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.
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insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
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This episode covers the following -- since our previous deep-dive on the novel coronavirus outbreak -- including:
practical implications for the U.S. healthcare system given how it works today, and where we might go in the future — with a16z general partner Julie Yoo, given our vantage point in tech; and
how the rt-PCR test works — with a16z bio partner Judy Savitskaya;
on definitions (of pandemics, endemics), other terms, and various naming conventions: “Understanding pandemics: What they mean, what they don’t mean, and what comes next with the coronavirus”, Helen Branswell, StatNews (February 12, 2020); on disease occurrence and levels (CDC); “misinfodemic“; best practices on naming new human infectious diseases (WHO); qPCR (Keith Robison)
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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