Julie Rhodovi is an accomplished, senior executive level professional, with healthcare strategy development, payor and government relations, and contract relations experience. Her experience includes managing contract negotiations, oversight of the cross-functional network service experience, and working with interdisciplinary management teams across the country. Ms. Rhodovi is a Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) with the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) and the current treasurer with the ABWM Foundation, as a Board of Trustee. She is a founding executive member of the Post-Acute Wound and Skin Integrity Council (PAWSIC) and a Board Member on the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders. Ms. Rhodovi holds a master’s in business administration and is a certified six sigma lean black belt in healthcare (LBBH). Julie is the Chief Commercial Officer of Tissue Health Plus, an alternative reimbursement model specializing in wound care.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Julie shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion in healthcare, personal role model, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Julie. What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare, and what motivates you to continue in this field?
The initial inspiration to pursue a career in healthcare was driven by a passion to help others. The opportunity to make meaningful differences and improving health has always been deeply fulfilling for me. I started my career working in nursing homes and immediately knew this was the population I wanted to focus on.
As I grew in my career, I found a drive for advocacy to change the pieces of healthcare that were not working. Contributing to health initiatives and addressing disparities in healthcare access inspired me to continue pursuit.
What do you enjoy the most about your current role?
As the Chief Commercial Officer of Tissue Health Plus, I have found a position that perfectly aligns with my career journey, incorporating the lessons from my experiences, my developed passions, and my evolving leadership skills. It is an honor to contribute to the creation of an organization poised to significantly impact the lives of the patients we serve.
The team of Tissue Health Plus is, by far, the most enjoyable part of my role. Working with people with like-minding values and drive, working together to create a process and system that will put the best options forward for payers, providers, and, most importantly, the patients, is the most rewarding part of my entire career.
How do you approach leadership and management, and what qualities do you think are essential for effective leadership?
Approaching leadership and management effectively involves understanding and adapting to various styles and strategies that suit the needs of the team, organization, and situation. Learning from past mistakes, understanding their causes, and recognizing the potential for change is essential for growth in leadership roles.
As a leader, I firmly believe in assembling a team whose members possess skills that I do not, and from whom I can learn and develop. Effective leadership is characterized by leading a team that may surpass your own intelligence, and it requires humility, confidence, and strategic thinking. The key strategies I employ to excel in this approach include recognizing strengths, leading with humility, and empowering autonomy. By trusting my team to manage tasks independently, as highly capable individuals, I am able to leverage their expertise to achieve optimal outcomes.
Can you share your thoughts on the future of healthcare revenue cycle management and contract negotiations, and how you think the industry will evolve in the next 5-10 years?
There have been significant changes to the revenue cycle system of healthcare, particularly affecting the Medicare population. In 2008, there was an emerging trend with Medicare Advantage gaining traction. Today, over 50% of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and this number is expected to continue growing.
The growth of Medicare Advantage plans in the industry necessitates that care providers understand the process of working with these payers. This includes contract negotiation, prior authorization, and claims processing. Differences in processes can impact the overall profitability of a healthcare practice if not properly managed. While some providers view this as a challenge, it also presents opportunities. Providers can highlight the unique benefits and opportunities their healthcare practice can offer to patients during negotiations, including prevention, quality of service, and patient engagement. Engaging in the process of contracting thoughtfully can open doors for productive conversations.
Alongside Medicare Advantage, other alternative reimbursement models are experiencing growth and are projected to expand rapidly in the coming years. With the need to address rising healthcare costs, improve patient outcomes, and enhance overall efficiency in healthcare delivery, this growth has seen increased participation and regulatory support.
Over the next 5-10 years, this expansion will likely continue, shifting the focus from volume-based to value-based care. Healthcare providers will need to adapt their financial strategies to include tracking patient outcomes and quality metrics, monitoring cost-efficiency, and coordinating efforts between clinical and administrative departments. Integrating clinical data, such as patient quality and satisfaction, with financial systems will support value-based reporting and reimbursement.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in your field? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
Addressing health disparities requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the healthcare sector, as these elements are essential for improving patient outcomes and fostering equitable care. A diverse healthcare workforce can better understand the unique needs of varied patient populations, leading to more personalized and effective care. Diversity enhances cultural awareness among healthcare professionals, creating an environment where respect and the integration of patients’ cultural beliefs into treatment plans are prioritized. Authentic discussions with leaders regarding diversity and inclusion are fundamental, necessitating trust, openness, and a commitment to embracing differences.
Factors such as a patient’s economic stability, language barriers, access to quality education, and cultural differences can create situations in healthcare transactions that may appear as non-compliance. However, if the patient does not understand or appreciate the rationale behind the directions provided, this can lead to barriers in treatment. Embracing diversity within healthcare provides an opportunity to address these challenges, resulting in better patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive, who would it be and why?
This is a challenging question, as there are numerous reasons why I would want to meet various individuals. If I could spend one hour with a famous person, it would be Michelle Obama. My reasoning is not politically motivated but rather driven by a desire to meet a strong woman who is also a mother. Being a parent has been the most significant role in my life. Balancing a demanding and active career with parenting responsibilities can be challenging. When excelling in one area, it is often difficult to maintain the same level of success in the other. This balancing act is trying, difficult, and exhausting, yet immensely fulfilling. I am proud to be the parent of strong, independent adults. Meeting someone like Michelle Obama, who has excelled in her career while being a mother in the public eye, would be incredibly inspiring.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I am grateful for my father. He was a great man, with a drive and passion to be successful and always do the right thing, even when no one was watching. He taught me how to lead with humility, put other’s needs ahead of my own, and live life with grace, heart and hustle. He passed away in August of 2019.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
Maintaining a healthy mind involves a combination of physical, mental, and social habits that promote cognitive function and emotional well-being. Strategies for keeping the mind healthy include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. While working late nights and not taking time off may seem productive, it is important to prioritize sleep and personal time to enhance leadership, motivation, and overall well-being. Leading by example can motivate team members to be their best selves.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to get there?
Tissue Health Plus is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery. My objective over the next 5-10 years is to develop this into a successful alternative reimbursement model, transforming the methods of wound care delivery and management. Achieving this will require sustained effort and ongoing advocacy for change.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in healthcare?
Continue progressing forward despite encountering numerous obstacles. Understand that these challenges will provide valuable learning experiences, even if they initially appear insurmountable or unproductive. Overcoming these barriers will ultimately enhance your strength and resilience.