Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Summary

Episode: Dr. Zeeshan Tayeb, Medical Director, Pain Specialists of Cincinnati
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Grace Lynn Keller
Recording Location: 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management Conference

Introduction

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Grace Lynn Keller engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Zeeshan Tayeb, the Medical Director at Pain Specialists of Cincinnati. Recorded live at the 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management Conference, the discussion delves into current trends, workforce challenges, the evolving role of orthopedics in outpatient care, and innovative strategies shaping the future of healthcare.

Dr. Zeeshan Tayeb’s Background and Current Role

Dr. Tayeb introduces himself as a dual board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Pain Management, boasting 14 years of clinical experience. Since founding Pain Specialists of Cincinnati in 2016, Dr. Tayeb has expanded his practice into a more holistic model, incorporating initiatives such as the Laser and Regenerative Center, Region Life Surgical Center, and the research organization Iqra Ichra. He also oversees a nonprofit arm, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive patient care and community involvement. As he shares, “We have expanded out into having a nonprofit with all the other things we have going on” ([00:57]).

Industry Trends and Shifts

Navigating Payer Challenges and Administrative Burdens

Dr. Tayeb highlights the persistent challenges posed by payers, especially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes, “Costs or reimbursements continue to get cut, we also deal with increased denials and a lot more work to do for prior authorizations” ([02:12]). These factors contribute to reduced revenue and increased administrative workload, prompting practices to seek innovative solutions.

Transition to Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Care

Responding to these challenges, Dr. Tayeb emphasizes the necessity of evolving towards a multidisciplinary approach. “It forces us to basically become more multidisciplinary and what I mean by that... it's about working with people from different fields” ([02:12]). This shift involves collaboration across various specialties, including behavioral health and physical therapy, to enhance quality of care and meet regulatory standards.

Embracing Value-Based Care and Artificial Intelligence

A significant trend discussed is the move towards value-based care, which prioritizes patient outcomes over volume. Dr. Tayeb asserts, “There's a huge push now for value-based care” ([02:12]). He further explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this landscape, stating, “AI is going to sweep. It is sweeping us off of our feet... it's all going to be about data” ([02:12]). AI applications range from streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing clinical decision-making and reducing costs.

Staffing and Workforce Challenges

Hiring for Alignment and Dedication

Addressing workforce challenges, Dr. Tayeb underscores the importance of hiring individuals who are not only skilled but also aligned with the organization's mission and philosophy. “We need to start actually looking at people that actually share... the mission and the goals that you have as an organization or as a provider” ([05:38]). This approach aims to foster a committed and cohesive team, reducing turnover and enhancing job satisfaction.

Optimizing Roles and Preventing Burnout

To mitigate burnout, Dr. Tayeb discusses strategies such as role optimization and providing flexibility. “If one used correctly, those kind of things can be optimized. So it helps with the role optimization, but it also then helps with preventing burnout” ([05:38]). Additionally, offering flexible work arrangements allows staff to balance personal and professional responsibilities, contributing to overall well-being.

Leveraging Outsourcing and AI

Outsourcing specialized tasks and integrating AI technologies are pivotal in managing workforce pressures. Dr. Tayeb mentions, “Outsourcing is becoming a huge thing... working with groups that are specialized in specific areas I think is very beneficial” ([05:38]). Furthermore, AI is anticipated to play a crucial role in automating routine tasks, thereby alleviating staff workloads and enhancing operational efficiency.

Evolving Role of Orthopedics and ASCs in Outpatient Care

Shifting Volumes and Alignment with CMS Guidelines

Dr. Tayeb observes a significant shift of procedures from inpatient settings to Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). “With everything, with a lot more shifting to outpatient, that just means that there's going to be a lot more volume” ([08:40]). This transition aligns with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines focused on cost efficiencies and patient satisfaction, positioning ASCs as pivotal players in the healthcare ecosystem.

Orthopedics as Gatekeepers in Patient Care

Acknowledging that pain and orthopedic issues drive frequent patient interactions, Dr. Tayeb discusses the opportunity for orthopedics to serve as gatekeepers in the healthcare continuum. “It gives us an opportunity in this specific field to actually become the gatekeeper” ([08:40]). This role entails coordinating comprehensive care by outsourcing to behavioral health specialists and exercise therapists, ensuring holistic patient management.

Innovations and Future Initiatives

Holistic Patient Care and Integrated Services

Dr. Tayeb emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, integrating services such as lab testing for organ function and hormonal balances. “We could provide that holistic care... seeing where some of their hormonal or nutritional imbalances or deficiencies are” ([10:37]). This comprehensive evaluation enables tailored treatment plans and referrals to specialized physicians as needed.

Innovative Interventions Beyond Opioids

In response to the opioid crisis, the practice has expanded beyond traditional opioids to include alternative medications and interventional procedures. Dr. Tayeb cites, “We've actually grown our practice significantly with [pain pumps]. And we started doing microdosing” ([10:37]). These innovations aim to provide effective pain management while mitigating dependence on opioids.

Advanced Procedures and Technological Integration

The practice is advancing its repertoire of interventional procedures, including SI joint fusions, minimally invasive lumbar decompressions, and pain pumps. “Pain pumps have actually become a huge thing because it helps mitigate the opioid crisis” ([10:37]). Additionally, integrating AI and remote patient monitoring technologies enhances clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.

Optimizing Team Dynamics and Outsourcing

Recognizing the critical role of a well-optimized team, Dr. Tayeb discusses the integration of outsourced services for tasks such as chronic care management and revenue cycle operations. “Outsourcing is becoming a huge thing... handling all of our durable medical equipment” ([10:37]). This strategy enables the in-house team to focus on core clinical responsibilities, thereby improving patient care and reducing operational burdens.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Dr. Tayeb extends gratitude to partnering organizations and professional societies that support their endeavors. He also shares a personal note about his new book, Reversing Osteoarthritis, available on Amazon, inviting listeners to explore his work further ([15:15]). Grace Lynn Keller concludes the episode by reiterating the value of the insights shared by Dr. Tayeb, underscoring the dynamic and adaptive nature of modern healthcare practices.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Tayeb ([02:12]): “Costs or reimbursements continue to get cut, we also deal with increased denials and a lot more work to do for prior authorizations.”

• Dr. Tayeb ([05:38]): “We need to start actually looking at people that actually share... the mission and the goals that you have as an organization or as a provider.”

• Dr. Tayeb ([08:40]): “It gives us an opportunity in this specific field to actually become the gatekeeper.”

• Dr. Tayeb ([10:37]): “We've actually grown our practice significantly with [pain pumps]. And we started doing microdosing.”

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and innovations shaping the field of pain management and orthopedics. Dr. Zeeshan Tayeb offers valuable perspectives on adapting to industry shifts, optimizing workforce strategies, and embracing technological advancements to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.