The AI Cure for Healthcare’s Cost Crisis
Rick Anderson - Chairman and CEO of The Hive Health
This marks a milestone 200th episode of The TechEd Podcast! Matt Kirchner is joined by Rick Anderson, CEO of The Hive Health, to explore how transparency and technology are reshaping healthcare. Rick shares how The Hive Health uses AI and data-driven insights to negotiate fair pricing for medical devices, save providers millions of dollars, and help health systems remain viable—even in underserved communities. It’s a game-changing model that’s keeping hospitals open, providers supported, and patients cared for.
This conversation highlights lessons from healthcare innovation that educators and employers can apply across industries. Learn how emerging technologies like AI and data transparency are driving cost savings and reshaping supply chains. For technical educators, the episode underscores the importance of preparing students for a future where technology and strategic decision-making are key to sustaining systems and communities.
Inside this episode:
- Why 50% of U.S. health systems operate in the red
- How The Hive Health uses AI to analyze 40M+ lines of purchasing data and uncover massive pricing gaps
- Why a physician-led model builds trust between administrators and providers to improve care
- How educators and employers can leverage these AI-driven approaches in their own industries
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
- AI is transforming healthcare cost management: By analyzing over 40 million lines of purchasing data, The Hive Health identifies massive pricing gaps, saving health systems an average of 22% on costs.
- Transparent pricing is essential for sustainability: The Hive Health reveals shocking price disparities for identical medical devices, ensuring fair deals without sacrificing quality. This model of data-driven transparency has lessons for other industries like manufacturing and education, where cost efficiency and resource allocation are equally critical.
- Cost savings directly impact patient access: By reducing device costs and operating more efficiently, health systems can avoid closures, reinvest in innovation, and expand access to care. The result is a more resilient healthcare system that better serves patients and communities.
Resources in this Episode:
To learn more about The Hive Health visit: thehivehealth.com
Connect with The Hive Health Online:
You might also like...
What our listeners are saying
The #1 podcast in TechEd
This podcast is a great resource to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of manufacturing and technology. Get key insight from industry leaders from the Midwest and around the globe that you won’t find anywhere else. A must listen for anyone interested in how technology is changing the way businesses operate.
The pulse of Industry 4.0
This podcast has its fingers on the pulse of Industry 4.0, and Matt K. is a phenomenal guide, traversing the complexities of manufacturing and education in one forum. A+ work all around!
Compelling
I find Matt's approach to be very compelling. He brings both perspectives, industry AND education. He doesn't hold back on what he thinks is important...
New and Exciting Content With Every Episode
I really enjoy listening to this podcast when I'm driving or have a free moment. Each episode brings a new guest with a fresh and exciting perspective of both education and the workforce!
I needed this podcast back when I was in High School!
Such great content that deserves more attention at all level of education. I wish I heard some of these episodes when I was navigating my own career path. Incredible guests, with incredible messages to share. Keep up the great work!
Inspiring topics featuring inspiring leaders
I’ve listened to most of your weekly podcasts and enjoy listening to the stories and conversations that feature business and education leaders from Wisconsin. Kudos to you for creating a platform that presents ideas and success stories that are important to Career and Technical Education teachers and leaders.
Best Career and TechEd Podcast
There are a lot of education podcasts out there. This is the only one that really focuses on bringing together voices from inside AND outside education and focuses specifically on STEM and Career/Tech Ed. This is a great podcast for anyone in education and also for anyone who employs STEM or skilled-trades talent in their workforce.
Filling in Gaps
This show spotlights a large and growing aspect of education that doesn’t get enough attention. Practical and technical education is a field growing exponentially. This podcast Highlights many of the facets of this diverse field.
Fantastic Topics on the Future of Industry
These podcasts are the best for learning about current and future technology. The stories are great. We need more of these interviews.