Healthcare Americana

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jeffrey Gold of Gold Direct Care sits down with Christopher Habig to discuss the intricacies and challenges of the healthcare system, particularly focusing on the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. Dr. Gold offers insightful perspectives based on his firsthand experience as a practicing physician. The conversation covers into the fundamental question of why the current healthcare system, largely controlled by business interests and bureaucracy, often fails to provide adequate care. Dr. Gold highlights the disparity between the availability of essential services like cell phones, which the vast majority of Americans can afford, and the perceived unaffordability of DPC. He argues that DPC is accessible to a significant portion of the population, emphasizing the importance of individual choice in healthcare decision-making. Additionally, Dr. Gold addresses the reluctance among physicians to embrace DPC, attributing it to psychological barriers and a lack of business education within medical training. He advocates for a shift towards patient-centered care and urges both patients and providers to take accountability and seek solutions to the systemic challenges facing the healthcare industry. The episode offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of DPC in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, while also underscoring the need for broader systemic changes to ensure equitable access and quality care for all. Through engaging anecdotes and pragmatic analysis, Dr. Gold and Christopher Habig shed light on the realities of modern healthcare and the path forward towards a more patient-centric and sustainable model. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Jeffrey Gold & Gold Direct Care Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode, Christopher Habig engages in a profound discussion with expert Chris Deacon from VerSan Consulting on the crucial topic of employer fiduciary responsibility in healthcare. As they unravel the complexities of this responsibility, they offer valuable insights into recent lawsuits, market dynamics, and the pivotal role of employers in shaping the future of healthcare. The conversation touches on the concept of fiduciary responsibility and its implications for employers in healthcare decision-making. Deacon provides clarity on the fiduciary role of employers and how it influences their choices in purchasing health benefits for their employees. The two also discuss the intricate web of market forces that drive healthcare, touching upon the involvement of insurance companies and the evolving roles of physicians. By dissecting these dynamics, they paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape and the challenges it presents. The episode underscore the significance of informed decision-making and proactive engagement in healthcare reform efforts. This is a must-listen for employers who make health benefit decisions on behalf of employees! More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Chris Deacon & VerSan Consulting Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig engages in a candid discussion with an anonymous medical student serving as guest. The guest's anonymity underscores the sensitive nature of the topics discussed, particularly the influence of politics and ideology in medical education and healthcare policy. FreedoMDstudent sheds light on instances of ideological bias in essay prompts and residency application processes. The conversation goes into the ramifications of political correctness and indoctrination on patient care and professional autonomy within the medical field. Specifically, concerns are raised regarding the American Medical Association's (AMA) role in monetizing licensure and controlling the copyright of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which are essential for reimbursement processes. This monopolization poses ethical dilemmas and undermines the integrity of direct patient-physician relationships. Christopher and FreedoMDstudent advocate for free market solutions in healthcare, emphasizing the benefits of competition, affordability, and patient-centric care. The discussion concludes with a call to action for medical professionals and students to challenge the status quo, resist institutional pressures, and advocate for free market principles in healthcare delivery. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on FreedoMDstudent Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig engages in a compelling discussion with Charles Sauer, President of The Market Institute. Together, they explore the intricate intersection of healthcare policy, market dynamics, and innovation, shedding light on key insights that affect the healthcare landscape. Sauer shares his expertise on various topics, including the role of profit motive in healthcare, the concept of opportunity cost in patient care, and the impact of policy decisions on market freedom and innovation. Drawing from his experience working with physicians and policymakers, Sauer highlights the importance of understanding the profit motive beyond monetary gains and emphasizes the need for patient-centric approaches in healthcare delivery. Listeners gain valuable insights into how policy decisions shape the healthcare industry, from Capitol Hill discussions to the everyday practice of physicians. Sauer discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare market, including the rise of direct primary care and the implications of site-neutral payments. Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of healthcare policy and market dynamics. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Charles Sauer & The Market Institute Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

On this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig and Dr. Ronald Razmi explore the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming healthcare and its potential impact on patient care. Dr. Razmi explains that AI operates as a statistical tool that analyzes data to uncover valuable insights and enhance decision-making processes. The conversation highlights AI's effectiveness in managing vast datasets within healthcare, such as genomic and microbiome data. Despite its potential, AI adoption in healthcare lags behind other industries due to challenges like data fragmentation and the complex nature of healthcare systems. Dr. Razmi emphasizes the significance of AI as a supportive tool for healthcare providers, enabling them to make better decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. KEY TAKEAWAYS More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Ronald Razmi & Zoi Capital Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig is joined by Dr. Cristin Dickerson, founder of Green Imaging, to discuss the innovative world of direct care and its intersection with transparent, affordable medical imaging. Dr. Dickerson explains how Green Imaging was founded to solve the problem of unaffordable imaging in her community and how it has expanded to provide savings and improved quality in employer health plans. Dr. Dickerson also highlights the importance of transparency and quality in healthcare and the impact of Green Imaging on the direct care movement. She discusses recent legislation in Texas that allows for more flexibility in healthcare plans and shares her insights on future challenges and opportunities in the industry. Takeaways More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Cristin Dickerson & Green Imaging Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this two-part episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig talks with two of the most prominent figures in the Direct Primary Care Movement. First, he interviews Jay Kempton, the president and CEO of the Kempton Group and the founder of the FMMA. Together, they explore the FMMA's mission to foster transparency, quality, and affordability in healthcare by facilitating connections between buyers and sellers in the free market. They discuss the organization's efforts to educate stakeholders on healthcare middlemen, break down barriers between patients, physicians, and self-insured employers, and preview the FMMA's 10th Anniversary Conference. In the second half of the episode, Christopher is joined by Dr. Keith Smith. Dr. Smith elaborates on the FMMA's annual conference and shares success stories of collaboration among its members. He emphasizes the fearlessness and transparency inherent in the free market, highlighting the role of surgery centers in local communities. Dr. Smith also identifies individuals who may not be a good fit for the FMMA and reflects on the organization's growth and significance over the past decade. Encouraging listener involvement, he invites participation in the FMMA and encourages attendance at its upcoming conference, April 10-12th in Oklahoma City. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Jay Kempton - The Kempton Group - Dr. Keith Smith - Surgery Center of Oklahoma - Free Market Medical Association - FMMA Annual Conference Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode, Christopher Habig discusses the importance of care navigation in the healthcare system with Doug Geinzer of High Performance Navigation. They explore the challenges patients face in finding the right care, the role of direct primary care in simplifying the healthcare experience, and the impact of technology and data in enhancing care navigation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of patient navigation and the goal of making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Key Takeaways Chapters 00:38 Introduction: Importance of Care Navigation 03:38 Challenges in Patient Navigation 07:02 Direct Primary Care and Care Navigation 09:40 Referrals and Trust in Care Navigation 11:21 Technology and Data in Care Navigation 14:59 Enhancing the Patient Journey with Technology 18:53 Data and Surgeon Selection 22:24 Success Story: Affordable Knee Replacement 24:00 The Future of Patient Navigation 26:50 Conclusion More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Doug Geinzer & High Performance Providers and Navigation Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig explores the transformative potential of Direct Primary Care (DPC) with Dr. Mazhar Khan from FreedomDoc at Westfield Premier. They discuss DPC's patient-centered approach, emphasizing quality healthcare based on patient value rather than traditional metrics. Dr. Khan shares compelling anecdotes illustrating DPC's effectiveness in providing comprehensive care for complex conditions, facilitated by unrestricted time with patients. Reflecting on his transition to DPC, Dr. Khan highlights the shift from volume-based quotas to a patient-focused approach, driven by a desire to prioritize genuine care. Christopher underscores DPC's proactive stance towards healthcare, advocating for its adoption among young doctors to transform the healthcare landscape. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Mazhar (Mo) Khan & FreedomDoc at Westfield Premier Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

Join Christopher Habig in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Mark Dybul, CEO of Renovaro Biosciences and professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center. The episode explores the challenges of healthcare innovation, advocating for a departure from bureaucratic hospital systems. Dr. Dybul shares Renovaro Biosciences' groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing immune system retraining and genetic modifications to minimize reliance on traditional chemotherapy. The discussion highlights the vision of democratizing access to innovative healthcare solutions, empowering providers in real-time decision-making, and fostering a culture of experimentation. As the episode concludes, Dr. Dybul offers invaluable advice for aspiring medical professionals: think big, push boundaries, and embrace technology to overcome challenges and drive innovation. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Mark Dybul & Renovaro Biosciences Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig explores the world of mental health and workplace dynamics with Tom Geraghty, Founder & CEO of PsychSafety.com. Exploring the vital concept of psychological safety, they discuss its profound impact on organizational culture and its potential to empower teams across diverse industries, drawing parallels from aviation, manufacturing, and healthcare. Tom’s journey from ecology to technology leadership shapes his deep understanding of creating environments where teams can thrive, providing unique insights and strategies applicable to any workplace setting. Discover how fostering psychological safety transforms workplaces and facilitates open communication, essential for preventing errors and fostering innovation. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Tom Geraghty & Psychological Safety Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig explores the dynamic evolution of patient experience with Chuck Rinker, CEO of PRSONAS. PRSONAS augments healthcare settings with avatars, acting as concierges for patients. This liberates staff and healthcare professionals from mundane tasks, allowing them to prioritize high-value patient interactions. Their conversation illuminates PRSONAS' real-time learning and anonymized data approach, ensuring patient privacy while revolutionizing healthcare through seamless human-AI synergy...thus shaping a more patient-centric and efficient future for healthcare. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Chuck Rinker & PRSONAS Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

Dive into the revolutionary landscape of healthcare financing in this conversation with CrowdHealth founder Andy Schoonover. Together with host, Christopher Habig, the two shed light on a transformative approach to covering healthcare needs outside the traditional insurance framework. Schoonover takes us through the concept and mechanics of CrowdHealth, a platform that connects individuals seeking an alternative to health insurance with those willing to fund critical health expenses in a peer-to-peer fashion. You'll learn about how CrowdHealth challenges the stigma surrounding health insurance, offering a viable alternative for those seeking a more transparent, community-driven, and cost-effective approach to healthcare. This episode provides a comprehensive understanding of CrowdHealth's mission to bring humanity back to healthcare, empower individuals in managing their healthcare costs, and foster a sense of community support in the face of medical challenges. If you've ever questioned the traditional insurance model or sought a more personalized approach to healthcare financing, this episode offers invaluable insights into the future of community-driven health support. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Andy Schoonover & CrowdHealth Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode, host Christopher Habig engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Andrea Feigl, an expert in global health and an economist. The episode offers a unique perspective on the global healthcare landscape, chronic disease management, and the role of healthcare providers and patients in creating better health. The impact of chronic diseases on both health and wealth, in the United States and emerging economies, is explored, with shocking statistics on their economic burden. Dr. Feigl emphasizes the importance of intervening early and presents a win-win-win scenario for public-private financing partnerships in healthcare. The concept of investing in primary care is highlighted as a sound strategy, especially when considering the economic and health impacts. The episode also provides insights into different healthcare systems, drawing from Dr. Feigl's experiences in Austria and the United States, emphasizing the vital role of primary care and the need for aligning incentives to promote better health. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Andrea Feigl & Health Finance Institute Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode, we dive into the world of healthcare innovation and how pharmaceutical companies are reimagining their role in promoting better health outcomes. Our guest, Amy West, the Head of US Digital Transformation and Innovation at Novo Nordisk, discusses the pressing need for change in the healthcare industry and how Novo Nordisk is committed to investing in innovation to meet the diverse needs of patients, healthcare providers, and payers. We explore the shift from a sick care model to a more proactive and preventative approach to healthcare, acknowledging the challenges of the US healthcare system with its complex, multi-payer structure. Amy delves into the rise of consumerism in healthcare, where patients are demanding more control and choice in their healthcare decisions. The episode also touches upon the importance of educating consumers and the unique challenges and opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on healthcare, innovation, and the path forward to better patient outcomes. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Amy West & Novo Nordisk Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, we welcome John Cray, the Chief Technology Officer at Mental Health Technologies, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing mental health testing and screening. Host Christopher Habig delves into the world of mental health, where headlines often feature extreme cases or celebrity admissions, shedding light on an issue that affects countless lives. They explore the impact of these headlines and how they have, in some ways, made discussions about mental health more accessible and normalized. The conversation goes deeper as John Cray discusses the challenges in mental health screening and the need for a more comprehensive approach. He shares insights into how Mental Health Technologies is changing the game by providing automated testing solutions that not only offer convenience to patients but also empower physicians with actionable data. Discover the importance of early detection, the frequency of mental health screening, and how technology can strengthen the physician-patient relationship. Join us for a thought-provoking episode that touches on critical issues in healthcare and the innovative solutions that are making a difference in mental health treatment and care. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on John Cray & Mental Health Technologies Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode, we delve into the cutting-edge advancements in cognitive assessments. Our host, Christopher Habig, welcomes Tom O'Neill, the CEO of Cognivue, to Healthcare Americana. Together, they explore the pressing questions of how we can improve healthcare practices and whether we should embrace new innovations just because they are available. The pair addresses the growing concern that our bodies are often outliving our minds, leading to a rise in cognitive impairments, including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Tom sheds light on the transformation of cognitive assessments, which traditionally relied on outdated paper-and-pencil tests. Cognivue, on the other hand, offers a game-like approach to cognitive evaluation. The podcast episode highlights the importance of cognitive assessments not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a means to educate patients about modifiable risk factors, such as lifestyle, exercise, and diet, which can significantly impact brain health. Tom emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach in addressing cognitive health, combining innovative medications and lifestyle changes to combat conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Tom O'Neill & Cognivue Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig interviews Dr. Joshua Lee, Chief Clinical Advisor at Oar Health and a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Lee discusses his journey into addiction medicine and how it evolved throughout his career. He highlights the importance of making addiction treatment accessible and the role of medications like naltrexone in addressing alcohol addiction. Dr. Lee also addresses the stigmas associated with addiction care and provides insights into the demographic patterns of those seeking help. Oar Health's approach to addiction treatment and its customer base are explored, shedding light on the changing landscape of addiction treatment and the challenges faced by diverse communities in the United States. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Joshua Lee & Oar Health Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio, an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and a Senior Affiliated Scholar with the Mercatus Center. Together, they delve into the intricate world of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and their impact on healthcare. Dr. DiGiorgio acknowledges the benefits EHRs have brought, such as improved access to lab results and imaging, but also sheds light on their challenges, including the time-consuming nature of order entry and documentation. The regulatory burden on physicians for EHR usage and the potential role of AI in streamlining these processes are explored. Additionally, the pair discuss the influence of regulations on healthcare, the concept of free-market principles in medicine, and the need for physician ownership of hospitals. The episode concludes with a powerful message emphasizing that a free-market approach can restore the patient-physician relationship and empower patients to control their healthcare financing, ultimately improving the quality of care. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, join host Christopher Habig and Dr. Kenneth Chahine, the founder and CEO of Nectar Allergy. Dr. Chahine shares his journey from the world of consumer DNA testing to disrupting the field of allergy care. With a background in biochemistry, genetics, and law, Dr. Chahine brings a unique perspective to healthcare innovation. Discover how Nectar Allergy is revolutionizing the way allergy care is delivered in America, making it more accessible, convenient, and patient-centric. Learn about the challenges in the allergy care industry and how Nectar Allergy is breaking down barriers to provide effective treatment options for millions of allergy sufferers. Dr. Chahine discusses the importance of combining great science with a great consumer experience and shares insights on how Nectar Allergy is addressing the needs of both patients and healthcare providers. Find out how physicians can collaborate with Nectar Allergy to offer innovative allergy treatments in their practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and experiences. Join us for an engaging conversation about the future of allergy care and how Nectar Allergy is leading the way in transforming the healthcare landscape for the better. More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc Subscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/episodes/ More on Dr. Kenneth Chahine & Nectar Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN