Tech It to the Limit

Prior authorization is now a bot‑to‑bot conversation waiting to happen. The only thing missing is the interoperability standard.In this episode of Tech It to the Limit, former co-host Sarah Harper returns as the show's first guest in its bold new format, making the case for going analog in a hyper connected world. She explores how the constant presence of screens, notifications, and digital noise has quietly become a wellness problem, not just for patients, but for caregivers and designers alike. Drawing from her own life audit, her kids' tin can phone, and the growing cultural backlash against smartphones, she argues that the health tech industry must design for unplugging just as intentionally as it designs for engagement. The conversation challenges builders and clinicians to ask a harder question: is the technology we're adding actually improving lives, or just adding to the noise?Then, recorded live at HLTH in Los Angeles, Elliott sits down with Dr. Anil Jain, Chief Innovation Officer at Innovaccer, for a candid conversation on what autonomous healthcare actually looks like in practice. Drawing from his time at IBM Watson Health and years leading large scale health system transformation, Dr. Jain unpacks why AI for the sake of AI has never been the right message, how data quality remains the unglamorous prerequisite to everything, and why the EMR rollout is a cautionary tale worth revisiting. He also shares what Innovaccer is building right now, from AI powered heart failure management to prior authorization automation, and makes the case that AI orchestration is the next great interoperability challenge.Tune in to hear why the future of health technology may depend equally on knowing when to unplug and when to automate, and why both require the same thing: designing with real people at the center..In this episode:[00:00] Introduction[01:21] Welcoming back Sarah Harper[03:55] Going analog in a digital world[07:02] Analog trends in pop culture[20:00] Sponsored skit: Parent Trap AI[22:34] Introducing Dr. Anil Jain[27:57] The importance of data quality in AI[33:51] Designing empathy into AI[36:22] The vision for autonomous healthcare[43:45] Innovator's real-world solutions[47:03] The future of prior authorization[49:50] Advice for digital health founders[51:01] Episode wrap-up Resources:Tech It To The Limit PodcastWebsite Apple PodcastSarah HarperLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbethharperDr. Anil JainLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniljainmd/Innovaccer: https://innovaccer.com/Elliott WilsonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewelliottwilson

Tech It to the Limit Episode 3.11 - HLTH-Y Dose Part 2: The Future of Agentic, Ambient, and Diagnostic Artificial IntelligenceIn this second part of HLTH, Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson dive back into the cutting-edge world of AI, focusing on technology that not only acts but also listens and sees what humans can’t. The episode features three insightful conversations from HLTH this fall, proving that the future isn't just about AI, it's about AI that works for you.First, meet Jon Wang, CEO of Assort Health, who explores the frontier of agentic AI. Next, Dr. Adam Glasofer of Vertex Health brings a reality check to the flashy health tech landscape. Finally, Dr. Zachary Tan and Jeff Dunkel of Optain Health demonstrate how their AI-powered retinal exam transforms diagnostic care. In This Episode:[00:47] Welcome back: Bonus episode 2.0[02:16] Exploring agentic AI with Assort Health[06:03] Interview with Jon Wang, CEO of Assort Health[21:47] The future of ambient innovation with Vertex Health[23:12] Interview with Dr. Adam Glasofer of Vertex Health[30:33] Survival tips for health tech startups[32:43] Navigating health conferences as a founder[42:37] AI and retinal screening innovations[49:23] Scaling precision imaging in frontline care[55:00] Wrapping up and looking aheadResources:Tech It To The Limit PodcastWebsite Apple PodcastJon WangLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonxwangAssort Health - https://www.assorthealth.com/Dr. Adam GlasoferLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-glasofer-mdVertex Health - https://vertexhealthconsulting.com/Dr. Zachary TanLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharytanJeff DunkelLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-dunkel-5529aa4Sarah HarperLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbethharperElliott WilsonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewelliottwilson

In this final episode of Season 3 of Tech It to the Limit, hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson go global and get grounded with a very special guest. After sharing travel tales from Germany and the HLTH conference, Sarah and Elliott debut their new game, “Trust-O-Meter,” rating real-world health tech scandals and solutions on a scale from “hospital stairwell cell signal” to “grandma’s green bean casserole.”Then, they sit down with Dr. David Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft, for a wide-ranging, surprisingly personal conversation on everything from his pivot from academia to industry ( a VA grant pushed him out) to the future of oculomics, voice biomarkers, and responsible AI. Dr. Rhew breaks down the three layers of bias, explains why implementation is everything, and doesn’t shy away from the hard truth about AI and the future of the healthcare workforce. It’s a deep, funny, and profoundly human conversation to close out the season.The episode wraps with Wise Nugs and a final health tech haiku, leaving listeners hopeful and ready for Season 4.Key TakeawaysTrust needs humans in the loop :AI earns credibility when it supports clinical workflows, not replaces them.Bias hides in plain sight :Data, model design, and deployment all carry bias. Responsible AI means addressing all three.Implementation eats innovation for breakfast: Technology does not change healthcare; adoption and usability do.Your eyes and voice are the new vital signs :Oculomics and voice biomarkers are turning everyday signals into early detection tools.Equity must be built in, not bolted on:“Neutral AI” does not exist. Fairness and transparency have to be engineered from the start.Automation is not the enemy; stagnation is :AI will replace tasks, not purpose. The key is reskilling and redefining human work.In this episode:[00:00:13] Welcome to the season 3 finale[00:01:19] Host travel log[00:05:24] Game debut: Trust-o-meter[00:22:01] Interview: Dr. David Rhew[00:23:34] Dad jokes and Korean BBQ regrets[00:25:27] From white coat to cloud[00:30:52] Bridging the hype-reality gap[00:34:50] Oculomics: The 2-minute eye scan[00:38:02] The DMA of bias[00:45:27] The TRAIN consortium[00:48:45] Cloud consolidation and data stewardship[00:58:29] Call to action: Operationalizing trust[01:05:32] Spicy nugs: Key takeaways[01:14:09] Health tech haiku and sign-offResources:Tech It To The Limit PodcastWebsite Apple PodcastDr. David RhewLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rhew-m-d-1832764/Sarah HarperLinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbethharperElliott WilsonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewelliottwilson

In this episode of Tech it to the Limit, Dr. Rachel Harrington (NCQA) joins hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson to unpack how digital tools are reshaping healthcare—and why equity must be part of the equation. From fixing biased data to evolving HEDIS and designing with communities, it’s a sharp look at the future of human-centered, tech-powered care.Key TakeawaysStart with the right data: If we don’t ask the right questions and reflect real diversity, we’re guessing, not solving.Co-create with communities: Don’t design for people—design with them to build solutions that actually work.Go beyond broad stats: Break down the data to see what different groups really need.Tackle the root causes: Health isn’t just about doctors—it’s about housing, food, transport, and more.Act, don’t just assess: Finding problems is easy. Solving them takes real action.In this episode:[00:00:00] Welcome to Tech it to the Limit[00:01:43] Insights from the Mayo Clinic AI Summit[00:04:05] Segment spotlight – “Guess That Quality Data Acronym”: [00:11:05] Conversation with Dr. Rachel Harrington, NCQA: advancing equity through data and measurement[00:26:15] Collaborating across sectors: the importance of community-based partnerships[00:27:12] Stratification and the role of data transparency in identifying quality gaps[00:27:44] Transitioning to HEDIS: why equity must be embedded in quality measurement[00:29:15] The impact of race and ethnicity stratification in performance metrics[00:32:13] Aligning incentives across payers, providers, and systems for greater accountability[00:39:12] Designing for equity: avoiding bias in digital health tools through inclusive development[00:42:57] A call to action: how digital health leaders can make equity core to their strategy[00:46:02] Final reflections and key insightsOur GuestDr. Rachel Harrington is the Assistant Vice President of Health Equity at the NCQA, where she leads the Equity and HEDIS initiative. With a Ph.D. in pharmacy systems and a background in regulatory science, health economics, and public policy, Rachel has a wealth of experience in healthcare data, quality improvement, and social determinants of health. Her work ensures that healthcare systems deliver equitable, effective care for all communities.ResourcesDr. Rachel HarringtonNCQADr. Rachel HarringtonWe Ask Because We Care campaignTech It To The Limit PodcastWebsite Apple Podcast

In this special Pride Month episode of Tech It to the Limit, co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson dive into LGBTQ+ health equity, inclusive tech, and leading authentically in healthcare. They’re joined by Jason Bellett, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Eko Health, whose intelligent stethoscope is transforming how providers detect heart disease. Jason opens up about his journey as an openly gay founder, the intersection of innovation and equity, and the urgent need for inclusive leadership.Key TakeawaysLGBTQ+ healthcare has come a long way—but the fight for equity and access continues.Eko Health’s AI-powered stethoscope enables early heart disease detection through FDA-cleared algorithms and inclusive design.Algorithmic equity matters: representative datasets and diverse health partners are key to reducing bias.Authentic leadership in healthcare requires visibility and courage, especially in today’s climate.In the face of policy rollbacks, private sector leaders must step up to build inclusive tech and equitable systems.In this episode:[00:00:00] Pride Month kickoff + queer health visibility[00:01:25] “Holz Check” LGBTQ+ healthcare rights timeline[00:08:27] 10+ health tech companies advancing queer care[00:12:28] Interview with Jason Bellett[00:15:30] What is an intelligent stethoscope?[00:20:15] Equity in AI + reducing algorithmic bias[00:25:35] Eko’s role in smart hospitals and virtual care[00:27:46] What Jason wishes he knew 10 years ago[00:31:05] Leading authentically as a gay founder[00:34:14] Advice for LGBTQ+ health tech professionals[00:38:45] Call to action for DEI in healthcare[00:42:22] Spicy Nuggets: Buzzwords, pride, and cootiesResources and LinksJason BellettLinkedIn Eko HealthPride Month SpotlightsFolks Health Plume HealthQueerDocOutCare HealthHoward Brown HealthMazzoni CenterFenway Health Euphoria AppsMyLabBoxFor ThemEquality MD

In this first-ever video episode of Tech It to the Limit, co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson welcome special guests Leo Chen, U.S. lead at Engineered Arts, and Ameca, one of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots.Together, they dive into how humanoid robots might augment care delivery, bring joy to elder communities, and redefine digital companionship. The conversation blends deep tech insights with punchy humor, live impressions, and even a robotic roast.From rethinking patient intake to the ethics of AI in medicine, this episode explores the frontier of human-machine collaboration in healthcare with some unforgettable voice cloning and dance moves from Ameca along the way.If you’re a healthcare innovator, technologist, or just curious about where robots fit into your hospital system (or podcast), this is one not to miss.Key TakeawaysHow humanoid robots like Ameca can support—but not replace—human healthcare workersThe role of facial expressions and physical presence in building trust with patientsWhy latency matters more than perfect accuracy in real-time robot interactionsHow Engineered Arts uses “personality prompting” instead of separate AI modelsThe potential of humanoids in elder care, education, and medical simulationWhy training LLMs locally is crucial to responsible healthcare AI adoptionThe sticky ethics of decision-making, bias, and liability in AI-driven care“Digital diplomats,” not bouncers—how robots can help de-escalate tense clinical momentsBehind the scenes of Ameca’s voice cloning, personality shifts, and dance demoWhy “bringing joy” is a valid mission statement for human-centric roboticsIn this episode:[00:00:00] First video episode – why Ameca had to be on camera[00:02:27] Sarah & Elliott’s favorite “tweezer nuggets” from the interview[00:05:04] Meet Leo Chen and Ameca, the humanoid robot[00:08:22] Ameca’s dad joke debut and bedside ambitions[00:09:06] How humanoids can support eldercare, simulation, and intake[00:11:33] The power of facial expressions in human-robot connection[00:15:40] Where automation ends and empathy begins[00:18:36] Ameca’s multilingual skills and patient-facing roles[00:21:00] Under the hood: prompting LLMs and voice cloning[00:25:00] Bias, liability, and the ethics of decision-making[00:30:05] Emotional intelligence: simulated or sincere?[00:34:57] Why Ameca is a “digital diplomat,” not a robot bouncer[00:38:00] Funding and scaling humanoids in healthcare[00:41:06] Elliott gets roasted—and secretly loves it[00:43:00] What keeps Leo up at night about robotics[00:46:08] Final thoughts: accountability, humanity, and being excellentNotable quotes:[03:31 - 03:58] “Ethical balancing acts? That’s a human specialty… I leave the life or death calls to the flesh and blood experts.”– Ameca[33:10 - 33:20] “We’re never going to claim Ameca is sentient. This is all meant to engage people—not pretend it has a soul.” – Leo Chen[46:08 - 46:24] “It’s important to remember the humans. I hope we can be excellent to one another.” – Leo Chen

In this Season 3 opener, your favorite tech wonks are joined by two healthcare IT legends and the ultimate power couple: Cris Ross and Ed Marx. Elliott and Sarah delve deep into Cris and Ed’s new book, Diagnosed, which explores the multiplicity of being a CIO and a cancer patient attempting to navigate the very systems these executives helped fashion. Talk about a mind-bending, Janus-faced odyssey, which we are happy to report has a happier ending than most Roman and Greek myths.Amazon.com: Diagnosed: An Insider's Guide for Your Healthcare Journey eBook : Ross, Cris, Marx, Ed: Kindle StoreOriginal music by: Evan O’Donovan

Elliott and Sarah welcome their first non-human guest, ChatGPT (that’s “Cat, I Farted!” for all you francophiles. Tune in to find out of what drives the world’s most talked-about LLM up the wall in when it comes digital transformation in healthcare, what secrets its hiding in its own medical record, what are the weirdest use cases for LLMs in healthcare, and whether GPTs are prone to imposter syndrome like their human masters (for now, at least).Nerdfighteria Wiki - Cat…I Farted.A Rural Brain Gain Migration | UMN ExtensionOriginal music by: Evan O’Donovan

Ready to soar into the future of nursing? Virtual nursing superhero Dr. Bonnie Clipper joins Elliott and Sarah for a deep dive into the evolution of digital care and the groundbreaking innovations that are transforming healthcare as we know it. From AI-driven nursing workflows to the rise of tech-savvy RNs, Dr. Clipper spills the secrets on how virtual nursing is changing the game. Plus! Who will win the battle of HealthCharade!? Will Elliott finally claim victory and head to Vegas? Tune in to find out!The Innovation Road Map: A Guide for Nurse Leaders - Innovation AdvantageVirtual Nursing Academy HomeThe 8-Step Process for Leading Change | Dr. John Kotter (kotterinc.com)Original music by: Evan O’DonovanOther music by: SoulProudMusic and PaulYudin

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no wait, it’s a Ferrari! Join your favorite health tech wonks, Elliott Wilson and Sarah Harper, with special guest, Dr. Anjali Bhagra, Medical Director of the Enterprise Automation Hub at Mayo Clinic, as they build an automation roadmap fit for a Ferrari but intended for healthcare. Plus! Take a trip back in time for some retro action transformative tech trivia. Who will win the world’s largest pot of Folgers strained through unicorn hairs and garnished with rainbows? Tune in to find out.Original music by: Evan O’DonovanAdditional music by: RomanSenykMusic and walkinmusic from Pixabay.com

Boomer vs. Millennial. Gen X vs. Gen Z. Gen Alpha vs. the AI bot it just programmed…It’s every generation for themselves in an all-new episode of your favorite humorous health tech podcast! Join Elliott Wilson and Sarah Harper as they unpack the generational baggage of healthcare technology and discuss everything from digital natives to digital bystanders. This episode kicks the ageism out of health tech and is sure to have you and your relatives singing “Kumbaya” around the VR campfire.Age Differences in the Use of Health Information Technology Among Adults in the United States: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey - PubMed (nih.gov)Inter-generational Effects of Technology: Why Millennial Physicians May Be Less at Risk for Burnout Than Baby Boomers - PMC (nih.gov) Older adults can use technology: why healthcare professionals must overcome ageism in digital health - PMC (nih.gov)How Gen Z are reshaping the healthcare industry | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

Strap on your virtual stilettos, don your VR goggles, and teleport your way to the fabulous world of #GlamTech! Sarah and Elliott are your guides through the dazzling #healthtech catwalk, bringing you witty and wise insights into the latest digital health innovation trends. Plus, brace yourself for the cosmic sagacity of Ed Marx, CEO of Marx Advisory, who's here to offer #protips on how you can navigate - and dress - your way out of any digital dilemma. Tech It to the Limit, or risk being unfashionably outdated!Original music by: Evan O’Donovan

In the latest installment of your favorite podcast, Elliott and Sarah host Justin Ayars, CEO and Founder of EqualityMD+. Discover how this innovative startup is using technology to transform the healthcare experiences for queer individuals and bridging the gap between underserved patients and care practitioners eager to provide more equitable, inclusive care. Plus, Elliott spills the beans about his recent Vegas escapade (aka HLTH 2023), and Sarah and Elliott resurrect a fan-favorite segment in a thrilling showdown of Techpocalypse Now 2.0. Tech It to the Limit!Original music by: Evan O’DonovanAdditional music by: SoulProdMusic and Ivymusic from Pixabay