• Overview of the FTC's Decision: What the FTC's ban on non-competes means in practice, and why it's not yet enforceable.
• Exceptions and Challenges: Discussion on specific exceptions to the rule, like the carveout for senior executives and how this might affect non-profit and for-profit healthcare entities differently.
• Implications for Physicians: How the ruling could change the dynamics of physician practice models, mobility, and employment negotiations
• Legal and Economic Perspectives: Insight into the broader economic and legal debates surrounding non-compete clauses and their enforceability.
• Future of Physician Employment: Speculations on how this could lead to greater autonomy, innovation, and potential shifts in the healthcare employment landscape.

Join us for a riveting exploration into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) in interdisciplinary pain medicine. This episode of the Pain Matters Podcast features a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative potential of AI and the ethical challenges it introduces.

Hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO, are joined by two distinguished experts:

• Tinglong Dai, PhD, a Bernard T. Ferrari Professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, co-chair of the Johns Hopkins Workgroup on AI and Healthcare, and a leading voice in the integration of AI within clinical settings. Dr. Dai's extensive media presence and recognition as one of the World's Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professors by Poets & Quants underline his profound impact on AI education and application.
• Nestoras Mathioudakis, M.D., M.H.S., an Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where his work focuses on medical applications of generative AI. As Co-Director of the Diabetes Prevention & Education Program and a seasoned educator in clinical informatics, Dr. Mathioudakis brings critical insights into the practical and ethical dimensions of AI in medicine.

Tune in to discover:

• AI's Impact on Clinical Practices: Exploring how AI is currently being used to enhance clinical documentation, streamline insurance processes, and support decision-making in patient care.
• Ethical Considerations and Challenges: Discussing the complexities of data integrity, the potential biases in AI algorithms, and the ethical implications of AI in clinical decision support.
• The Future of AI in Medicine: Speculating on the future directions of AI in healthcare, including its role in personalized medicine and the ongoing need for rigorous validation and ethical oversight.
• Real-World Applications and Case Studies: Analyzing specific instances of AI application in healthcare, such as diagnostic support and predictive analytics, and evaluating their outcomes.
• Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the implications of recent legal and regulatory developments affecting AI in healthcare.

Find out how AI is reshaping healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and posing new questions about the intersection of technology and medical ethics.

This discussion is crucial for healthcare providers looking to stay informed about the latest developments in AI and its impact on the field of pain medicine.

Join us for a comprehensive exploration into the advocacy and personal dedication that shapes the world of pain medicine.

In this episode, our discussion hones in on a critical juncture in pain medicine — the anticipation of the Washington Health Technology Clinical Committee's (HTCC) decision on Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) coverage. This decision could transform the landscape of pain management for state employees, state-sponsored health plans, and injured workers under Washington Labor and Industries (L&I), reaching over 2.5 million people.

Hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO, are joined by a distinguished panel of guests: Brett R. Stacey, MD, from UW Medicine; and Steven Stanos, DO, and Fangfang Xing, MD, from Swedish Pain Services–all of whom were integral leaders as part of the Washington State Physicians State Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Work Group. We also welcome Richard North, MD, from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine–a pioneer in the field of pain medicine and a historic advocate as it relates to neuromodulation and previous hearings regarding SCS in Washington State. Together, we’ll dive deep into the nuances and state of current and historic healthcare policies, the heroic advocacy work of the Washington State Physicians SCS Work Group, and the broader implications of the impending HTCC decision for providers and patients alike.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Historical Context: Context of the history of healthcare policy surrounding SCS in Washington State
• The Vital Role of the Washington State Physician SCS Work Group: A deep dive into the group's efforts and the importance of their advocacy in shaping healthcare policy for pain management in Washington state.
• Understanding the HTCC's Influence and Approach: A breakdown of the Washington HTCC's process, authority, and its critical role in determining the future of SCS coverage.
• Navigating Healthcare Policy in Washington: Insights into the state's healthcare coverage, including the unique aspects of its approach to technology and treatment coverage for a significant portion of its citizens.
• Journey to the HTCC Decision: The key milestones and advocacy efforts that have led to this momentous opportunity to influence pain treatment coverage.
• Implications for Pain Medicine Providers and Patients: Discussing what the HTCC's decision means for the community of pain medicine providers and the patients they serve. We also highlight the AAPM's support for the SCS coverage movement, emphasizing the potential positive impact on patient care and pain management practices.

Tune in and stay informed, get involved, and understand the profound implications of these decisions on the quality of life for countless individuals.

Remember, your involvement and awareness as a pain medicine provider contribute to the advancement and betterment of patient care across the nation.

Note: At the 47:45 mark, we reference that the upcoming hearing is in January of 2024. While this was accurate at the time of the recording, this hearing has been pushed back. The final decision about coverage terms will occur after a meeting on February 16, 2024.