Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Summary
Episode: Advancing Whole-Child Health and Payment Innovation at Nemours Children’s Health
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Madeline Ashley
Guest: Caswell Sams III, Executive Vice President and CFO, Nemours Children’s Health
1. Introduction
Madeline Ashley welcomes listeners to the Becker CFO and Revenue Cycle Podcast and introduces Caswell Sams III, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nemours Children’s Health. The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on advancements in whole-child health and innovative payment models within pediatric healthcare.
2. Caswell Sams III’s Background and Nemours Children’s Health Overview
Caswell Sams provides an extensive overview of his professional journey and Nemours Children's Health:
- Experience: With over 27 years in healthcare, Caswell has held CFO roles at prominent institutions such as New York City Health and Hospital Corporation, WellStar Health System, and St. Joseph's in Patterson, New Jersey.
- Nemours Reach: "Nemours is one of the top pediatric health care systems across the nation, serving patients in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and internationally" (00:25).
3. Current Healthcare Trends in Pediatrics
When discussing current trends, Caswell highlights three critical areas:
- Budget Reconciliation Bill: Focused on its impact on Medicaid funding for the pediatric population.
- NIH Research Funding: As Nemours is a research organization, monitoring NIH funding is essential.
- Tariffs: Assessing how tariffs affect organizational investments.
He emphasizes Nemours’ commitment to:
- Value-Based Care: Transitioning from volume to health outcomes.
- Preventing Childhood Chronic Illnesses: A primary focus to enhance long-term health.
- Advancing Healthcare Technologies: Incorporating AI and other innovations to improve care (02:01).
4. Navigating Legislative Changes: Impact of GOP Bill
Madeline inquires about the recently passed GOP bill. Caswell responds with a composed strategy:
- Strategic Focus: “We are not in any type of panic mode. We are staying strategically focused” (03:34).
- Advocacy and Monitoring: Actively advocating for pediatric healthcare funding while continuing investments in growth and technology.
- Steadfast Commitment: Maintaining dedication to strategic investments despite legislative uncertainties.
5. Future Excitements: Advancing Whole-Child Health
Looking ahead, Caswell shares several initiatives driving Nemours forward:
- Whole Child Health Strategy: Adopting a family-centered approach that integrates healthcare with broader well-being, emphasizing social determinants of health and payment reforms to promote optimal child health.
- Quote: “Whole child health really involves the whole person, not just separate organisms and body parts” (04:24).
- Innovative Payment Models: Launching a global budget payment model in Delaware to align financial incentives with health outcomes rather than service volume, aiming to enhance preventive care and address non-medical health drivers. This model received CMS approval in May 2025 (04:24).
6. Growth and Expansion Plans
Caswell outlines Nemours' strategic growth plans for the next 12 to 24 months:
- Delaware Valley Expansion:
- Advanced Delivery Program: New labor and delivery units, antepartum/postpartum rooms, and specialized operating rooms for fetal and maternal care.
- Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute: Expansion of cancer and blood disorder services with state-of-the-art facilities and research capabilities.
- Florida Growth:
- Orlando Campus Enhancements: Increased emergency room services, additional hospital beds, expanded orthopedic and sports medicine programs, and advanced imaging facilities.
- Access Improvement:
- New Locations and Virtual Health: Expanding physical locations like Malvern, Pennsylvania, and enhancing virtual health platforms serving over 100,000 businesses annually.
- Primary Care Investments: Strengthening primary care to ensure immediate and comprehensive access for the pediatric population (07:18).
7. Evolution of the CFO Role in Healthcare
Madeline prompts Caswell to reflect on the transformation of the CFO role:
- From Accountant to Strategic Visionary: The CFO now serves as a strategic partner, focusing not just on financials but also on growth, quality of care, and operational excellence.
- Quote: “I spent a lot of my time with our regional presidents, with our system COO as well as our president and our board of directors, explaining what the appropriate investments are, but also talking about strategy with them” (10:15).
- Collaborative Leadership: Emphasizes collaboration with clinical and operational leaders to ensure financial decisions support quality care and organizational goals.
- Quote: “My goal is to be the number one cheerleader for the clinical and operator leaders of our organization” (10:15).
- Operational Insight: Understanding the nuances behind financial numbers to provide comprehensive support and strategic guidance.
8. Conclusion
Madeline and Caswell conclude the discussion on a positive note, expressing enthusiasm for Nemours’ ongoing projects and future initiatives. Caswell reiterates the exciting developments at Nemours Children’s Health, underscoring the organization’s commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Investments: Nemours is heavily investing in expanding specialized care facilities and advanced technologies to enhance pediatric healthcare services.
- Innovative Payment Models: The introduction of a global budget model in Delaware represents a significant shift towards value-based care, emphasizing preventive measures and health outcomes.
- Whole Child Health Focus: A holistic, family-centered approach is central to Nemours’ strategy, addressing not just medical needs but also social determinants of health.
- Evolving CFO Role: The CFO is now a pivotal strategic leader, integrating financial acumen with operational and clinical insights to drive organizational growth and quality care.
Notable Quotes
- “Nemours is one of the top pediatric health care systems across the nation, serving patients in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and internationally.” (00:25)
- “Whole child health really involves the whole person, not just separate organisms and body parts.” (04:24)
- “We are not in any type of panic mode. We are staying strategically focused.” (03:34)
- “My goal is to be the number one cheerleader for the clinical and operator leaders of our organization.” (10:15)
Timestamp References
- 00:25 – Introduction and background
- 02:01 – Current healthcare trends
- 03:34 – Impact of GOP bill
- 04:24 – Whole child health and payment models
- 07:18 – Growth and expansion plans
- 10:15 – Evolution of CFO role
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the podcast episode, providing a clear understanding of Nemours Children’s Health initiatives, strategic focus areas, and the evolving role of financial leadership in healthcare.