Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Chris Wassall, President, Strategic Partnerships, Vantage Healthcare
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Hayley Rutger
Organization: Vantage Healthcare
Podcast Series: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Introduction to the Episode

Recorded live at Becker's third annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable, this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast features an insightful conversation between host Hayley Rutger and Chris Wassall, President of Strategic Partnerships at Vantage Healthcare. The discussion centers on the critical balance between reducing healthcare costs, improving quality of care, and advancing health equity within the U.S. healthcare system.

Guest Introduction: Chris Wassall

Chris Wassall brings over two decades of expertise in healthcare operations strategy and value-based payment models. As the head of strategy and development for Vantage Healthcare, the largest provider group of its kind in New England, Chris oversees operations across six states with approximately 220 locations and 110 mobile physicians. Vantage Healthcare specializes in delivering on-site medical care to skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, participating actively in value-based payment programs such as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).

Notable Quote:

“We’re the largest provider group of its type in New England... We operate in all six states to around 220 locations.”
— Chris Wassall (00:49)

Aligning Cost Reduction, Quality Improvement, and Health Equity

Hayley initiates the conversation by addressing the essential challenge of reducing costs while simultaneously enhancing quality of care and promoting health equity. Chris responds by highlighting the expanded opportunities in recent years for organizations like Vantage Healthcare to engage in value-based payment programs. These programs, particularly ACOs, equip Vantage Healthcare with the tools necessary to better manage and treat dual-eligible patients—those qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid.

By focusing on in-place treatment and reducing hospitalizations, Vantage Healthcare not only curtails overall care costs but also ensures that patients receive comprehensive and equitable care within their communities.

Notable Quote:

“Participating in value-based payment programs… provides us with more tools and the means to better treat those dual eligible patients in place, reduce hospitalizations.”
— Chris Wassall (01:52)

Enhancing Member Satisfaction

Shifting focus to member satisfaction, Hayley underscores its significance in today’s competitive healthcare landscape. Chris discusses Vantage Healthcare's strategic initiatives to bolster patient experiences, particularly in assisted living communities. Recognizing initial low satisfaction levels due to the need for off-site medical appointments, Vantage Healthcare launched a new service line four years prior to provide on-site care. This move significantly increased satisfaction by eliminating the inconvenience and stress associated with transferring patients for medical needs.

However, rapid growth in this service area introduced new challenges, such as increased inquiries from heavily involved family members. To address the surge in call volume and ensure timely follow-ups, Vantage Healthcare is exploring innovative methods to manage and streamline communication between patients, families, and support teams.

Notable Quote:

“We were able to create a part of our physician practice that delivered on-site care... It really increased satisfaction.”
— Chris Wassall (03:04)

Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Chris elaborates on the operational challenges that accompanied the expansion of on-site care services. The rise in family involvement led to a higher volume of inquiries directed at nurse care coordinators and support staff, highlighting the need for more efficient communication and follow-up processes. To maintain high levels of member satisfaction, Vantage Healthcare is actively seeking solutions to manage this increased demand without compromising the quality of care.

This includes leveraging technology to facilitate better management of inquiries and enhancing support systems to ensure that patient and family needs are met promptly and effectively.

Notable Quote:

“With all that call volume coming in, it really provides an opportunity for us to look at other ways to manage all that volume and do a better job to be able to really meet members needs.”
— Chris Wassall (04:04)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Hayley expressing gratitude to Chris for his invaluable insights. The discussion underscores Vantage Healthcare's commitment to balancing cost-efficiency with high-quality, equitable care, and enhancing member satisfaction through strategic innovations and responsive support systems.

Closing Remark:

“Chris, thank you so much for being with me today.”
— Hayley Rutger (04:35)

Key Takeaways

• Value-Based Payment Programs: Participation in ACOs and similar programs empowers healthcare providers to manage costs effectively while enhancing patient care quality.

• On-Site Healthcare Services: Bringing medical care directly to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities significantly improves patient and family satisfaction by reducing the need for off-site appointments.

• Managing Growth Challenges: Rapid expansion of services can lead to increased operational demands, necessitating innovative solutions to maintain high levels of member satisfaction.

• Health Equity Focus: By targeting dual-eligible patients and providing comprehensive on-site care, Vantage Healthcare advances health equity, ensuring underserved populations receive appropriate and timely medical attention.

This episode of Becker’s Healthcare Podcast provides a comprehensive look into how Vantage Healthcare is navigating the complexities of modern healthcare delivery, balancing cost management with quality and equitable care, and continuously striving to enhance member satisfaction through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.