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Senator Bill Frist’s “A Second Opinion” Podcast hosts Embold’s Dr. Stein to discuss raising the bar in healthcare

A Second Opinion Podcast – Dr. Daniel Stein, CEO & Founder of Embold Health, on Transparently Evaluating Physician Performance to Inform Patients & Payors, & Equip Physicians to Raise the Bar

Finding a high-quality doctor is hard. With unnecessary medical care and decisions that produce poor outcomes considered among the largest cost drivers in healthcare, healthcare consumers are often unaware that there are huge variations in quality and appropriateness of care between doctors – often in the same market.

So how do organizations effectively navigate members away from poor-performing providers to high-value care? Embold’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Stein sat down with renowned healthcare leader, Senator Bill Frist, MD, to discuss this and more for his podcast, “A Second Opinion.”

During this insightful conversation, the duo delved into the impactful innovation taking place at Embold Health, the importance of quality measures and physician evaluation, and how to transparently analyze and assess the quality-of-care clinicians provide.

Stein built Embold Health on the idea that if you bring healthcare quality transparency to members and providers, you allow patients to make confident decisions about their healthcare, while at the same time giving doctors information they can use to improve the quality of care they provide.

According to Frist, Embold’s solution is long overdue. “Doctors don't have a good way of knowing how they stack up or compare to the doctor in the next building or three miles away… the standards have never been set because the data is so diffuse and disaggregated.”

That’s where Embold comes in. “My belief is if you share feedback with the doctors and do it openly and honestly and humbly… it gives us (doctors) the chance to get out of this dynamic and instead actually raise the bar,” added Stein.

Through Embold’s Provider Guide solution, “We showed how different doctors in different markets caring for similar patients compare. And we found things like unnecessary knee surgery rates by orthopedic surgeon varies from 3 to 5 percent to 15, 20, 30 percent depending on the doctor.”

Driven by clinical guidelines, deep analysis of healthcare data, and 100% transparency, Embold provides users with doctor-level insight into physician performance across the continuum of care, while also giving providers a tool to analyze and improve their performance, appropriateness, and effectiveness of their care.

This is a win-win for providers, organizations, and their employees, who see better outcomes, lower costs, and greater accountability as a result of Embold’s innovative solutions. At the end of the day, Stein noted, Embold’s mission is clear, “Our sole and only job is to evaluate physician performance as well as it can be done.”

Want to hear more of the conversation? Click here for the entire discussion.

For media inquiries: marketing@emboldhealth.com

For additional information: sales@emboldhealth.com

Dr. Daniel Stein featured on What's the Future? Health Podcast with Jessica DaMassa

Dr. Stein featured on What's the Future Health with Jess DaMassa

Jessica DaMassa, the emerging ‘It girl’ of health tech interviewing, chats it up with Embold's founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Stein, M.D, on this episode of What's the Future Health.

Apparently, self-insured employers hot on better managing their healthcare spend are finding truth (and dollars) in Embold Health’s mantra that “quality is the best, most sustainable way to control costs.” This health tech startup is applying the old “Centers of Excellence” framework to the individual physician level; helping identify high-performing primary care docs and specialists in local markets for employers who not only want to offer their employees better quality care, but also improve the healthcare system in the communities in which they live and work.

Daniel Stein, Embold Health’s founder & CEO, explains the company’s model, which is being perfected with one of the most demanding-yet-coveted “health activist” employers out there: Walmart. In this particular case, Walmart is actually incentivizing its employees to go to the providers ranked highest by Embold’s assessment, which looks at physician performance along three categories: 1) appropriateness of care; 2) outcomes; and 3) cost-effective compared to peers in-market. Backed by the robust national dataset, the information Embold Health is collecting, analyzing, and doling out to employers can definitely cause some health systems to take pause — and their docs to bristle. So, how does Embold Health diffuse potential blowback? Here’s where the competitive nature of local healthcare, particularly in the world of primary care, becomes clutch. Tune in to hear the details, including some very interesting stats, as well as Embold’s latest endeavors to help docs make better referrals to specialists.

Listen to the entire episode here: Local Doctors Get the "Centers of Excellence" Treatment: Embold Health's CEO on Data-Driven Quality - YouTube

For media inquiries: marketing@emboldhealth.com

For additional information: sales@emboldhealth.com

Mark Blackham and Steve Dufour visit the Deploy Securely podcast

Leading the Way in AI Governance

In this episode, Embold’s Chief Security and Privacy Officer, Steve Dufour, and Vice President of Engineering, Mark Blackham, joined Walter Haydock to discuss the importance of AI governance on the Deploy Securely podcast.

The group went in depth on how Embold Health delivers value with AI, protects patient data and intellectual property, and the future of AI (governance) in healthcare. Embold’s mission is to help patients find better doctors through our extensive data set. However, this journey hasn't been without its challenges, particularly in security, compliance, and privacy.

Tackling the Challenges

  1. Ensure Business Requirements Include Security and Privacy: Ensure our business requirements for our products align with stringent security and privacy protocols.
  1. Enhance Relevant Policy and Procedure: Update our procedures and security and privacy related policies to stay ahead of potential risks and compliance issues.
  1. Legal Review: Modify our Terms of Use to ensure they meet the highest standards of transparency.

The Critical Need for Well-Governed AI in Healthcare

No sector is in greater need of effective, well-governed AI than healthcare. The United States spends significantly more per person on healthcare than any other nation, yet we find ourselves in the middle of the pack regarding life expectancy. This disparity underscores the urgent need for solutions like ours at Embold Health.

Conclusion

Our work at Embold Health is a testament to the transformative potential of AI when governed responsibly. By prioritizing security, compliance, and privacy, we are not only protecting our innovations, but also building a foundation of trust with our patients and partners. As we continue to navigate the complexities of AI in healthcare, we remain committed to setting the bar for ethical and effective AI governance.

Read about the episode on the Deploy Securely blog: Accelerating AI governance at Embold Health (stackaware.com)

Or watch the full episode here: Accelerating AI governance at Embold Health (youtube.com)

For media inquiries: marketing@emboldhealth.com  

For additional information: sales@emboldhealth.com  

Embold Health Wins Health Value Award for Predictive and Preventive Analytics from the Validation Institute

We’re honored to share that Embold Health has been recognized by the Validation Institute with a 2025 Health Value Award in the Health Analytics / Predictive and Preventive Analytics category. This recognition underscores our continued commitment to using data-driven insights to improve healthcare decision-making and deliver better outcomes for patients, employers, and health plans alike.

Now in its eighth year, the Health Value Awards celebrate organizations and individuals across the healthcare ecosystem who are making a measurable difference in quality and cost. Presented by the Validation Institute, the awards are a mark of trust and impact—highlighting high-performing programs, products, and services that are outcomes-based and value-driven. Embold joins a respected cohort of winners that include Virta Health, Hello Heart, Talkdesk, and Northwell Direct.

A Rigorous and Transparent Evaluation Process

What makes the Health Value Awards stand out is the validation behind the recognition. Nominees for the awards undergo an extensive, data-driven vetting process conducted by the Validation Institute—an organization that sets the bar for healthcare transparency. Embold was recognized not only for the strength of our predictive analytics, but also for the proven results our solutions deliver to clients and members.

What This Means for Our Clients and Partners

For our clients—large employers, health plans, and strategic partners—this award serves as further evidence that choosing Embold Health is choosing a partner committed to measurable, clinical quality. We don’t just claim to guide members to better care—we back it up with data that proves it. From helping people find top-performing physicians to supporting systems in reducing unwarranted variation, Embold empowers smarter healthcare choices every step of the way.

Our recognition in the Health Analytics / Predictive and Preventive Analytics category reflects the work we’ve done to move beyond reactive care navigation and into proactive, data-first engagement. Whether embedded into digital front doors, used by provider referral teams, or integrated into care navigation tools, Embold’s analytics are designed to surface the right care at the right time.

We’re grateful to the Validation Institute for this recognition and to our clients who trust us to be their partner in improving care quality, member experience, and health outcomes.

To read more about the Health Value Awards and see the full list of winners, visit https://www.prweb.com/releases/validation-institute-honors-healthcare-innovators-for-8th-annual-health-value-awards-302470434.html  

Why the Right Care Matters

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

Imagine placing unwavering trust in your healthcare provider, only to discover that the care you're receiving isn’t just subpar — it's costing significantly more. Medical errors, including misdiagnoses, are estimated to cost the U.S. economy between $17 billion and $29 billion annually.  

Misdiagnosis isn’t just a medical mistake — it’s a costly and often life-altering failure. When patients receive outdated or ineffective care, the consequences extend beyond unnecessary treatments; they lead to prolonged suffering, rising healthcare costs, and increased financial strain.

A 2023 Johns Hopkins study found that vascular events, infections, and cancers (collectively known as the "Big Three") account for the majority of serious harms from misdiagnosis. Across all diseases, the average misdiagnosis rate was 11.1%, with some conditions, like spinal abscess, misdiagnosed at staggering rates of 62%, while strokes were missed in 17.5% of cases.

This is where Embold Health makes a difference. Not all doctors follow evidence-based, high-quality healthcare practices, and the risks of poor care are too high to ignore. Embold helps patients and employers navigate this uncertainty by providing access to a high-quality provider network, backed by objective physician performance data.

By leveraging doctor analytics and transparent physician reports, Embold guides people to confidently choose top-performing doctors, reducing misdiagnoses, improving health outcomes, and helping both employers and members avoid unnecessary healthcare costs.

Because when it comes to your health, getting it right the first time matters.

Blind Faith, Costly Consequences

People inherently trust their doctors, but trust alone doesn’t guarantee quality care. The reality is:

  • Not all doctors practice the same way. Research shows that healthcare quality can vary, even among highly trained providers within the same specialty.
  • Second opinions often reveal misdiagnoses. A Mayo Clinic study found that 88% of patients who sought a second opinion received a new or refined diagnosis - proving that the first doctor isn’t always right.
  • No primary care provider means more Emergency Room visits. Without a trusted provider, one ER visit sends an expensive claim to the employer, the health plan, and increases risks for patients.  Practice variation leads to wasteful spending.  

When care quality is inconsistent, the costs add up quickly. Whether it’s the price of traveling for a second opinion, an avoidable ER visit due to lack of a PCP, or needing multiple appointments to solve a problem that should have been addressed in one, the financial and personal toll is steep. Misinformed trust, inconsistent care quality, and inefficient healthcare decisions don’t just hurt individuals, they create unnecessary expenses for employers, insurers, and the entire healthcare system.  

Better Doctors, Better Decisions, Better Health

More information doesn’t always mean better decisions. Patients are often left sorting through online reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, or vague directories, none of which guarantee quality care. What people truly need isn’t just more choices; they need better guidance. Without a clear way to identify top-performing providers, they risk misdiagnoses, unnecessary treatments, and higher healthcare costs.

That’s where Embold Health comes in. We analyze objective clinical data to identify high-performing doctors in every specialty, giving people a clear, reliable way to make informed choices about their care. Instead of relying on reputation or online reviews, Embold directs employees and health plan members to providers who deliver consistently high-quality care.

By making it easy to find and choose the best doctors, Embold helps employers and health plans:

  • Reduce unnecessary healthcare costs by steering people to providers who follow best practices.
  • Improve outcomes by ensuring employees receive the right care at the right time.
  • Simplify healthcare decisions so people can confidently navigate their options.

The Power of Getting it Right:

The wrong doctor doesn’t just cost money - it costs time, well-being, and trust in the healthcare system. A misdiagnosis can mean unnecessary treatments, prolonged suffering, and repeat visits that drive up expenses for individuals, employers, and health plans. The reality is that when employees struggle to find high-quality providers, the entire system pays the price.

That’s why making quality medical care simple and accessible is so important. When employees are empowered to choose data-backed providers, they avoid the need for second opinions, unnecessary ER visits, and ineffective treatment plans.

Better care starts with better access, and employers play a crucial role in making that happen. Embold is redefining healthcare decision-making by putting provider quality at the center of every decision. Through AI-powered search tools, text-based recommendations, and a seamless digital experience, we eliminate the guesswork and steer employees toward better care. The result? Lower costs, healthier employees, and a healthcare system that works smarter, not harder.

Start making smarter healthcare decisions today. Learn more at emboldhealth.com/demo.

Reflecting on Embold Health's 2025 Client Advisory Board: Transforming Navigation, Together

On Monday, April 22, Embold Health welcomed clients and partners to Nashville, TN, for our annual Client Advisory Board , a cornerstone event dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and the future of healthcare navigation. The Client Advisory Board is our opportunity to sit shoulder to shoulder with the changemakers we serve - HR leaders, benefits strategists, and clinical advisors - so we can learn from one another and shape solutions that work in the real world.

This year’s event delivered on that mission. Through a dynamic agenda of presentations, panels, and interactive sessions, we focused on how we can collectively transform the healthcare experience for members and advance high-quality care. The day was anchored by three core themes that guided our conversations and sparked powerful dialogue:

1. Connection Between Health Outcomes and Cost Savings

High-quality healthcare is at the heart of everything we do at Embold. Our first theme emphasized the inextricable link between better outcomes and sustainable cost savings. Daniel Stein, MD, MBA, Founder and CEO, opened the day with this vision: that directing members to the right care, the first time, not only improves lives; it drives meaningful financial impact.

Throughout the day, we explored how our continuously evolving methodology is helping employers and health plans measure and improve quality more precisely. From refining our specialty taxonomy to deep dives into condition-specific measures like GLP-1 prescribing and oncology, the message was clear: high-quality care is measurable, actionable, and transformative.

2. Highlighting Innovation in AI and Incentives

In our product evolution session, led by Matthew Berns, Senior Vice President, Tech & Operations / Chief Technology Officer and Matthew Resnick, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President, Health Plan Business / Chief Medical Officer, we introduced forward-looking capabilities that will shape member engagement in the years to come. Chief among them: the growing role of artificial intelligence and financial incentives.

Alongside AI, we discussed how strategic incentive models, from digital navigation rewards to tiered benefit designs, can encourage members to select high-quality providers. Clients participated in live polling and group discussions, sharing insights into what reward structures resonate most with their populations. It was a clear sign that the future of engagement is personal, digital, and data-driven.  

3. Collaboration in Action

Our third and perhaps most resonant theme underscored the power of partnership. Healthcare transformation doesn’t happen in silos. It takes alignment across employers, health plans, and physician groups. In our afternoon panel, leaders from across the benefits and clinical landscape shared real-world examples of success, lessons learned, and what collaboration looks like when it’s working.

From using member journey mapping to enhance communication strategies, to co-developing new engagement bundles through the Embold Engage platform, we explored how listening to one another leads to better tools, better outcomes, and a better experience for all.

Celebrating Long-Term Partnerships

A special moment during the event was dedicated to recognizing the clients who have stood beside us for three or more years. These organizations have played a pivotal role in shaping Embold’s solutions and mission from the ground up. Their continued trust and feedback have fueled product innovation, expanded our reach, and helped us deliver greater impact across diverse populations.

Looking Ahead

The conversations at the 2025 Client Advisory Board were rich with purpose, candor, and forward momentum. We are incredibly grateful to our clients and partners who made the trip to Nashville and generously shared their time, perspectives, and ideas.

As we continue building tools that bridge data and experience, like Provider Guide, Embold Virtual Assistant, and our newest incentive models, we do so with your voices front and center. Because at Embold, we believe that together, we can change the way healthcare works.

Stay tuned for what’s next, and thank you for being part of the journey.

Watch the 2025 Client Advisory Board Recap