group and Krist Werling, Partner & Global Head, Health & Life Sciences at McDermott Will & Emery are joined by Farragut's own Director or Research, Jackie Williams and Colby Catania, Senior Vice President in Houlihan Lokey's Healthcare Group. They dive into current investment trends and market dynamics in the pharmacy and durable medical equipment (DME) sectors, with a spotlight on the booming infusion therapy space. They discuss payer and reimbursement landscapes, regulatory tailwinds, the impact of inflation on DME rates, and why investor interest in healthcare services remains high. Tune in for insights on deal activity, the evolving pharmacy supply chain, and what's ahead for the rest of the year.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, sits down with Joel White, President & CEO of Horizon Government Affairs, to unpack the evolving healthcare policy landscape on Capitol Hill. With Congress already in an ambitious legislative year, they explore: The top congressional priorities shaping the policy agenda How Medicaid reform may play into the broader budget strategy What else is on the table—from PBM reform to Medicare fixes The outlook for key players like pharma and physicians seeking relief The political dynamics at play across the House, Senate, and White House Joel shares insights on what stakeholders should watch for, what ideas might actually move, and how the healthcare industry is responding. *This episode was recorded before a few key developments in the Medicaid and Medicare space, but the insights remain highly relevant to understanding the broader context and motivations behind current proposals.*

In this episode of Driving the Deal, host Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Rodney Whitlock, Vice President at McDermott+ and a longtime Capitol Hill health policy expert. Together, they unpack why Medicaid has become a political flashpoint in 2025. With the concurrent budget resolution passed earlier in April, they explore what's driving urgency in Congress, the complex dynamics between the House, Senate, and White House. They also break down the policies most likely to advance, including work requirements and targeted savings efforts, and why providers and advocates should be watching the reconciliation process closely as decisions move faster than many expect. *This episode was recorded in April 2025, just before several major Medicaid policy proposals were formally released. While some timelines have moved quickly since then, the conversation offers critical context on the political and policy forces shaping Medicaid reform this year*

In this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group and Krist Werling, Partner & Global Head, Health & Life Sciences at McDermott Will & Emery are joined by three very special guests from J.P. Morgan, Matt Wedge, Managing Director & Co-Head of Middle Market Healthcare Investment Banking; Michael Smith, Executive Director; and Trey Hanlan, Managing Director. Together, they discuss signals shaping the healthcare investment landscape, from M&A momentum to sector hot spots, and share what they're watching as we head into the 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Leadership Summit in Nashville.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Jackie Williams, Director of Research, and Hope Amsterdam, Lead Post-Acute Care Analyst, to unpack the key takeaways from our recent webinar on the 2025 outlook for Home Health, Hospice, Home Care, HME, and Home Medical Supplies. This episode covers deal volume and valuation trends, regulatory and reimbursement developments, growth and consolidation opportunities, and what's driving strategy and risk across sectors. From PDGM and Medicaid reforms to labor pressures and due diligence must-knows, this conversation offers a focused view on what investors and operators need to know heading into the year.

In this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, Partner & Global Head of Health & Life Sciences at McDermott Will & Emery, are joined by Rebecca Springer, Director of Market Development at Bailey & Company, to break down the biggest takeaways from HPE Miami. They dive into the 2025 deal outlook, key macroeconomic drivers and challenges, lender sentiment, emerging deal strategies, and what recent activity reveals about the health of the market. Tune in for expert insights on the risks and opportunities shaping healthcare private equity in the year ahead! --- The information conveyed during this interview is based on secondary market research, analysis of financial information available to or provided to Bailey & Company, and a range of interviews with industry participants. Bailey & Company has not independently verified the information provided or available to it and makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of such information. Any projected market and financial information, analyses, or conclusions expressed during this interview are based on the aforementioned information and Bailey & Company's judgment. These should not be construed as definitive forecasts or guarantees of future performance or results. The information and analysis presented do not constitute advice of any kind and are not intended for investment purposes. Neither Bailey & Company, its subsidiaries, nor their respective officers, directors, or employees accept any responsibility or liability for the use of or reliance on any information or analysis contained in this interview.  Securities are offered by and conducted through Bailey & Co. Securities, LLC, an SEC registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Bailey & Co. Securities, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bailey & Company Parent, LLC dba Bailey & Company. Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients. Testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

This special quarterly series of the Governing Health podcast with SullivanCotter highlights developments in and offers support to the board's executive compensation committee in light of the many complex operational, technical, and strategic issues that the committee confronts.   In this episode, Michael Peregrine, Tim Cotter, Bruce Greenblatt, Kathy Hastings, and Jeff Holdvogt offer recommendations for the committee to focus on in 2025, including:   Establishing appropriate incentive goals in an evolving health system Prioritizing executive succession planning/leadership development Keeping appraised of regulatory and market trends Ensuring flexibility and defensibility in committee approval processes Aligning key governance documents to fulfill committee fiduciary duties Evaluating committee reporting and coordination with other board committees Overseeing executive compensation in for-profit and not-for-profit ventures subsidiaries Considering board compensation trends in not-for-profit health systems Determining the need to evolve committee composition Addressing executive compensation scrutiny   Additional Resources: McDermott Will & Emery

We're delighted to offer the latest episode in the Governing Health: Board Dialogue series, featuring Ken Kaufman, co-founder and managing director of healthcare management consulting firm Kaufman Hall. In this episode, Ken and podcast host Michael Peregrine examine some of the most bewildering challenges facing hospital administration in recent years. Against this backdrop of rapid change, a well-informed and prepared board is more critical now than ever before.    Ken shares his insight on: Tackling current hospital operation complexities Issues that relentlessly plague hospital operations  The role of outpatient services in financially successful hospitals Managing the competitive landscape on the outskirts of hospital services Addressing the long-term issues for governing boards Board preparation for significant cuts to Medicaid Interfacing with consumers in revenue-increasing ways   Additional Resources: McDermott Will & Emery

The first episode of the new season of Driving the Deal is here! In this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group is joined by Carlos Orantes, CEO of Alcanza Clinical Research, and Erik Kistler, Managing Director of Houlihan Lokey's Healthcare Group, to dive deep into the world of clinical research sites and their growing appeal in the private equity space. They'll be providing an overview of the clinical research site landscape, covering topics such as: Insights into why private equity has targeted this sector, including key financial trends and investment benchmarks. What investors need to know before entering the market, from evaluating business models to navigating industry-specific risks. A look at the major players and the critical regulatory factors that influence valuations, capital allocation, and exit strategies. Proven strategies for successful investments in clinical research sites and predictions for the sector's future dynamics.

On this episode of Driving the Deal, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, sits down with Vikram Sithian, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare Financial Sponsors Coverage at Cantor Fitzgerald, to explore the key trends shaping the healthcare private equity landscape. They discuss the latest in healthcare services dealmaking, delve into subsector activity among sponsors, and highlight the most active areas and emerging themes. The conversation also touches on varying sponsor strategies, the new players entering the healthcare space, and the current state of the financing market.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Trey Marinello, Managing Director for Houlihan Lokey's Healthcare Group, and Chad Schulz, Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Alliant Insurance Services. Live from the Houlihan Lokey Global Healthcare Conference in New York City, they embark on a riveting conversation on the booming private equity interest in employer-sponsored healthcare (ESHC). They discuss the macro drivers attracting investors, key attributes of ESHC companies, and strategies for standing out in a crowded market. The conversation covers go-to-market approaches, including the role of insurance brokers, client segmentation, and growth tactics. Trey and Chad also explore value-creation strategies, tackling vendor fatigue, improving revenue quality, and leveraging M&A to maximize portfolio company potential.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Mark Francis, Managing Director and Global Head of the Healthcare Group at Houlihan Lokey. They discuss the state of healthcare private equity in 2024. Mark shares insights on deal activity, key market impacts, emerging opportunities, and the influence of digital healthcare. He also highlights the big challenges and trends shaping the industry. Finally, we wrap up with Mark's thoughts on what to expect for the rest of the year.  

In this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by his colleague, Sharon Lamb, Partner and head of the U.K. Healthcare Practice Group at McDermott Will & Emery. Together, they debrief the HPE Europe 2024 conference in London, covering key trends, including selective deal activity, biotech and pharma services growth, and the rise of medtech driven by AI. Sharon also highlights the challenges of navigating exits and the regulatory landscape in medtech, as well as the outlook for bioscience deals over the next two years.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by David Schuppan, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Healthcare at The Vistria Group, for the very first episode of our Fund Founders series. They set off on an insightful discussion on healthcare trends, investments, and innovation. David shares his perspective on the themes that have driven his career, the businesses he's proud of, and subsectors that have transformed the industry. Tune in as we explore where healthcare is headed, highlighting areas primed for future disruption and meaningful change.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Eugene Goldenberg, Managing Director at Edgemont Partners. Together, they explore the dynamic post-acute care sector and the latest trends in healthcare M&A. Eugene offers a deep dive into the current state of the market, highlighting key trends in personal care, hospice, and home health. Brian and Eugene discuss what's driving M&A activity, explore valuation trends, and uncover the challenges and opportunities investors face in this space. The conversation also touches on the broader healthcare M&A landscape, including the impact of regulatory changes. Finally, Eugene shares his insights and predictions for the future of post-acute care.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by his colleague, Paul Hughes, co-head of the McDermott Will & Emery's practices focusing on Supreme Court & Appellate Litigation as well as Government & Regulatory Litigation. Together, they explore the recent Loper Bright decision that ended Chevron deference. Paul breaks down the ruling, discusses its implications in the healthcare space, and considers how it might impact existing regulations. Key areas of focus include potential changes for healthcare providers, the effect on private equity investments, and what stakeholders should prepare for in this new legal landscape. Tune in to understand how this ruling could reshape healthcare and investment strategies.

Today's podcast examines whether board compensation, if appropriate, is legally feasible and whether healthcare organizations need to implement such programs in order to recruit, retain, and recognize board members. Host Michael Peregrine is joined by guest Bruce Greenblatt, Managing Director at Sullivan Carter. Together they cover a range of considerations for not-for-profit healthcare organizations on the adoption and design of a board compensation program.   Bruce believes that the board compensation programs are both beneficial and necessary, and during the conversation, he shares insights on:   Why these programs are experiencing a resurgence in examination and implementation The single greatest factor prompting this discussion Common themes of incorporating this rationale with a strong fact-base Key options for boards at the onset of the design process Compensation options that have proved effective Establishing the reasonableness of a board compensation package Addressing organizational reluctance to adopt director compensation programs   Additional Resources:   McDermott Will & Emery  

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Baxter Lee, CFO of Clearwater Security, to discuss the escalating issue of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. Baxter sheds light on recent cyber-attacks, including the Change Healthcare breach, and examines their financial, operational, and privacy impacts. He explains how Clearwater collaborates with healthcare organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture and offers insights into the future of healthcare security. Baxter also shares best practices for defending against cyber-attacks, emphasizing strategic financial planning, compliance, and regular assessments. Tune in for a riveting discussion on safeguarding healthcare against cyber threats.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Farragut's own Assistant Vice President, Holly Stokes. Holly breaks down the newly released Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) rule for 2025, discussing the PFS mechanics, key proposals, and anticipated pressures. They review the net cut to the conversion factor and its impact on stakeholders, including potential Congressional interventions and pandemic telehealth flexibilities. Additionally, the conversation highlights bright spots in primary care, gastroenterology, and behavioral health.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group is joined by Farragut's own Assistant Vice President, Holly Stokes, and Sheila Madhani, President of Madhani Healthcare Consulting, as they dive into predictions for the upcoming 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Rule. They share their insights into the rule's potential impact, as well as providing an update on congressional relief, and what this could mean for the conversion factor in 2025. This episode was recorded prior to the official release of the Physician Fee Schedule Rule, and predictions and analyses are based on preliminary information and may be subject to change following the rule's publication. 

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, McDermott Partner and co-head of the Firm's Private Equity Practice Group, are joined by L.A. Galyon IV, Managing Partner at Brentwood Capital Advisors discussing the evolving healthcare deal market, key drivers, challenges, and notable trends shaped by technological advancements. We'll also delve into Brentwood's unique strategies, recent milestones, and what sets them apart in this dynamic landscape.

On this episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, McDermott Partner and co-head of the Firm's Private Equity Practice Group, are joined by their colleague, Jiayan Chen, also Partner at McDermott Will & Emery. Together, they provide an overview of the pharma services space and, specifically, dive into clinical trial site management, a space that Krist and Jiayan have worked in extensively over the years. They share insights in investing in the space and discuss key players and key regulatory considerations.

In this episode, host Brian Fortune, senior managing director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by Farragut's own Assistant Vice President, Holly Stokes. Holly provides an update and 2024 outlook for the No Surprises Act (NSA). They discuss the carve out, as well as the status of the committee and their recommendations. Along with this update, they share their thoughts on the NSA's potential impact on the industry.

The Driving the Deal podcast is back for its fourth season! We're bringing you the latest topics impacting the healthcare private equity space. In this new episode, Brian Fortune, Senior Managing Director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, McDermott Partner and co-head of the Firm's Private Equity Practice Group, are joined by Farragut Square Group's Assistant Vice President, Holly Stokes, and Director of Research, Jackie Williams, to provide insights from the 2024 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. Together, they discuss what people are expecting this year in the deal market, providing key takeaways and sharing their thoughts on various sector themes.

 In this special episode of a multi-part series, host Brian Fortune, senior managing director at Farragut Square Group, is joined by his colleague, Devin Stone, head of data analytics at McDermott+ Consulting (M+) and former economist at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of the Actuary, where he served as co-lead for the 2016-2025 national health expenditure projections. They embark on the first ever videocast edition of Driving the Deal, which can be found on Farragut's YouTube page (link below). Together, they highlight interesting trends and offer their own thoughts on CMS's national health expenditures projections for 2022 through 2031, current healthcare spending, national health insurance coverage, and Medicare Fee-for-Service & Medicare Advantage enrollment. Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/c0QTaaOf9c4?si=39XQDR3XPZ_m843e

In this episode, host Brian Fortune, senior managing director at Farragut Square Group, and Krist Werling, McDermott partner and co-head of the Private Equity Practice Group, sit down with John Jamison, Director of Healthcare Investment Banking at Cantor Fitzgerald. Together, they discuss the macroenvironment of the allergy and ENT space, commenting on what's sparking interest in the sector and what's in store for the next year. Additionally, they take a look at the service mix and provide thoughts on investing in the space.

We're delighted to offer the latest episode in our popular series of podcast dialogues with Ken Kaufman, co-founder and managing director of healthcare management consulting firm Kaufman Hall.   In this episode, Ken and host Michael Peregrine return to the social science concept of "wicked problems"—problems that have no single, correct solution. In fact, a solution that improves one aspect of a wicked problem usually makes another aspect of the problem worse.   Ken believes that the current hospital operating environment is overwhelmed by wicked problems. During the conversation, he shares his insight on: How wicked problems impact hospital-client issues Keeping management and boards appropriately informed and engaged, including key metrics that board members must be aware of Balancing the crisis of regulation with a hospital's need to scale Addressing and debriefing the board on post-COVID-19 strategies Managing media and political attacks on hospitals   Additional Resources:   McDermott Will & Emery