The hottest Healthcare system Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

A message large nonprofit hospitals should hear: "The judge will see you now…"

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Many large nonprofit hospitals behave like people who often go bankrupt. They spend a lot on fancy buildings and high salaries without really understanding their finances.
  2. These hospitals sometimes close services in poorer areas while investing heavily in more affluent locations. This hurts communities that need healthcare the most.
  3. Just like how a judge talks to people who are bankrupt about their spending, hospital systems also need honest discussions about their financial habits to avoid future problems.

LIFE AND DOLLARS: a health care insider's account of how prior authorization really works.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Prior authorization was meant to reduce unnecessary medical procedures, but it's often causing more problems than it solves. Patients and doctors face delays and frustrations, and the process doesn't save as much money as expected.
  2. Health insurers are spending a lot on middlemen and outsourcing prior authorization, which drives up health care costs. These companies often prioritize profits over patient care.
  3. Many patients don't understand how prior authorization affects their care, leading to confusion. It's important for employers and patients to be informed and communicate better about these requirements to avoid frustrations.

Malaria

backstory • 339 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. The world's first malaria vaccine program started in Cameroon, marking a health revolution for Africa.
  2. The significance and impact of experiencing malaria firsthand in Africa, highlighting the challenges and realities of the disease.
  3. The importance of access to medical care and the different healthcare experiences faced in various regions, from experiences in Africa to a reflection on the British NHS.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 20

Force of Infection • 105 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  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.
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Hospital megasystems join insurers in a pattern of mergers and acquisitions, patients pay the price.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Many hospital systems are merging with insurers, making healthcare more expensive for patients. This means folks often end up paying out-of-pocket costs that can be shockingly high.
  2. Patients with insurance are still struggling financially due to high deductibles. Even insured people can find themselves unable to afford medical bills, leading some to sell their homes or declare bankruptcy.
  3. There is a growing concern that hospital mergers are not improving care or lowering costs. Policymakers are being urged to look at how these changes are affecting patients and the overall healthcare system.

Vial: Reimagining Clinical Trials

The Century of Biology • 308 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. Vial is working to reduce the cost of clinical trials by innovating new technology.
  2. Vial's Act I focuses on structuring, digitizing, and automating the clinical trial process to drive efficiency.
  3. Vial's Act II, Battery Bio, aims to revolutionize drug discovery by integrating software and advanced technologies in a vertically integrated approach.

Wall Street to Elevance (formerly Anthem) Executives: Stop paying medical claims... or else.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Insurance companies are increasing out-of-pocket costs to avoid paying medical claims. This means patients end up paying more, making healthcare less affordable.
  2. Wall Street puts pressure on insurers to keep profits high, which can lead to practices like denying claims or raising premiums. This can hurt many people who need insurance.
  3. Many Americans with insurance are still in medical debt because of high out-of-pocket expenses. Even those with coverage can find it hard to get the care they need without facing huge bills.

A poll: how many of you are physicians or other medical professionals? (And WHY do you read Unreported Truths?)

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Many doctors are unhappy with the healthcare system and feel its problems are not being addressed. They are looking for honest discussions about these issues.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between medical professionals and the institutions they work for. Many feel alienated and unrepresented by established organizations.
  3. The newsletter is gaining traction among medical professionals who feel their views are not considered by major medical journals. They appreciate getting a platform to share their concerns.

Top U.S. “Non-Profit” Hospitals & CEOs Racked Up Huge Pandemic Profits

OpenTheBooks Substack • 343 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. Top U.S. non-profit hospitals received $23 billion in Covid-aid but did not comply with price transparency rules.
  2. Hospital executives received huge compensation packages, with some CEOs making over $10 million per year.
  3. Despite receiving Covid aid, hospital net assets significantly increased while U.S. life expectancy dropped by 2.5 years.

In 2021, 72% of UnitedHealth’s $222.9 billion revenue came from taxpayers.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. In 2021, most of UnitedHealth's revenue, about 72%, came from taxpayer money, highlighting their dependence on government programs.
  2. The majority of UnitedHealth's growth in the last decade came from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, not from private insurance.
  3. Healthcare costs for families are rising, with premiums and deductibles taking a larger slice of their income compared to a decade ago.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 16

Force of Infection • 69 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  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.

Interested in health care? This is what you should be reading.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Healthcare in the U.S. can be very expensive, even for people who have insurance. Many are struggling to pay out-of-pocket costs and are skipping necessary doctor visits or medications.
  2. People often turn to GoFundMe pages to raise money for their medical expenses. Sadly, those who are most likely to succeed in this fundraising are usually the privileged ones, making the problem worse for those in need.
  3. There are serious flaws in Medicare's prescription drug coverage, leading to high costs for many older Americans. Some can face over $10,000 a year on medications, which highlights the need for better healthcare solutions.

On the deep crisis in American medicine - and the broad societal anger and cynicism it is driving

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Healthcare costs in America are extremely high, and many people struggle to pay bills despite spending so much on health services.
  2. The quality of American healthcare outcomes is lagging behind other countries, with lower life expectancy and other health issues.
  3. Many people feel distrustful and frustrated with the healthcare system, believing it often prioritizes profit over patient care.

Allopathic Violence

The Carousel • 51 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  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.

Two Months Before ‘I Do,’ Cancer Said Hello

Beyond the Screen • 6 implied HN points • 22 Oct 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can bring overwhelming emotions and fear. It’s normal to worry about the future and how it impacts plans like a wedding.
  2. Finding humor in tough situations can help lighten the mood. Even during serious health challenges, laughter can create bonds and ease tension.
  3. After treatment, life can feel uncertain and different. It's important to stay focused on the present and not let worries about the future take over.

Wall Street investors punish Cigna for not promising them bigger profits.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Cigna's stock dropped significantly because investors were unhappy with the company's profit expectations for the year. This shows how much pressure companies face to make big profits.
  2. Instead of using their money to help customers with lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, Cigna preferred to buy back shares to boost profits just for shareholders.
  3. Overall, more people are feeling underinsured as healthcare costs rise, even with higher premiums, just so big companies like Cigna can keep investors satisfied.

Holiday on Omicron Ice

Ladyparts • 99 implied HN points • 22 Dec 21
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Being prepared for the Omicron variant is crucial as it can unpredictably impact families, communities, and healthcare systems.
  2. Disparities in access to Covid testing exist globally, with some countries offering free or affordable tests while others struggle with availability and cost.
  3. The financial strain of Covid testing can significantly impact individuals and families, especially with the rising costs of living and limited access to free tests in the U.S.

Why is Canada's healthcare system so bad?

The Primordial Startup • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Canada's healthcare system faces doctor shortages and long wait times compared to other countries.
  2. The problem lies in the low ratio of doctors to population, with Canada trailing behind countries like the US, Australia, and the UK in terms of doctors per capita.
  3. To improve healthcare, Canada needs to reallocate its existing spending to have more doctors and less administrative staff.

From Maple to Mind Expansion: Unveiling Canada's Psychedelic History with Erika Dyck 🍁

Tripsitter • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. Psychedelics have a long and complex history in Canada, ranging from being viewed as panaceas in the 1950s to being labeled dangerous drugs until recently, but now are being integrated into healthcare for various treatments.
  2. Early Canadian psychedelic research focused on themes of intrigue, sympathy, and addiction, which contributed to a deeper understanding of psychosis, schizophrenia, and treatment for conditions like alcoholism.
  3. Factors like the Thalidomide scandal, countercultural movement, public sensationalism, and loss of scientific naivete contributed to the decline in public support for psychedelics in Canada, leading to prohibitive measures and shifting perceptions of medicine and healthcare providers.

Alien invasion...in my leg

The ZIPster • 53 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. The author underwent hip surgery and describes the post-operative experience as feeling like an alien invasion in their leg.
  2. The author reflects on the healthcare system and the challenges of navigating medical services as a patient.
  3. The author's recovery post-surgery includes staying at a facility for physiotherapy and recuperation, providing insights into the institutionalized routine.

Western "Public Health": a Socialist Vanguard

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  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.

NEJM paper (2022): COVID vax will prolong the length of time you can spread COVID + flu shot stats show they don't work either

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. COVID vaccines may not actually lower the chances of getting infected. They can, in fact, allow you to spread the virus for a longer time.
  2. The flu vaccine hasn’t shown to be very effective either, raising doubts about the COVID vaccine's reliability.
  3. Data suggests that vaccinations don’t really prevent severe illness or death for older people. So it's unclear why COVID vaccines would be different.

The worst will come in 2021-22

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. The forecasted surge in Covid-19 cases for early 2022, particularly due to factors like reduced mitigation efforts, insufficient vaccination rates, and new variants, appears to be unfolding with the Omicron variant spreading rapidly.
  2. Preparation for the upcoming outbreaks includes obtaining N95 masks and rapid tests, having a plan to care for vulnerable individuals cautiously, and prioritizing booster shots for older individuals.
  3. Despite the likelihood of increased Covid-19 cases in the near future, the message emphasizes the importance of patience over panic, with outbreaks expected to be intense but relatively short-lived.

Should indie medical-device techs have the ‘right to repair’?

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 21
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system
  1. Skilled technicians struggle with repairs due to lack of documentation, tools, and parts, causing delays for device users.
  2. Independent technicians lack legal leverage to access tools and resources necessary to repair medical devices like wheelchairs and insulin pumps.
  3. The FDA and FTC have supported right-to-repair policies for medical devices, emphasizing the importance of technicians in maintaining the healthcare system.

Healthcare as a Service

Discharge Summary • 0 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system
  1. Unbundling primary care can improve user experience but may lead to fragmentation and cost increase.
  2. New healthcare companies are redesigning primary care to enhance user experience, similar to Apple's approach.
  3. Fixing healthcare systems may involve transitioning users from specialized services to comprehensive care through partnerships.