In this sponsored episode of Podnosis, experts examine how molecular residual disease testing is transforming how clinicians assess recurrence risk in triple-negative breast cancer. Drawing on new data from the NSABP B-59 substudy presented at SABCS and AACR, the discussion highlights how circulating tumor DNA is providing earlier and more precise insight into patient outcomes.

Dr. Priya Rastogi, chief medical officer of the NSABP Foundation, explains how MRD testing can detect residual disease that standard tools may miss, often months or years before clinical recurrence. The conversation explores key findings, including the strong correlation between post-surgical ctDNA positivity and recurrence risk, as well as the prognostic value of ctDNA status earlier in the treatment pathway.

In this sponsored episode of Podnosis, experts examine how molecular residual disease testing is transforming how clinicians assess recurrence risk in triple-negative breast cancer. Drawing on new data from the NSABP B-59 substudy presented at SABCS and AACR, the discussion highlights how circulating tumor DNA is providing earlier and more precise insight into patient outcomes. Dr. Priya Rastogi, chief medical officer of the NSABP Foundation, explains how MRD testing can detect residual disease that standard tools may miss, often months or years before clinical recurrence. The conversation explores key findings, including the strong correlation between post-surgical ctDNA positivity and recurrence risk, as well as the prognostic value of ctDNA status earlier in the treatment pathway.

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podnosis

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

How MRD Testing Is Reshaping Breast Cancer Risk (Sponsored)

Maternal and infant health remains a significant challenge across the country. To support better outcomes for both pregnant women and their babies, industry giant UnitedHealth Group is investing in doulas. Its insurance arm recently expanded a doula support program nationwide in its employer plans. 

In this episode, Fierce Senior Writer Paige Minemyer sits down with Catherine Anderson, senior vice president for health optimization strategy at UnitedHealth Group, to discuss how doulas can support the pregnancy journey and the role they can play in broader community health efforts. 

To learn more about the topics in this episode: 
UnitedHealthcare expands doula benefit to employers nationwide
Exclusive: Medicaid insurers can do more to improve maternal health access, HHS report says
Doulas, once a luxury, are increasingly covered by Medicaid—even in GOP states
Massachusetts Blues launches new doula pilot program, caregiving support

Maternal and infant health remains a significant challenge across the country. To support better outcomes for both pregnant women and their babies, industry giant UnitedHealth Group is investing in doulas. Its insurance arm recently expanded a doula support program nationwide in its employer plans.&nbsp;
In this episode, Fierce Senior Writer Paige Minemyer sits down with Catherine Anderson, senior vice president for health optimization strategy at UnitedHealth Group, to discuss how doulas can support the pregnancy journey and the role they can play in broader community health efforts.&nbsp;
To learn more about the topics in this episode:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealthcare-expands-doula-benefit-employers-nationwide">UnitedHealthcare expands doula benefit to employers nationwide</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/exclusive-medicaid-insurers-can-do-more-improve-maternal-health-access-hhs-report-says">Exclusive: Medicaid insurers can do more to improve maternal health access, HHS report says</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/doulas-once-luxury-are-increasingly-covered-medicaid-even-gop-states">Doulas, once a luxury, are increasingly covered by Medicaid&mdash;even in GOP states</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/massachusetts-blues-launches-new-doula-caregiving-support">Massachusetts Blues launches new doula pilot program, caregiving support</a></li>
</ul>

Why UnitedHealth Group is betting big on doulas

Mike Sciandra grew up around gamblers. It wasn’t long before he became one. He gambled for more than 20 years, declaring bankruptcy twice. He knew he had a problem, but it wasn’t until he entered treatment that he realized it was a gambling addiction.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear Sciandra tell his story to Senior Writer Anastassia Gliadkovskaya. The interview was recorded as part of a story published this week on the state of gambling addiction in the U.S.

To learn more about the topics in this episode: 
‘The next opioid epidemic’: Gambling legalization outpaces public health response to addiction
Gambling addiction startup Birches Health to expand offerings, provider training under new clinical VP

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact 1-800-MY-RESET for the National Problem Gambling Helpline.

Mike Sciandra grew up around gamblers. It wasn&rsquo;t long before he became one. He gambled for more than 20 years, declaring bankruptcy twice. He knew he had a problem, but it wasn&rsquo;t until he entered treatment that he realized it was a gambling addiction.
In today&rsquo;s episode, you&rsquo;ll hear Sciandra tell his story to Senior Writer Anastassia Gliadkovskaya. The interview was recorded as part of a story published this week on the state of gambling addiction in the U.S.
To learn more about the topics in this episode:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/next-opioid-epidemic-gambling-addiction-grows-legalization-outpaces-public-health">&lsquo;The next opioid epidemic&rsquo;: Gambling legalization outpaces public health response to addiction</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/gambling-addiction-provider-birches-health-hires-clinical-vp">Gambling addiction startup Birches Health to expand offerings, provider training under new clinical VP</a></li>
</ul>
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact 1-800-MY-RESET for the National Problem Gambling Helpline.

One man’s journey from gambling addiction to recovery and advocacy

Prior authorization is often cited as a major pain point in healthcare—but it doesn’t have to be. In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, shares how Caremark is transforming the prior authorization experience through automation, clinical rigor and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Gourdine explains why prior authorization remains an important tool for ensuring medications are used safely and appropriately while acknowledging the burden it can place on providers and patients. She details how Caremark has reduced median processing times from hours to minutes, processed millions of requests at scale and proactively renewed approvals to avoid treatment disruptions.

The discussion also explores how AI is being applied in a clinician‑decides model, supporting faster decisions without ever being used to deny care. From specialty drugs to high‑cost therapies like GLP‑1s, Dr. Gourdine outlines how clinical evidence, affordability and patient outcomes guide every decision. The result is a more efficient, transparent approach to prior authorization that keeps care moving forward.

Prior authorization is often cited as a major pain point in healthcare&mdash;but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be. In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, shares how Caremark is transforming the prior authorization experience through automation, clinical rigor and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Gourdine explains why prior authorization remains an important tool for ensuring medications are used safely and appropriately while acknowledging the burden it can place on providers and patients. She details how Caremark has reduced median processing times from hours to minutes, processed millions of requests at scale and proactively renewed approvals to avoid treatment disruptions.
The discussion also explores how AI is being applied in a clinician‑decides model, supporting faster decisions without ever being used to deny care. From specialty drugs to high‑cost therapies like GLP‑1s, Dr. Gourdine outlines how clinical evidence, affordability and patient outcomes guide every decision. The result is a more efficient, transparent approach to prior authorization that keeps care moving forward.

Automation, AI and clinical oversight are cutting prior authorization times without compromising patient safety.

How MRD Testing Is Reshaping Breast Cancer Risk (Sponsored)

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