The hottest Healthcare system Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Rory’s Always On Newsletter β€’ 575 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 24
  1. Small changes can lead to big improvements in the NHS, like having administrators handle tasks normally done by doctors, which can cut waiting times significantly.
  2. Many missed hospital appointments could be avoided by improving text reminders and allowing patients to choose their own appointment times, which leads to better attendance rates.
  3. Using simple tech solutions or AI to remind patients about appointments can really help reduce the number of people who don't show up, making the system work better for everyone.
Freddie deBoer β€’ 18038 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 24
  1. Many people only react strongly to certain types of suffering and fail to recognize the ongoing harm of our healthcare system. It's important to think about why we care more about some victims than others.
  2. Our healthcare system often denies essential care to those who need it, leading to tragic outcomes. The choices made by companies and policymakers directly affect people's lives and deaths.
  3. There's a disconnect in how society views death caused by healthcare versus murder. We need to acknowledge and address the systemic issues causing suffering in our healthcare system, rather than just express sympathy for individual cases.
Chartbook β€’ 1859 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 24
  1. In the mid-20th century, hospitals and industrial workplaces were closely linked. Local hospitals supported the working-class community, especially in areas with heavy industrial work.
  2. The decline of industries in the 1980s changed healthcare. Smaller, local hospitals were replaced by larger, publicly funded healthcare facilities, which often led to job insecurity for care workers.
  3. The book highlights the intertwined lives of workers and healthcare, emphasizing how the changing economy impacts family life and the quality of care in hospitals.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 2142 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
  1. Jamie Hale needs constant care due to his serious health issues and feels grateful for the National Health Service's support. Without it, he worries he might not be alive today.
  2. Hale is aware that his medical care costs a lot and feels like a financial burden on the system. This awareness makes him think deeply about his value and how society sees it.
  3. He strongly opposes the assisted suicide bill in the UK, worried it might pressure vulnerable people like himself to end their lives. He fears this could gradually lead to more extreme measures against disabled and disadvantaged individuals.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 1372 implied HN points β€’ 11 Dec 24
  1. Institute directors should have term limits of 5 to 10 years. This helps bring in new ideas and prevents one person from holding too much power for too long.
  2. More funding needs to go towards preventing chronic diseases rather than just treating them. Preventive care is important for keeping people healthy and can save money in the long run.
  3. The NIH should be more transparent about financial conflicts of interest. People deserve to know how research funding is influenced by financial ties to the industry.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 959 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 24
  1. Cigna spent $5 billion buying back its own stock while customers face rising healthcare costs. This shows a focus on profits over patient care.
  2. Cigna has lost nearly 500,000 health plan members after raising premiums, indicating they prioritize shareholder gains over customer retention.
  3. President Biden wants to limit out-of-pocket drug costs to $2,000 a year, which could help many Americans afford medications better. Insurers like Cigna may resist these changes but it could reduce unfair financial burdens on patients.
uTobian β€’ 8235 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
  1. Enclosure historically happens under any system that wants to industrialize.
  2. Pharma has captured the state through various acts and profits from selling treatments for vaccine injuries.
  3. Covid represents an extreme form of enclosure by the ruling class for profit, through actions like vaccine mandates.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 799 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 24
  1. Health insurance executives are focused on making their shareholders happy, which often means keeping costs low for employers, not necessarily improving services for patients.
  2. In health insurance, the customer who pays for the insurance and the consumer who uses it are different, creating conflicts of interest that can harm patients.
  3. Insurance companies often make it difficult for those who need the most care to access it, which is counterproductive for the patients who genuinely need help.
The FLCCC Alliance Community β€’ 4088 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 24
  1. It's important to speak up against malfeasance and unethical behavior, even if it's challenging or unpopular.
  2. Silence in the face of criminal activity is complicity, and it's crucial to stand up for what's right even if it means facing consequences.
  3. History will remember those who chose to do the right thing, and it's never too late to make a positive impact.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 759 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 24
  1. Insurance companies and private equity firms are teaming up to gain more control over healthcare access for Americans. This partnership can lead to less competition and more power in deciding patient care.
  2. The trend of private equity buying up medical practices is rising, and this shift could make it harder for independent doctors to operate. Insurance companies are noticing this and are looking to profit from these partnerships.
  3. As more people enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, insurers like CVS/Aetna are pushing to own key healthcare services. This could steer patient referrals to their own facilities, limiting choices for patients.
The FLCCC Alliance Community β€’ 2456 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
  1. Fixing the healthcare system needs urgent attention and a collaborative effort.
  2. Key healthcare issues include suppressed drugs, unsafe products promotion, and corrupted medical narrative.
  3. Healthcare professionals and patients can learn together about various health conditions and treatments at the FLCCC conference.
Freddie deBoer β€’ 11540 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 23
  1. The American mental healthcare system needs more than vague criticisms to be fixed.
  2. Expanding access to mental healthcare requires understanding and addressing the existing stigma and challenges within the system.
  3. Advocacy for mental healthcare should focus on realistic goals and solutions, rather than relying on vague critiques and unfounded assumptions.
Force of Infection β€’ 105 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 25
  1. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are improving, but norovirus has become more prevalent this season. It's important to stay cautious during flu season, as the numbers can change quickly.
  2. While COVID-19 levels are still somewhat high, there's a small hope that the situation is getting better, with fewer hospitalizations reported recently.
  3. Norovirus is on the rise this winter, likely due to a new strain. It's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices, like washing hands, to prevent infection.
Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 1326 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
  1. The new appointments in HHS reflect a mix of people who disagree with Covid-19 policies and those who have ignored real issues. Learning from the pandemic means discussing both the successes and failures honestly.
  2. Covid-19 is not like the flu; it caused a lot of deaths and the vaccines were effective in saving lives. It’s essential to recognize the actual impact and the importance of public health measures that worked.
  3. Many criticisms of pandemic policies lack evidence and understanding of the complexities involved. We should focus on genuine discussions about what went wrong and how to improve in future situations.
RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo β€’ 1965 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
  1. The article highlights concerns about the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid as doctors start to drop it due to drug interactions and research linking it to Covid rebounds and virus shedding.
  2. Pfizer is heavily promoting Paxlovid amidst concerns, transitioning from Emergency Use Authorization to FDA approval at a much higher price, despite struggles to market the drug successfully.
  3. There is a push to stigmatize skeptics of Paxlovid as 'anti-paxxers,' paralleling previous campaigns against alternative treatments like ivermectin.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 779 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 24
  1. Big hospital chains often prioritize profits over patient care, leading to high salaries for executives while many people struggle with medical debt. This focus on money can hurt local communities by draining resources that could have been used for patient care.
  2. Health insurance companies have complicated systems that sometimes make it hard for patients to get the care they need. Instead of focusing on helping people, they often get caught up in making profits and managing money.
  3. Employers and patients should educate themselves about the healthcare system. Understanding how it works can help them make better choices and potentially reduce costs in healthcare.
Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack β€’ 2240 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. Dr. Paul Alexander emphasizes no forgiveness for fake COVID.
  2. Punishment and justice are demanded for those who caused harm.
  3. Calls for accountability, no closure, and proper public inquiries.
The New Normal β€’ 3085 implied HN points β€’ 25 May 23
  1. Many COVID patients were put on ventilators in spring 2020, leading to high mortality rates.
  2. There were concerns that ventilators were being overused and used incorrectly, leading to more harm than good.
  3. The medical establishment has faced criticism for the lack of studies on how many patients died due to ventilators, with a perceived cover-up.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 739 implied HN points β€’ 23 Apr 24
  1. The term 'moral injury' is now used by healthcare workers, not just doctors, to describe the emotional toll from being unable to provide proper patient care due to resource shortages. This feeling often comes from caring individuals who face situations where they cannot help patients as they wish.
  2. Nurses and other healthcare workers are increasingly striking for better working conditions, highlighting how cost-cutting measures in hospitals are harming patient care. They want to ensure enough staff and resources to provide quality treatment.
  3. The idea of moral injury shifts the focus from blaming healthcare workers for 'burnout' to highlighting the external pressures they face. This understanding encourages healthcare workers to advocate for positive changes in their work environment.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 20 May 24
  1. Private equity firms are not the only problem in healthcare. Insurers, especially those owned by Wall Street, are also making big profits and taking over more doctor practices.
  2. A lot of attention is on private equity's role in healthcare, but insurance companies like UnitedHealth are also growing and may pose an even bigger issue. They have control over many doctors and healthcare facilities.
  3. There's a new effort from the DOJ to look into how much power insurers have in the healthcare market. This could bring more focus on the actions of insurance companies, not just private equity.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 2358 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 23
  1. Many people are starting to distrust the medical system, especially after the experiences during Covid and how vaccines were handled. It's important to question the advice given and think critically about health decisions.
  2. Listening to your intuition about your health can be crucial. Signs of something wrong shouldn't be ignored, and recognizing these early can save lives.
  3. Chronic health advice, like dietary recommendations, can often be wrong or outdated. People should be open to new information and trust their own experiences over established guidelines.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 718 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
  1. The concept of 'ob*esity' as a disease and the idea that it is progressive and relapsing are constructs of the weight loss industry and not scientifically supported.
  2. The study promoting Zepbound/Tirzepatide for weight loss has ties to the pharmaceutical industry, raising questions about potential bias and conflicts of interest among the authors.
  3. The lead author of the study, Louis J. Aronne, has a history of promoting weight loss methods without substantial research backing, raising concerns about the credibility of research surrounding weight loss drugs.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 679 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. Private equity firms, like Steward Health Care, have been negatively impacting hospitals by cutting resources and making false promises. This has led to unsafe conditions for both staff and patients.
  2. Steward Health Care has a history of financial mismanagement and failed commitments, which has raised concerns among local leaders and health officials. They’ve been accused of prioritizing profit over patient care.
  3. Many hospital employees and doctors are frustrated with the situation, as it puts patient safety at risk. They feel helpless in trying to provide good care amidst the company's failures.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
  1. UnitedHealth is buying a lot of clinics, especially in areas where it already has many Medicare Advantage members. This helps them earn more money from the government.
  2. As UnitedHealth grows, it doesn't have to publicly announce many of its deals. This means they can make several acquisitions without much notice to shareholders.
  3. The company seems to be taking advantage of crises in healthcare, such as when a recent hack affected doctors’ payments, by pushing through acquisitions that profit them during tough times.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 24
  1. Ascension Health is a large Catholic hospital system that says it supports a caring and fair society, but its actions, like aggressive debt collection and risky investments, suggest otherwise. They seem to prioritize profits over actual patient care.
  2. The company's investments have included buying interests in struggling healthcare businesses, sometimes causing harm to patients while helping their bottom line. This shows a focus on financial gain rather than true community service.
  3. There's a need for more accountability in the healthcare system. People should not allow organizations like Ascension to claim non-profit status while acting like a for-profit company, which can hurt the communities they’re supposed to serve.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 24
  1. Eli Lilly and other pharmaceutical companies are focused on lobbying for insurance coverage of weight loss drugs, pushing for the idea of higher-weight bodies as a 'disease' worth medicating.
  2. The FDA approval for weight loss drugs like Zepbound requires different criteria based on BMI, raising concerns about the risk assessments being tied to body size.
  3. Pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly prioritize shareholder interests over customer concerns, raising questions about the true motivations behind their actions.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 599 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. Patients with insurance are sometimes asked to pay the full cost of treatment upfront, which can be very high, making healthcare access difficult.
  2. Many healthcare providers may refuse treatment to insured patients if they can't pay large amounts in cash before receiving care, creating ethical concerns.
  3. Patients can protect themselves by understanding their insurance, confirming costs beforehand, and knowing their options if they face payment demands at appointments.
Force of Infection β€’ 69 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially in the southern U.S., with young children seeing a slight decrease in cases. This suggests a possible peak in activity as we move into the new year.
  2. COVID-19 cases are starting to pick up again, particularly in the Midwest, though severe illness remains low. It's a good time to stock up on at-home tests ahead of holiday gatherings.
  3. Norovirus is seeing high positivity rates this year, especially in the West and Midwest. It's important to be cautious and aware of food recalls related to contamination.
The Carousel β€’ 51 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
  1. The American health and pharmaceutical system is viewed as harmful and profit-driven, often prioritizing financial gain over patient well-being. This can lead to unnecessary medical treatments and a cycle of dependency on medications.
  2. Many medical issues, especially chronic pain, can be rooted in psychological factors rather than purely physical ones. This shows a need for a more holistic approach to health instead of just treating symptoms with drugs and surgeries.
  3. When dealing with health insurance like UnitedHealthcare, it's important to understand that their role is complex. They can be a part of the problem, but often the real issue lies with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies who create unnecessary treatments.
American Inequality β€’ 609 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
  1. Lack of health insurance leads to inequalities and higher child mortality rates.
  2. High costs hinder insurance enrollment, with many uninsured Americans being from low-income households.
  3. Employer-based health insurance in the U.S. has roots in historical events and presents challenges like 'job-lock' and lack of coverage for gig-workers.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 04 Oct 23
  1. Dr. Dan Hurley fought against health insurance practices that often deny essential treatments, even after initial approval. His struggles highlight how complicated and frustrating dealing with insurers can be for patients.
  2. The law governing health insurance makes it hard for patients to challenge denied claims, leaving many without proper remedies for their disputes. This unfair system discourages people from appealing denied medical treatments.
  3. Hurley's legacy encourages the formation of advocacy groups to help patients fight against unfair insurance practices. His story inspires others to push for change in health coverage to ease the burden on families dealing with medical needs.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
  1. Modern public health focuses more on preventing and treating diseases rather than promoting overall health. It often uses centralized plans that don't consider individual needs.
  2. The shift from health promotion to disease treatment is driven by social and political ideologies, like socialism, which prioritize equal health outcomes for the population over personal health choices.
  3. The principle of subsidiarity is important in healthcare. It suggests that decisions should be made at the local level by individuals and communities rather than by a distant authority.
American Inequality β€’ 432 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
  1. Cigarette smoking rates are rising, leading to disparities in health outcomes and life expectancy.
  2. Low-income Americans smoke at higher rates due to targeted advertising and easier access to tobacco products.
  3. E-cigarettes and vaping are on the rise, especially among teenagers, leading to concerns about addiction and health impacts.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 23
  1. There is a growing crisis in American hospitals, especially with large hospitals making a lot of money while smaller ones struggle and close down.
  2. The documentary 'American Hospitals: Healing a Broken System' highlights these issues and features experts sharing insights on the hospital situation.
  3. Some lawmakers are starting to pay more attention to the hospital industry's problems and are encouraging changes to make healthcare more fair and accessible for everyone.
Weight and Healthcare β€’ 579 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 23
  1. Patients face challenges with BMI-based denials in healthcare, leading to significant emotional, financial, and physical impacts.
  2. Advocating for medical necessities, like surgeries, can be a long and arduous process involving research, professional consultations, and legal assistance.
  3. The use of BMI as a sole metric for healthcare decisions is criticized as outdated and unfair, impacting individuals' access to necessary care.
Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 1272 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 23
  1. The cycle of panic and neglect in public health is not new and can have long-lasting impacts.
  2. Countries like Vietnam have successfully avoided high COVID deaths by investing in public health systems.
  3. In the U.S., addressing the perpetual cycle of underfunding and fragmentation in public health is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.
Ladyparts β€’ 818 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 22
  1. The healthcare system in America presents absurd choices to individuals, forcing them to make challenging decisions in times of need.
  2. There is a disparity in experiences and income levels between men and women, leading to different perspectives on issues like healthcare and tone policing.
  3. Women continue to face challenges such as being tone policed and earning less than men, highlighting the ongoing gender inequalities that persist.