You Can’t Spell “Equity” Without “IT”
In the first episode of a two-part series titled, 'In Data We Trust,' host Andy Reynolds and Tam Ward, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Operations at Oscar Health, discuss the intersection of technology and health care to improve care equity, especially in underserved communities.
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About The Guest
Tamara Ward is the Senior Vice President of Insurance Business Operations at Oscar Health, the first health insurance company built around a full stack technology platform and focus on member experience. She leads National Network Contracting Strategy and Market Readiness. Working with Oscar teams, Tam helps further Oscar’s mission to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all by leveraging technology that personalizes care for the individual, and at a cost that they can afford.
With over 15 years of progressive healthcare experience, she has been instrumental driving collaborative payer provider strategies, operational turnarounds, and building high value partnerships through various roles with United Health Care, UC Health, & TriHealth, Inc.
Tam’s deep experience and interest-based approach has allowed her to solve some of the most complex issues within the tech and healthcare industry. She is passionate about driving change for marginalized communities, developing Oscar’s Culturally Competent Care Program, which focuses on reducing healthcare disparities and improving access for underserved populations and by serving as Board Chair for the Humanity Healthcare Talent Network, an innovative organization that supports healthcare and life sciences companies in identifying and building talented leaders.
Tam holds a B.A. from the University of Cincinnati, M.B.A from Miami University, and is based in Cincinnati, OH.
Episode Description
In the first episode of a two-part series titled, ‘In Data We Trust,’ host Andy Reynolds and Tam Ward, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Operations at Oscar Health, discuss the intersection of technology and health care to improve care equity, especially in underserved communities.
Focusing on initiatives by Oscar Health, Tam highlights efforts to build culturally competent care networks and improve data-driven solutions for marginalized groups, including African Americans and the LGBTQ community.
The episode emphasizes the importance of trust, transparent data sharing, and personalization in healthcare to address disparities and enhance patient experiences.
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Timestamps
(02:32) Oscar’s Approach to Culturally Competent Care
(04:57) Challenges and Solutions in Provider Data
(08:46) Building Trust in Healthcare
(10:58) Focus on LGBTQ+ Community