Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: In-Depth Summary of Episode Featuring Brad Riley, VP of Analytics and Reporting at Longevity Health

Release Date: June 29, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Hayley Rutger engages in a compelling discussion with Brad Riley, the Vice President of Analytics and Reporting at Longevity Health. Recorded live at Becker's third annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable, this episode delves into the intricacies of balancing affordability and quality in healthcare, leveraging technology and AI, maintaining high standards of care, and empowering staff with advanced tools.

Guest Introduction: Brad Riley

Hayley Rutger [00:29]: "I am thrilled today to be joined by Brad Riley, Vice President of analytics and reporting at Longevity Health. Brad, thank you so much for joining me today."

Brad Riley [00:45]:
Brad provides an overview of his role and Longevity Health’s growth, highlighting that Longevity is the fastest-growing national ISNP (Institutions for Special Needs Plans) organization. With over 10,000 members and partnerships with more than 300 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) across 13 markets, Longevity Health is poised for further expansion. Brad emphasizes his enthusiasm for discussing the impact of technology and AI on the healthcare industry and Longevity Health specifically.

Balancing Affordability and Quality of Care

Hayley Rutger [01:37]: "How is your organization innovating to manage cost of care while maintaining or improving member outcomes?"

Brad Riley [01:51]:
Brad addresses the challenges posed by fluctuating rates and the uncertainties surrounding Medicaid. He underscores the importance of quality-based care agreements and quality-based payment agreements as foundational strategies for managing costs while enhancing care quality.

Notable Quote [02:30]:
"We have nurse practitioners and registered nurses… that really impacts avoidable admissions and readmissions. It lifts the resident's experience so they're not constantly going back and forth."

He elaborates on Longevity Health's approach of partnering exclusively with SNFs and deploying healthcare professionals to these facilities, thereby reducing inpatient costs and improving resident experiences. Brad also highlights the potential of AI and machine learning tools to optimize administrative workflows, identify waste and abuse, and enhance overall efficiency without compromising human oversight.

Best Practices and Tools for Maintaining Quality of Care

Hayley Rutger [04:34]: "What best practices or tools does your organization rely on to keep quality of care at the forefront?"

Brad Riley [04:46]:
Brad discusses the multifaceted nature of quality care, which includes clinical quality measures like HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) and the overall quality of care delivered. He emphasizes transitioning from fee-for-service models to incentivizing providers based on the quality of care they deliver.

Notable Quote [05:15]:
"When we optimize your network to focus specifically on quality care, I think that's a big next step because you can only control what you can control."

Utilizing machine learning and predictive analytics, Longevity Health assesses provider performance, focusing on metrics such as readmission rates and cost efficiency. This data-driven approach allows the organization to foster a network of high-quality providers, ensuring that member care is both effective and cost-efficient.

Aligning Cost Reduction, Quality Improvement, and Health Equity

Hayley Rutger [06:34]: "How do you approach aligning these priorities in your organization's strategic vision?"

Brad Riley [06:47]:
Brad identifies technology and tools as central to aligning cost reduction, quality improvement, and health equity. He notes the surge in generative AI and its potential applications in healthcare analytics.

Notable Quote [07:10]:
"Driving forward with technology while ensuring that there's governance and oversight is key."

Brad stresses the importance of maintaining compliance with CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) standards and embedding ethical considerations into AI implementations. He advocates for reinvesting cost savings from technological efficiencies into governance and oversight mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with AI, such as bias and ethical breaches.

Empowering Staff with Advanced Technology

Hayley Rutger [08:34]: "Is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners today?"

Brad Riley [08:40]:
Brad emphasizes the critical need for staff to become proficient with new technological tools to prevent organizational stagnation. He advocates for staff literacy in AI and machine learning, highlighting that without this, both staff and organizations risk falling behind.

Notable Quote [09:05]:
"If your staff don't become literate with the new tools that are available to them, they're going to get behind and you'll get behind."

To address this, Brad shares his initiative of creating a customized large language model chatbot tailored for managed care queries. This tool serves as a training resource, allowing staff to interact with AI in a risk-free environment and build their competencies in utilizing advanced technologies effectively.

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Brad Riley of Longevity Health articulates a strategic vision that seamlessly integrates cost management, quality care, and technological innovation. By leveraging AI and machine learning, fostering high-quality provider networks, and empowering staff with advanced tools, Longevity Health exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to transforming healthcare delivery. The conversation underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with ethical governance and continuous staff development to sustain and enhance healthcare excellence.

Hayley Rutger [10:39]: "It's going absolutely well. Thank you so much for joining me today."

Brad Riley [10:51]: "Thank you."

Key Takeaways

• Quality-Based Agreements: Transitioning to models that incentivize quality over quantity in care delivery.
• AI and Machine Learning: Leveraging these technologies to optimize administrative workflows, reduce costs, and improve care quality.
• Provider Network Optimization: Focusing on high-quality providers to enhance member outcomes and control costs.
• Staff Empowerment: Ensuring staff are trained and literate in new technologies to maintain organizational competitiveness.
• Ethical Governance: Balancing technological advancements with ethical oversight to mitigate risks associated with AI.

This summary encapsulates the enriching dialogue between Hayley Rutger and Brad Riley, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals aiming to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare management.