Zotec Answers - A Healthcare Podcast

This episode recaps EDPMA's recent Day on Capitol Hill, where emergency medicine leaders met with members of Congress to advocate for policies that strengthen physician reimbursement and protect patient access to emergency care. Ed Gaines shares the organization's top legislative priorities, explains the value of building relationships with lawmakers, and highlights how data, including contributio...

In this episode of Zotec Answers, Jennifer Fox and Megan Applegarth explore how AI is reshaping healthcare and why the conversation is shifting from what AI can do to the outcomes it produces. From growing regulatory scrutiny of AI companies to the impact of AI on healthcare spending, documentation, reimbursement, and accountability, they discuss what healthcare leaders, physicians, and policymake...

Take Action Today! On the go? Simply text ZPPAY to 50457 to take action. 

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In this episode of Zotec Answers, Jennifer Fox and Megan Applegarth explore how AI, health data privacy, and healthcare regulation are colliding as patient information moves beyond traditional healthcare settings. From HIPAA and evolving state AI laws to growing concerns around transparency, accountability, and patient data protection, they break down what healthcare leaders, physicians, and polic...

In this episode of Zotec Answers, Mark Isenberg joins Jennifer Fox and Megan Applegarth to unpack Indiana’s controversial downcoding policy and the growing scrutiny surrounding it. They explore how these changes impact physicians, practice revenue, and patient access, while breaking down what it means for the future of healthcare reimbursement.

Take action now by clicking here or by texting ZPNSA to 50457 . Read more about the No Surprises Act and QPA here . 

Rock Health Survey Previous AI-focused Zotec Answers episode

Review MGMA's 2026 Advocacy Agenda here .  If you've found this episode to be helpful, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. And if you have feedback or a topic you'd like us to explore, you can reach us anytime at zotecanswers@zotecpartners.com.   

Ready to take the next step in your advocacy journey? Check out our Healthcare Advocacy Toolkit to get involved! Learn more about the Urgent Care Association's Advocacy efforts . 

Listen to the previous episode in our AI series here . 

In this episode of Zotec Answers, Ed Gaines, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Industry Liaison for Zotec Partners, sits down with Ron Howrigon, President and CEO of Fulcrum Strategies, to break down how health insurance payers are shaping today's reimbursement and denial landscape. Drawing on insider payer strategy, they explore why denial rates are rising, how insurers approach reimbursem...

Check out our previous AI update podcast episode . 

Ed Gaines analyzes the CMS IDR Process PUF data for Q1-Q2 2025 and explains what it means for physician arbitration, payer negotiations, and revenue strategy.  Learn how recent Transparency in Coverage (TiC) rule changes are affecting physicians in this episode of Zotec Answers .  Read more on the release of the IDR Public Use Files . 

Fact-based summary of the hearings on the A to ZPAC blog In late January, the House Budget Committee held a hearing on skyrocketing health care costs. To learn more about that hearing, check out this press release . 

Comments are due on February 23, 2026 . CMS: List of certified independent dispute resolution entities

Zotec and Microsoft partner to bring intelligent automation to radiology workflows - Read more here .

This episode was recorded and produced just before the Executive Order establishing a federal moratorium on state-level AI regulation was signed (12/11/2025). The order creates a unified federal framework, directs a new AI Litigation Task Force, and ties certain broadband funding eligibility to state compliance. We’ll continue to monitor these developments and share updates as they become availabl...

Zotec and Microsoft partner to bring intelligent automation to radiology workflows at RSNA 2025 - Read more here . 

White Paper - "Medicare's Anchor is Dragging" MPFS Final Rule Summary MPFS Final Rule Key Takeaways

In this episode of Zotec Answers, Jennifer Fox and Megan Applegarth explore whether states are taking the lead over Congress in crafting AI regulations. They examine how differing state policies are setting the standard for national regulations and what this means for innovation, technology development, and the responsible use of AI across industries.

Review ZPAC's monthly newsletter .  Visit PayerPrice or contact Roger at roger@payerprice.com.  Check out our new white paper on Medicare physician reimbursement. 

Support the Find It Early Act today by sending a message to your lawmakers! Take action here or by texting ZPFIND to 50457 .

In this episode of Zotec Answers, Jennifer Fox and Megan Applegarth explore the evolving world of AI in healthcare, with a focus on how it's being regulated. They share insights on the latest developments at both the state and federal levels and discuss how varying state approaches are shaping the national landscape.

In this episode of Zotec Answers, Ed Gaines, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Industry Liaison for Zotec Partners, breaks down a frequently mentioned, but often misunderstood, term in Washington, D.C.: "PAYGO" sequestration cuts. In this quick, crash-course style discussion, Ed explains what these cuts are, how they work, and what they mean for healthcare.