John Oberg, DSW, is a Founder, CEO, Board Director, Advisor, and Investor who is trusted by organizations to navigate growth, conflict, and change. He founded two Austin-based healthcare innovators, Sedera, a community-based medical cost-sharing organization, and Precina, a chronic care virtual medical practice. John serves on the board of directors for both organizations along with the boards of OnlineMedEd and Point Health. Through JOA Advisory, John advises large institutions, healthcare industry leaders, professional services firms, and nonprofits. John received his doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Social Work.
John Oberg, DSW, is a Founder, CEO, Board Director, Advisor, and Investor who is trusted by organizations to navigate growth, conflict, and change. He founded two Austin-based healthcare innovators, Sedera, a community-based medical cost-sharing organization, and Precina, a chronic care virtual medical practice. John serves on the board of directors for both organizations along with the boards of OnlineMedEd and Point Health. Through JOA Advisory, John advises large institutions, healthcare industry leaders, professional services firms, and nonprofits. John received his doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Social Work.
Healthcare spending as a percent of US GDP increased from 8.9% in 1980 to 19.7% in 2020. Patient outcomes have not improved at the same rate. My days are dedicated to reversing the healthcare equation with reduced healthcare costs and improved patient outcomes. I’ve founded two companies that are making significant impact in these areas.
Community medical cost sharing increases choice and reduces costs
In 2014, I co-founded Sedera with Dr. Tony Dale. Members of Sedera share major medical expenses, reducing patients’ overall out of pocket costs while increasing flexibility as patients choose the providers that best suit their needs. Sedera’s unique operational design clearly demonstrates that a community can band together to create new ways to navigate the complex and overpriced healthcare system. This philosophy represents the evolution of the sharing economy and creates a revolutionary means to empower people to successfully care for one another. Together, we can strip away the bureaucratic layers of excess and waste – and that is true innovation.
Chronic disease can be controlled
Similarly, when co-founding Precina Health with Dr. Dustyn Williams, our goal was to improve outcomes for patients struggling with chronic conditions, starting with a unique approach to diabetes. Current diabetes treatments and processes aren’t working, leaving patients and providers frustrated. Our virtual medical practice incorporates medical guidance with social work (mental health, socioeconomic, demographics) to guide patients with diabetes between doctor visits. Our daily engagement navigates medical, mental health, behavioral, social, and financial challenges. Innovation is not always about the next great technology – sometimes it is about helping people shift their actions to be able to utilize what is already known. Healthcare innovation is as much about finding simplicity as it is about the next great invention.
