a16z Podcast Novel Coronavirus Updates: How Healthcare System, Tests Work; More
Feb 27, 2020
Julie Yoo, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz with a focus on healthcare technology, and Judy Savitskaya, a bio partner at the same firm, dive into the U.S. healthcare system's response to COVID-19. They discuss the complexities of patient management and the pivotal role technology plays in enhancing care. Highlights include decoding the rt-PCR test and addressing misconceptions about pandemics versus epidemics. Their insights shed light on how accurate data can shape public understanding during health crises.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Healthcare System Challenges
- The U.S. healthcare system faces challenges in handling widespread epidemics due to access constraints and reliance on centralized facilities like hospitals.
- Patients often end up in the ER, which may lack the infrastructure for appropriate quarantine and lead to further delays and exposure.
Centralization vs. Decentralization
- Centralizing scarce medical resources in hospitals has led to high-end facilities but forces patients to travel and risk exposure to other illnesses.
- Hospital-acquired infections are a major issue, and the current system doesn't prioritize home healthcare.
Connected Thermometer Example
- A connected thermometer company acts as a data company to predict flu outbreaks.
- They provide information to users, schools, and institutions, showcasing how technology can decentralize healthcare.