On this episode of Patients Win, we’re flipping the script on healthcare with a powerful conversation about real change, resilience, and the mission to put patients first. Hosts Troy Reichert and Dr. Jonathan Bushman welcome special guest Tracy Creger: a nurse, patient advocate, and president of Connect Benefits, whose personal journey from the frontline of nursing to healthcare innovation is nothing short of inspiring.
You’ll hear the remarkable story of how witnessing first-hand the devastating financial burden on insured patients fueled Tracy Creger's determination to fix a broken system. The episode dives into how direct contracting and true concierge nurse navigation are changing the game for both employers and employees. Together, the hosts and Tracy Creger explore why fear and the unknown keep many from embracing better solutions, and share compelling stories where patients not only receive needed care, but also avoid the financial ruin so many dread.
Whether you’re a provider, broker, plan sponsor, or patient, this uplifting episode is packed with actionable insights, personal breakthroughs, and a message of hope: when patients win, we all win. If you’ve ever wondered how healthcare can truly be transformed, this conversation is a must-listen.
Timestamps:
00:00 "Patients Win: Empowering Healthcare"
04:52 "Uncovering Flaws in Healthcare System"
09:00 "Cost-Saving Benefits Boost Productivity"
11:05 "When Patients Win, We Thrive"
14:03 Simplifying Healthcare Access Assistance
17:42 "Addressing Fear and Fixing Issues"
22:02 "Stopping Costs, Offering Guidance"
25:18 Seamless Collaboration for Member Care
27:26 "Healthcare Pricing System Broken"
31:48 "Continuous Growth and Education"
33:17 "Patients Win: Healthcare Redefined"
Flipping the Script on Healthcare: Insights from Tracy Creger, Troy Reichert, and Dr. Jonathan Bushman
In a recent episode of "Patients Win," hosts Troy Reichert and Dr. Jonathan Bushman sat down with special guest Tracy Creger, a nurse and president of Connect Benefits, to dive deep into the broken healthcare system and the innovative solutions that are truly putting patients first. The conversation is packed with powerful stories, actionable strategies, and fresh ways to think about healthcare. If you are passionate about improving patient outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.
How Tracy Creger’s Nursing Journey Uncovered a Broken System
Tracy Creger shared striking moments from her early days as an oncology nurse, believing that having insurance meant patients should always get the care they need. It was a shock for her to learn from her patients that even with insurance, many couldn’t afford critical tests or medications. She described patients forced to choose between paying for medical testing and for groceries. This eye-opening realization sparked her journey to understand where the system was failing and how she could drive change.
From Frustration to Action: Building Solutions
Determined to make a difference, Tracy Creger shifted gears professionally. She worked for an independent third-party administrator (TPA) in Oklahoma where she learned the ins and outs of claims, stop loss, and case management. Realizing the depth of the problems, she was inspired to seek out innovative models, especially direct contract care opportunities. Guided by trailblazers like Dr. Keith Smith at the Surgery Center of Oklahoma, she began developing solutions that allowed patients to access necessary care without the fear of financial ruin.
One of Tracy’s breakthrough achievements was helping Oklahoma County set up direct contracts that enabled employers to waive traditional out-of-pocket costs for employees. These contracts delivered deep discounts, allowing the employer to pay 100 percent for care, all while still saving money compared to traditional insurance models.
Patients Win When Barriers Are Removed
The podcast features an emotional story from Tracy Creger that perfectly illustrates the program’s impact. A cancer patient, facing insurmountable medical bills, showed up to her office with a check he had borrowed from his 401(k). Because of the benefit plan Tracy Creger helped put in place, he was able to tear up that check and keep his family out of financial ruin. Stories like these are what Tracy Creger, Troy Reichert, and Dr. Jonathan Bushman live for, as they help others navigate the complex healthcare landscape.
The Power of Concierge Nurse Navigation
With Connect Benefits, Tracy Creger and her team provide true concierge nurse navigation for self-insured employers. Members are encouraged to call for help understanding their insurance, arranging care, or simply to get their questions answered. These services are provided at no cost to employees, as employers cover the fees. From scheduling surgeries to arranging specialist appointments or medical equipment, Connect Benefits takes the complexity out of healthcare navigation, ensuring patients get precisely what they need without needless financial stress.
Overcoming Barriers and Changing Perceptions
A recurring challenge is the fear and lack of knowledge that prevent more employers from adopting these innovative models. Many rely on brokers or advisors who may not be familiar with direct contracting or concierge navigation. Tracy Creger emphasizes that size is no longer a barrier and encourages employers to ask questions and explore alternatives to traditional insurance.
Inspiring Success Stories
Throughout the podcast, Tracy Creger recounts success stories, like helping a family access a $100,000 cochlear implant surgery for an infant at no cost to them and a fraction of the price for the plan. In every case, patients are spared financial hardship, get the care they need, and employers still save money.
Final Takeaways for Employers, Brokers, and Patients
The episode closes with Tracy Creger’s call to action for brokers to continually seek the best for their clients, employers to remain open and inquisitive, and patients to never be afraid to ask questions or explore their options.
"Patients Win" is more than a podcast title; it is a movement. This episode showcases actionable ideas and inspiring examples of how a patient-centric approach, direct contracting, and concierge navigation are healing the healthcare system one story at a time. If you are ready for change, these insights are the perfect place to start.
Show Website - https://thepatientswin.com/
Primed Healthcare - https://primedhealthcare.com/
Troy Reichert - Show Host - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-reichert-67606b5/
Dr. Jonathan Bushman - Show Host - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-bushman-do-106821191
Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/
“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”