Spotlight on the CSO - Insights from the Closed-door 2024 Fall CSO Forum: Chief Strategy Officers gathered to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing health systems. CSOs highlighted a shift toward operational integration, with many roles now encompassing day-to-day oversight alongside CEOs and CFOs. Patient access strategies are evolving, with AI-driven tools and segmented care models gaining traction. Discussions also emphasized innovative corporate structures, such as joint ventures and external consultancies, to align partnerships with strategic goals.

Myth-busting assumptions on AI patient messaging tools: The integration of GPT-4 into Epic’s MyChart is revolutionizing healthcare communication, yet skepticism persists. Misconceptions like "AI messages are unreliable" or "too impersonal" are disproven by emerging data. Studies show AI drafts are as accurate and often more empathetic than human-written messages. Furthermore, clinicians actively edit AI-generated content, ensuring quality and professional oversight. Regulatory governance frameworks and rapid deployment capabilities mitigate legal and implementation barriers, proving that AI messaging tools are ready to streamline patient communication without compromising trust or safety. 

A Look at Medicare Advantage droppage rates: Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are under scrutiny as health systems grapple with increasing pre-authorizations and denials from insurers, prompting many to reconsider offering these plans. Major payers like Humana and Aetna are exiting key markets, displacing over 1 million beneficiaries for 2025—a 20-fold increase from typical dropping rates. The Midwest and Northeast are hardest hit, with rural areas like Vermont affecting 67% of beneficiaries. While the shift could offer health systems more stable Medicare payments, the uncertain policy landscape and ongoing lawsuits signal a turbulent future for MA plans and their beneficiaries.