Almost Clinical

Buttaci Leardi & Werner

Welcome to Almost Clinical, the podcast where healthcare, law, and business converge in the most captivating way. Hosted by the dynamic trio from Buttaci Leardi & Werner – Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner – this show is your backstage pass to the gritty, multifaceted world of healthcare management. Every episode brings you face-to-face with the realities of running a healthcare practice, navigating legal hurdles, and capitalizing on business opportunities. Forget the clichés and technical jargon – Almost Clinical is all about accessible, engaging conversations that cut through the noise. Here, you’ll get straight-talking insights and no-nonsense discussions perfect for savvy healthcare leaders and business owners with hectic schedules and a thirst for industry knowledge. What makes Almost Clinical essential listening? It’s all about melding perspectives: ~Clinical Insights: Get the scoop on the latest in medical practice, patient care innovations, and what’s really needed to enhance healthcare delivery. ~Legal Realities: Learn about the pitfalls and legal entanglements healthcare practices face, and why compliance can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. ~Business Opportunities: Find out who’s making waves in the industry, where the money is flowing, and how to seize emerging opportunities. Almost Clinical isn’t just about talking shop; it’s about understanding the nuances and balancing acts that keep a healthcare practice thriving. Our goal is to make you feel like part of the conversation, providing insights that go beyond headlines and Twitter threads. Our conversations are as engaging and enlightening, featuring guests from all corners of the healthcare world. Whether dissecting a new regulation or exploring innovative business models, we aim to shed light on the issues that impact the day-to-day operations of healthcare practices. So, whether you’re a healthcare leader, a business owner, or simply someone interested in how these fields overlap and influence each other, be sure to tune in to Almost Clinical today!

  1. Oct 28

    All About Vin: Building Trust, Growing Businesses & Giving a Damn

    For Vincent Buttaci, the business of healthcare has always been personal. Every audit, acquisition, or new treatment facility involves someone’s livelihood, someone’s future, or someone’s chance to get help. In this episode of Almost Clinical, John Leardi and Paul Werner ask their partner how that perspective shaped his career – from defending providers whose businesses were on the line to helping behavioral health organizations grow – and, ultimately, Buttaci, Leardi & Werner.  They explore what keeps clients calling, why access to treatment became a personal mission, and how caring about the outcome sometimes means delivering advice nobody wants to hear. Vin explains why earning someone’s trust requires letting them know who you are, why understanding a business starts with understanding the person running it, and why being technically correct doesn’t help much if your client has no idea what you’re talking about. The conversation gets personal when Vin discusses helping someone close to him navigate substance use treatment and mental healthcare in New Jersey.  The gaps he encountered became a driving force behind his work with behavioral health providers: helping them open facilities, expand programs, and create options for families who previously had nowhere nearby to turn. The conversation also explores: What better access actually looks like: Bringing primary care and mental health services together for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.The uncomfortable conversations worth having: Why sellers need to disclose the bad news, buyers need to finish their diligence, and enthusiasm for a deal can become a liability.A different route to an exit: Why Vin sees promise in bond-financed behavioral health acquisitions, particularly when aggressive growth expectations collide with the realities of delivering care.Knowing when to push – and when to stop: The difference between helping a client get a deal done and letting them buy a problem.Lessons learned the hard way: Why caring about clients also means knowing where to draw professional boundaries.This episode is truly all about Vin – his work, his heart, and the balancing act he does to honor both. Fortunately, John and Paul have known him far too long to let him get away with a polished origin story.  The result?  An unvarnished look at what it takes to build a healthcare business, earn lasting trust, and keep the people who depend on that business at the center of the decisions. Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    All About Vin: Building Trust, Growing Businesses & Giving a Damn

  2. Oct 8

    Fraud Files E004: Leadership Under Scrutiny

    When a compliance concern lands on leadership’s desk, what happens next could make all the difference. In the fourth episode of Fraud Files, a mini-series powered by Almost Clinical, the podcast of Buttaci Leardi & Werner, Paul Werner unpacks a new DOJ memo on corporate fraud – and what healthcare organizations may be missing. A provider’s size, reach and reliance on government reimbursement can put it squarely within the profile prosecutors are being directed to scrutinize. Add an unresolved billing problem to that picture, and leadership’s response takes on even greater significance. Was an issue reported? Did someone act on the warning? Or did it sit in an inbox while the same problem kept happening? Paul offers a practical way to find out: follow a concern through your organization and see whether the process delivered an actual resolution. Your compliance team may know how to raise the alarm. Does leadership know what to do when it rings? Watch every episode of Fraud Files on YouTube. Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    Fraud Files E004: Leadership Under Scrutiny

  3. Sep 24

    Fraud Files E003: Questioning Qui Tam

    Questioning Qui Tam The constitutional fight continues. So does your compliance work. A court ruling involving the False Claims Act’s whistleblower provisions has prompted plenty of discussion about the future of qui tam litigation. Paul Werner looks beyond the headline reaction to the questions still in play, particularly how much control the DOJ exercises when it declines to intervene and a private whistleblower’s attorneys drive the case. For healthcare organizations, the takeaway is practical: understand the government’s involvement in pending litigation, talk with counsel about what that could mean and keep catching compliance problems before someone else does. “Let’s see what the courts do” is not much of a compliance strategy. View the entire Fraud Files playlist on YouTube! Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    Fraud Files E003: Questioning Qui Tam

  4. Aug 28

    Fraud Files E002: Fraud Special Forces

    The Government Has a Playbook. You Should Read It. Healthcare fraud enforcement doesn’t stop at the billing department. The DOJ’s fraud enforcement priorities give healthcare leaders plenty to consider. Paul’s advice: don’t read the healthcare section and assume you’ve covered your bases. This video explores how a billing investigation can invite scrutiny of referral relationships, tax reporting and executive oversight. When investigators connect those dots, a compliance program organized into tidy, separate silos can leave some decidedly untidy gaps. A useful one to share with your compliance lead, general counsel and CFO. Preferably before they’re all summoned to the same meeting for less pleasant reasons. View the entire Fraud Files playlist on YouTube! Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    Fraud Files E002: Fraud Special Forces

  5. Aug 20

    Fraud Files E001: Philly Strike Force

    Philadelphia, Meet the Strike Force A big announcement. A longer enforcement runway. Nineteen defendants. Alleged home care fraud. Plenty of officials at the podium. But the bigger story is what happens after the cameras leave. Paul Werner examines the healthcare fraud strike force’s expansion into Philadelphia and what sustained investigative attention could mean for providers throughout the region. He also looks at the uncomfortable space between billing mistakes, compliance failures and criminal allegations, where the details matter considerably more than the headlines. If your compliance program hasn’t had a serious stress test lately, this is a good reason to move it up the list. View the entire Fraud Files playlist on YouTube! Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    Fraud Files E001: Philly Strike Force

  6. Jun 25

    The Healthcare Lobbyist You Want on Your Side: Laurie Clark Talks Negotiation, Collaboration & Winning the Long Game

    There are very few people Vincent Buttaci admits to being afraid of. Healthcare lobbyist Laurie Clark is one of them. In this episode of Almost Clinical, hosts Vincent, John Leardi, and Paul Werner sit down with one of New Jersey's most respected healthcare advocates for a conversation that spans decades of legislative battles, regulatory challenges, pharmacy reform efforts, and hard-earned lessons about influence, negotiation, and playing the long game. A longtime advocate for physicians, pharmacists, healthcare organizations, and professional associations, Laurie offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how policy actually gets made – and why getting things done often requires far more relationship-building than headline-grabbing victories. Along the way, the group revisits the legislative fight that first put Laurie and Vin on opposite sides of the table, explores the evolution of pharmacy benefit manager reform in New Jersey, discusses the realities of working with regulators and administrative agencies, and explains why some of the most important victories in healthcare happen long before anyone walks into a courtroom. Other highlights include: How Laurie built one of New Jersey's leading independent healthcare lobbying practicesWhy the best advocates focus on solving problems, not just winning argumentsThe legislative battle that transformed Laurie and Vin from adversaries into collaboratorsWhat healthcare providers need to understand about building influence with legislators and regulatorsLessons learned from years of fighting for independent pharmacies and pharmacy benefit manager reformWhy professional associations remain one of the most effective tools for driving changeThe importance of credibility, transparency, and keeping communication lines open, even during difficult negotiationsWhy playing the long game almost always beats chasing a quick winBONUS: Stay until the end to hear Laurie explain why, despite wanting to "kill" Vin during one legislative battle, she ultimately ended up hiring his firm. Produced by Buttaci, Leardi & Werner, this episode is a reminder that influence isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about showing up, building trust, and staying at the table long enough to make progress. Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    The Healthcare Lobbyist You Want on Your Side: Laurie Clark Talks Negotiation, Collaboration & Winning the Long Game

  7. May 21

    Under One Roof: New Jersey’s Integrated Healthcare Revolution

    New Jersey’s new Integrated Healthcare Facility regulations are here — and they fundamentally change how outpatient healthcare services can be delivered across the state. In this episode of Almost Clinical, hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner unpack what may be the most significant behavioral healthcare licensing reform New Jersey has seen in the last 20 years. The guys discuss: The collapse of the old fragmented licensing structureWhat integrated healthcare actually means under the new regulationsThe practical impact on behavioral health operatorsNew staffing, supervision, and compliance obligationsHow the state is reshaping outpatient substance use disorder and mental health treatmentWhy physical therapy, primary care, and behavioral health may finally operate under one coordinated systemThe operational and reimbursement challenges providers should expect nextThe hosts also explore the broader policy implications of the new rules, including harm reduction, relapse management, whole-person treatment, and the increasing expectation that behavioral health providers operate with the same sophistication and compliance infrastructure as traditional healthcare systems. If you own, operate, advise, or invest in healthcare facilities in New Jersey, this episode is essential listening. Powered by Buttaci, Leardi & Werner. Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

    Under One Roof: New Jersey’s Integrated Healthcare Revolution

  8. Apr 30

    From Complaint to Catastrophe: How to Keep Patient Allegations From Derailing Your Practice

    Patient complaints are inevitable. Catastrophes aren’t. Hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner have seen patient complaints turn into licensing board actions, payer audits, malpractice claims, regulatory investigations, and even criminal exposure. And many of these started with a simple question about a bill, a scheduling issue, or a misunderstanding that was handled poorly by a provider.  In this episode of Almost Clinical, the guys walk through the real-world risks behind patient complaints and the practical steps healthcare providers can take to manage them before they spiral.  Highlights include:  Why ignoring a complaint is never an optionThe critical mistakes that immediately escalate risk How empathy isn’t just good customer service, it’s risk management The importance of having a clear internal chain of commandWhen a situation can be handled internally – and when it can’tHow AI and “informed” patients are changing the nature of complaintsReal examples of small issues turning into major legal problemsThe takeaway is simple: you can’t control what patients say, but you can control how you respond. And that response will determine what happens next for you and your business. Join Almost Clinical hosts Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner as they challenge each other’s views on how to operate, invest, and succeed in healthcare’s rapidly shifting landscape, translate legalese into business sense for healthcare providers, executives, private equity professionals, and strategic stakeholders, and explore the issues shaping the business of medicine today and tomorrow.

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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to Almost Clinical, the podcast where healthcare, law, and business converge in the most captivating way. Hosted by the dynamic trio from Buttaci Leardi & Werner – Vincent Buttaci, John Leardi, and Paul Werner – this show is your backstage pass to the gritty, multifaceted world of healthcare management. Every episode brings you face-to-face with the realities of running a healthcare practice, navigating legal hurdles, and capitalizing on business opportunities. Forget the clichés and technical jargon – Almost Clinical is all about accessible, engaging conversations that cut through the noise. Here, you’ll get straight-talking insights and no-nonsense discussions perfect for savvy healthcare leaders and business owners with hectic schedules and a thirst for industry knowledge. What makes Almost Clinical essential listening? It’s all about melding perspectives: ~Clinical Insights: Get the scoop on the latest in medical practice, patient care innovations, and what’s really needed to enhance healthcare delivery. ~Legal Realities: Learn about the pitfalls and legal entanglements healthcare practices face, and why compliance can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. ~Business Opportunities: Find out who’s making waves in the industry, where the money is flowing, and how to seize emerging opportunities. Almost Clinical isn’t just about talking shop; it’s about understanding the nuances and balancing acts that keep a healthcare practice thriving. Our goal is to make you feel like part of the conversation, providing insights that go beyond headlines and Twitter threads. Our conversations are as engaging and enlightening, featuring guests from all corners of the healthcare world. Whether dissecting a new regulation or exploring innovative business models, we aim to shed light on the issues that impact the day-to-day operations of healthcare practices. So, whether you’re a healthcare leader, a business owner, or simply someone interested in how these fields overlap and influence each other, be sure to tune in to Almost Clinical today!

Information

  • Creator
    Buttaci Leardi & Werner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Almost Clinical
  • Show Website
    Almost Clinical