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In this insightful interview, we sit down with Patrick Long, co-founder of Hero Health, to explore his transition from captive insurance to healthcare, the inspiration behind his work, and his thoughts on disrupting the status quo. Patrick shares his passion for innovation, the importance of positive connections, and the mentors who have shaped his journey. Dive into his unique perspective on healthcare reform and his vision for a future where quality care is rewarded. Read on to learn more about Patrick’s inspiring work and the heroes driving healthcare forward!
You worked in captive insurance prior to healthcare. What pulled you into this industry, and why did you stay?
Patrick Long (Hero Health): We built the first P&C captives in North Carolina back in 2014. One of my clients was a group of surgeons who left their respective hospitals to form an ACS. When I reviewed their risk, I was stunned at how much variation there was in the data. These surgeons did far more procedures with fewer complications and readmissions. This begged two questions: “Why do they pay the same insurance?” and “Why don’t they get more patients?” So, we created Hero Health to reward higher quality and lower cost care. I’ve stayed because our work is not finished!
You have a good reputation in healthcare. Why do you think that is?
Patrick Long (Hero Health): I think that healthcare, in general, attracts good people—and the Rebel Alliance in particular attracts great people. So many people in our business are passionate, dedicated, and helpful. So, it’s clearly not me—it’s the entire tribe! To pay it forward, I block out 10% of my time to introduce others because I am a big believer in the power of positive connections—and karma.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Patrick Long (Hero Health): The best thing about my job is that it does not feel like work. Have you heard of Ikigai? It is a Japanese term that means “your reason for living.” It is most often drawn as a Venn diagram of four circles: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you are paid for. You should look it up—because I bet you, too, are at the center of your Ikigai. If you’re not—I hope you find the way.
The worst thing about my job is when I get too philosophical—just kidding. I think the worst part is when you meet a smart broker who totally gets what we are doing but still sticks to the status quo due to fear. So many are just not quite ready to leave the unsustainable status quo—like frogs in the proverbial pot of water.
Who else in healthcare inspires you, and why?
Patrick Long (Hero Health): I tend to categorize... there are “Pioneering Rebels” who paved the way and make our work possible—folks like Brian Klepper, Al Lewis, and Jeff Hogan, who are my mentors as well as friends. Then we have the “Production Rebels” who are creating incredibly enlightening content, such as Chris Deacon, Dr. Eric Bricker, Dr. Marty Makary, and Stacey Richter... and let’s not forget the “Rising Rebels”—like Preston Alexander and Nikhil Krishnan, who can make you laugh while educating and inspiring. There are so many others—but that is a great start.
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