About Alex Yarijanian
From Witness to Changemaker: My journey Shaped by Experience
Alex Yarijanian’s journey into healthcare was profoundly shaped by a defining moment in his childhood. As a young boy in Iran, Alex found himself in the chaotic halls of an overcrowded hospital, where stretchers lined the corridors, and the air was thick with despair. Amid this scene, he witnessed a heartbreaking event that would forever shape his view of healthcare. An Afghani mother clutched her frail child, begging staff to save her son, promising to pay later. Her pleas fell on deaf ears, and hours later, the child’s life was lost—not due to illness alone, but to a system that prioritized money over people.
This moment etched itself into Alex’s memory. He saw firsthand how the lack of equitable access to care could lead to tragedy and how socioeconomic barriers could decide a person’s fate. It was here that Alex first questioned why healthcare wasn’t universally accessible and vowed to one day be part of the solution.
As Alex grew, he carried the weight of that experience with him, drawing parallels to disparities in other healthcare systems, including in the United States. The belief that financial means should never dictate the quality of care became the driving force behind his mission. His early exposure to these inequities instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and a relentless drive to reimagine healthcare as a right, not a privilege.
These formative years set the stage for a career dedicated to challenging the status quo and creating systems that prioritize people over profit. Alex’s work today reflects the promise he made to himself as a boy—to build a healthcare system where no one is left behind.
My journey into healthcare administration began in a crowded Iranian hospital, where I experienced firsthand the devastating impact of a healthcare system that placed money before patient care. I was just a boy, surrounded by the cries of desperate patients, including an Afghani mother clutching her frail child, begging for help. Her pleas echoed through the chaotic halls, but they fell on deaf ears. As the hours passed and the hospital staff ignored her, I watched as an angry crowd of patients demanded action. A nurse finally checked the child’s vitals, but it was too late. A doctor emerged shortly after, coldly announcing the child’s death. It wasn’t just illness that claimed this young life; it was a system that valued payment over people.
This tragic moment etched itself into my memory, a stark reminder of the injustice that many face in accessing care. I carried the weight of this experience with me as I grew, witnessing similar disparities in other parts of the world, including the United States. I came to see healthcare access as a humanitarian crisis, where one’s financial status often dictated the quality and availability of care.
This defining moment has been the driving force behind my mission: to transform healthcare systems globally so that care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. I’ve dedicated my career to challenging the status quo, from leading the national expansion of value-based maternity care at Mahmee to integrating nonmedical services within mainstream healthcare at Carenodes. My work has been guided by the belief that healthcare is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a fundamental right.
Every step of my career has been a testament to this conviction. Whether negotiating transformative payer contracts, advocating for patient-centered care, or driving digital healthcare innovations, my goal has always been to make quality care a reality for all. The memory of that crowded hospital and the child who died because of a broken system continues to fuel my commitment to creating a healthcare landscape where no one is turned away because they cannot afford to pay.
Alex Yarijanian’s journey into healthcare administration was deeply personal, shaped by a harrowing experience in a crowded Iranian hospital. He was just a boy when he found himself in a chaotic and grim environment, where stretchers lined the lobby and corridors, filled with patients in desperate need of care. The air was heavy with the sound of children wailing and the pervasive scent of despair. Amid this scene, an Afghani mother, clutching her frail child, pleaded with every passing nurse, doctor, and hospital staff member: “Please! Please! Help me! I promise to pay! Save my child in the name of God!”
Hours passed, and as the hospital staff ignored her pleas, an angry mob of patients, themselves sick and weary, began demanding that the child be seen. A nurse finally approached, reluctantly taking the child’s vitals. But moments later, she rushed back to the office, her expression a mix of fear and urgency. Five minutes later, a physician emerged and, without ceremony, announced the child’s death. Alex witnessed the life of this seven-year-old slip away, not due to illness alone but because of a system that placed money before the patient.
This heartbreaking event etched itself into Alex’s memory—the realization that the value of a human life could be weighed against one’s ability to pay. In that hospital, he saw a child die powerless against the hospital’s policies, the government, and a system that enforced payment before care. Locals referred to this practice as “money before patient,” a phrase that encapsulated the harsh reality faced by many.
Alex carried the weight of this experience with him as he grew. He saw parallels in other parts of the world, including the United States, where access to care and quality of treatment often hinge on one’s socioeconomic status. The belief that a checking account balance could determine a person’s health became, to him, a humanitarian crisis.
This defining moment propelled Alex toward his mission: to transform healthcare systems globally, ensuring that care is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a right accessible to all. Whether in a crowded Iranian hospital or a complex American healthcare system, Alex’s aim is to bridge the gap and challenge the status quo, making quality care a reality for everyone, regardless of their financial means.
Grow your report
As Carenodes and Mahmee continued to thrive, Alex faced new challenges that tested his resolve. The healthcare industry was slow to change, mired in regulations, legacy systems, and entrenched mindsets resistant to new approaches. For every victory, there were setbacks that threatened to derail progress. Negotiations with payers could be grueling, and scaling digital solutions across diverse healthcare environments was far from straightforward.
One of the most significant hurdles came when Carenodes faced pushback from traditional healthcare providers who were skeptical of integrating nonmedical services. Some saw Carenodes’ biopsychosocial approach as a threat to the established order, and convincing stakeholders to embrace this new model required a delicate balance of data, diplomacy, and determination.
Alex spent countless hours in boardrooms, on conference calls, and at healthcare summits, presenting evidence of Carenodes’ success in reducing costs, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing provider satisfaction. He leaned on his background in payer-provider relations, leveraging every ounce of his expertise in negotiation to align diverse interests around a common goal: better care for all.
Despite the resistance, Alex’s relentless advocacy paid off.
Slowly but surely, health systems and insurers began to see the value of a more integrated approach to care. Carenodes’ model became a benchmark for other organizations, setting new standards for patient-centered healthcare that others aspired to emulate.
Innovating Amid a Global Crisis
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, upending healthcare systems and exposing deep vulnerabilities. While many organizations struggled to adapt, Alex saw an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of digital health solutions. He swiftly pivoted Carenodes to focus on virtual care, expanding telehealth capabilities that allowed providers to connect with patients remotely.
At Insight Choices, where Alex had stepped in as Interim COO during a period of intense change, the pandemic presented both a crisis and a turning point. Insight Choices was a large behavioral health provider deeply affected by the sudden shift to virtual care. Under Alex’s guidance, the organization rapidly modernized its operations, deploying a first-of-its-kind digital infrastructure that not only improved service delivery but also set new records for revenue generation.
Alex’s decisive leadership during this period was instrumental in managing the pandemic’s challenges. Within days, he had mobilized staff to work remotely, established new protocols for virtual-only patient interactions, and ensured that Insight Choices remained operational at a time when mental health services were more critical than ever. The swift response not only protected jobs and maintained care but also positioned the organization as a leader in digital health transformation.
Building Bridges Beyond Borders
As his influence grew, Alex began to see his work as part of a larger, global movement towards healthcare equity. He joined international panels and advisory groups, collaborating with healthcare leaders from around the world who shared his vision of a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system.
One of the highlights of Alex’s career was being invited to speak at the Health 2.0 Conference, a gathering of the brightest minds in healthcare technology. His keynote session on telemedicine and remote care was met with standing ovations, as Alex outlined a future where healthcare was no longer confined to clinics and hospitals but extended to every home through digital platforms.
He also worked closely with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, where he advocated for elder care improvements and the integration of community health initiatives. His involvement in the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade showcased his ability to connect policy with practice, influencing public health strategies that directly impacted the lives of thousands of residents.
The Heart of Innovation: A Personal Mission
For Alex, the drive to innovate was deeply personal. Growing up in a family that valued service, he had always been aware of the disparities in healthcare access. His grandparents, immigrants who had faced numerous challenges navigating the American healthcare system, inspired Alex’s commitment to create a more compassionate and inclusive model of care.
This personal connection to his work fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts, designing new care models, or mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders, Alex approached every challenge with a sense of purpose that transcended business.
He often said that his greatest achievement wasn’t the awards or the accolades but the impact on individual lives—patients who received the care they needed, families who felt supported, and providers who were empowered to deliver their best. For Alex, every success story was a reminder of why he started this journey in the first place.
Legacy of Leadership and Future Vision
Looking ahead, Alex saw a future where healthcare would continue to evolve, driven by data, technology, and a patient-first philosophy. He remained committed to mentoring emerging leaders, sharing his experiences and insights to help others navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape. He believed that the true measure of a leader was not just in the successes they achieved but in the opportunities they created for others.
In his latest venture, Alex was already exploring new ways to leverage artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to further personalize care. He envisioned a world where healthcare was anticipatory rather than reactive, where technology could predict health crises before they occurred and guide patients on a proactive path to wellness.
His work with private equity and venture capital firms positioned him at the forefront of the next wave of healthcare innovation. He was determined to invest in companies that shared his commitment to equity, access, and patient-centered care, ensuring that the future of healthcare was one that prioritized people over profits.
The Ongoing Mission
As Alex continued his journey, he knew that the work was never truly done. The healthcare industry would always face challenges, but with every hurdle came the opportunity to innovate, improve, and make a difference. For Alex, the mission was clear: to build a healthcare system that works for everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.
He often ended his speeches with a simple but powerful call to action: “Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Let’s reimagine healthcare, not as a series of transactions but as a promise of care, compassion, and connection. Together, we can build a healthier world.”
And with every project, every partnership, and every patient touched by his work, Alex Yarijanian was living proof that one visionary leader could indeed change the future of healthcare for the better.
The Innovator’s Journey: A Healthcare Revolution
Alex Yarijanian had always believed that healthcare was more than just a service—it was a fundamental right. Growing up in a community where access to quality care was a privilege reserved for the fortunate few, Alex knew that his life’s mission would be to change the status quo. Years later, standing at the helm of Carenodes, a company he founded with a vision of transforming healthcare delivery, Alex was poised to make his mark on the industry.
The Legacy Continues
Alex’s journey was far from over. As he looked to the future, he knew that the healthcare landscape would continue to evolve. Challenges would arise, but so would opportunities. With every step forward, Alex remained committed to his mission: to transform healthcare into a right, not a privilege, and to inspire a new generation of leaders to carry that torch forward.
Together with his team, partners, and the broader healthcare community, Alex Yarijanian was not just building a company—he was shaping a movement. And in doing so, he was proving that with vision, courage, and unwavering dedication, it was possible to revolutionize the way we care for one another.
Awards
Alex Yarijanian has received several awards and recognitions for his work in healthcare. These include:
These awards highlight Yarijanian’s achievements in healthcare innovation, leadership, and his commitment to addressing social issues through healthcare solutions.
- Best Companies Award from Health 2.0 International in April 2022.
- Outstanding Leadership Award from Health 2.0 International in April 2022.
- Outstanding Leadership Award 2022 from the Health 2.0 Conference in April 2022.
- Toyota Innovations Grant from the Toyota USA Foundation in April 2015 for implementing an innovative evidence-based transitional housing model integrating social and healthcare services.
- Nonprofit Organizational Capacity Building Grant from the Annenberg Foundation in July 2013 to expand the infrastructure of a nonprofit organization to more effectively serve its mission of healthcare integration and shelter provision services.
- Robert and Kathleen Grey Endowed Scholarship from the University of California, Riverside in April 2013, awarded based on academic merit and achievement.
- Albert B. Cutter Memorial Scholarship from the University of California, Riverside in March 2013, awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership.
2010: A. Alex Yarijanian co-founds Cardborigami, a non-profit providing portable shelters for the homeless. The organization uses the art of origami with a waterproof, insulated cardboard material.
2010-2030: 10,000 Americans per day are aging into Medicare.
2011-2013: Yarijanian attends California State University-Long Beach, earning his bachelor’s degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude (top 2%)
2015: Yarijanian begins a Master’s program at California State University-Long Beach in Health Care Administration
2015-2017: Yarijanian obtains a Master’s degree from California State University – Long Beach with a 4.0 GPA in Health Care Administration.
2015-Present: Yarijanian is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
2016 (Mar-Aug): Yarijanian works at naviHealth, Inc./Cardinal Health Inc. as a network manager for the CMS Bundled Payment Care Initiative (BPCI) in Southern California, managing a network of 14 hospitals and over 50 post-acute care providers, generating $1.1 million/quarter in shared savings.
2017 (August): Yarijanian publishes the strategic business plan for Cardborigami.
2018 (Late): Yarijanian leaves his corporate job at Humana, where he oversaw contracting and network management for the west side of the country, to start a health technology organization due to frustrations with manual processes.
2019-Present: Yarijanian is a volunteer ambassador for the Better Medicare Alliance.
2019-Present: Yarijanian serves as President of the Health Care Administration Alumni Network at California State University, Long Beach.
2019-Present: Yarijanian becomes a mentor with AHIMA.
2019-Present: Yarijanian becomes a member of the American Bar Association.
2020 (Early): Yarijanian serves as interim Chief Operating Officer of a behavioral health group during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 (Mar/Apr): The Health and Human Services Secretary’s office issues an emergency rule allowing most forms of digital health communications to be billable and reimbursable under federal law.
2020 (Sept): Yarijanian publishes an article called “Antisocial Personality Disorders and Implications on Business Operations: Corporate Psychopathology as a Human Resources Agenda Item.”
2020: Carenotes is founded and begins supporting digital health companies and helping them contract with health insurance companies.
2020-Present: Yarijanian creates a fractional CXO portfolio and expands Carenotes to include advisory, expert networks, and operational support to healthcare systems.
2022 (Feb): Yarijanian delivers a keynote session on Telemedicine at the Health 2.0 Conference.
2022 (Apr): Yarijanian receives the Best Companies Award and the Outstanding Leadership Award from Health 2.0 International.
2023 (Apr 19): Yarijanian writes an article about a Hospital Quality Incentive Program Opportunity in the NY Market with Highmark.
2023 (Aug 22): Yarijanian publishes an article about the financial blueprint for mental health parity in modern health insurance.
2023 (Sep 12): Yarijanian publishes an article reflecting on his career and leadership in healthcare.
2023 (Dec 13): Yarijanian publishes an article about a historic pay raise for Medi-Cal providers.
2024 (Jan 1): The historic pay raise for Medi-Cal providers goes into effect.
Ongoing: Carenodes develops a managed service organization (MSO) model and a digital health platform to provide health insurance contracting, network management, and provider networks to healthcare startups
Alex Yarijanian 