The Pulse of Healthcare

Dr. John McCormick
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Dr. John McCormick discusses the healthcare industry and his vision for providing affordable quality health care for all. Video and podcast topics include: healthcare policy, healthcare costs, prescription costs, health insurance, Telehealth, Telemedicine, mental health, ERISA, patient out-of-pocket costs, patient deductibles, patient copays, self-funded health benefits, employee benefits, and more.Dr. McCormick is CEO of Ovation Health. Ovation Health is a group health plan provider, offering $0 to low deductible plans and HD plans. Ovation Direct offers subscription health benefit plans for individuals.  For more information visit www.ovation.health and www.ovation-direct.com or call 866-549-4199. 

  1. Jun 8

    Hidden Fees, Hidden Prices: Exposing the Truth About Hospital Billing

    In this episode of The Pulse of Healthcare Podcast, Dr. John, CEO of Ovation Health, and Nick from Member Services examine the growing problem of healthcare pricing opacity. Inspired by an article from Chris Deacon, they explore how complex hospital payment arrangements and hidden contract language can obscure the true cost of care. The discussion uncovers how employers, health plans, and patients are often billed amounts that may include unrelated fees, retrospective adjustments, incentive payments, and other financial mechanisms that have little connection to the actual services provided. Dr. John and Nick break down why transparent pricing matters, the challenges self-funded employers face in understanding healthcare costs, and what organizations can do to better protect their healthcare dollars. If you've ever wondered why healthcare bills seem impossible to understand, this episode sheds light on the systems and practices that keep the real price hidden. Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    21 min

  2. May 22

    The Hidden Costs of Healthcare—Reference Based Pricing, Cash Pay & Hospital Transparency

    In this episode, Dr. John and Nick explore the challenges surrounding healthcare pricing and why understanding the true cost of care has become increasingly difficult. The discussion dives into Reference Based Pricing (RBP), cash pay options, and the ongoing issues surrounding hospital cost transparency. Learn how these approaches can help patients and employers navigate rising healthcare expenses, create more informed decisions, and uncover opportunities for meaningful savings.  Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    13 min

  3. Apr 13

    The Hidden Costs of Narrow Networks—and a Better Way Forward

    In this episode, Dr. John and Patient Advocate Kia Baker discuss the often-overlooked drawbacks of traditional healthcare networks—limited provider access, unexpected out-of-network charges, and rising costs that can catch employers and members off guard. They contrast these challenges with the advantages of an open access network model, which offers greater flexibility, broader provider choice, and more effective cost containment. Tune in to learn how rethinking your network strategy can lead to better outcomes, improved member experiences, and more predictable healthcare spending. Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    10 min

  4. Mar 23

    One Year In: What Healthcare Really Looks Like from the Inside

    Dr. John sits down with Member Services specialist Nick Trapani to talk about his first year on the job and the eye-opening lessons he’s learned along the way.  From navigating the complexities of the healthcare system to supporting members in real, meaningful ways, Nick shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a difference. He also reflects on just how much there is still to learn—highlighting the ever-evolving nature of healthcare and the importance of staying curious, informed, and committed to helping others every step of the way.  Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    22 min

  5. Mar 2

    The Healthcare Cartel: Why the System is Rigged and the Rebels Fighting to Fix It

    Ever feel like your healthcare is just one giant shell game? You’re not imagining it.  This video pulls back the curtain on how the "Big Players" have basically bought every part of the game. They are big-box insurance conglomerates that own every link in the chain: the doctors, the pharmacies, the data platforms, and even the "middlemen" (Pharmacy Benefit Managers). This is called vertical integration, and it’s a fancy way of saying they’ve rigged the system to keep your money moving in one big, profitable circle. By controlling the entire ecosystem, these big players can funnel patients toward higher-priced services they own—regardless of whether you actually get better. The good news is, there’s a growing movement of doctors and small business owners who are fed up with the corruption and are leading the way with innovative healthcare solutions and slashing costs by 30-50% while providing better outcomes, proving that the solution isn't just a "software patch" for the old system, but a parallel infrastructure built on genuine care. Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    13 min

  6. Feb 11

    Trump Rx & PBM Transparency: What Employers & Consumers Need to Know

    In this episode, we’re diving into the new Trump Rx initiatives and the latest rules focused on PBM price transparency. What do these changes actually mean for employers and plan members? We break down how greater visibility into prescription pricing could reduce hidden markups, improve accountability, and help control rising drug costs. If you’re looking to better understand what’s happening in the Rx space—and how it could impact your benefits strategy—this episode is for you. Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    11 min

  7. Jan 15

    HSAs Explained - A Powerful Savings Tool Limited by Policy

    In this episode, Dr. John and guest Virginia Groce (Claims Administrator for Ovation Health) explore how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) empower individuals and employers to save for healthcare with unmatched tax advantages—while also examining the government rules that restrict their full potential.  In this discussion, we break down how HSAs work, why they can be a smart long-term financial and healthcare strategy, and how tying HSAs exclusively to high-deductible health plans creates barriers to affordable healthcare. Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    13 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Escaping the Big Box Cycle with Smarter Health Plans

    In this episode, Dr. John and Peter unpack the growing dilemma employers face as healthcare costs continue to rise at an unsustainable pace. Despite mounting pressure on budgets, many brokers still funnel employers toward the same Big Box health insurance carriers—often overlooking newer, more innovative plan options from smaller, regional insurers that can deliver better value.  We explore why this happens, what employers aren’t being told, and how forward-thinking companies (like our own) are breaking the cycle by embracing modern solutions that prioritize transparency, flexibility, and real cost savings. This conversation sheds light on the shifts happening in the industry and empowers employers to make smarter, more informed decisions about their benefits strategy. Learn more about Ovation Health at www.ovation.health  We help employers save up to 35% on their healthcare costs. For a free consultation call 866-549-4199 or email dr.john@ovation-health.com

    13 min
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About

Dr. John McCormick discusses the healthcare industry and his vision for providing affordable quality health care for all. Video and podcast topics include: healthcare policy, healthcare costs, prescription costs, health insurance, Telehealth, Telemedicine, mental health, ERISA, patient out-of-pocket costs, patient deductibles, patient copays, self-funded health benefits, employee benefits, and more.Dr. McCormick is CEO of Ovation Health. Ovation Health is a group health plan provider, offering $0 to low deductible plans and HD plans. Ovation Direct offers subscription health benefit plans for individuals.  For more information visit www.ovation.health and www.ovation-direct.com or call 866-549-4199. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. John McCormick
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Pulse of Healthcare
  • Show Website
    The Pulse of Healthcare