Podcast
Telemedicine Talks
Hosted by Phoebe Gutierrez, Dr. Leo Damasco, Doctor Podcast Network · EN
Telemedicine isn’t the future—it’s happening now. But for physicians and startups, it’s a world filled with unanswered questions, regulatory landmines, and a steep learning curve.
Welcome to Telemedicine Talks, where we cut through the chaos and give you the real story behind digital healthcare.
Hosted by Dr. Leo Damasco, a pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor who built his career in telemedicine, and Phoebe Gutierrez, a former state regulator turned startup strategist, this podcast explores what works, what doesn’t, and what no one else is talking about.
🚀 How do you build a sustainable telemedicine career?
⚖️ What legal and compliance risks are lurking beneath the surface?
💡 How can startups and physicians work together without burning out—or blowing up?
We don’t sugarcoat. We don’t do corporate jargon. We bring you real stories, hard-earned lessons, and expert insights from the front lines of telemedicine.
If you're ready to navigate this space with confidence—whether you’re a physician looking for flexibility or a startup founder scaling your vision—this is the podcast for you.
🔹 No fluff.
🔹 No hype.
🔹 Just the raw, unfiltered truth about making telemedicine work.
Welcome to Telemedicine Talks—let's get into it.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#75 - Why Your MSO-PC Structure Might Be Illegal Now: California & Oregon CPOM Crackdown
6d ago00:36:23Tap to summarizeThis episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors to learn more. Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. __________________________________ In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Brigid Maloney, practice group leader at Lippes Matthias and their legal counsel, for a deep dive into the Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM). They explore why approximately 30 states prohibit corporations and non-physicians from practicing medicine, with California and New York being among the strictest. The conversation covers recent California developments, including a new law restricting certain transfer agreements, an Attorney General amicus brief, and a $2.3 million settlement with Aspen Health, and Oregon’s elimination of stock transfer restriction agreements. Brigid explains how these changes impact MSO/PC relationships, the importance of true physician leadership, operational compliance with Management Services Agreements (MSAs), and why “friendly physician” relationships are shifting toward more collaborative, trust-based partnerships. They also discuss best practices for updating documents, the risks of non-compliance, and why physician involvement in business decisions benefits both sides. Top 3 Takeaways: CPOM Is Alive and Enforced: California’s recent actions (new law, AG brief, and Aspen Health settlement) signal strict enforcement. MSOs must restructure relationships with their PCs, especially in California and Oregon. Stock Transfer Restriction Agreements Are Under Fire: California has curbed them, and Oregon eliminated them. Without proper compliant structures, friendly physicians gain full control of the PC, creating major risks for MSOs. Strong Physician-MSO Partnerships Matter: Transactional “signature-only” relationships are fading. Sophisticated, involved physician partners who engage in operations, protocols, and decision-making create better compliance and stronger companies. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Brigid Maloney is a practice group leader for the law practice of Lippes Matthias and serves as legal counsel to Telemedicine Talks. She specializes in healthcare law, with deep expertise in corporate practice of medicine, MSO/PC structures, regulatory compliance, and telemedicine. She is known for her practical, straightforward advice and helps clients build compliant, sustainable healthcare businesses. Connect with Brigid Maloney: Email: bmaloney@lippes.com About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#74 - What Does A Medical Board Policy Mean and Why Am I Out of Compliance?
2w ago00:18:37Tap to summarizeIn this solo Compliance Edition of Telemedicine Talks, host Phoebe Gutierrez dives into a recent Georgia Medical Board policy statement that has many providers and companies concerned. She explains what policy clarifications from medical and nursing boards actually mean, why they’re issued, and the grace period typically granted for coming into compliance. Phoebe covers the five core issues in the Georgia policy, with special focus on: Requirements and responsibilities for medical directors and supervising physicians Compensation structures between APRNs/NPs/PAs and physicians (including through third-party MSOs) Strict supervision rules, collaborative agreements, and geographic/practice requirements in Georgia Proper delegation and standing orders for IV hydration therapies She emphasizes that while Georgia is not a strict corporate practice of medicine state, it enforces rigorous oversight and supervision rules. Phoebe offers clear action steps for physicians and practices currently out of compliance and shares her perspective on what future guidance might look like. This episode is essential listening for any clinician or operator involved in supervised practices, med spas, IV hydration, or telemedicine in Georgia and similar regulatory environments. Top 3 Takeaways: Policy Statements Are Warnings, Not Immediate Punishments: Boards issue clarifications when widespread confusion or violations occur. There’s usually a grace period if you act diligently to come into compliance. Supervision Is the Real Focus: Even in non-corporate-practice states like Georgia, the board heavily scrutinizes physician-APRN/PA relationships, compensation flow, specialty alignment, chart reviews, onsite visits, and board-submitted protocols. IV Hydration Requires Real Clinical Oversight: Standing orders and patient-selected “cocktails” are under fire. Clinicians must perform good faith exams and personalize treatment based on medical necessity. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Host: Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →#73 - From Disordered Eating to Fertility Freedom: Haley Smith’s Holistic Journey
3w ago00:29:01Tap to summarizeWhat if your fertility struggles were actually the start of your empowerment? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Haley Smith joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss her journey into women’s health and fertility. A functional nutritionist and certified fertility awareness practitioner with a master’s in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, Haley founded the Holistic Fertility Clinic and hosts the Fertility Freedom Podcast. She opens up about overcoming disordered eating, limiting family beliefs around entrepreneurship, and the “insane” decision to start her own practice with no roadmap. The conversation covers the power of taking imperfect action, unwinding negative self-talk, the freedom (and challenges) of practicing in a less-regulated holistic space, and how telemedicine has allowed her to serve clients worldwide. Haley also explores her interest in expanding her clinic through a PC MSO model to bring on PAs/NPs, provide more comprehensive care (including diagnostics and prescriptions when needed), and maintain the heart-centered approach her patients love. Listeners will hear powerful success stories of women conceiving after years of struggle and gain insight into root-cause, whole-person fertility care. Top 3 Takeaways: Take Imperfect Action: You learn the most by starting before you feel ready. You can’t fail if you don’t quit consistent small steps and “winks from the universe” compound over time. Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Family narratives and internalized self-doubt are major barriers for first-generation entrepreneurs. Building self-trust and positive self-talk directly fuels business growth. The Third Door in Telemedicine: Virtual care removes traditional overhead and geographic limits. Collaborative models (like MSOs) allow holistic providers to partner with licensed clinicians for well-rounded, patient-centered care while staying compliant. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Haley Smith is a functional nutritionist, fertility awareness practitioner, and podcaster. She is the founder of the Holistic Fertility Clinic and host of the Fertility Freedom Podcast. With a master’s degree in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, Haley helps women communicate with their bodies, understand their cycles, and overcome fertility challenges through a holistic, root-cause approach. Connect with Haley Smith on: Instagram: @haleysmith.hfc New Official Clinic Page: @HolisticFertilityClinic About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Business Entrepreneurship 101: What Every PA and Healthcare Professional Should Know
4w ago00:50:58Tap to summarizeStarting a business doesn't require perfection. It requires the right mindset, a willingness to learn, and the persistence to keep going through the inevitable challenges. In this session, Phoebe shares her practical framework for launching and growing a business, from validating ideas and building systems to marketing, pricing, and creating a sustainable practice. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why clinicians need to adopt a beginner's mindset when becoming entrepreneurs • What you actually need to start a business—and what you don't • How to identify and validate business ideas • Why competition is proof that your concept has demand • The importance of building your personal brand • How to price, market, and grow your services • Why systems and workflows matter before outsourcing • How to balance attracting new customers while serving existing ones • Why persistence and community are essential for long-term success The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →#72 - Mastering Mindset: Coaching, Dreams & Luxury Cruising with Dr. Krystal Sodiatis
4w ago00:27:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss her remarkable career evolution from academic pediatrician to health plan leadership and certified life/leadership coach. Dr. Saditis reveals how her love for luxury cruising and personal growth led her to launch the Luxury Cruising podcast on the Doctors Podcast Network. The conversation dives deep into the mindset challenges many physicians face, especially negative self-talk ingrained during medical training, and how coaching helps reframe it. Dr. Saditis shares actionable advice on allowing yourself to dream, the benefits of positive inner dialogue, finding the right coach, and creating luxurious experiences even on a budget. She also highlights must-do cruises, including Antarctica and Alaska/Norwegian fjords. Top 3 Takeaways: Dreaming is Valuable: Even if you never execute on a big idea (like starting a podcast), simply allowing yourself to dream provides real psychological benefits and keeps possibilities open. Replace Negative Self-Talk with Compassion: Medical training conditions harsh inner critics. Awareness, kinder self-dialogue (like top athletes), and coaching are powerful tools to break this cycle. Coaching Benefits Every Physician: Having an external, nonjudgmental observer helps with clarity, accountability, and breaking old patterns, especially valuable for those with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a board-certified pediatrician who transitioned from academic medicine to health plan leadership in 2013. She is a certified life and leadership coach with advanced certifications in physician coaching. Her coaching practice focuses on physicians with neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. She is also the host of the Luxury Cruising podcast on the Doctors Podcast Network. Podcast: Luxury Cruising Website: https://luxurycruising.net About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →#71 - How Physicians Can Redefine Success and Reclaim Work Life Balance with Dr. Michael Hersh
May 2600:24:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Michael Hersh to discuss the challenges physicians face when transitioning careers, particularly into telemedicine. Dr. Hersh explains how the “physician personality”, marked by achievement addiction, poor boundaries, and tying self-worth to productivity often travels with doctors into new practice models, leading to the same burnout they were trying to escape. The conversation dives into the myth of work-life balance, the importance of self-awareness, identity shifts, and the power of physician coaching. Dr. Hersh shares practical insights on noticing unhelpful patterns, clarifying what you truly want, setting boundaries, and building a life where medicine is part of the “chocolate milk” rather than something to be extracted. Top 3 Takeaways: The Physician Personality Travels With You: Changing your job or switching to telemedicine won’t fix burnout if you bring the same habits, lack of boundaries, and achievement addiction with you. Work-Life Balance is a Myth: Instead of trying to separate work from life, physicians should learn how to integrate medicine into their lives while creating intentional boundaries that protect what matters most. Coaching Helps You See What You Can’t See: Doctors often can’t read the label from inside the jar. Coaching provides an outside mirror, helps uncover true desires, and supports meaningful identity shifts. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps doctors create better work-life integration, set meaningful goals, reduce overwhelm, manage stress, and feel more present at home. He is the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast, focused on helping physicians who feel stuck in their medical careers. Connect with Michael Hersh: Website: betterphysicianlife.com Podcast: Better physician life About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#70 - Why ER Doctors Are Ditching the ER for Telemedicine
May 1900:33:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Steven McDade joins Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss his transition from full-time emergency medicine to a flexible, primarily telemedicine-based career. After 13 years in the ER, Dr. McDade sought more time at his mountain home in Colorado and discovered telemedicine as the solution. He opens up about overcoming skepticism and imposter syndrome, the massive reach and positive impact of virtual care, building a diverse portfolio that includes medical directorships, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), weight loss medications, men’s/women’s health, and unique collaborations (including with a boutique gym and a breastfeeding NP). Dr. McDade highlights the lifestyle benefits, no commute, working from anywhere (including Portugal), schedule flexibility, reduced burnout, and renewed excitement for medicine, while still practicing some ER shifts. The conversation also covers the expanding opportunities in telehealth, AI’s role, and advice for physicians considering the transition. Top 3 Takeaways: Lifestyle Freedom is Real: Telemedicine eliminates commutes, allows you to live where you want (mountains, travel), block time for the gym, and even work from vacation, dramatically improving work-life balance. Bigger Reach & More Positive Impact: One physician can see thousands more patients per month in telemedicine than in the ER, shifting from reactive crisis care to preventive, wellness-focused medicine that genuinely improves lives. Build a Diverse Portfolio: Don’t be a one-trick pony. Explore medical directorships, HRT/weight loss, niche collaborations, and entrepreneurial opportunities, telemedicine lets you learn new fields and create a fulfilling, resilient career. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest: Dr. Steven McDade is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 13 years of experience. After practicing in Colorado, he transitioned to primarily telemedicine (80/20 split) to gain flexibility and spend more time in the mountains. He serves as a medical director for a telehealth company handling 911 diversions, works in men’s/women’s health, HRT, weight loss, and various clinical collaborations. Connect with Dr. Steven McDade: You can reach out to Dr. Steven McDade via the Telemedicine Talks team at info@telemedicinetalks.com About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#69 - When AI Becomes a Doctor: Regulatory Battles in Pennsylvania & Utah
May 1200:26:11Tap to summarizeIn this timely solo episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco explores the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and medical practice. Following last week’s conversation with Dr. Ashok Gupta on AI hallucinations, Leo examines two real-world cases making headlines in 2026. First, he dives into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s lawsuit against Character.ai, where an undercover investigator exposed a chatbot persona (“Emily”) that falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist, provided fake credentials, and offered therapy and medication advice. Leo also analyzes the growing tension in Utah between the Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and the Utah Medical Licensing Board over Doctronic’s autonomous AI platform for processing 30, 60, and 90 day prescription refills. Leo shares balanced commentary on the promise and dangers of AI in healthcare, the critical importance of physician involvement, regulatory gaps, and who should ultimately oversee AI-driven medical decisions. He discusses liability, patient safety, and the need for proper collaboration between innovators and medical boards. This episode is essential listening for clinicians, telemedicine practitioners, digital health entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future regulation of AI in medicine. Top 3 Takeaways: AI Must Not Impersonate Physicians: Chatbots claiming to be licensed doctors, even under a “fictional character” disclaimer, Cross a dangerous line, especially when interacting with vulnerable patients. Clear boundaries and accountability are urgently needed. Medical Boards Must Have a Seat at the Table: Regulatory sandbox experiments involving AI prescribing should involve state medical boards before launch, not after. Collaboration between innovation offices and practicing clinicians is essential for patient safety. AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement (Yet): Current AI models show promise in efficiency and standardization but still make errors at rates unacceptable for independent clinical decision-making. The safest path forward is strong physician oversight combined with transparent guardrails. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Connect with Leo Damasco: Email: leo@telemedicinetalks.com Website: https://www.telemedicinetalks.com The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →#68 -Building Trust with Safe AI: The Future of Hybrid Virtual Physical Therapy with Dr. Ashok Gupta
May 500:41:27Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a compliant, clinician-friendly, and patient-centered virtual care platform in a highly regulated field like physical therapy? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Leo Damasco welcome Dr. Ashok Gupta, founder of TheraNow. Ashok shares his evolution from treating patients at the VA and in rural America to building a hybrid tele-physical therapy platform that integrates deeply with hospital systems and EHRs like Epic. The conversation explores the realities of telehealth adoption pre and post-pandemic, the importance of hybrid (omnichannel) care models, and thoughtful AI integration. Ashok provides real-world examples of safe AI use cases including computer vision for movement tracking, context-aware ambient listening scribes, and AI-powered clinician training/feedback tools ,while stressing patient safety, avoiding hallucinations, maintaining human oversight, and building transparent, accountable systems. Listeners will gain practical insights on regulatory navigation, deep workflow integration, equity/accessibility features, and why starting with clinician and patient needs leads to better outcomes and sustainable businesses in digital health. Top 3 Takeaways: Hybrid & Omnichannel Wins: Pure virtual models often struggle in physical medicine. Success comes from hybrid care that complements in-person services, deep EHR integrations and flexible visit options that fit patient and system needs. Safe, Accountable AI First: AI should augment clinicians, not replace them. Use contextual prompts, real-time review, evidence-backed scoring, larger context windows, and human-in-the-loop workflows. Examples include ambient scribes with prior session context and AI feedback tools that show exact evidence instead of just scores. Patient & Compliance Focus Pays Off: Build for equity (interpreters, ADA), accessibility, and parity with brick-and-mortar care. Deep integrations, risk-averse design, and clinician involvement from day one help navigate regulations and create scalable, trusted platforms. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest: Dr. Ashok Gupta is the founder and CEO of TheraNow, a leading virtual physical therapy platform that has supported over 70,000 patients across the US since 2021. A former VA physical therapist, he is a passionate advocate for hybrid care models and the safe, responsible integration of AI in telemedicine. Connect with Dr Ashok Gupta on: Website: TheraNow.com LinkedIn: Dr. Ashok Gupta About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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#67 - Your License at Risk: How Zealthy Used Doctors’ Names Without Their Knowledge
Apr 2800:35:27Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a telehealth founder moves from one controversy to the next, and doctors’ licenses get caught in the crossfire? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco dive into the latest FTC/DOJ actions against Zealthy, a GLP-1 and lifestyle telehealth company led by Kyle Robertson (former CEO of Cerebral). They discuss allegations of deceptive marketing, hidden subscription charges, and most alarmingly, using physicians’ names and NPIs to issue prescriptions without the doctors’ awareness or involvement. The conversation explores broader issues in telemedicine: the lack of upfront regulatory oversight for new companies, escalation of commitment in non-compliant operations, risks to PC owners and supervising physicians, and why physicians must actively engage in clinical oversight rather than taking passive roles. Phoebe and Leo emphasize the importance of proper CPOM structures, due diligence, and building compliant operations where physicians stay in the driver’s seat. This episode provides actionable advice for clinicians considering telehealth opportunities and a reminder that compliant, well-run models can still deliver strong results when done right. Top 3 Takeaways: Serial Issues in Telehealth Leadership: The same founder can move from one troubled company (Cerebral) to another (Zealthy) with limited personal repercussions, while clinicians and patients bear the consequences. Always research leadership and past regulatory history before joining. Protect Your License – No Ghost Supervision: Prescriptions issued under your name/NPI without your knowledge or proper evaluation are a major red flag. As a PC owner or supervisor, you must stay actively involved. Review protocols, know the clinical team, and ensure real evaluations occur before renewals or auto-charges. CPOM Is Your Gut Check: Corporate practice of medicine rules exist for a reason. Physicians need to drive clinical decisions, review marketing, verify money flow, and regularly check company operations. Passive roles or “one hour a month” promises often lead to compliance failures and board actions. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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