This episode finds our intrepid podcast duo getting down and geeky in the name of healthcare innovation. Trigger warning: APIs will be discussed!

athenahealth CMO Kevin Ban, M.D., and athenaInsight editor-in-chief John Fox check in with Robert Van Tuyl, who, as chief innovation officer at Easterseals Bay Area, relishes his role as a Silicon Valley veteran bringing an outsider's perspective to the venerable California healthcare institution.

Van Tuyl talks about his experience at Easterseals integrating best-in-breed systems through APIs (that's "application programming interface" for you landlubbers) and the potential for creating consumer-grade experiences for providers and patients alike. The trio finishes up by spitballing how and whether Big Tech's moves into healthcare will spur innovation.

You can listen to more episodes of “Decoding Healthcare" on your favorite podcast app, including Apple's podcast app, Stitcher, and Google Play. Browse all our episodes here.

Have an idea for an ideal podcast guest, topic, or health organization we should spotlight on the show? We're all ears. Email us!

Decoding Healthcare is a production of athenahealth. For more stories and big ideas about healthcare in America today, go to athenaInsight.com. And follow us on Twitter @athenahealth and @KevinBanMD. Thanks for listening!