#395 – Spencer Hutchins, CEO & Founder of Concert Health

Introduction: The Meeting of Healthcare Minds

Jared S. Taylor, host of the Slice of Healthcare podcast, recently invited Spencer Hutchins, the brains behind Concert Health, for an insightful discussion. From an in-depth background of Hutchins to the intricacies of Concert Health, this conversation shines light on the importance of integrating behavioral health services into primary care.

Background Check: Hutchins at the Helm

Hutchins has dedicated two decades of his life towards creating a difference in the healthcare-technology nexus. With Concert Health being his second entrepreneurial venture, his experience ranges from Series A and B investments to consulting for technology companies diversifying into healthcare. Notably, his public service stints even saw him be a part of the Obama administration’s healthcare team at the Federal Communications Commission.

Concert Health: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

The inception of Concert Health was deeply personal for Hutchins. Witnessing close ones battle mental health issues made him realize the dire need for accessible quality care. The business was built upon a care model called “collaborative care” that emphasizes behavioral health integration into primary care settings. This model, backed by substantial research, was designed to counteract the lack of psychiatrist availability and the impracticality of separating mental health from overall well-being.

Why Concert Health? The Differentiators

So, what sets Concert Health apart? Hutchins underlines three key differences:

1. Focus on Primary Care Partnerships: Rather than direct consumers or employers, Concert Health’s solutions are channeled primarily through collaborations with primary care settings.

2. Employed Group Practice Structure: Instead of merely offering software or creating a marketplace, Concert Health emphasizes employment-based group practice, thus ensuring quality and commitment.

3. Evidence-backed Care Model: The collaborative care approach aids primary care providers in better diagnosing, prescribing, and treating, ensuring improved patient outcomes based on decades of research.

Envisioning the Future: Behavioral Health through Concert Health’s Lens

The future of behavioral health, according to Hutchins, is centered around primary care. He predicts a future where high-quality primary care will intrinsically include support for mental health conditions. This integration not only ensures comprehensive care but also sets the foundation for value-based healthcare.

For Concert Health, the roadmap is clear: while they’ve touched the lives of over 50,000 patients, the aim is to reach the 30 million Americans who need such care. With continued growth, the focus remains on clinician empowerment, expanding partnerships, and efficient utilization of specialty programs.

Looking Ahead: Concert Health’s Upcoming Initiatives

While Hutchins remained tight-lipped about specific future initiatives, his excitement about recent partnerships and continuous growth was palpable. One thing is clear, the Concert Health team is committed to revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery, one collaboration at a time.