The hottest Healthcare systems Substack posts right now

It's important to keep encouraging medical research because it brings a lot of benefits to society. We rely on a mix of private and government support for this research.
Cutting drug prices without considering the negative effects might hurt medical research and innovation. We should think about the long-term impact of such changes.
Using prizes instead of patents could lead to fairer rewards for drug developers and might reduce some issues in the research funding system.

Jay Bhattacharya wants to study the effects of lockdowns and other COVID-19 measures. He believes this research will help prevent similar harsh actions in the future.
He plans to improve how scientific research is done, focusing on making findings repeatable and clear. This could really help how science is understood and applied.
Jay aims to change leadership rules at NIH and make grant processes better through trials. He believes changes in these areas could lead to more effective research.

Lab leaks and mishaps involving dangerous viruses are increasing worldwide post COVID-19 pandemic.
Scientists are creating highly lethal viruses through experiments, raising concerns about potential future pandemics.
There is a focus on preparing for 'Disease X' which may lead to profit-making opportunities and increased restrictions.

Covid cases in England have stabilized, with low hospital admissions, even though there was a slight rise in positivity rates this week.
Long Covid continues to affect about 2 million people in England and Scotland, especially those aged 45 to 64, with many suffering for over two years.
A new Spring Covid vaccine campaign is underway, targeting the elderly and vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions against Covid.

The U.S. healthcare system has changed a lot since 2008, making it hard for providers and giving payors like UnitedHealth advantages. They manage profits by combining health services and insurance.
Big insurers can keep costs low for themselves while paying their own providers well, which puts pressure on other healthcare providers. This may lead some to sell their practices to these larger companies.
There is increasing tension between healthcare providers and payors due to strategies that payors use to reduce coverage and costs. Providers need to understand these changes to negotiate better.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Optimism can coexist with contrarian thinking, prompting reflection on unseen factors in economic forecasts and societal trends.
Critical challenges like climate change, education gaps, and healthcare system issues require immediate attention and action.
Geopolitical conflicts and societal malaise are ongoing concerns, emphasizing the need for realistic optimism and proactive efforts to address global issues.

Stunkard et al.'s 1959 study on weight loss interventions revealed the ineffectiveness and harmfulness of most programs from as early as the 1950s.
The study highlighted common flaws in weight loss research, such as short-duration studies, lack of specific data on individual outcomes, and the exclusion of unsuccessful participants.
It's frustrating to see that the failure of weight loss interventions has been consistently validated since the 1950s, yet the weight loss industry continues to grow, offering dangerous and expensive solutions.

Different healthcare systems have unique problems. Whether it's private insurance leading to high costs or public systems causing long waits, each has its downsides.
Getting government involved in healthcare doesn't make it free. There's always a cost, either in money or in service quality. It's important to understand that you can't get something for nothing.
Finding the right balance in healthcare is tough. A mix of public and private options might be the best way to give people decent care without breaking the bank.

Chatbots can be effective in mental health care but present risks. Stricter oversight and warning labels are needed to ensure safety.
AI tools like Machine Learning are already helping in healthcare. AI can be a critical partner in addressing the growing mental health crisis.
Better collaboration between healthcare and legal sectors could improve the creation and training of mental health chatbots for more accurate and reliable services.

Extraordinary situations, like a rapidly spreading virus, require extreme measures. Normal responses may not be enough to prevent serious issues.
It's important for both individuals and governments to take immediate, strong actions to slow the spread of infections. Delaying these actions can lead to much bigger problems later on.
By practicing social distancing and being cautious, you can help protect yourself and others. Small inconveniences now can save lives and prevent overwhelming the healthcare system.