Fixing Healthcare Podcast

Medicine: The Truth covers the latest news and most pressing issues in medicine today. In this episode, hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss the latest updates in healthcare costs, COVID-19, the spread of bird flu, and several other critical medical issues. Starting with skyrocketing healthcare costs, new figures show that U.S. spending on medical care has surged to $4.8 trillion, with projections indicating a rise to $7.7 trillion by 2032. This increase threatens to outpace both general inflation and wages, affecting employer-based coverage, Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are rising again, particularly in the western and southern U.S., as people gather indoors during hot weather. However, the current variants are not more dangerous than previous ones, keeping hospitalizations and deaths low. Today’s show also takes a look at a new report about the challenges and uncertainties of long COVID, which affects millions of adults and children. The spread of H5 bird flu to cattle has raised alarms, with recent human cases in Michigan and Colorado. The CDC’s monitoring and potential vaccine development efforts are crucial to prevent a broader outbreak. With the failures of COVID-19 serving as backdrop, are health experts responding appropriately to this threat? Join us to explore these critical issues and more. Here’s a snapshot of all the topics covered on this episode of Medicine: The Truth. Rising healthcare costs Bird flu concerns Supreme Court decision on abortion medication Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy drug Mortality rates post-pandemic Psychedelic therapy for PTSD New Alzheimer’s drug Social media’s impact on mental health STI rates and new CDC guidelines Unexpected outcomes of abortion restrictions Gender affirming treatment legislation Weight loss medications Economic impact of healthcare prices Long COVID insights * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post MTT #85: Skyrocketing healthcare costs and new insights into long COVID appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this special episode of “Diving Deep,” part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr dive deep into the economic and societal implications of rising healthcare costs with Zack Cooper. Cooper, an associate professor of public health and economics at Yale, serves as director of health policy at Yale’s Institution for Social and Policy Studies. He is a health economist whose data-driven insights have helped reshape public policy. On today’s show, Cooper explains how employer-sponsored health insurance, which covers most Americans under 65, is anything but free. As healthcare prices rise, the costs are passed down to workers through increased premiums and, more insidiously, through job losses. Cooper’s research highlights that when healthcare prices increase, employers often respond by reducing their workforce to manage the higher insurance premiums, disproportionately affecting workers earning between $20,000 and $100,000 a year. Cooper also discusses the broader impact of rising healthcare costs on communities. These costs contribute to decreased tax revenue and increased government spending on unemployment benefits and subsidies, leading to a negative cycle of economic decline in affected areas. The psychological toll of job losses, including increases in suicides and opioid overdoses, underscores the far-reaching consequences of healthcare inefficiencies. Click play to learn more or check out the various links below for additional information. HELPFUL LINKS 1% Steps for Health Care Reform Project (website) How to Fix the Hot Mess of U.S. Healthcare (Freakanomics) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter) * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #139: The hidden costs of rising healthcare prices with Zack Cooper appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This “Unfiltered” episode of Fixing Healthcare features Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a respected cardiologist and advocate for physician well-being; Dr. Robert Pearl, healthcare leader and author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD”; and Jeremy Corr, CEO of Executive Podcast Solution, who adds the patient’s perspective. The trio explores the evolving roles of parents in modern families and their profound impact on health. Dr. Fisher shares insights on how traditional and contemporary parenting roles affect cardiovascular health and emotional well-being. Dr. Pearl delves into the long-term effects of secure and insecure attachments formed in childhood, while Jeremy Corr brings a relatable perspective from the patient’s viewpoint. Topics include: The significance of secure attachment in preventing chronic stress and heart disease The challenges faced by single parents and the importance of a supportive community How celebrities and influencers affect our emotions and health through parasocial relationships The impact of digital devices on parenting and children’s mental health To discover more, press play and check out these helpful links: New book: ‘Just One Heart’ (Jonathan Fisher) New book: ‘ChatGPT, MD’ (Robert Pearl) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (RobertPearlMD.com) * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple Podcasts or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #138: Examining unhealthy relationships with parents, celebs & AI   appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this special episode of Fixing Healthcare, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr dive into surprising insights and lessons drawn from Dr. Pearl’s literary works. Focusing on his 2017 book “Mistreated: Why We Think We’re Getting Good Healthcare—and Why We’re Usually Wrong,” and his new release, “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine,” Pearl compares the world healthcare, now and then. The episode opens with Corr asking Pearl about the motivation behind his newest book and how it connects to his previous works. Dr. Pearl recounts his journey, starting with the revelations from his time as CEO of Kaiser Permanente, where he realized the systemic flaws in American healthcare. His first book, “Mistreated,” was written to highlight these issues, comparing healthcare to a 19th century cottage industry that was stuck in the past. Despite the optimism following the publication “Mistreated,” Dr. Pearl observed that little had changed in the following years. This led him to explore the deep-seated cultural issues in medicine in his second book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients.” Yet again, change remained elusive. Pearl’s newest book, “ChatGPT, MD” emerged from the realization that a powerful tool like generative AI could finally catalyze the much-needed transformation in healthcare. This book, co-authored with ChatGPT itself, delves into the potential of AI to enhance diagnoses, manage chronic diseases and streamline patient care, making healthcare more efficient and equitable. To illustrate the ongoing challenges and the potential impact of AI, Dr. Pearl reads excerpts from the first and last chapters of “Mistreated,” recounting the harrowing story of his father, Jack Pearl. Through this personal narrative, he highlights the tragic consequences of medical errors and systemic failures that led to his father’s untimely death. Dr. Pearl then discusses three significant ways his father’s care could have been improved with the advent of generative AI. And he expresses optimism that the introduction of generative AI into healthcare can finally drive the changes he has long advocated for, making the system more effective, compassionate and patient-centered. Tune in to this compelling episode to hear Dr. Pearl’s reflections and visions for the future of healthcare, and join the conversation on social media. HELPFUL LINKS Buy “ChatGPT, MD” with all profits going to Doctors Without Borders (Amazon) Learn more about “Mistreated” and “Uncaring” (RobertPearlMD.com) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (monthly digital newsletter) * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the upcoming book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #137: How generative AI could have saved my father appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This episode of Fixing Healthcare continues the ninth season’s focus on end-of-life issues by exploring the often overlooked topics of love and sexuality during this critical time. Cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr welcome Dr. Pebble Kranz, a sexual medicine specialist and medical director at the Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness. In a recent Medscape column titled “Physicians: Don’t Ignore Sexuality in Your Dying Patients,” Dr. Kranz wrote: “I have a long history of being interested in conversations that others avoid. In medical school, I felt that we didn’t talk enough about death, so I organized a lecture series on end-of-life care for my fellow students. Now, as a sexual medicine specialist, I have other conversations from which many medical providers shy away.” She brings a unique perspective to the podcast, highlighting the importance of addressing sexual concerns for patients nearing the end of their lives. She discusses the need for healthcare providers to have open, honest conversations about sexuality, noting that patients often want to discuss these issues, but clinicians are frequently uncomfortable or unprepared to do so. Throughout the interview, Dr. Kranz emphasizes that sexuality is a vital part of human identity and well-being, extending from young adulthood through old age, and even in illness. She shares insights from her work, including the story of a 75-year-old patient with cancer who sought to maintain her sexual health despite her illness. The episode addresses several key points: The cultural and medical taboos surrounding discussions of sexuality, especially for patients at the end of life. The importance of medical education in preparing clinicians to handle sexual health concerns. Strategies for expanding the concept of sexual play and intimacy to accommodate the changing needs and capabilities of patients. The role of healthcare providers in facilitating conversations about sexual health and providing appropriate treatments. Dr. Kranz also touches on the emotional and existential dimensions of sexuality, explaining how physical intimacy can help patients feel more connected to themselves and others, even as they face terminal illness. She advocates for more privacy and support in hospital settings to allow patients to express their sexuality and maintain close relationships. Tune in for the full interview and join the conversation on social media. * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the upcoming book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #136: Love and sexuality at the end of life with Dr. Pebble Kranz appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This month’s “Diving Deep” episode, part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, delves into a pair of stories that will have a significant impact on the U.S. healthcare workforce. Cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr explore the intricate legalities surrounding medical malpractice in the age of AI, as well as the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent rule to ban non-compete clauses. The episode begins with an in-depth look at a new set of liability issues in medicine: What happens when AI harms a patient? Dr. Pearl discusses how concerns among clinicians are shifting—from AI reliability to liability. Highlighting insights from Michelle Mello, a professor of law and health policy at Stanford University, the segment addresses the complexities of determining liability when AI tools are involved in patient care. Dr. Pearl outlines key considerations for healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI’s limitations, negotiating terms of use with AI developers, and staying informed about the legal landscape. Next, the conversation transitions to the FTC’s groundbreaking decision to ban non-compete agreements. This ruling, set to take effect in September, is anticipated to have a profound impact on the medical profession by boosting career mobility, increasing competition and potentially reducing healthcare costs. Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr discuss the winners and losers of this new regulation, focusing on how the ban will benefit newly trained clinicians and patients in competitive healthcare markets while posing challenges for large health systems and hospital administrators. Click play to learn more or check out the various links below for additional information. HELPFUL LINKS If AI Harms A Patient, Who Gets Sued? (Forbes) Healthcare Winners And Losers After FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements (Forbes) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter) * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #135: Diving Deep into AI-medical malpractice & FTC’s non-compete ban appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Today’s episode of Medicine: The Truth examines important updates in women’s health, focusing on mammograms and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), among other pressing news topics in medicine. The U.S. Preventive Task Force has updated its mammogram guidelines, now recommending that screenings start at age 40 instead of 50 and occur every two years. This adjustment responds to data showing that breast cancer is occurring earlier, potentially due to changes in pregnancy timing and related hormonal impacts. By starting screenings a decade earlier, the Task Force projects a 19% reduction in breast cancer deaths in the U.S. The hosts discussion then revisits the use of hormone replacement therapy. After concerns in the early 2000s about its link to increased cancer risks, new studies indicate HRT is safe for younger post-menopausal women under 60. These studies correct earlier misconceptions, showing no increase in heart risk or mortality and a lower risk of breast cancer with estrogen-only treatments. Dr. Pearl highlights the necessity of data-driven medical practices to prevent the overreactions of the past. The episode advocates for informed healthcare decisions, particularly in how women are treated during menopause. Join us to explore these critical issues and more. Here’s a snapshot of all the topics covered on this episode of Medicine: The Truth. Medical debt now affects more than 100 million Americans Seniors have seen the biggest rise in mental health diagnoses Why drug ODs are down for the time since the onset of Covid-19 New recommendations for mammogram screenings New data on hormone medications for menopause Hospitals now demanding patients pay in advance The mystery of Beethoven’s deafness finally solved 320,000 children lost a parent to a drug overdose from 2011-2021 A new program to attract more people to mental health counseling The newest research on Alzheimer’s Disease treatments Why half of rural hospitals are losing money Status of the pig-kidney transplant recipient? AI vs. clinician’s diagnostic accuracy in the emergency room Does H5N1 have what it takes to become a viral pandemic? Longevity vs. “healthy life expectancy” The death of Walmart Health and what it means for other retailers * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“  about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post MTT #84: The latest research on mammograms, hormone (HRT) medications appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This “Unfiltered” episode of Fixing Healthcare features Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a respected cardiologist and advocate for physician well-being; Dr. Robert Pearl, healthcare leader and author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD”; and Jeremy Corr, CEO of Executive Podcast Solution, who adds the patient’s perspective. Today, the trio dives deep into why lifestyle medicine improvements—such as diet, weight loss, mental health, and relaxation—are so challenging for people. Dr. Fisher discusses the psychological and motivational factors that create barriers to change, while Dr. Pearl explores how generative AI could assist in overcoming these hurdles. Jeremy Corr brings the patient’s viewpoint, emphasizing the real-world difficulties and potential solutions from a non-clinician’s perspective. Join the panel as they explore the complexities of human behavior, the role of healthcare professionals in coaching patients, and the innovative technologies that could revolutionize how we approach health and well-being. This episode provides insightful strategies and compassionate advice for anyone looking to make lasting, positive change in their life. To discover more, press play and check out these helpful links: New book: ‘Just One Heart’ (Jonathan Fisher) New book: ‘ChatGPT, MD’ (Robert Pearl) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (RobertPearlMD.com) * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple Podcasts or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #134: An unfiltered look at the challenges of lifestyle medicine appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This episode of Fixing Healthcare dives into the essential yet often misunderstood world of palliative and hospice care—part of this ninth season’s continued focus on end-of-life issues. Our guest today, Dr. Monique Danielle Schaulis, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician in both Emergency Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is currently practicing at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco. With extensive experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Schaulis sheds light on the critical role of palliative care in modern healthcare. Alongside cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr, Schaulis tackles common myths and misunderstandings surrounding palliative care. She explains why palliative care is not just for end-of-life situations, and how it can be integrated with curative treatments at any stage of a serious illness. She emphasizes that palliative care is a holistic medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life for patients of all ages by addressing physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and existential distress. This episode also explores why American culture struggles with the acceptance of death and palliative care. Dr. Schaulis reflects on how historical developments in medical technology and a lack of training for physicians on end-of-life conversations contribute to this issue.  Tune in to learn more about the transformative potential of palliative care and how it can enhance quality of life for patients—and their families. * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #133: The many misconceptions of palliative care appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This month’s “Diving Deep” episode, part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, takes a close look at two transformative AI developments in healthcare. Cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr explore the profound medical potential of ChatGPT’s new “memory” and Nvidia’s new AI bots, which the company claims can outperform nurses in some tasks. The episode begins with a spotlight on ChatGPT’s enhanced memory capabilities. This breakthrough could revolutionize healthcare by making interactions more contextual and patient-specific, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized care. Dr. Pearl discusses how this new AI feature could integrate vast amounts of medical data, dramatically improving clinical outcomes by overcoming the current limitations of electronic health records and knowledge accessibility. Next, the conversation shifts to Nvidia’s latest innovation: AI bots that have shown promising results in performing certain nursing tasks more accurately than humans. This segment examines the implications of such technology in healthcare, discussing both the efficiency gains and the ethical considerations of integrating AI at this level of care. Throughout the episode, Corr quizzes Pearl on these advancements, unpacking their medical relevance and vast potential. The discussion is not only a deep dive into the current capabilities of AI in medicine but also a thoughtful exploration of its future trajectory and the ethical landscape that accompanies it. Click play to learn more or check out the various links below for additional information. HELPFUL LINKS 3 Ways ChatGPT’s ‘Memory’ Can Spark Breakthroughs In Healthcare (Forbes) Nvidia’s AI Bot Outperforms Nurses, Study Finds. Here’s What It Means. (Forbes) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter) * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #132: Diving deep into ChatGPT’s ‘memory’ and Nvidia’s AI bot appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.