Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Episode Summary Featuring Ira Kornbluth, President of Clearway Pain Solutions
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Introduction
In this insightful episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Grace Lynn Keller engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Ira Kornbluth, the President of Clearway Pain Solutions. Recorded live at the 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic, and Pain Management Conference, Dr. Kornbluth shares his extensive experience, insights into current healthcare trends, workforce strategies, and innovative practices shaping the future of pain management.
Guest Background and Organizational Overview
Building a Leading Pain Management Practice
Dr. Ira Kornbluth provides a detailed overview of his professional journey and the evolution of his organization. Starting his medical career after a fellowship in 2004, Dr. Kornbluth established a multi-center practice in Maryland, named Smart Pain Management. After merging with Cure Pain Management in 2017, the company transitioned to Clearway Pain Solutions under the sponsorship of Next Phase Capital.
Key Achievements:
- Expansion: "We are now in 10 states, still based out of Maryland. We're the biggest pain practice in the country now." (05:06)
- Operational Excellence: "We have a very tightly operating model, very financially secure, very financially stable, and a practice that's very compliant, poised to scale." (05:06)
- Workforce Stability: "We have 70 physicians, not one resignation so far this year." (05:06)
As President, Dr. Kornbluth is deeply involved in physician mentorship, provider recruitment, compliance oversight, and the development of ancillary programs. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining a high-performing and stable workforce.
Current Trends and Shifts in Healthcare
Embracing Technological Advancements
Dr. Kornbluth highlights the significant impact of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), on healthcare practices. AI is enhancing operational efficiencies and allowing practices to focus more on patient care.
"There's a lot of buzz around tech advancements. Specifically AI and practices are learning about AI capabilities and how [to] enhance efficiencies in practice." (03:19)
Shift to Outpatient and Surgery Centers (ASCs)
A notable trend is the migration of procedures from hospitals to Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). Dr. Kornbluth emphasizes that ASCs can deliver equal or superior quality care in a more cost-effective and patient-friendly environment.
"There's a site of service shift that we're seeing with procedures moving out of hospitals into surgery centers." (03:19)
Focus on Patient Empowerment and Reduced Opioid Use
In pain management, there's a clear move towards advanced, non-opioid procedures, aligning with efforts to mitigate the opioid crisis.
"There's a migration towards more advanced procedure offerings with a de-emphasis on opioids in pain management care." (03:19)
Navigating Staffing and Workforce Challenges
Adaptive Strategies Post-COVID
While staffing challenges have lessened since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, specific issues like nurse availability and anesthesia coverage remain. Dr. Kornbluth outlines Clearway’s proactive approaches to managing workforce stability.
"We closely monitor turnover by position and by region to determine if there are any worrisome patterns." (04:20)
Employee Engagement and Feedback
Clearway emphasizes frequent surveys and direct feedback mechanisms to understand and address employee concerns, fostering an environment where staff feel heard and valued.
"Employees want to be heard and understood, so we do frequent surveys to uncover any particular issues that otherwise might not surface." (04:20)
Reward Systems and Collaborative Culture
Implementing a reward system where peers can recognize each other’s efforts cultivates a collaborative and motivating workplace.
"Our system in place that rewards great customer service and great work effort by our employees and coworkers can reward employees, not just managers." (04:20)
Evolution of Orthopedics and ASCs in Healthcare
Increased Specialization and Collaboration
Dr. Kornbluth anticipates a future where spine, orthopedic, and pain management specialties collaborate more closely within ASCs, establishing centers of excellence. This collaboration is particularly pertinent given the aging population and the resultant demand for high-quality, specialized care.
"I envision a greater collaboration amongst ortho, pain and neurosurgery. And that is really going to emerge as the standard." (05:53)
Responding to an Aging Population
With baby boomers advancing in age and overall life expectancy increasing, the need for orthopedic and pain management services is set to rise, necessitating integrated care models.
"There's going to be greater need even for high quality orthopedic and pain management services and a demand for collaboration amongst the specialties to provide the best care for the patient." (05:53)
Innovations and Initiatives Enhancing Efficiency
Ambient Dictation Technology
One of the most promising innovations discussed is ambient dictation—a technology that allows physicians to dictate notes seamlessly without interrupting patient care. Dr. Kornbluth notes its growing acceptance and significant impact on reducing administrative burdens.
"Ambient dictation, that's really the future. [...] It is lessening their administrative burden, it's enhancing their efficiency, it's enhancing their productivity." (06:55)
Benefits of Technological Integration
The adoption of such technologies not only increases the number of patients doctors can see daily but also improves job satisfaction by minimizing after-hours administrative tasks.
"Many doctors are able to see a few more patients per day, and that few additional patients per day really increases their morale." (06:55)
Future Outlook
Dr. Kornbluth anticipates that technological advancements will continue to drive back-office efficiencies, further transforming healthcare delivery in the upcoming years.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Pain Management
Commitment to Responsible Pain Management
Clearway Pain Solutions positions itself as a key player in addressing the opioid epidemic by focusing on interventional pain management rather than chronic pain management, ensuring controlled and monitored use of opioids when necessary.
"We see pain management as a valuable resource within the healthcare system. We have positioned ourselves as part of the solution to the opioid problem and not a contributor to the problem." (07:57)
Emphasis on Monitoring and Compliance
By implementing strict monitoring and management protocols, Clearway ensures that any provision of controlled substances is handled with the utmost responsibility.
"Having the tools to make sure that if controlled substances are provided that they're being closely monitored, managed and curtailed is, you know, very important within a healthcare ecosystem." (07:57)
Conclusion
Dr. Ira Kornbluth's insights on the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast illuminate the dynamic landscape of pain management and broader healthcare trends. From embracing AI and technological innovations like ambient dictation to fostering a collaborative and stable workforce, Clearway Pain Solutions exemplifies a forward-thinking approach. Their commitment to enhancing patient care while responsibly managing opioid use underscores their role as a leader in the healthcare industry.
Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic initiatives and operational philosophies that drive success in modern pain management practices, offering valuable takeaways for healthcare professionals seeking to navigate and thrive in an evolving ecosystem.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the episode transcript provided and are used here to reference specific points discussed by Dr. Kornbluth.