NPower Healthcare: APRNs & APPs Improving Access to Quality Healthcare

Serving Those Who Served: Dr. Alicia Gill Rossiter on Veteran‑Informed Nursing

Welcome to NPower Healthcare with Deb Tedesco and Dr. Alicia Gill Rossiter. This episode explores Dr. Rossiter’s military-to-academic journey, the V‑Care Veteran-to‑BSN pathway, veteran-informed clinical care, barriers veterans face entering nursing, and practical steps nurse practitioners can take to better serve military-connected patients.

When Trust Is Terminated by Insurance Companies

In this episode of NPower Healthcare, nurse practitioner and clinic owner Heather Taylor shares her experience of being terminated from a Medicare Advantage network by Humana, and the devastating impact that decision has on patients who rely on long-term, trusted relationships with their provider.
Heather discusses the discrimination she faced in appeals, the choices patients are forced into, and calls for policymakers and insurers to ensure nurse practitioners receive fair treatment and patients maintain continuity of care.

Undermined Care: An NP’s Battle Against Florida’s Healthcare Roadblocks

Deb Tedesco speaks with Laura Eaton, a nurse practitioner and independent clinic owner in Oakland Park, Florida, about the regulatory, credentialing, and insurance barriers she faced while opening and operating a primary care practice serving seniors, uninsured patients, and the LGBTQ+ community.Laura recounts credentialing vendor fraud, repeated denials from state agencies, loss of Medicare enrollment, exclusion from Medicare Advantage and major insurer networks, and the financial strain of providing cash-pay and pro bono care. She calls for enforcement of nondiscrimination, payment parity, and policy reforms to improve access to care.

Autonomy Undermined: The Hidden Cost of Insurance Decisions in Rural Florida

In this episode of NPower Healthcare, host Deb Tedesco talks with nurse practitioner Monica Barfield about the sudden termination of Monica's contract with WellCare and the devastating impact on many of her patients in rural Port St. Joe, Florida. Monica shares personal stories of patients, the challenges of rural access to care, and how insurance practices can undermine nurse practitioner autonomy and continuity of care.

When Insurance Cuts Care: Homebound Patients at Risk After Humana Contract Cancellation

Host Deb Tedesco talks with nurse practitioner Logan Andrews about Humana’s abrupt, without‑cause termination of his practice’s contract and the real harm it threatens to homebound, rural, and veteran patients across 21 Florida counties.The episode explores Andrews Healthcare Consulting’s mission delivering primary and psychiatric home‑based care, the shock of the contract loss, the patient stories at stake, and practical steps patients, policymakers, and providers can take to protect access to essential services.

Terminated Without Cause: A Nurse Practitioner's Fight for Children

Deb Tedesco interviews Elizabeth Barger, owner of Happy Camper Pediatrics, about the sudden, repeated termination of her Medicaid contracts and the threat this poses to children with complex medical needs in rural Florida.
They discuss contract cancellations without cause, ghost networks, families forced to travel far for care, and Elizabeth's advocacy calling on policymakers and the community to protect access and continuity for vulnerable children.

Unveiling the Power of Nurse Practitioners: Leadership at the Forefront

Welcome to the NPower Healthcare Podcast, where we delve into the evolving roles of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in the healthcare system. In this engaging episode, host Deb Tedesco speaks with Dr. Arlene Wright, a seasoned APP Director, who shares her insights and experiences gained over four decades in the healthcare field.
Explore how NPs and APPs are making significant strides in healthcare leadership, breaking away from traditional roles and providing comprehensive care across various specialties. Dr. Wright sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of integrating APPs into leadership positions, the impact on patient care, and the ongoing journey towards redefining healthcare dynamics.
Discover the importance of collaboration, education, and support in empowering APPs, and how their contributions are enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining healthcare operations. Tune in to understand the vital role these professionals play in transforming healthcare delivery and paving the way for future leaders.

Hope & Joy in Palliative Care: A Conversation with Dr. Lolita Melhado, Nurse Practitioner

Host Deb Tedesco interviews Dr. Lolita Melhado about her journey into palliative care, her book "Hope and Joy, A Bridge Across the Divide," and her work advancing palliative care through education, workforce development, and community programs.
They discuss the role of telehealth and technology, a major HRSA grant supporting diverse nurse practitioner students, and the importance of health equity, compassionate communication, and integrating palliative care into primary care to improve quality of life for people with serious illness.

Leading the Charge: From Clinical Excellence to Policy Change in NP Practice

Welcome to NPower Healthcare, where we shine a light on the innovative work of nurse practitioners. In today's episode, hosted by Deb Tedesco, we delve into the world of connection and advocacy with Dr. Natalie Merino, an acute care nurse practitioner and dynamic leader in Florida's healthcare community.
Join us as Dr. Merino shares her journey of transforming the Florida Nurse Practitioners Facebook group into a thriving online community that empowers thousands of NPs. Learn about her role in professional organizations, her passion for political engagement, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Revamping Pediatric Care: An Inside Look at NP Dr. Joonie's ExaminaVan

In this episode of NPower Healthcare, join host Deb Tedesco as she chats with Dr. June Bryant, a nurse practitioner affectionately known to her patients as Dr. Joonie. Discover how June transitioned from a cattle ranch upbringing to pioneering mobile pediatric care with her innovative ExaminaVan, a mobile clinic dedicated to providing accessible healthcare to underserved families.
Learn about the significant impact her mobile service has in delivering high-quality medical attention directly to those in need, circumventing traditional healthcare barriers. June shares personal stories about her drive to enhance pediatric care, offering a compassionate approach that feels like home.
Delve into her role as an educator and advocate for aspiring nurse practitioners, encouraging them to imagine healthcare beyond traditional settings and inspiring the next wave of community-focused care providers. Don't miss this episode filled with innovation and hope for the future of pediatric healthcare.