In this episode, we unpack the idea that innovation transcends the mere creation of new solutions. Through the lens of healthcare, and with insights from Dr. Isaac Turner, Co-founder and CTO of Curative, we delve into two key areas: how payment design can redefine user interactions, and the intricacies of diffusing groundbreaking innovations to ensure they're not only invented but also effectively adopted and utilized. While our discussions pivot around healthcare, the insights and challenges resonate across industries.
Episode Highlights
- Curative pivoted from COVID testing and vaccination programs to a vision to reshape the health insurance sector, emphasizing patient-centric care and efficiency.
- Central to Curative's approach is removing barriers to care. By eliminating copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for in-network services, and deploying non-clinical “care navigators” to assist members, they streamline the healthcare experience, encouraging patients to actively seek and manage their care.
- The distinct paradox for insurers lies is benefits like preventative care. Immediate financial returns are minimal and might even accrue to competitors due to customer turnover, while overall they are better for the patient and long term plan fiscal health.
- Obesity drugs such as Ozempic/Wegovy and advancements like cancer liquid biopsies highlight the intricacies of the diffusion of innovation in healthcare. Success hinges on aligning the interests of patients, providers, and payers, ensuring these solutions not only penetrate the market but also become accessible, adopted, and effectively utilize.
- Austin's dynamic growth, varied employment sectors, and a supportive healthcare regulatory backdrop made it Curative's prime choice as an innovation hub.
- What’s next Austin? “We want to bring better benefits to more Austinites — expanding our footprint and getting the message out so that they can have zero-dollar coverage”
What is Austin Next?
Austin's transformation into a global innovation powerhouse is at the heart of Austin Next. We explore insights into the region's evolution and the building of robust ecosystems. Additionally, we delve into the potential impact of emerging trends, technologies, and their convergence.
Austin, as our real-world case study, helps us aspire to better comprehend the true nature of innovation.