Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Summary: Joanna Weiss, Executive Vice President and CFO at Moffitt Cancer Center

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Madeline Ashley engages in an insightful conversation with Joanna Weiss, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. With nearly two decades of experience in the healthcare finance sector, Joanna shares her extensive knowledge on financial trends, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare operations, strategic growth initiatives, and the evolving role of CFOs in the healthcare landscape.

Background: Joanna Weiss and Moffitt Cancer Center [00:00 - 02:34]

Joanna Weiss provides an overview of her professional journey and the organization she serves:

• Role and Organization: As the CFO of Moffitt Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Florida, Joanna oversees financial operations for an institution that serves approximately 30,000 new patients and handles over 600,000 patient encounters annually across multiple campuses in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

• Career Progression: Joanna has been with Moffitt for 19.5 years, starting as the Director of Internal Audit. Her tenure includes significant roles:

  • Director of Internal Audit: Focused on auditing accounts and learning the revenue cycle intricacies.
  • Vice President of Revenue Cycle: Led revenue cycle operations for nearly four years.
  • Vice President of Finance: Managed both finance and revenue cycle for five to six years.
  • Senior Vice President (SVP): Progressed through leadership ranks before her recent promotion to CFO.

“I've had a really progressive career here at Moffitt, and I feel so fortunate that I get to work here.” – Joanna Weiss [02:34]

Current Trends in Healthcare Finance [03:09 - 05:33]

Joanna identifies three primary trends she is closely monitoring:

1. Financial Stabilization Post-Pandemic:

   • The pandemic significantly impacted financial margins.
   • Recently, margins have been improving, allowing for a period of stabilization.
   • Focus is on balancing growth with maintaining and improving margins, ensuring benefits for both patients and faculty.

2. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Revenue Cycle:

   • Emphasis on utilizing AI to identify financial opportunities.
   • Moffitt currently employs extensive automation equivalent to 400 workers in its revenue cycle.
   • Exploring advanced AI applications to reduce collection costs and overall service provision costs.

3. Strategic Growth Amidst Capital Constraints:

   • Navigating growth in a capital-constrained environment.
   • Engaging in strategic planning to anticipate and adapt to changes in reimbursement models and regulatory landscapes.
   • Preparing operational teams for potential shifts that could significantly impact operations.

“It's always top of mind and trying to understand how you balance both growth and growing out of those compressed margins.” – Joanna Weiss [03:09]

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Finance [05:33 - 07:09]

Madeline delves deeper into Moffitt’s approach to selecting AI tools:

• Identification of Financial Opportunities:

  • Under the leadership of the Vice President of Revenue Cycle, Moffitt has pinpointed key areas where AI can drive financial improvements.

• Addressing Denials in Oncology Care:

  • Denials constitute a significant financial challenge.
  • Implemented an AI solution to ensure compliant and appropriate reimbursement, which has already started delivering positive returns.

• Enhancing Coding Efficiency:

  • In oncology, particularly inpatient settings involving cell and gene therapy, there is a scarcity of experienced coders.
  • AI is being used to boost coding efficiency, compliance, and accuracy, addressing recruitment challenges.

“We are extremely excited about that has already started to yield very nice returns for us.” – Joanna Weiss [07:09]

Excitements and Innovations at Moffitt Cancer Center [07:09 - 09:07]

Joanna highlights the organization’s growth initiatives and innovations:

1. Expansion of Moffitt Ambulatory Clinics (MACs):

   • Recently opened a MAC in Ruskin to meet patient demand.
   • Plans to open another MAC in Pasco County alongside a new proton center, marking Moffitt’s expansion to Florida’s west coast.

2. New Research Facilities:

   • Launching a state-of-the-art research building aimed at accelerating cancer research and fostering innovation.

3. Commercially Viable Innovations:

   • Exploring non-traditional revenue streams through innovation to enhance cash flow amidst challenging reimbursement landscapes.

“We are looking for ways to augment our overall cash flow through what you would consider maybe somewhat non-traditional revenue generators like innovation.” – Joanna Weiss [08:57]

Strategic Growth Plans for the Next 12-24 Months [09:07 - 10:08]

Joanna outlines Moffitt’s expansion strategy focused on patient-centered care:

• Geographic Expansion:

  • Establishing MACs in rapidly growing communities to provide cancer care closer to patients’ homes.

• Integration of Clinical Trials:

  • Bringing clinical trials to MACs to make participation easier and more accessible for patients.

• Investment Returns:

  • Expecting to realize returns from investments in new clinics and infrastructure within the next two years.

“We believe that the best cancer care is delivered closer to a patient's home.” – Joanna Weiss [09:07]

Evolution of the CFO Role in Healthcare [10:08 - 11:18]

Joanna discusses the transformative nature of the CFO position:

• Shift from Cost Management to Strategic Partner:

  • CFOs are moving away from being perceived as “the Mr. No” to strategic advisors.
  • Focus on guiding clinical leaders and CEOs in optimizing the allocation of finite resources.

• Strategic Planning and Future-Oriented Thinking:

  • Emphasis on scenario planning to navigate potential changes in reimbursement and regulations.
  • Driving long-term growth through informed capital investments and resource management.

• Future Outlook:

  • The role of CFOs will continue to evolve rapidly, becoming increasingly integral to strategic decision-making in healthcare organizations.

“It's really more about how do we help our clinical leaders and chief executive officers strategically think about finite resources and where best to put them.” – Joanna Weiss [10:24]

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive look into the financial strategies and forward-thinking initiatives at Moffitt Cancer Center under Joanna Weiss’s leadership. From embracing AI to enhance revenue cycles, expanding patient-centric care locations, to redefining the CFO role as a strategic partner, Joanna offers valuable insights into navigating the complex healthcare financial landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's always top of mind and trying to understand how you balance both growth and growing out of those compressed margins.” – Joanna Weiss [03:09]

• “We are extremely excited about that has already started to yield very nice returns for us.” – Joanna Weiss [07:09]

• “We believe that the best cancer care is delivered closer to a patient's home.” – Joanna Weiss [09:07]

• “It's really more about how do we help our clinical leaders and chief executive officers strategically think about finite resources and where best to put them.” – Joanna Weiss [10:24]

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Joanna Weiss during her interview on the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, providing listeners and readers with an in-depth understanding of the financial strategies shaping Moffitt Cancer Center’s growth and operations.